Flight case for '76 Ampeg SVT?

yeahman · #1 08-03-2011, 03:47 AM

I'm the lucky owner of a fabulous sounding '76 SVT (the story of how I got it, then not, and then got it again is worth a post of its own). In the years I had it / knew it, the amp would always travel without any protection at all in the trailer, now mostly in the trunk of the van.

But it's probably about time for a serious flightcase. I'm thinking of getting something that has some extra space for the huge 110/220 step down converter and some chords. Does anybody have experience or suggestions in how a flight case for an SVT with that extra space should be done?

Here's a pic of it sitting on top of an upgraded B25 cab :

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC03326.jpg

coreyfyfe · #2 08-03-2011, 06:31 AM

I'd just talk to a custom case maker. Since you mention the 110/220 transformer I'm guessing you aren't in the US so any case company I suggest will be kind of pointless. I will say this though, don't skimp if you're looking for the best protection. I had a nice case made by calzone (one of the bigger names and thus prices in my area) for my V4 that cost around $160. Nice thick ply, good construction, nice tolex, custom stenciling, etc, etc. For my SVT I went with Safe Case who sells all their stuff through ebay. The construction definitely isn't as good as the calzone, the wood is thinner (3/8" vs 3/4" I believe), the vinyl on the side seems like it's just a thick plastic, and the hardware seems like it's cheaper. Does it protect just as well? So far.

The downside is that it's now heavier than hell, instead of just heavy as hell like the SVT was. I bought a little luggage dolly and wheel it around with that. Makes life a lot easier. I know most people get ones with wheels built it, and in hind sight I probably should have, but you live and you learn...

nysbob · #3 08-03-2011, 06:32 AM

There's always a host of casing options on ebay.

hover · #4 08-03-2011, 06:37 AM

make sure that case has corner casters built in, because in short time you're gonna wish you didn't have that case if you gotta actually carry it.

I used to cart my 79 in a road case. What was a 90+ pound ordeal quickly became an almost 140 lb. ordeal, which when traversing stairs, became an ultra-bummer.

beans-on-toast · #5 08-03-2011, 06:38 AM

My SVT flight case is big and heavy. If the transformer was in the same case as the amp, even with a divider, a big bounce could cause the two to shift and result in damage.

I would get a second case for the transformer and cables.

bassmeknik · #6 08-03-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

My SVT flight case is big and heavy. If the transformer was in the same case as the amp, even with a divider, a big bounce could cause the two to shift and result in damage.

I would get a second case for the transformer and cables.

I would get two cases just on weight alone the SVT is enough to cart by itself.

gbazinet · #7 08-03-2011, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

My SVT flight case is big and heavy. If the transformer was in the same case as the amp, even with a divider, a big bounce could cause the two to shift and result in damage.

I would get a second case for the transformer and cables.

+1 On this for weight alone!

I got one of the ebay "safe cases" for my 70 SVT and so far so good. I don't really do any heavy touring though. If I did I would consider the Calzone cases that Corey brought up as they do seem better built.

Also, when I bought my case it was marketed as a "70's SVT case" and if I remember correctly the dimensions were bigger then a modern SVT. Just something to keep in mind when ordering.

coreyfyfe · #8 08-03-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbazinet

Also, when I bought my case it was marketed as a "70's SVT case" and if I remember correctly the dimensions were bigger then a modern SVT. Just something to keep in mind when ordering.

I think the difference is depth, 13" vs 14" but I don't recall which is which. Vintage might be an inch deeper. You could always cut into the foam.

yeahman · #9 08-03-2011, 09:00 AM

Yes, I'm in Europe so everything I'll find or order here will probably be more expensive than anything I could find in the States.

Since the amp has travelled for so long without a case (and survived without causing any kind of trouble!), I think any case on wheels will do fine.

Getting an extra case for the converter, chords etc would make sense. I'm also thinking if it'd be ok just getting a case that's a little higher and then cut a piece of foam out on the bottom to put the stuff in there?

Thanks for the advice on dimensions, I was about to look into a standard SVT case!

ZachM · #10 08-03-2011, 09:53 AM

I don't know your budget but I would highly suggest looking at Pelican cases. I bought a model 1630 for my Reeves and it's been a great investment, even though they're kinda expensive.

http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1630

The SVT and the Reeves have pretty close dimensions, and this case will give you room for the head, along with extra space for cables, your transformer, etc. And since you pick the foam out yourself the gear inside fits very snugly and doesn't move around. Plus they're airtight, waterproof, shock absorbent, have wheels and handles already and will be unconditionally replaced if they ever break, which will probably only happen in the event of a zombie apocalypse chainsaw attack.

Also, the 1630 is buoyant to 450 lbs so it doubles as a raft.

/fanboy gushing...

carlos840 · #11 08-03-2011, 10:35 AM

+1 on the pelicase!

They are hard to beat... If you amp fits in it i would go for that, probably the lightest and the toughest!

yeahman · #12 08-03-2011, 03:21 PM

Good advice, I'll look into, thanks!

okcrum · #13 08-03-2011, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassmeknik

I would get two cases just on weight alone the SVT is enough to cart by itself.

Agreed. With a decent flight case the SVT head alone will be around 100 lb./45 kg. Better for the gear and your back to split the load.

BassmanPaul · #14 08-03-2011, 03:36 PM

Isn't the SVT voltage switchable?? I'm certain I've read posts about flipping the voltage.

yeahman · #15 08-04-2011, 05:23 AM

Unfortunately, the voltage is not switchable. It's possible that some PTs could be rewired for 220V as well, mine could be a candiate since the PT is most likely a later 80s or 90s replacement.

yeahman · #16 08-04-2011, 05:41 AM

Oh great, looks like I won't have access to my SVT for a few days, but I should get the order for the case done (the pelican is too expensive over here, even more so than the regular case :/ ) asap. Does anyobody have a 70s SVT head at hand to take measurements? Would be greatly appreciated!

coreyfyfe · #17 08-04-2011, 05:52 AM

The specs I have say 23.25 inches wide, 11 high, 14 deep. So 59.05cm x 27.94cm x 35.56 cm.

yeahman · #18 08-05-2011, 02:44 AM

Awesome, thanks!