Securing a micro head

[joe_f]

Ok, so who has given some thought to this? When I see a small, lightweight modern head, I instantly think of how quickly and easily it could grow legs and disappear from the bandstand. I've considered things like those thin, flexible bike wire chains to lock them to the cab handle, or the Kensington laptop things (basically the same stuff), for those amps with some kind of perforation or handle to loop through. I've seen ones attached to a washer that could go under one of the feet.

But this stuff is case by case. Aside from taking it to the bathroom with you between sets, what's everyone doing to secure a small amp head?! Hopefully there's something reasonably effective, convenient, and not too cobbled-together?

PS Experts have already informed me that carrots, tort, or flats won't work!

 

[Jefenator]

We used to think about what to do overnight on weekend gigs.
Between sets, it’s never come up.
I suppose I could check out the laptop cable lock solutions. Or keep the amp on me in the shoulder bag while I use the bathroom & get a beer. Or have band members take turns watching the stage.
… or just quit playing dive bars.

 

[JRA]

i generally don't worry about my stuff on the gig, but i'm not playing 'dangerous' places/venues these days either. on the rare occasion when i am concerned about the safety of my gear (e.g., a wedding with kids running around, a guest duo cramming onto the already tight stage to play on our break at the dive bar, etc.) i'll stay close to my stuff and keep an eye on it. in most places, i can see my gear from the bar, but if i can't = i move: i keep an eye on my stuff if i think it's at risk.

if you're used to taking your breaks outside (or where you can't see your stuff) it's nothing to unhook the power cord and the 1/4" cable and take it with you. part of the charm of the tiny amp head, no?

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Ok, so who has given some thought to this? When I see a small, lightweight modern head, I instantly think of how quickly and easily it could grow legs and disappear from the bandstand. I've considered things like those thin, flexible bike wire chains to lock them to the cab handle, or the Kensington laptop things (basically the same stuff), for those amps with some kind of perforation or handle to loop through. I've seen ones attached to a washer that could go under one of the feet.

But this stuff is case by case. Aside from taking it to the bathroom with you between sets, what's everyone doing to secure a small amp head?! Hopefully there's something reasonably effective, convenient, and not too cobbled-together?

PS Experts have already informed me that carrots, tort, or flats won't work!

Ah... gotta love a good First World Problem.
Never used to have to worry about the bass amp being MIA.
But that 500 watt cigar box, could vibrate of and fall through the cracks in the stage floor.
I like your computer security idea.

 

[gtirard]

I haven't seen any report of micro head theft during a gig, did you?

 

[mikeswals]

Seems an amp head would not be the first thing any scumbag would pick to snatch.

 

[portpc]

I lost my hand truck once while performing at a Golf Course Wedding in Ct. almost 20 years ago... to this day when I bring one (most gigs) it's either within sight or back in my vehicle.
At receptions etc some mis-guided folks think that they are community property and I've had caterers etc try to run off with it. My combo amp isn't light, no one has tried to abscond with that?

 

[Ronky]

Zip-tie it to a brick

 

[Spidey2112]

Zip-tie it to a brick

Attach a job application to it.

 

[etoncrow]

trip wired 12ga flash bang?

 

[gln1955]

Mount it inside an old lead sled amp.

 

[JC Nelson]

Is it small enough to fit on your pedal board?

 

[joe_f]

Is it small enough to fit on your pedal board?
View attachment 4800857

Good thought, but I don't have one. Don't even have the micro amp yet, just thinking about it for when I finally do. Probably won't be one of the super small ones like that TC. But yeah, a board is a good spot for that TC.

 

[GreyBeard]

I have found that the best thing to do is to cover everything with old bed sheets. People just tend to ignore it if it's covered up.

 

[FirewalZ]

Not the same issue as the OP…but My D800 will vibrate right off the cabinet. This works like a charm, is cheap and super easy to carry: SoundOff by Evans Drum Mute, 16 Inch https://a.co/d/gse8j2v

 

[two fingers]

Ok, so who has given some thought to this? When I see a small, lightweight modern head, I instantly think of how quickly and easily it could grow legs and disappear from the bandstand. I've considered things like those thin, flexible bike wire chains to lock them to the cab handle, or the Kensington laptop things (basically the same stuff), for those amps with some kind of perforation or handle to loop through. I've seen ones attached to a washer that could go under one of the feet.

But this stuff is case by case. Aside from taking it to the bathroom with you between sets, what's everyone doing to secure a small amp head?! Hopefully there's something reasonably effective, convenient, and not too cobbled-together?

PS Experts have already informed me that carrots, tort, or flats won't work!

What kind of dive bars are you playing, Joe???

I have never even HEARD of an amp being stolen during a set break. And I've been doing this for 35+ years.

Spend your money on a portable lightening rod system. You're more likely to need that.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Maybe leave a beer and lit cigarette on it so it looks like you're coming right back.

 

[fdeck]

I've never worried about my gear during breaks. In the most extreme situations, I'll put my upright back in its case, since it can get tripped over, or stuff can fall on it.

 

[Killing Floor]

I haven't seen any report of micro head theft during a gig, did you?

Don’t paint it like a catalytic converter.

 

[Hasty]

Even in some of the sketchiest places I’ve played I’ve never been worried that someone would steal my amp. I have had one vibrate off once or twice, but that was the groove and not some nefarious character.