Tuki Cover: Padded or non-padded?

**TheFantod** · #1 10-04-2010, 07:49 AM

I recently picked up a used, but mint condition, SVT 410HLF. I'm planning to get a Tuki cover for it, but I'm wondering if I need a padded or if a non-padded will do.

It's going to spend most of its time in our practice space, which is (for now) just a self-storage place that's dusty/dirty. When transported, it will be in the backseat of my Accord, strapped in with a seatbelt. I suppose, eventually, we might have a van or a trailer to haul our rigs.

Does anyone have experience with the non-padded Tuki covers? They're about half the price of the padded ones, and they make one for the 410HLF.

Or is it worth it to shell out the extra ducats for the padded one?

KJung · #2 10-04-2010, 07:56 AM

Great covers (LeCover is also a great and similar source for these types of covers).

For a large, heavy duty cab like that, the non padded cover will probably be just fine... keeps the dust off, and the rain and dirt off when schlepping. Easy to fold up and get out of the way once at the gig also. For smaller gear that is easier to get bounced around and dinged, and for more fragile cabs (like those with spray on finish, etc.), I would recommend the padded.

IMO and IME!

gus1894 · #3 10-04-2010, 07:56 AM

I went there myself - I am leaning towards no padding. I think to myself - if the cover ever gets wet? Smelly padding. Ripped? Stuffing leaking. Realistically, its for light protection, I think. IF you really smack the cab then even the minor padding from the cover won't make difference. If your cab is exposed to water? Not gonna help. So it's to keep it from getting dusty, light duty protection, scratch and scuff. Keep it looking new and pretty. So me, I am going with just cover, no padding - vintage vinyl. I also don't want bulky padding to bother with. But I also am particularly careful with my cabs - so padding may work for you. (I feel like I've just went in a circle.......)

Although there are no product links on the page for some reason, has me concerned, I found this link with the three different kinds they make.

http://www.monotunesmusic.com/Tukipage.htm

countrybass007 · #4 10-04-2010, 08:00 AM

I prefer the padded ones, and I've never had problems with the padding getting wet because the outside keeps it dry. They seem to be pretty water resistant. The non-padded ones are fine if you're not expecting any bumping around of your gear.

Zooberwerx · #5 10-04-2010, 08:02 AM

I have a padded Tuki cover for my Acme. Worth the extra bucks IMO especially when it gets crammed in the trailer with the rest of the gear. My Carvin speakers have the plain ol' "slipcover" type which offer little protection.

It would be cheaper to buy a couple of quilted moving pads and a handful of bungee cords. For that fact, buy a dozen...they'll come in handy when contending with multiple odd-sized components.

Riis

KJung · #6 10-04-2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrybass007

I prefer the padded ones, and I've never had problems with the padding getting wet because the outside keeps it dry. They seem to be pretty water resistant. The non-padded ones are fine if you're not expecting any bumping around of your gear.

No difference on 'water protection' between the padded and non padded. The 'outside' material and design is identical. Zero issue.

Just depends if you want a bit more protection. If you cab goes into an equipment van, it can help quite a bit with pieces of gear rubbing against each other, and protection from the little dings, etc. when loading and unloading. Carrying a heavy duty cab yourself, not really needed for the most part.

RustyAxe · #7 10-04-2010, 08:06 AM

I have several Tuki covers, all padded. My two bass cabs (1x15 and 4x10), my GK head, an Ampeg B112, two Mackie SRM350 speakers. All are padded, all of this gear looks as good as new despite heavy gigging. The padded covers will protect the edges against those bumps and knocks your gear will take when climbing stairs, going through narrow doors, and when the drummer piles his kit on top of your cabs. Worth every penny.

**JxBass** · #8 10-04-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

I have several Tuki covers, all padded. My two bass cabs (1x15 and 4x10), my GK head, an Ampeg B112, two Mackie SRM350 speakers. All are padded, all of this gear looks as good as new despite heavy gigging. The padded covers will protect the edges against those bumps and knocks your gear will take when climbing stairs, going through narrow doors, and when the drummer piles his kit on top of your cabs. Worth every penny.

I have several Tukis as well, all padded. Great covers and great service. I also prefer padded for that extra corner protection.

Wes Whitmore · #9 10-04-2010, 08:25 AM

I have the tuki padded for the 410HLF. That is a bulky cab and when you are walking with it in your hands through door ways and down stairs and when you do bump into things, there is a lot of weight behind it. As soft as the tolex is, the thick padding of the cover really helps protect it. The only small downfall is that it doesn't fold up well when it's not on the cab because the cover has some actual structure to it, unlike a non padded cover. But on the cab, its awesome. Mine went through a rainstorm at a gig and protected my cab and dried out fine, no smell. I have been super happy with mine.
Wes

**Ukiah Bass** · #10 10-04-2010, 08:55 AM

I've had padded and unpadded. Used Tuki, LeCover, and now Custom Amp Covers http://store.amplifiercovers.com/. They are all good. If you are gigging occasionally and treat cabs with care, the unpadded is preferred. It provides good adequate protection, weighs less than padded, and folds into a tight, flat bundle that is easy to tuck away during the gig or practice. The padded covers provide tougher protection against scrapes and liquid. However, they are more expensive, weigh more, and are a pain to fold and stow due to their bulk and structure. Neither is good or bad, just choose the right tool for your requirements.

Jeff Scott · #11 10-04-2010, 06:59 PM

All padded covers over the years.

modflea · #12 10-04-2010, 07:22 PM

I'll also throw out undercovernyc.com . I get all my covers done by them. They offer hard inserts too. Great folks to deal with and awesome products.

TomB · #13 10-04-2010, 07:32 PM

had lots of both kinds. Padded is worth it to me... bullet proof. Fond of LeCover.

Wes Whitmore · #14 10-04-2010, 08:14 PM

Here are a couple of pictures of my Tuki padded cover for my Ampeg 410HLF. It will fold down pretty flat considering how thick the padding is. I have some covers without the foam, and they are basically a custom shaped dufflebag material type cover. They are good for lighter and skinner cabs.

**TheFantod** · #15 10-05-2010, 07:59 AM

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I ended up going with the padded one, as it was on sale. I figured with such an expensive investment, it would be worth it to keep it as good a shape as possible.

Thanks again.