Making a combo out of small cab and head (EA content)

[skyline_01]

Hey all,

I've been thinking about mounting my EA Doubler ii head onto a small cab (TBD) to make a combo of sorts. I know it's not that much work to hook them up separately at a gig but it's one less thing I'd have to do. Plus it's kind of a "hold my beer" thing for me.

Something maybe in the style of the Genz Benz Shuttle combos, where there's a bracket holding the head down. EA has been defunct for some time now, and I don't think they ever offered mounting hardware for this head anyway.

I know I can probably rig something with generic metal brackets but I wondered if anyone had done something similar, and if you had any resources to share.


Many thanks!

 

[Bassiclees]

I used wide velcro straps to keep my head on a cab, worked great.

 

[skyline_01]

I used wide velcro straps to keep my head on a cab, worked great.

Yeah, I had thought about that route. My only concern is that, depending on what cab I used, the head might sit sideways in transport if the cab handles are on the sides. I suppose if the velcro was strong enough it wouldn't matter too much.

Will keep in mind - thanks for weighing in!

 

[lug]

bundgee cords and/or Duct tape!

 

[FugaziBomb]

You can always use a ledger strip (like an aluminum angle iron) and crate a mount for it, but you'd have to screw that into your cab and then into the chassis of the amp, which I wouldn't advise. It seems like a lot of trouble and modification for something as simple as placing a cabinet down and then the head on top of it. Kinda has that "solution looking for a problem" vibe to it.

 

[skyline_01]

You can always use a ledger strip (like an aluminum angle iron) and crate a mount for it, but you'd have to screw that into your cab and then into the chassis of the amp, which I wouldn't advise. It seems like a lot of trouble and modification for something as simple as placing a cabinet down and then the head on top of it. Kinda has that "solution looking for a problem" vibe to it.

I agree with your "solution... problem" diagnosis. This could be more of a "can I do it?" that may end up never coming to fruition. Nevertheless...

 

[abarson]

The EA Doubler doesn't have holes drilled and tapped for mounting, and I can't recommend doing so on your own. I have no idea if the enclosure material would sustain it or how much clearance there would be for mounting hardware.

It also looks like there are vents on the bottom for cooling which I wouldn't advise blocking.
Maybe some kind of ratcheting strap would hold the two together?
But really, how big of a "problem" is this?

 

[skyline_01]

The EA Doubler doesn't have holes drilled and tapped for mounting, and I can't recommend doing so on your own. I have no idea if the enclosure material would sustain it or how much clearance there would be for mounting hardware.
View attachment 7020999
It also looks like there are vents on the bottom for cooling which I wouldn't advise blocking.
Maybe some kind of ratcheting strap would hold the two together?
But really, how big of a "problem" is this?

It's not really a problem at all, mainly the musings of a madman.

 

[etoncrow]

That amp is probably worth more than you paid for. it but not if you "tamper" with it.

 

[skyline_01]

That amp is probably worth more than you paid for. it but not if you "tamper" with it.

Oh, I'm well aware LOL. I have two other EA pieces (cabs) that I wouldn't dream of modding, and this was more me just thinking out loud.

 

[Hasty]

That amp is probably worth more than you paid for. it but not if you "tamper" with it.

I've got three EA heads. A Doubler I, a Doubler II, and a Classic with factory rack ears and has never been out of the rack case. The Doubler I has had a busy life. They other two look pretty much new. Can't wait to show them off on Antique Roadshow some day and pull down some serious coin.

 

[wintremute]

It seems to me that one of the large bonuses of a combo unit is the portability. You grab 1 handle, and everything goes with you. The handle is usually on the top.

If you just attach an amp to the top of a cab, it sticks out, and you don't have as easy of a way to grab a top handle to move the unit. Maybe look into making something that attaches to the top of the cab that is heavy duty enough to have a handle and lift the cab, and it can cradle/hold the amp.

 

[skyline_01]

I've got three EA heads. A Doubler I, a Doubler II, and a Classic with factory rack ears and has never been out of the rack case. The Doubler I has had a busy life. They other two look pretty much new. Can't wait to show them off on Antique Roadshow some day and pull down some serious coin.

Oh man, that's a nice bunch of EA power! Antique Roadshow FTW

 

[bherman]

I'd be looking at 3m Dual lock for the attachment end of things - much stronger than standard velcro. Two long strips of it between an cab and bottom of the amp would be a very strong bond, but still removable if/when needed. Still doesn't solve the handle on top issue, though.

 

[MrLenny1]

I thought about doing something similar, but my head is 9 lbs.
and would not mount well on my monitor shaped cab.
Currently I catch the edge of the cab (in monitor position) with the rubber
feat on the front of the amp. A little risky but hasn't fallen off, YET. lol
After doing this I broke down a bought a pricey combo.

 

[jjcarswell]

I also have a doubler ii and what you’re thinking makes sense but I’m not sure if the end result would make much of a difference. I carry the amp in a computer bag, throw that & the speaker of the day on my cart and roll into the gig. Pack up afterwards is about 5 minutes and I’m out of there……just my opinion….btw, I really dig the doubler ii, especially the versatility that it has.

 

[Hasty]

Oh man, that's a nice bunch of EA power! Antique Roadshow FTW

Thanks. The Doubler II and the Classic spend most of their time in cases since a large portion of my gigs are either into a PA or a powered speaker these days. However, when that Classic comes out... it really sings.

 

[skyline_01]

I also have a doubler ii and what you’re thinking makes sense but I’m not sure if the end result would make much of a difference. I carry the amp in a computer bag, throw that & the speaker of the day on my cart and roll into the gig. Pack up afterwards is about 5 minutes and I’m out of there……just my opinion….btw, I really dig the doubler ii, especially the versatility that it has.

I've got an Apache pluck foam case that I use for the Doubler most of the time. Makes for a pretty easy setup/teardown. And yes, that amp is pretty dope.

 

[skyline_01]

Thanks. The Doubler II and the Classic spend most of their time in cases since a large portion of my gigs are either into a PA or a powered speaker these days. However, when that Classic comes out... it really sings.

It really is special gear... I'm luck to have a few pieces.

 

[fdeck]

Old bike innertube, and a piece of nylon webbing for a handle. The benefit of the strap handle is that it's long enough to go over the head. (It can be any length you want). Also, the innertube lets me attach more cables, my book of charts, etc. Short of a true combo, it's the most handy amp I've ever used.