So I took my amp into the shop for the second time in about 2 months and I think I'd like to take dear care of it when it gets out so I don't have to do it again. It's an older Hartke 3500, a one rack space amp I believe. I'm not too versed on cases and/or racks, poking around it seems like some cases actually are racks as well and other bizarre stuff. If I want to protect my amp while schleping it around, what do you guys recommend?
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Amp Case/Rack Recommendations
- Thread starter Scalestein
- Start date
I bought a store-brand (I can check for mfg later if you like) Sam Ash rack bag that I like a lot. It's a 5 space but it was avail in a 2 as well. The selling point for me was that it was quite deep for a bag, my Crown XTI2000 fits in it with the input cable attached and no pressure on the cable to bend when closed. It's not as resilient on the outside as an Anvil but then again it does protect the amp, it weighs a lot less and it's easy to carry. I think the depth is around 15-16".
what is an amp bag exactly? Is it similar to a gig bag in material? Do you leave your amps in there when you play or do you take them out?
The Hartke 3500 is 2 spaces.
IMO, the quality of SKB cases is pretty poor. However, on the plus side, they are light, relatively inexpensive, and there is a lot of room for air flow (although that makes them a bit more bulky compared to other cases).
If you want to protect the amp, you would be better off with a Calzone or Anvil case. The idea of getting a 3-space rack case and adding a vented front panel is good. Although it may be difficult to find a 3-space off the shelf, you can have a Calzone case built to whatever specs you want. Call cases2go down in Florida, and they'll hook you up.
IMO, the quality of SKB cases is pretty poor. However, on the plus side, they are light, relatively inexpensive, and there is a lot of room for air flow (although that makes them a bit more bulky compared to other cases).
If you want to protect the amp, you would be better off with a Calzone or Anvil case. The idea of getting a 3-space rack case and adding a vented front panel is good. Although it may be difficult to find a 3-space off the shelf, you can have a Calzone case built to whatever specs you want. Call cases2go down in Florida, and they'll hook you up.
www.audiopile.net handles EWI cases. They have pretty decent pricing on them, and from the few I've seen, are built quite well.
I am considering replacing my heavy Grundorf rack with one from them.
I am considering replacing my heavy Grundorf rack with one from them.
i got a gator, not too crazy about it. i had a SKB before, and i like it's "carryability" and cover MUCh better.
mus friend sold the gator, i didn't see the other kind there.
mus friend sold the gator, i didn't see the other kind there.
It's often a good idea to get a rack that is two more spaces than you need, so you can always add some goodies like a parametric EQ, compressor, or tuner at a later date.
A decent 4-space rack that's tough as nails can be had pretty cheap. I got mine Link Removed.
It's kind of heavy, but stronger and tougher than the Road Runner stuff. If you want to go lightweight, look for an SKB/plastic type or carpet covered case.
Fantastic deals can be had on used cases. Just make sure you get the right depth. Cases can come in a wide variety of depth, and it's a pain to have one that's either too deep, or is unusable because it's too shallow.
A decent 4-space rack that's tough as nails can be had pretty cheap. I got mine Link Removed.
It's kind of heavy, but stronger and tougher than the Road Runner stuff. If you want to go lightweight, look for an SKB/plastic type or carpet covered case.
Fantastic deals can be had on used cases. Just make sure you get the right depth. Cases can come in a wide variety of depth, and it's a pain to have one that's either too deep, or is unusable because it's too shallow.
