For the last 10 years 99% of my gigs, both small to medium, as well as many outdoor shows have been powered by my version of the mini monster rig, GK1001RBII into the decidedly unpopular Ampeg PortaBass 112 sporting a 4 ohm caste frame Black Widow. This little combo packs a powerful tight punch, never farts out, and is easy to transport.
[WARNING: PHOTOBUCKET IS DOING IT'S USUAL SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DON'T]
After a recent 3rd Friday of the month gig, which is known for it's great wings [and they sell a ton of wings], the kitchen must have been experiencing exhaust fan issues cause everything smelled like chicken grease for days. Car, clothes, gig bags, and especially the rat fur covered Ampeg cab. For a second I thought about other cab options but quickly came to my senses realizing I was happy with everything about that cab except the rat fur. I HATE RAT FUR!!! Just the project I was looking for!
After deciding on the design elements I started to research how to remove the nasty pelt and found it can be a nightmare. I was girding myself for the long slog, deciding I would stick it out. Low & behold it was pretty damn easy.
Not sure of the glue used but it was applied sparingly. The speaker board took a bit more elbow grease but ultimately it relinquished it's grip.
Holes were filled, gouges smoothed, and the box was sanded. The insulation was so nicely applied I decided to leave it as is. The sturdy little cab didn't need extra bracing. I did install T nuts on the handle, speaker, and dolly brackets.
A monkey in a silk suit is still a monkey. Good news in this case.
I toyed with the idea of a vintage grill cloth but that would take more time and math than I was willing to go at this point. And I do like the original metal grill, it offers great protection, and was the perfect substrate for the vintage Ampeg logo. Hard to see from the pics but the speaker board is also covered with same.
The local upholstery shop used the original pieces, one larger wrap around [top, sides, & bottom], and one back piece as templates. However, the back and bottom were done as an upholsterer would do it, not as a cab builder. I'm completely happy with the results. But then I wasn't trying to replicate authenticity here. The goal was to maneuver around the tricky curved front, having the checkerboard straight, and doing it all in one piece [except the back].
Even got the rack into the act. Gives it a uniform vibe.
Although this little big man combo has done me right for the last decade I can start to see a possible Ampeg PF800 in my future. Till then this rig is going back to the future.
[WARNING: PHOTOBUCKET IS DOING IT'S USUAL SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DON'T]
After a recent 3rd Friday of the month gig, which is known for it's great wings [and they sell a ton of wings], the kitchen must have been experiencing exhaust fan issues cause everything smelled like chicken grease for days. Car, clothes, gig bags, and especially the rat fur covered Ampeg cab. For a second I thought about other cab options but quickly came to my senses realizing I was happy with everything about that cab except the rat fur. I HATE RAT FUR!!! Just the project I was looking for!
After deciding on the design elements I started to research how to remove the nasty pelt and found it can be a nightmare. I was girding myself for the long slog, deciding I would stick it out. Low & behold it was pretty damn easy.
Not sure of the glue used but it was applied sparingly. The speaker board took a bit more elbow grease but ultimately it relinquished it's grip.
Holes were filled, gouges smoothed, and the box was sanded. The insulation was so nicely applied I decided to leave it as is. The sturdy little cab didn't need extra bracing. I did install T nuts on the handle, speaker, and dolly brackets.
A monkey in a silk suit is still a monkey. Good news in this case.
I toyed with the idea of a vintage grill cloth but that would take more time and math than I was willing to go at this point. And I do like the original metal grill, it offers great protection, and was the perfect substrate for the vintage Ampeg logo. Hard to see from the pics but the speaker board is also covered with same.
The local upholstery shop used the original pieces, one larger wrap around [top, sides, & bottom], and one back piece as templates. However, the back and bottom were done as an upholsterer would do it, not as a cab builder. I'm completely happy with the results. But then I wasn't trying to replicate authenticity here. The goal was to maneuver around the tricky curved front, having the checkerboard straight, and doing it all in one piece [except the back].
Even got the rack into the act. Gives it a uniform vibe.
Although this little big man combo has done me right for the last decade I can start to see a possible Ampeg PF800 in my future. Till then this rig is going back to the future.
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) and, as great an amp as my 1001-RBII is, I love the small size and light weight of a good class D amp and so I'm planning to sell the 1001-RBII. Combining an MB800 with your cabinet would give you a legitimate 
