Rack, case, bag? Need some schooling...

wave rider · #1 06-26-2010, 03:36 PM

Got a new mid-weight amp; since it is so minty, I've been thinking about something to house it. I mostly play at home but do get out on rare occasions.

The manufacturer makes a padded bag for carrying, pretty sure not for playing too. The plywood/tolex sleeve Carvin makes for the B2000/BX1500 two space amps looks interesting. I've seen bags (case-bags?) that are soft on the outside with a stiff racky looking interior, any advantage to them? Also noted plywood cases covered with plastic or carpet which look like they might be heavy, how about those? Lastly, there seem to be lots of rotomolded plastic cases with lids on the end, I'm thinking of one of those unless I discover deal-breakers. Gator, SKB, or ??? Shock mounting (had to ask...)?

Any recommended vendors for good pricing? Found this one, they OK?
http://www.casesandmore.com/SKB-Case...K4-SK1097.html

As always, I have more questions than answers; I appreciate learning from your experiences, thanks.

=wr=

**B-string** · #2 06-26-2010, 04:37 PM

What amp head is the important question! Some heads have very specific requirements for ventilation.

wave rider · #3 06-26-2010, 05:08 PM

G-K 1001RB-II

I was looking at a four spacer in case I wanted to play with other preamps and also give the G-K's upward exhaust more room. Hasn't really gotten hot yet though...

=wr=

**B-string** · #4 06-26-2010, 05:19 PM

Actually it sucks in from the top and blows out the front. So as long as the intake is unrestricted you are ok. They are rugged so a shock mount is not really needed.

ga_edwards · #5 06-26-2010, 06:11 PM

I believe can get vented/grille blanking plates that take up a single 1u space just for this purpose.

BTW, the picture you've posted is the SKB X-Rack, their cheaper offering. I have an old 3u case. It's a good case, very tough and hard wearing, and easy to use and carry around. However, it has a 'proper' metal rimmed lid on the front with decent latches, but only a flimsy flat plate type of lid around the back with plastic catches. Although (touch wood) in about 5 years of weekly use nothing broke, but I always had the feeling one of those plastic catches would. It would be worth looking at they're slightly more expensive cases which have the metal rimmed and latched lids front and back.

wave rider · #6 06-26-2010, 06:45 PM

Thanks folks!

B-string: So if I do get playing hard, I can get the bowling alley hand dryer effect? Seems like my Peavey Mk VI does that too.

ga_edwards: Thanks for the heads up. I will look a the other models.

=wr=

Rezdog · #7 06-27-2010, 12:19 PM

Greetings from the North,

Check out Gator rack bags. I've been using one for a while and find it light, sturdy and convenient. When I get to the gig I just unzip it & pull it out and put the head on top lol. But seriously Gator makes a great Rack Bag.

Rezdog

**B-string** · #8 06-27-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave rider

Thanks folks!

B-string: So if I do get playing hard, I can get the bowling alley hand dryer effect? Seems like my Peavey Mk VI does that too.

ga_edwards: Thanks for the heads up. I will look a the other models.

=wr=

Yes you can! Get that from the Fusion also.

wave rider · #9 06-27-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rezdog

Greetings from the North,

Check out Gator rack bags. I've been using one for a while and find it light, sturdy and convenient. When I get to the gig I just unzip it & pull it out and put the head on top lol. But seriously Gator makes a great Rack Bag.

Rezdog

Thanks!

So, the rack pulls out of the bag...? Just the head? I'm unclear on the concept.

=wr=

wave rider · #10 06-28-2010, 11:07 AM

Other tips and opinions? Other brands to look at? Methods I'm overlooking?

Thanks!
=wr=

BigOldHarry · #11 06-28-2010, 11:09 AM

I have a Gator rack-bag for my Ashdown ABM500 and LOVE IT. Lighter than a hard rack, comes with a strap and big pocket for cables.

wave rider · #12 06-28-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I have a Gator rack-bag for my Ashdown ABM500 and LOVE IT. Lighter than a hard rack, comes with a strap and big pocket for cables.

Thanks! I may need a closer look at these bags...

=wr=

Spinal Tapper · #13 06-28-2010, 12:38 PM

I use a rack bag too - it's in pretty shabby condition, but protects the head just perfectly. Plus it has a strap to make it easy to carry.

The head screws right into the rackmount, just as it would on a hard rackmount case.

wave rider · #14 06-28-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

I use a rack bag too - it's in pretty shabby condition, but protects the head just perfectly. Plus it has a strap to make it easy to carry.

The head screws right into the rackmount, just as it would on a hard rackmount case.

Bags are up +3...

Thanks,
=wr=

lbwdog · #15 06-30-2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Actually it sucks in from the top and blows out the front. So as long as the intake is unrestricted you are ok. They are rugged so a shock mount is not really needed.

+1
I've successfully used Gator shallow racks for all my G-Ks. Perfectly fine for normal gigging use. The depth also lets you keep your cables plugged in when closed, but without a lot of wasted space.

My complaint with SKB X-Rack is this:
{quote} However, it has only a flimsy flat plate type of lid around the back with plastic catches.
I've seen so many of these with broken latches on the rear, plus the access hole is so small, it makes it very difficult to access output jacks on the back side.

Rack bags are ok, but it seems I've read that there's less room for top ventilation, and the ones I've seen are considerably deeper, so not quite as compact. You can sling 'em over your shoulder though (that is, if you really want to be totin' 20lbs. on your shoulder)