How hard is it to load a 100lb cab?

[Sparkl]

Based on the poll here, I am getting an impression that Talkbass is mostly composed of old people and weak dudes who can't even lift 100lbs. Of course with help, I would never advocate doing it yourself.

But even so - I think that lifting a 100lbs even daily doesn't even come close to the physical labour challenges people experience on a daily basis till they retire.

Where I come from, people would laugh at you if you weren't able to handle a 100lbs load.

Edit: Oh, to answer the OP - VERY EASY. Especially if you have a bandmate to help you out it only takes a minute and it's over. The sound of these beasts is worth it alone.

 

[Frank77]

My answer is "too hard." It's not just about the weight, it's also about how it balances and how you can hold it.

Are stairs involved in your trip? Staircase wide enough? I'm a rather fit guy in my early 40s (I run and lift weights regularly). I moved a rental 410 from my first floor apartment only twice and it was enough trouble to make me say "Shag this poopie, never again." (or something along those lines).

We've come to a point where the lightweight stuff can sound just as good or better than the old heavy stuff. Why suffer?

 

[mmon77]

Why go heavy when there are so many lighter options, without any compromise to sound/tone?

The only good reason would be to save money.

 

[Hounddog]

Because of the rails, wheels and handle placement the 100LB Bergantino NV610 cab is easier to handle than most 50LB cabs. It really depends on the design.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Mesa Boogie Buster! 115 combo weighed in at about 112 lbs. By 45 years old I knew I couldn't haul it around anymore. Sold!

 

[gmarcus]

Spend the extra money now and save on Dr bills and missed work due to your back going out later. A 100 lb 4x10 will take its toll eventually and there really isn't a need for it these days........says the guy who destroyed his back with an 85 lb roland combo 10 years ago.

 

[4001]

Before or after the gig ??

 

[Giffro]

I have never owned a heavy bass cab, but, I am thinking of getting a cheap used 4x10 (Peavey 410 TVX) that ends up coming in at ~96lbs. It has handles on the sides... Is this a feasible one man load in? Should I spend an extra $150 and buy a light cab like the rumble 4x10?

My Peavey 1820 cab weighed in at 122lbs and I would never carry or attempt to carry it alone, not unless I wanted a hernia or blown spinal disc. I ran that cab for over 30 years and the guys in every band I worked in were only too happy to help me load in and out..usually the drummer. As a shared load with a helper it was quite manageable and because it was such a great loud clear sounding rig with the MKIV head driving it the guys didnt mind helping. After all it made the band(s) overall sound wonderfully full sounding. If you are in a band without guys willing to help you out with a heavy cab, either find a band that will, or don't own a cab that heavy. Casters are a huge help but for lifting you need assistance.
PS. I also own a lightweight Fender Rumble 500C and 115 extension cab..both weigh under 40lbs each.

 

[nutdog]

 

[mcnach]

I have never owned a heavy bass cab, but, I am thinking of getting a cheap used 4x10 (Peavey 410 TVX) that ends up coming in at ~96lbs. It has handles on the sides... Is this a feasible one man load in? Should I spend an extra $150 and buy a light cab like the rumble 4x10?

I had one of those. It was cheap and did a reasonable job. If I needed something that would work well and I needed to spend little, I'd get another. But... I hated carrying that thing by myself.
I used to live in a 1st floor apartment with no elevator. So I'd take it downstairs by myself and put it in the boot of my VW Golf, by myself. It was not fun. The weight alone does not matter, but the weight plus the bulk made it an awkward one person operation. It is even less fun when you arrive home at 3am (which is why I often left it in the car until next day. Next day (Sunday, often) I'd be ready to go somewhere and do something... and then I would remember by boot was occupied entirely by that monster... then it was not fun, again.

Yes, sometimes I could have help at home to bring it down and into the car, and at the venue I'd always have help... but it still involved a lot of carrying that thing by myself.

Which is why I now own two 210 cabs.
They're lighter, but even if they were heavy, carrying two 210s is a lot easier than a single 410. Plus you can stack them vertically, which is a much nicer solution live.

So: no, don't do it unless you have no option. Get a pair of 210s instead.

 

[Fun Size Nick]

Based on the poll here, I am getting an impression that Talkbass is mostly composed of old people and weak dudes who can't even lift 100lbs. Of course with help, I would never advocate doing it yourself.

But even so - I think that lifting a 100lbs even daily doesn't even come close to the physical labour challenges people experience on a daily basis till they retire.

Where I come from, people would laugh at you if you weren't able to handle a 100lbs load.

Edit: Oh, to answer the OP - VERY EASY. Especially if you have a bandmate to help you out it only takes a minute and it's over. The sound of these beasts is worth it alone.

Getting it into the car with help after the gig is one thing. It’s waking my wife up at 2am to help me get it in the house that’s the problem!

 

[FunkySpoo]

How hard is it to load a 100lbs cab? Not hard at all since the person you're going to wind up selling it to will help you load it into their car.

 

[onda'bass]

not bad, I had a Mesa PH4x12 135lbs. tilt back casters, just push it over and in the car...done...Nowadays I have cabs I can one hand in the car...

 

[Bander]

I appreciate my new one-hand lift equipment, but when I do drag my heavy 410+215, I and everyone appreciate that too. Dollys or casters are cheap at Harbor Freight, every band should have two hand trucks. But be aware, lifting 100 lb isn't hard. Its suspending it, tipping it, and moving it *over* into a seat, trunk or some hatchbacks that will hurt you. Hatchbacks, vans and pickups work best for equipment, where you drop it on the edge, and slide from there.

 

[Giffro]

Based on the poll here, I am getting an impression that Talkbass is mostly composed of old people and weak dudes who can't even lift 100lbs. Of course with help, I would never advocate doing it yourself.

But even so - I think that lifting a 100lbs even daily doesn't even come close to the physical labour challenges people experience on a daily basis till they retire.

Where I come from, people would laugh at you if you weren't able to handle a 100lbs load.

Edit: Oh, to answer the OP - VERY EASY. Especially if you have a bandmate to help you out it only takes a minute and it's over. The sound of these beasts is worth it alone.

My guess is there are a lot of old, experienced, sensible, possibly famous bass players on this forum, and yes we are still gigging because we are experienced and sensible in our approach to lifting our gear with help. I wonder if you will make it into the old age group as a musician without needing help from others eventually.

 

[basscapes]

Well, I haven't had any issues with my SVT810 yet!

Mind you, stairs can be a royal pain. But don't know what all the "fear mongering" is about when it comes to a big box cab; most today have appropriate (and durable) casters and handles/grab-bars, so they can be quite easy to move.

Even in my case, with L3, 4 and C 2 and 3 spinal damage, I can still play and move some crap around!

Some day, I'm sure my spine will totally crumble, and I'll be wheelchair-bound. Until then, I'm gonna turn it up, rattle some shot glasses and just ENJOY the wash of "pillow-y" bottom-end!

 

[JimChjones]

I suppose it would be just too expensive, but I idly wonder about the old slave amp concept from the days of multiple 4x12 stacks, and having 1x10 powered speakers in a vertical stack somewhat like a line array, so you just pile up as many as you need. Some sort of locking mechanism too, so if you have loading on the flat you wheel the whole lot in in one go, but if it's up stairs and round corners divide them up to carry...

 

[J-Bassomatic]

Based on the poll here, I am getting an impression that Talkbass is mostly composed of old people and weak dudes who can't even lift 100lbs.

Speaking as an old weak dude, if I would have had the Rumble 210s when I was in my 20s, I'd have bought and happily used them. You have to 'weigh' the difference between a 100 lb cab or something like the Rumble cabs (or any of the new lighter weight gear). Does it sound 60 lbs better?

 

[bassliner50]

Is it a good idea to get a 100 lb cab? *Bad idea.*

Best idea: neodymium speakers, class D amplifiers, no volume wars, discipline and control among performing musicians, easier set up and break down of essential gear.

Another good idea: that you asked for advice before making this commitment to weight, bulk and labor.

 

[rtslinger]

Spend 30 and by a dolly

+1000 buy a dolly your back will thank you later.