Deciding which amp(s) to take on the road?

[Kevan Campbell]

Happy 2017!! In preparation for some road gigs with a couple groups I play with, I'm looking into getting an ATA road case built for one of my amps. Deciding which is more difficult that I thought it would be, so could y'all give me your thoughts on which amp I should "case out"? I have:

-Ampeg Heritage SVT & Ampeg Heritage 810e
-Aguilar DB659/DB728 & Aguilar GS410
-Bergantino B Amp & Bergantino HDN212

I like all of these amps and all *can* work within the context of the music I'm playing (country and rock), this is just more of a query on the benefits/drawbacks of ATA cases and which amp y'all think I should have read to load into a trailer this summer.

 

[12BitSlab]

I would think that a large part of your answer will depend on the types and sizes of venues you will play and whether you will go DI to the PA.

 

[brianrost]

Do you feel that one of those rigs is more reliable than the others? That would be my #1 priority.

Is there enough room in the vehicle(s) to fit the fridge? If not bring something smaller.

Etc.

Benefits of a road case? More protection for what's inside, of course. For the amp head you can get cases with shock mounts for better protection, but they are even bigger, heavier and more expensive.

Drawbacks: put that SVT head into an ATA case and you just added another 20 pounds (or more) to the weight.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

I would think that a large part of your answer will depend on the types and sizes of venues you will play and whether you will go DI to the PA.

Venues vary between medium-sized bars to large outdoor festivals. I'm pretty much always sending a signal to the board via DI (I never bother to mic a bass cab).

Do you feel that one of those rigs is more reliable than the others? That would be my #1 priority.

Is there enough room in the vehicle(s) to fit the fridge? If not bring something smaller.

Etc.

Benefits of a road case? More protection for what's inside, of course. For the amp head you can get cases with shock mounts for better protection, but they are even bigger, heavier and more expensive.

Drawbacks: put that SVT head into an ATA case and you just added another 20 pounds (or more) to the weight.

Excellent point about the weight, no matter what I case out there WILL be wheels involved! All three amps have held up reliably on the road before (knock on wood) but the Bergantino always goes out as a backup amp just in case.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Yes, weight is an issue. An SVT is heavy, in an ATA case, it's really heavy. An advantage is protection, both from bouncing around but humidity, temperature changes, etc. Nice to have.

Not all ATA cases are built to the same standard. The thickness of the plywood varies, the quality of the latches and handles, the outside vinyl plate (avoid rat fur), the inside foam, etc. A case with build in locking casters is good. Steet corners are better than aluminum.

Here is one source: Road Racks and Cases

Check with a local backline supply company. They might rent ATA cases. There could be tax advantages.

 

[Stu_Bass]

You can go with a lighter case option if you don't need to protect them from really rough handling. As for what to bring since you want a back up (very wise) and are taking the Bergie anyways why not choose between the Ampeg and Aguilar and take both the 4x10 and the 2x12 for modularity/backup?

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Easy. Ampeg Heritage. Best rig out there IMHO.

 

[Siren Sound]

As long as someone else is moving it, the Ampeg SVT.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

Sorry for the delay, Happy 2017 y'all!

Easy. Ampeg Heritage. Best rig out there IMHO.

As long as someone else is moving it, the Ampeg SVT.

Haha, I do really like the tone and vibe of the Ampeg! It's also the most theft-proof of the bunch (take the casters off the case and nobody is going to make off with it!).

You can go with a lighter case option if you don't need to protect them from really rough handling. As for what to bring since you want a back up (very wise) and are taking the Bergie anyways why not choose between the Ampeg and Aguilar and take both the 4x10 and the 2x12 for modularity/backup?

I should have clarified that I'm taking the Bergantino B Amp only as backup; as much as I love the sound and weight of the HDN212 I'm not looking to haul more cabs than necessary!

Yes, weight is an issue. An SVT is heavy, in an ATA case, it's really heavy. An advantage is protection, both from bouncing around but humidity, temperature changes, etc. Nice to have.

Not all ATA cases are built to the same standard. The thickness of the plywood varies, the quality of the latches and handles, the outside vinyl plate (avoid rat fur), the inside foam, etc. A case with build in locking casters is good. Steet corners are better than aluminum.

Here is one source: Road Racks and Cases

Check with a local backline supply company. They might rent ATA cases. There could be tax advantages.

Checking with a local backline company is a great idea, they could either have a used one they'd let go or at least refer me to their supplier! The tax thing is a good point too, I may wait until I form my LLC before commissioning a case so I can write it off!

 

[Korladis]

Venues vary between medium-sized bars to large outdoor festivals. I'm pretty much always sending a signal to the board via DI (I never bother to mic a bass cab).



Excellent point about the weight, no matter what I case out there WILL be wheels involved! All three amps have held up reliably on the road before (knock on wood) but the Bergantino always goes out as a backup amp just in case.

Then take your cheapest cab. Pointless to take any of the others if you're just going DI anyway.

Probably take your cheapest head, too, actually.

 

[MrLenny1]

I'm stuck on Class D heads. I pack 2 of them and
use the flavor du jour as needed.
Have fun out there.