I have a unracked Hartke LH500 & the other day I was browsing in a local thrift store & came across an old hard sided Samsonite suitcase for $5.00. The thought crossed my mind to use this to transport the LH500. If you remember the old commercials for Samsonite in the 1970's even KoKo the gorilla couldn't destroy one. So as the poll asks, your thoughts?
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Alternitive to rack case
- Thread starter tgriley62
- Start date
I voted "stupid" because I thought that was funny.... and because it might work. Hard to say without knowing how big the suitcase is. I assume you'll use something like foam rubber to keep the amp snug in the suitcase (if necessary), you don't want it bouncing around in there.
Hard-sided means you can plaster it with stickers! That was fun with my old hardshell cases. Nowadays with softshell gig bags (and luggage), can't really do that.
Hard-sided means you can plaster it with stickers! That was fun with my old hardshell cases. Nowadays with softshell gig bags (and luggage), can't really do that.
Thanks. I forgot to add one more category to the poll. "You're a bass player not a bell hop"
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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Samsonite suitcases are a real PITA to store in many situations I encounter, but of course YMMV.
If you're handy, it's pretty easy to build a sleeve/headcase for the amp pretty cheaply, depending on how far you go with covering, hardware, etc.
The remnants rack at the local fabric store is a good source for various coverings. Then there's paint or one spray can of truckbed liner.
Need a handle of course.
Most any wood is fine for the box, no need for actual rack rails.
Bonus points if you can turn the suitcase into the headcase, meaning your stack is topped by the suitcase with controls exposed.
The remnants rack at the local fabric store is a good source for various coverings. Then there's paint or one spray can of truckbed liner.
Need a handle of course.
Most any wood is fine for the box, no need for actual rack rails.
Bonus points if you can turn the suitcase into the headcase, meaning your stack is topped by the suitcase with controls exposed.
If you're handy, it's pretty easy to build a sleeve/headcase for the amp pretty cheaply, depending on how far you go with covering, hardware, etc.
The remnants rack at the local fabric store is a good source for various coverings. Then there's paint or one spray can of truckbed liner.
Need a handle of course.
Most any wood is fine for the box, no need for actual rack rails.
Bonus points if you can turn the suitcase into the headcase, meaning your stack is topped by the suitcase with controls exposed.
Thanks, but woodworking is not my thing. In shop class in high school every time I tried nailing things tighter my teacher would call me "lightning" because I never struck twice in the same place
My thoughts on those commercials: "So what? Those are just gorillas. Let's see how it holds up with baggage handlers."
It will work fine if it is the right size and configuration. And, if you have the ability and resources to place padding foam inside to protect and secure the head. It's gotta have a good secure handle and hinges.
Take the measurements and give it a try!
Take the measurements and give it a try!
Roger (one of our drummers) has an entire Audio Centron (?channels) mixer anchored in a hardshell Samsonite suitcase. This, in turn, is mounted to the top of his Roland drum amp which he uses as a monitor.
Riis
Riis
I picked up an old hard shell Samsonite suitcase years ago and have used it for all the cables that go with setting up our PA. That case is kind of heavy but it protects the cables and makes carrying them much easier. $5 at a Salvation Army Store.
I've been usin' a compact hardsided samsonite as a non-proper pedalboard to connect those superpro pedals (tubecompressor, studioready preamp, chorus) havin' mixed tensions.
So I never carried it live, just in the studio on recordin' occasion. Pedals (those were really expensive) were kept safe and played their part fine, but now that most of the stuff is proficiently digitally processed, that old case (not that heavy at the end) still works as a portable spare parts dispenser.
Cheers,
Wallace
I didn't vote only cause it's not a dumb idea, it's not a bad idea necessarily. But it's not the best idea. For one, when your at a gig, it's one more case you have to stash somewhere. With a rack case, your amp doesn't leave it. I use a Warwick Rockcase and got it for like $70. It does the job well.
I use an old laptop case for a bag for my head. Fits snug, nicely padded and has a shoulder strap so I can also carry other stuff.
+1 Excellent idea. I never thought of that. Will have to give it a try if I ever buy a micro head.
If I had a rack mount sized head (I don't), I'd just get a decent rack bag, so that I could sling it over my shoulder. The suitcase doesn't seem any more practical than the rack case.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
If you have more than one rack-mounted unit, best to use a rack. Otherwise, use whatever is the lightest and easiest way to carry your rig.
I bought a rack bag. But the metal rings holding the strap on broke off with metal fatigue. Luckily it was only about an inch off the ground at the time. Maybe I'd be better off with Samsonite. I have some vouchers for cheap luggage somewhere... but it might be more sensible as a mixer case.
The advantage of the rack bag was supposed to be the ability to leave the power and speakon connected at the rear, plus the ability to carry on the shoulder if required. Luckily the handle still works.
The advantage of the rack bag was supposed to be the ability to leave the power and speakon connected at the rear, plus the ability to carry on the shoulder if required. Luckily the handle still works.
