Fender Bassman Cab Owners - Caster-related question.

moishelichtfuss · #1 07-18-2011, 01:27 AM

Hi all,

I recently decided to put some casters on my humungous 4x12" Fender Bassman Cabinet. Judging from traces on its underbelly, it used to have (removable) casters once, but it seems they were rather small. The holes for the (also rather small) screws are just 3 and 2,5 cm (1,2 and 1 inches) apart.

So my basic questions is:

Does anyone, who maybe owns such a cabinet, know what kind of casters were used for these cabinets (if any) and if they could/can support its weight (preferably with the amp on top, of course)? I'm not really sure how much it weighs. I just know that it's really heavy.

chadds · #2 07-18-2011, 05:39 AM

Use a dolly.
3/4" Marine plywood same size as cab.
Spray paint black.
Bolt nice casters counter sink bolt heads if possible.
Two stationary two turning. Will better allow curb hopping and has increased stability.
Pro staple a Welcome Mat cut to same dimensions as dolly to dolly.
Longest wait? Waiting for paint to dry.

Done!
Use for other gear too!
Welcome mat will act like it's glued to cab.
Can use on it's side too.
Cost? Few dollars more than casters.
Enjoy.

moishelichtfuss · #3 07-18-2011, 03:14 PM

Alright thanks!

But still the other question: Did it originally come with casters? What did they look like? Anyone got pictures?

nashvillebill · #4 07-18-2011, 04:19 PM

My '79 Bassman 2x15 had removable casters. They must be some sort of standard size, I pulled them out (just the casters, leaving the socket on the cab)and put them in a Roland 4x12 cab which had empty sockets pre-installed.

I think I have seen these same casters at Lowes or Home Depot.

nashvillebill · #5 07-18-2011, 04:39 PM

More info: These are called stem casters I believe, so that's what to look for. There are various stem sizes, mine measure 7/16 inch diameter and the stem is 1.25 inches long. I didn't measure the wheel diameter but I'd guess 1.5 or 2 inches. I noticed the stem has a little band spring (as a retainer) on it.

As far as them holding the weight? I've moved the 4x12 cab around the basement with a Peavey Classic 400 (100 lbs) on top of it --and an Ampeg V4 (70 lbs) sitting on top of the Peavey head. Now I wouldn't try to roll all this over a parking lot or sidewalk into a gig (too unstable...) but the cab is more than stable enough with the casters on it, IMHO.

Your big box music store may carry casters like these as well.

p.s. Google "fender removable casters" and you will find a pic on our favorite auction site