Gator RetroRack - Aguilar Stack

[ashtray]

I got my 2u Gator RetroRack in black, to match my Aguilar DB cabs. Gave up looking for the Aguilar AG500 factory head case after about 8 years.

The Retrorack gets some bad reviews online for quality, and I can definitely see that. For $220+, this rack case should be flawless, and it isn't. (I bought this one discounted - the rack mounts don't line up, so the amp sits a bit crooked. Not happy, but the grill cloth covers it when not in use, and I'm not looking at the amp when in use.) That said, I can live with most of the issues, and I'm happy to finally have my amp in a case. I only use it at home. If I were gigging this amp, I'd put it in one of my flight case racks. I wanted a "softer" look for home use.

I plan to get new grill cloth to match the DB cabs, and lose the piping. The side handles are chrome instead of black - if they are easy enough to swap out, I will, otherwise they are what they are.

Much happier with the visual. The "grill cloth" is just velcro'd in place, and you pull it off to get to the amp. Should be enough air flow in there for home use, but would have bought the 3u case if using the amp for hours at a time. The case is bigger than a typical 2u case, so that helps.

Edit: AG500 head, and a DB115 on top a DB212 cab. My home setup.

 

[Verticos]

That looks slick! I like the front cover looking like a grillcloth. It'll look even better when you mod it to match the cabs!

I feel your pain on the Gator quality (or lack thereof). I recently had to replace an SKB rotomold rackmount with its Gator equivalent (new amp and only Gator had the correct depth to fit) and I miss my old SKB dearly.

 

[mgmadian]

Looks great! Are u still using this, and if so howz it holding up after another 2 yrs? I'm considering one for my Epifani UL-502, and wondering if you could chime in on a couple Qs:

1. Gator's specs show it as 12.5" deep... guessing this is from front rack rail to the rear edge of the case. That sound right?
2. Any idea if the screws for the various handles (side, top. bottom) go into a metal insert, or do they just screw into the wood?
3. Is the top handle leather or some kinda leather substitute?
4. Is there enough space between front (dust?) cover and rack rail for knobs/switches? Wondering if they bump up against the cover and can shift

Gracias if you happen to know!