Making an Amp head "Shell"?

Ezmar · #1 08-19-2011, 12:59 PM

So as several of you already know, I'm planning on getting a Hartke 3500. I was reading reviews, and so far, the only downsides mentioned were sounding bad with upright Bass, and an excessively strong compressor function. Other than that, it seems to be one of the best amps in existence, considering that there was almost no question that it was an Excellent amp.

But I digress. One review suggested getting a case for the amp, as it was bare and it would help protect it. Is this referring to a Case that you'd put it in, like a guitar case, for transport, or would it have something to do with just outside reinforcement, like what you usually see on Amps, like a frame or something? I think it's the former, but I was also wondering if there's any way to Make a casing for an amp like that. As it is, it's ready to be mounted on a rack, which I won't be doing. Is there some way to do something like that? Sort of give it a shell so it looks more traditional? More like an amp head and less like a VCR?

Anyway, thanks for helping me decide on the amp!

will33 · #2 08-19-2011, 02:19 PM

It's quite easy especially for a rackmount head like that. Standard 2U rackmount is 19-1/2" wide and 3-1/2" high internal measurements. You basically wrap it in a plywood box however deep it needs to be to extend a little bit in front of the knobs in front and a little bit beyond whatever switches are in back. Then put a couple pieces of 3/4" or doubled up 1/2" ply to screw into from the front, wrap it in covering of your choice, put a handle on one side, some little rubber feet on the bottom and you're done. Also cut holes in it that match up with any cooling vents that may be on the sides or top.

Ezmar · #3 08-19-2011, 02:26 PM

So that would be a nice DIY project for some later time... Cool!

About the "covering of your choice" bit; I'm not much of a DIY guy, so I don't have a lot of experience, but what sorts of materials are there? I know there's black carpet, and... some other... black stuff, but I don't know where I'd get it. Or any of the stuff, really, but I think I can safely assume that I could get most everything at your average Hardware store. But I really don't know about the covering.

Aaaaaand this thread is now officially in the wrong forum. :P

Peg_legs · #4 08-19-2011, 05:06 PM

Vinyl/Tolex cover

Many options for covering out there. Here are some i found today following a link from the Craigslist find thread. They may also offer a amp case on that site. I was admiring their "marshall" style head case for a guitar tube amp I have collecting dust

will33 · #5 08-19-2011, 05:17 PM

Tolex is cloth-backed vinyl like you see on a lot of gear. Duratex is like truckbed liner you roll on like paint. Go to a local fabric store like where women buy stuff to make dresses/curtains etc. LOTS of cool stuff in there for coverings....it's easy to get carried away.

skychief · #6 08-19-2011, 05:50 PM

You can buy these pre-fab "shells" 2 rack space or 3 rack space. I got one for my ampeg head. Its a good idea for protection to your amp, but it adds 6 or 8 lbs to it.

I actually made a shell for my GK 800RB head, dont have a foto, tho. It turned out good, but kinda need a shoehorn to fit it in.

will33 · #7 08-19-2011, 06:01 PM

Yeah, you can buy prefab shells but as far as I can tell, the depth won't be taylored to your specific amp. A headcase like that won't take anymore than an afternoon and that's if you take your time and do a really nice job.

Plus if you just bought one, then you wouldn't get to go to the fabric store and you'd really be missing out.

BassmanPaul · #8 08-19-2011, 06:52 PM

I'd never put any amp into a shell. They offer ZERO protection to the fragile controls on the front panel. One bas accident will render your amp unusable. If you are going to invest in expensive equipment it's foolhardy not to protect that investment!

skychief · #9 08-19-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

Yeah, you can buy prefab shells but as far as I can tell, the depth won't be taylored to your specific amp. )

absolutely true. Thats why i made my own case for the GK (its not very deep and the heat sink woulda been covered by an off-the-shelf shell).

Build your own!

Show us some pics!

Ezmar · #10 08-20-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I'd never put any amp into a shell. They offer ZERO protection to the fragile controls on the front panel. One bas accident will render your amp unusable. If you are going to invest in expensive equipment it's foolhardy not to protect that investment!

Um... Are you talking about getting a case instead of making a shell? You say you'd never put an amp into a shell, but you say it's foolhardy not to protect equipment.... Even if it really doesn't help protect it, what could be Wrong with it? It's either a slight increase in durability, maybe protection from a few unlucky knocks that would be far worse without a shell, or at the very least, it's a cosmetic thing, because I like that classic look.