Should I rack mount my head?

streetknight · #1 08-14-2011, 08:24 PM

I just picked up a GK 700RBII. For now it will mainly get used at home, but hoping to start gigging soon. Should I put it in a rack of some sort for transporting? If so, what kind and how big of ones should I get? I saw a 6u Gator on CL for $70, but have no clue if that's a good deal or not.

I need to buy a new tuner too, so thought I may go rack with that if I can afford it.

TIA

BurningSkies · #2 08-14-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetknight

I just picked up a GK 700RBII. For now it will mainly get used at home, but hoping to start gigging soon. Should I put it in a rack of some sort for transporting? If so, what kind and how big of ones should I get? I saw a 6u Gator on CL for $70, but have no clue if that's a good deal or not.

I need to buy a new tuner too, so thought I may go rack with that if I can afford it.

TIA

That's not a bad price, but you don't need a 6 unit rack. A 4 would be plenty. Figure the 700 is a 2u amp, then one for the tuner.

streetknight · #3 08-14-2011, 08:35 PM

Thanks, any particular brands that are good or that I need to stay away from?

BurningSkies · #4 08-14-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetknight

Thanks, any particular brands that are good or that I need to stay away from?

For mold injected plastic, the Gators are OK. I think the original SKB "standard" racks are slightly higher quality, and the SKB X-racks are a bit lower quality.

BBox Bass · #5 08-14-2011, 08:45 PM

Last year I bought a GK MB2 500. Even though the manufacturer advertises the MB series as small enough to toss into a gig bag, I didn't want to take any chances, so I bought a shallow 4u rack case made by Roadie. It's plenty big enough for the amp, wireless receiver, and a power strip taped down in the back.

Cb4rabid · #6 08-14-2011, 09:19 PM

You should rack mount it. Protects it, and it looks much better. I have the standard Gator case and it's actually really nice, better than I had expected it to be.

::::BASSIST:::: · #7 08-14-2011, 09:27 PM

Also consider gator rack bags. I have been using a 2u for years and love the quality and functionality.

OzzyGreg · #8 08-14-2011, 09:27 PM

.

Do it.

I'll be rack mounting my Genz Benz Shuttlemax head when it arrives.

I will be making my own rack case from plywood/carpet etc.

Greg

cableguy · #9 08-14-2011, 09:33 PM

I guess I'm the odd man out. I came from a rack set-up (RBI-Carvin power amp) and prefer to transport my 700RB-II in a GK bag. I took off the rack ears and it slides right in. It also has a shoulder strap for carrying it. I still have my 3-space SKB case if I decide to rack it, but for now I prefer the gig bag. I also like the look of the GK without the rack ears on top of my cabs.

**pacojas** · #10 08-14-2011, 09:54 PM

aren't Gator cases made with the clasps on the main body instead of on the covers. if so, not a very bass-friendly design to possibly rattle during use.

4Mal · #11 08-14-2011, 10:07 PM

Yes. You should rack your head. I like SKB. I've had a bunch of their rack over the years. Whenever the latches begin to wear and get loose, I call and they send new ones. Never a question. I like those guys a bunch...

**TheFantod** · #12 08-14-2011, 10:15 PM

Yep, definitely. It protects your amp, keeps it cleaner & neater, and looks pretty nifty too.

When I got my GK 1001RB, I went with the SKB 3U case. GK recommends an extra space above the head for cooling. I chose the SKB over the Gator because the Gator's latches are mounted to the rack itself. I read that rattling can be a problem in such a case. With the SKB racks, the latches are attached to the removable parts, so you lay them out of the way.

I think someone said recently that Gator changed its design, but I'm not sure. Just something to keep in mind when shopping for a rack case.

bass rocks · #13 08-14-2011, 10:18 PM

i would totaly mount my head to a ladys rack

Nev375 · #14 08-14-2011, 10:20 PM

If anything accidental happens, it's better for some molded plastic or foam rubber to take the brunt of the impact than the amp chassis itself.

Also racks do a good job of keeping rain out of your amp. The cheaper ones may have lids that don't fit well or hardware that wears out early. Gator or SKB are probably good bets.

JimmyM · #15 08-14-2011, 10:51 PM

I hate racks, but if I bought another rack-mountable head, I'd rack it. I just wouldn't have one of those big monstrosity 6 space racks like I used to carry.

Cb4rabid · #16 08-14-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFantod

I chose the SKB over the Gator because the Gator's latches are mounted to the rack itself. I read that rattling can be a problem in such a case. With the SKB racks, the latches are attached to the removable parts, so you lay them out of the way.

I think someone said recently that Gator changed its design, but I'm not sure. Just something to keep in mind when shopping for a rack case.

The latches are indeed on the case itself but I have no problems with rattling. About the only negative about the case that I can find was the smell. Yes, the inside of it smells kind of burnt. Probably because of the manufacturing process, but otherwise its an A-okay case. The SKBs look nice too, either will serve TS well.

::::BASSIST:::: · #17 08-14-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

aren't Gator cases made with the clasps on the main body instead of on the covers. if so, not a very bass-friendly design to possibly rattle during use.

The gator rackbags do have zippers but I've had zero problems with them rattling. I find it extremely handy to just unzip the lid and tuck it under rather than taking a lid off and then having to find it on a dark stage.

cableguy · #18 08-14-2011, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass rocks

i would totaly mount my head to a ladys rack

+1 Million

cableguy · #19 08-14-2011, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I hate racks, but if I bought another rack-mountable head, I'd rack it. I just wouldn't have one of those big monstrosity 6 space racks like I used to carry.

My last rack weighed more than my cab when I decided things have got to change. Now....
GK 700RB-II = 18lbs
fEARful 12/6 = 39lbs

My back thanks me.

rodl2005 · #20 08-15-2011, 12:25 AM

The last rack I bought was to rackmount my SVT II(non pro) It made an 80lb amp become nearer 100lbs! & for my purposes, an unnecessary extra 20 lbs -or near that.
Since I was the one loading my gear, it wasn't worth it for me.
I just got a SVT 7 PRO & that has the rack 'ears' & front handles as 'extras' included, to add if you want. Cool!
I was thinking about it, as I have a 2 space SKB rack case empty at home, but I don't REALLY want or need to add the ears etc....= extra space & with the case, extra weight.

So I thought I'd look into the 'soft-rack' cases & other options.
All of which are quite pricey.........
So, today, at work, I find an OLD slide photography case. STRONG, & built to last.(as things were in those days)
The 7 pro fits near perfectly & once I add the foam to keep her warm, it WILL be a perfect fit-with room for a few essentials, -pwr, speaker & instrument leads!
All for $0.00. I like it, & 'I'd buy that for a dollar' :-D
So, yes, rack it, or case it, or bag it. But DO protect it.