Cheap road cases?

TwoColorsKiller · #1 02-01-2011, 11:06 AM

At this point in my life my music is starting to take a bigger role, and I have been upgrading all of my equipment the past six months or so to accommodate my needs as a growing musician. First let me inform you, I am young and since I haven't been all too serious about music until recently, I still have much to learn about many things, which I have done here on this site and you guys have all been very helpful with everything I've brought up.

Anyways, my question is about road cases. The only ones I find are ATA cases, but they're so damn expensive, even for smaller ones that are for cable/misc storage. Now that I'm also getting more into music I may start do some touring (nothing too fancy, but enough that I will be forced to travel). I want some road cases to preserve my amps, cables, microphones, and other miscellaneous equipment. Is there a cheaper alternative to the pricey ATA road cases? (building one myself is an option, but before I go out to Home Depot I would want to be sure) As a college kid, money is not a strong point, and I also just finished off my last few scraps of money on a brand new amp which I am excited to own. Anyways, any suggestions or tips? And if ATA is the only alternative (or any other pricey road case brand) then thats fine, I'll just have to save up

themacinator · #2 02-01-2011, 11:09 AM

I already have road case for my rack system and my back up rack system. I'd like to get my cabs cased but I agree, the cost is outrageous!

lobey · #3 02-01-2011, 11:10 AM

My two shiny Lincoln's is this:

If you really want to protect your gear, and have that much concern for it, your best bet is to buy quality ATA style cases.

bobunit · #4 02-01-2011, 11:11 AM

I have purchased several cases used. They can be a real bargain providing you find ones that will fit your equipment. New cases are certainly expensive, but can be viewed as cheap insurance for that prized bass, amp, etc.

Jim Campbell · #5 02-01-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoColorsKiller

At this point in my life my music is starting to take a bigger role, and I have been upgrading all of my equipment the past six months or so to accommodate my needs as a growing musician. First let me inform you, I am young and since I haven't been all too serious about music until recently, I still have much to learn about many things, which I have done here on this site and you guys have all been very helpful with everything I've brought up.

Anyways, my question is about road cases. The only ones I find are ATA cases, but they're so damn expensive, even for smaller ones that are for cable/misc storage. Now that I'm also getting more into music I may start do some touring (nothing too fancy, but enough that I will be forced to travel). I want some road cases to preserve my amps, cables, microphones, and other miscellaneous equipment. Is there a cheaper alternative to the pricey ATA road cases? (building one myself is an option, but before I go out to Home Depot I would want to be sure) As a college kid, money is not a strong point, and I also just finished off my last few scraps of money on a brand new amp which I am excited to own. Anyways, any suggestions or tips? And if ATA is the only alternative (or any other pricey road case brand) then thats fine, I'll just have to save up

for mikes and cables a 20 dollar plastic tool box lined with foam should be lots until you are on your feet.....you can make cab covers from old blankets with a little ingenuity
and start off with a used ata for your head.....if you already have crews beating on your gear you probably can afford cases,but if you are handling them yourself just take a little more time at tear down to cover them and load them so they don't get trashed

punkrocko · #6 02-01-2011, 11:57 AM

Two words:
Nashville Craigslist

TwoColorsKiller · #7 02-01-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

for mikes and cables a 20 dollar plastic tool box lined with foam should be lots until you are on your feet.....

Well currently we do use a plastic container to carry it all, but we were looking for something a bit more sturdy than plastic, something we can use that has security in case someone tries to break into it and also for more protection.

beans-on-toast · #8 02-01-2011, 12:47 PM

For cables, mics, tools, etc., I use a mixer case from Gator (www.gatorcases.com). They also sell mic cases but I prefer the mixer cases. They are like portable computer cases only much bigger. They are built well and priced right.

The problem with ATA type cases is that they are big and heavy. Your vehicle has to big enough to handle them.

As an alternative to the ATA cases, check out military surplus stores for equipment cases. I have a steel, aluminum and fiberglass cases. They are great. You can also find these type of cases at hamfests (http://www.arrl.org/hamfests).

Floridabwoy · #9 02-01-2011, 12:50 PM

I had a Roadie that was pretty bombproof... nothing fancy, but it did its job.

**mikeddd** · #10 02-01-2011, 01:02 PM

Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. ATA/Road cases ARE expensive new. If you can find a used case that fits the gear you need it to fit, then go for it. If not, you have some decisions to make.

I bought a Marshall guitar head, new. It was $2.2K. A road case with nifty poofy padding for it was $350 (IIRC). That's about 15% of the cost of the head. The protection it provides from bumps, rain and the average drop, bump or slam is invaluable. For expensive gear it's a must for the touring musician. I don't tour, but I want to protect my investment.

I don't tour; I'm old and my days of dreaming of being a rock star are long gone. Now I'm happy to play covers and get attention from 40 year year old MILFs. But anyway, the minimum protection I use for my basses is a hard case (think SKB case or typical hard case with latches). And that's to go from my car to the stage...no roadies, I carry it. Gig bags are very convenient but have their limitations as far as protection goes.

Bottom line: If you're serious about your gear you should be serious about protecting it. AT the very least you should invest in road cases for for your main amp/cab and bass.

Jim Campbell · #11 02-01-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoColorsKiller

Well currently we do use a plastic container to carry it all, but we were looking for something a bit more sturdy than plastic, something we can use that has security in case someone tries to break into it and also for more protection.

locking a mike case wont help much.....they'll just steal the whole box and crack into it later...even my expensive snap on tool box can be pried open fairly easily.....

jjk2007 · #12 02-01-2011, 01:22 PM

Don't know if they're still in business, but I got a couple of road cases for a pair of Goliath 410's from a company called Encore Cases in N. Hollywood CA. I don't remember the pricing exactly (think I payed $225 per case) but I know they were very good quality. And I live close enough to L.A. that I was able to drive and pick them up, so I don't know about their shipping procedures or rates.

AtomicPunk · #13 02-01-2011, 01:58 PM

CRAIGSLIST! Can't tell you how many road cases I got off of there for DIRT cheap just because people had them at their house, weren't using them anymore, and they took up space. I also scored a sweet Anvil case off of Ebay, but make sure shipping doesn't kill that deal.

Jim Campbell · #14 02-01-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeddd

Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. ATA/Road cases ARE expensive new. If you can find a used case that fits the gear you need it to fit, then go for it. If not, you have some decisions to make.

I bought a Marshall guitar head, new. It was $2.2K. A road case with nifty poofy padding for it was $350 (IIRC). That's about 15% of the cost of the head. The protection it provides from bumps, rain and the average drop, bump or slam is invaluable. For expensive gear it's a must for the touring musician. I don't tour, but I want to protect my investment.

I don't tour; I'm old and my days of dreaming of being a rock star are long gone. Now I'm happy to play covers and get attention from 40 year year old MILFs. But anyway, the minimum protection I use for my basses is a hard case (think SKB case or typical hard case with latches). And that's to go from my car to the stage...no roadies, I carry it. Gig bags are very convenient but have their limitations as far as protection goes.

Bottom line: If you're serious about your gear you should be serious about protecting it. AT the very least you should invest in road cases for for your main amp/cab and bass.

i agree,but i think buying them all at once might be a tough one....best to find some temporary solutions until time and money permit buying good cases

jlane72t · #15 02-01-2011, 02:04 PM

When I wanted a road case for my delicate guitar tube amp, I bought from nycase on eBay...cost me well under $150 shipped and I'm quite happy with the quality. Not up to ATA standards but perfectly fine for workin' around town.

SlingBass4 · #16 02-01-2011, 02:40 PM

I believe you're thinking wisely ahead. You, the group, and the audience is depending on a fail-free performance. There was a day I lived by my playing, and road cases were the only way to go - especially when your gear is handled by ground crews and/or truckers who give care less. It's a process that may require some time to complete, but as those above have shared - worth every penny! It's more about your gear performing as needed than staying new and pretty (though there's nothing wrong with that wish). Now days I usually load my own gear, but sometimes am assisted with moving by equally careful associate band members. Fitted padded covers do the job for cabs and cords, stands, and the like. My heads still rate a road case. Scour all sources for used road cases, they can show up in unexpected places. Even IF they aren't pretty or a 'perfect' fit...they'll go a long way in preserving your investments

TwoColorsKiller · #17 02-04-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

locking a mike case wont help much.....they'll just steal the whole box and crack into it later...even my expensive snap on tool box can be pried open fairly easily.....

What I meant by that is so that someone who is snooping around can't open it and see what it is, it's much easier to steal a cable and get away with it than hauling an entire case.

Never_grew_up · #18 02-04-2011, 05:19 PM

Not necessarily the cheapest, but a good value:
http://www.audiopile.net/products/Ca...cts_page.shtml

Much cheaper,not sure of the quality:
http://www.rondomusic.com/equipmentracks.html

There's also a company that sticks flyers in periodically in FOH and PLSN magazines but I don't remember their name right now.

ShawnStones · #19 02-04-2011, 07:40 PM

Top notch stuff: http://www.calzonecase.com/

bwoodman · #20 02-04-2011, 10:25 PM

www.pelican.com
Light weight, gaskets, water proof, etc...I have 3 of them - a #1500 for cables and junk, a smaller one for my micro head, and a larger one for extra audio junk. SKB is making Pelican style cases now too. For amp heads and cabinets, you're forced to go with ATA type cases - Anvil, Calzone, Encore, A&S, etc...