Wooden Headcase. Worth the extra weight?

Crabby · #1 07-29-2010, 05:31 PM

I am debating mounting my Mesa M9 Carbine into a Mesa wooden head case and just thought I wood see what others think are advantages/disadvantages to doing so. I currently have a three space Gator rack which is super lightweight. The amp weighs about 26 pounds and the headcase alone is about 15 pounds.

The rack is smooth plastic and slips around on top of my cab very easily which concerns me. I could find a rubber pad of some sort to put in between. The Mesa head case looks really cool but the added weight may not be worth it.

Lets hear some opinions!

lomo · #2 07-29-2010, 05:35 PM

I have done both with M9 and Walkabout. I love the headcase BUT a rack case protects much better so if it'll be placed at the bottom of a trailer or under other gear, the rack case is superior. A case adds about 10 lbs, but the look is unbeatable IMO. No right or wrong. Your call..

i_got_a_mohawk · #3 07-30-2010, 03:38 AM

With an amp that is only 26 lbs, you would probably be find with one of the ABS cases.

A heavier amp, 40+ lbs, I would only consider a flightcase for.

gastric · #4 07-30-2010, 06:22 AM

The only reason to go with a wood headcase is for the LOOKS. The MESA heads look killer in their vintage wooden headcases. But they are slightly heavier. And a real rack case with front/rear lids do protect the amp better in regards to giving knobs/switches protection via the lids.

jg919 · #5 07-31-2010, 03:49 AM

Hi!
I think it all depends on the demands of your playing.
If you play once a week ata local venue, taking your car to and from the gig - go with something simple - the Gator will do the job!
BUT - if you hit the road a bit and get your stuff carted around by (clumsy/careless) roadies (not ALL roadies - just mine apparently), then you NEED to get a road-case with lids and maybe shockmount.
A MESA like yours is an investment - cast aesthetics aside - what will PROTECT your investment, and prevent you from taking your amp to the service-centre once a month?
What is best for YOUR situation?

All the best!
JOHN.

georgestrings · #6 07-31-2010, 07:25 AM

More weight and virtually no protection for good looks??? - I'll pass...

- georgestrings

ridgeback · #7 07-31-2010, 07:34 AM

have a mesa shockmount for my 400+ and its been bashed, dropped ,kicked and in and out of more vans and cars that i care to think of..its still in great condition and the amp its self looks as new as the day i bought it(1998/1999)..its heavy alright but well worth the effort for peace of mind...