I am considering buying a combo bass amp, single 15 plus horn. Epifani UL115. Will casters greatly affect the sound, or should it be sitting directly on the floor ? I play a baby bass, so, lots of sub sonics are invovlved .
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Casters ?? Yeah or Na ???
- Thread starter audiorep2
- Start date
I don't think they'd affect the coupling; I think you need to be a few FEET from the floor for there to be significant coupling loss. May actually help to isolate nearby items like mic stands from vibration, though.
I don't think casters will affect the sound, nor will toe-in and camber. 
But... personally I prefer a little two wheeled cart over casters, when I have to roll an amp over any distance. Casters get stuck in little holes and cracks, most notably going in and out of an elevator. Also, I can heap more gear on top of the speaker when I'm using a cart.
Casters are better if you're moving something around a small space such as a studio or basement rehearsal room.
But... personally I prefer a little two wheeled cart over casters, when I have to roll an amp over any distance. Casters get stuck in little holes and cracks, most notably going in and out of an elevator. Also, I can heap more gear on top of the speaker when I'm using a cart.
Casters are better if you're moving something around a small space such as a studio or basement rehearsal room.
I'm old, I have casters on everything, even my Bergie CN112. No problems!
A lightweight folding hand truck is always a super ideaI don't think casters will affect the sound, nor will toe-in and camber.
But... personally I prefer a little two wheeled cart over casters, when I have to roll an amp over any distance. Casters get stuck in little holes and cracks, most notably going in and out of an elevator. Also, I can heap more gear on top of the speaker when I'm using a cart.
Casters are better if you're moving something around a small space such as a studio or basement rehearsal room.
. But they don't have to be mutually exclusive 
.
Last edited:
Not if the castors have a "break" system.
True enough. Ampeg used to use two non swivel and two swivel casters to help but it doesn't always work. Another solution is to use those rubber furniture foot (caster) cups under the wheels. See below.
At the end of the day, I prefer to not use them and go with a cart or a dolly. If the wheel diameter is on the small side, they are not the best for bouncing down a sidewalk or across a parking lot.
Last edited:
I have both, depending on the cab. A good dolly/cart is a must have from my perspective, just makes load in/out easier when multiple pieces of gear are involved. A dolly will also help when you decide to help the rest of the band move PA mains and such (if you do ).
OTOH, I also have casters on 2 of my larger cabs - LDS 2x15 and the built in caster/rollers on the Berg NV610. For the LDS I used removable 4" industrial rubber casters found on autoshop type tool cases. You can pull them if you are worried about uneven stages, and I have pulled the rear ones to tilt the cab up a bit for me to hear it better.
If you do go with casters, get bigger ones rather than smaller for the reason fdeck mentioned (cracks, elevator gaps etc etc). I find that the 4" casters on the LDS cab make it a pretty easy move over just about any surface. Most MI casters are dinky, like 2" and I would avoid those.
good luck
).OTOH, I also have casters on 2 of my larger cabs - LDS 2x15 and the built in caster/rollers on the Berg NV610. For the LDS I used removable 4" industrial rubber casters found on autoshop type tool cases. You can pull them if you are worried about uneven stages, and I have pulled the rear ones to tilt the cab up a bit for me to hear it better.
If you do go with casters, get bigger ones rather than smaller for the reason fdeck mentioned (cracks, elevator gaps etc etc). I find that the 4" casters on the LDS cab make it a pretty easy move over just about any surface. Most MI casters are dinky, like 2" and I would avoid those.
good luck
I don't like casters. I've had speaker cables come lose multiple times. But not since I started carrying my cabs instead of rolling them. YMMV
Personally I think casters make a very noticeable difference in the way the room reacts to your cab. To me it's like night and day. Coupling your cab to the floor is your choice based on the situation.
Your cabinet is vibrating. A lot. If it's in direct contact with the floor, then the floor is going to be vibrating a lot more than it would otherwise. The floor is connected to the walls and the rest of the room, so it's gonna change everything. In my experience it just makes the bass sound and feel much bigger.
If your on a hollow stage or something and you're having issues with your signal bleeding into the other mics then you might wanna get your cab off the floor, but in most situations I prefer to have it right on the floor.
That's my two cents. So with just two wheels that tilt back and roll you've got the best of both worlds.
Your cabinet is vibrating. A lot. If it's in direct contact with the floor, then the floor is going to be vibrating a lot more than it would otherwise. The floor is connected to the walls and the rest of the room, so it's gonna change everything. In my experience it just makes the bass sound and feel much bigger.
If your on a hollow stage or something and you're having issues with your signal bleeding into the other mics then you might wanna get your cab off the floor, but in most situations I prefer to have it right on the floor.
That's my two cents. So with just two wheels that tilt back and roll you've got the best of both worlds.
The Ernie Ball casters that I have used pull out of the base so you can just pop them off and put the cab on the floor if you want while playing. They pop in and out very easily. Problem solved!
Amazon.com: Ernie Ball 6102 Amp Casters Pop-In, Set of 4: Musical Instruments
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
Fat Steve
The poodle bites, the poodle chews it.
I used a dolly for years and made the switch to casters just last year. Your mileage may vary, but I much prefer casters. I can stack my entire rig on my 4x10 with casters.
But for me, part of the problem is that the dolly becomes an extra piece of equipment. I've used the foldable style, but they break. They are not as durable as a real dolly, which takes up too much space.
But for me, part of the problem is that the dolly becomes an extra piece of equipment. I've used the foldable style, but they break. They are not as durable as a real dolly, which takes up too much space.
- Apr 2, 2014
- 485
- 390
- 47
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Conklin Basses, Ashdown Amplifiers, Morley Pedals
I use one of these, yeah another piece of equipment, but great to have. Folds down nice and small and can carry a good amount of weight. An 80 lb cab with a 40ish lb rack on top, no problem. Been using it for years, hasn't broken yet.
Amazon.com: Magna Cart Personal 150 lb Capacity Aluminum Folding Hand Truck: Home Improvement
Amazon.com: Magna Cart Personal 150 lb Capacity Aluminum Folding Hand Truck: Home Improvement
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
Flush mount casters are great for tall stuff. Only engaged when tilted. If it's small enough to carry, a small folding dolly is 'universal' and pays for itself in one gig.
I don't understand how casters would affect mechanical coupling.
Wouldn't you still have the same vibrating mass making contact with the floor at the same number of points?
