Installing Casters On A Bass Cab

That is very similar to the way Mesa does casters on their PH cabs and it works very well. I think their mounting systems and casters might be a bit more heavy duty (hard to tell from the pictures), but the CN212 is much lighter than a PH212 or PH410.

 

Forget casters and just use a lightweight collapsible hand truck.

 

I installed a set of the Mesa plates & casters on my Eden D410XLT. Made a world of difference in portability compared to the factory popout casters. If you can find a similar solution I would highly recommend it.

 

The Mesa hardware would be absolute overkill on the Berg CN212 - but the design approach is quite sound and scalable. I use the casters all the time when moving my Mesa PH cabs (except when I get help lifting on stairs). The Berg for me is a one hand carry (even with stairs) or I use a folding cart as Linnin suggested for really long load in/out situations. The casters from the catalog you linked seem like they would be fine if you actually want to modify the cab.

 

Wow, if you need casters, aren't interested in just using a foldable lightweight aluminum hand cart like the ones from Magnacart, Wesco, ect.

Why not use a detachable dolly design, like the ones used on the old Ampeg B 15. Instead of drilling four holes in your cabinet, you'll only drill one. And you can use the casters of your choice without adding any more weight to your cabinet when it stands alone.

 

I recall a buddy of mine using one of those on his B15 years ago. Excellent idea for getting the job done and minimizing impact on the cab.

 

There's always a "oh yeah, but..." when it comes to things like this isn't there?

 

I haven't done heavy cab moving in many years but for a while I had good results using an $11 dolly from Harbor Freight (the bigger one, not the smaller one) and strapped the 2-15" cab on in both directions with flat nylon webbing from them or from Lowes. You could use tiedowns but the heavy hooks are unappealing in this app.

If you go with directly mounting casters be sure to use the caster type that mounts with a four-screw plate. DO NOT use the removeable caster that has an insert that you simply drill and pound into place. Voice of $ad experience here.

 

Understand the need for casters, but don't like the cabinets sitting on them while playing.

My Ampeg had that mounted on the back side allowing you to pull the cabinet back onto the casters to move but it also meant the cabinet didn't sit on them when upright and playing.

Removable nice, but rather than have to remove 4 casters why not get a moving dolly from Home Depot for $ 30.00 and mount it via quick release?

Wheels.....3-4" minimum especially if pavement involved.

 

this is my mode of transportation: works well for me.

i like the idea of casters, but: i've always found that after the box is fitted with them: the box no longer packs as easily (murphy's law), or has to be turned upside down to prevent rolling in some loads, or some other unexpected difficulty brought about just because 'they are there'! and casters don't make it easier to move the cabinet over gravel, some lawns, muddy or wet soil, yada yada.

(i have a large box filled to the brim with casters i once thought were a great idea. sometimes they actually were a +, but i don't do it anymore. a handtruck is too easy, and i can get everything in one 'push'.)

 

This is the way to go.

 

+1

Having had castors on my 412s I would never want them again. They were fine on flat hard level surfaces, anything else and you had to drag or carry the cabs.

A castor board I had (briefly) for moving PA cabs was worse, hit a different surface or ridge and the cab would slide off. Replaced that with a collapsible sack truck and wouldn't use anything else now.

 

I have one of these. Very sturdy & lightweight but maybe a bit pricy. I went through several other cheaper and I'll say lesser built ones that only lasted about a month until they broke or fell apart.

Hand Trucks R Us - Roughneck Folding Aluminum Hand Truck

Northern Tool has them for $80. May be even cheaper other places. I bought mine used at a pawn shop for $25

 

I put the 3" Mesa Boogie casters on my Berg HT322 many years ago. They are great.
Pictures in the middle of this thread:
The Bergantino HT322 thread

 

IMO Mesa Boogie casters are the most effective. They don't drop out after being used for a few weeks.

I use a trolley or dolly board (I have both). The benefit for me is that when I sell a cab and I've still got means of transport for the next one.

 

If they say the wood is too soft, they may know what they are talking about.
That, alone, sounds like a big vote for a dolly or hand truck.
Casters are a whole subject of their own.
I like removable, so I can take them off to prevent rattles when playing,
aiding floor coupling or stacking.
2 inch removable casters cover most any indoor situation.
If you plan to use them to roll into a gig, across the parking lot,
3 inch minimum and that's if it's smooth.
If you plan to roll across your grass from the house to the car
4 inch minimum, wider wheels help and then all bets are off if it has rained.