BA210 v2 - castors or cart?

[Matt_Really]

Hey, guys, first time poster, longtime lurker.

Last week, I purchased a new Ampeg BA210 v2. I love the amp itself and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. The only “problem” I’m having with it is the weight. While 48 pounds isn’t horrendously heavy, I’m beginning to realize that it’s quickly going to take a toll on my already aging and previously injured back, if I don’t figure out some way to transport it more easily/efficiently.

This brings me to the purpose of my post. I wanted to ask your opinion about casters vs. some sort of cart/dolly. Initially, I was leaning toward just putting some casters on the amp itself, as I’d prefer not to have yet another piece of gear to keep up with. My only concern is whether putting castors on an amp reduces the value of the amp or not, either literally or aesthetically. While this is the amp I’ve been wanting for a while now and I don’t anticipate needing to sell it anytime soon, if ever, I would still like to make sure that I don’t compromise the future potential value by putting holes in the amp housing.

Opinions?

 

[jlepre]

Hey, guys, first time poster, longtime lurker.

Last week, I purchased a new Ampeg BA210 v2. I love the amp itself and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. The only “problem” I’m having with it is the weight. While 48 pounds isn’t horrendously heavy, I’m beginning to realize that it’s quickly going to take a toll on my already aging and previously injured back, if I don’t figure out some way to transport it more easily/efficiently.

This brings me to the purpose of my post. I wanted to ask your opinion about casters vs. some sort of cart/dolly. Initially, I was leaning toward just putting some casters on the amp itself, as I’d prefer not to have yet another piece of gear to keep up with. My only concern is whether putting castors on an amp reduces the value of the amp or not, either literally or aesthetically. While this is the amp I’ve been wanting for a while now and I don’t anticipate needing to sell it anytime soon, if ever, I would still like to make sure that I don’t compromise the future potential value by putting holes in the amp housing.

Opinions?

Just get this and call it a day. Weighs next to nothing and folds flat. I've been using one for years.
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[Al Kraft]

I like the cart approach and prefer not to drill holes in, or attach things to cabs. The cart can also be used for other gear you may need to load in/out for a gig, or any other use for that matter.

 

[two fingers]

Just get this and call it a day. Weighs next to nothing and folds flat. I've been using one for years.
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This. There are several brands of the same design. Mine is branded MagnaCart and looks almost identical.

 

[two fingers]

By the way, Welcome to TalkBass @Matt_Really !!!!

 

[Stumbo]

This. There are several brands of the same design. Mine is branded MagnaCart and looks almost identical.

And reasonably priced. Check your local big box home improvement store,sometimes on special. Or Harbor Freight.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I wouldn't add casters, the amp can roll around if they don't have locks. It would affect the look and modifications have an impact on the value and warranty.

I think that a dolly or cart is the best way to go.

 

[Matt_Really]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys, and the welcome, @two fingers!

That cart does look handy and 25 bucks is a pretty reasonable price, as long as it doesn't wear out too quickly.

 

[beans-on-toast]

BTW, a castor is a beaver.

 

[Al Kraft]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys, and the welcome, @two fingers!

That cart does look handy and 25 bucks is a pretty reasonable price, as long as it doesn't wear out too quickly.

I've had my MagnaCart version for years and it's been used to haul all kind of stuff as well as my cabs.

 

[Matt_Really]

BTW, a castor is a beaver.

Ha! I actually realized my mistake, after I created the thread, but I was only able to edit the thread body, not the title. I had no idea it was a beaver! I was probably thinking of the oil, originally, hehe.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

The cart is my vote.
That gives you more flexibility...
If you had to load in a cab in a tight space with castErs, then having the cart might make all the difference.
Plus you can use the cart to move other stuff.

Welcome to the land of a million different opinions of the most minute differences.
I think you'll get off easy with this question in spite of the beaver police.
(I didn't know that either!)

Try asking what kind of P bass is best for Metal and see what happens.

 

[Sanchan]

I use this a lot! I carry my 410 on this!

Magna Cart Flatform 300 lb Capacity Four Wheel Folding Platform Truck - Dollies - Amazon.com

 

[Matt_Really]

Try asking what kind of P bass is best for Metal and see what happens.

Haha, don't worry! I've lurked around here long enough to know better than to step in that bear trap.

 

[Shishka Bob]

These pull easily up stairs. The tri-wheel thing looks flaky, but as one wheel hits a step, the other swings in and assists the roll up to the next step. Brilliant idea. Thinking of using one for my heavy (to me)Aguilar DB 210. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Up-Cart-UpCart-The-All-Terrain-Stair-Climbing-Folding-Cart/186872586

 

[iagtrplyr]

Welcome to TB, Matt. Add my vote for the hand cart as well.

As a previous owner of the BA-210v2, I understand your plight. You're right, it's not that the combo is that heavy, but because of the shape it's cumbersome. What I would have liked Ampeg to do was install a couple of side handled instead of the single strap on top. The cart makes it a moot point.

Great tone out of that amp though. Enjoy!

 

[GreyBeard]

I usually have to stack the PA head along with my Bass head on top of my bass cab. So, casters make my life easier as I'm always having to get behind my rig during setup etc.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Cart, I use the Magna Cart myself, third one. One stolen, one blew up after a couple of months and they replaced it without rancor.

I've drilled cabs before for casters, better on a cart

 

[pbass74]

I put casters on my Fender Rumble 75. I believe it's 52 pounds. They are always with the amp and nobody borrows them to move their own gear. That's an excellent upgrade for a small price.

 

[tchristian]

My vote is casters. Like Ampslut, I like being able to move the whole stack (410, 115, tube amp) around on stage for placement and for cabling and whatever. I can roll the whole stack out onto the porch of the studio for load out, or out of the venue over relatively rough terrain. BTW, I pulled those cheesy POS Ampeg casters off and threw them in the bin. Once those pieces of guano lose their stay-power they dangle half in half out of their sockets and create havoc. Worst go---amn use of wheels ever. Roland keyboard amps have 'em too. Probably lots of other manufacturers. Damned nuisance. Oh, and the . . . . . wait, oh sorry, got to ranting

I won't try tilting my whole rig onto a dolley, but I agree those foldable hand trucks are great. I don't hesitate to take a piece at a time with them.