to rack or not to rack

[oddio]

I rack my gear for the most part. I prefer the Mesa SUS4 shock-mounted racks for more expensive pieces; Millennia preamps and the DB728 for example. These do add a lot of weight, approaching SVT territory.

I don't rack amp heads although it's certainly possible in many cases (pun). I do have the DB750 in a matching Aggie case (technically a rack I s'pose) and the V8 has its own tough case.

 

[chucko58]

Racks are the only way to go for the gear I use.

Being a bar band weekend warrior, I don't need the serious protection that touring pros might need. I'd love it if someone came out with a 3 space 14" deep rack, rails front and rear, with a built-in power strip, wheels, and a handle.

 

[Mcrelly]

I have been debating on if I want to put my new Thunderfunk in a nice ATA rack, or if I want to buy a really nice pelican case for it.

its funny you should mention 'funk. I was bringing mine home last night from practice. unracked, in winter, setting it on the ground next to my car, in and out, was hoping it wouldn't fall over. I am glad it has feet on the one end and the handle. I've been thinking about the briefcase for transporting... so far so good.

I have the Eden bag for my 550 and works well, except for rip in the innner lining. :scowl:

 

[Mcrelly]

Yup!

can I have your electric blue??

 

[GreyBeard]

My gigging stuff is all in SKB and my cab is in a road case. It all looks the same as the day I bought it and some of it is over 10 yrs old. I just bought a yba200 and now I'm looking at getting a "live-in" road case for it.

 

[Franco Bollo]

oddio said:

I prefer the Mesa SUS4 shock-mounted racks for more expensive pieces; Millennia preamps and the DB728 for example.

That's got to be heavy! My 728 in an 8-space Calzone case (with the DB680) weighs a ton.

Mcrelly said:

can I have your electric blue??

No way! That's my practice amp. Plus I take it to every gig (leaving it in the car) as a backup.

 

[Fenderjazz6823]

Yup!

NICE RACK !!!!!

 

[Jonesy4fnk]

rack rig for me...unless I'm using my combo for small gigs or sessions.

SKB 16 space shockmounted!!

 

[BassmanPaul]

Over the last 45 years I have seen just about everything that can fall out of a van or off a stage do so! As an amp repair person I have had to replace anything from handles to fuse holders to pots broken from stuff being dropped. I would rather replace a rack case than a power or pre amp. All of my gear is mounted in SKB rack cases and I swear by them. Yes they add a bit of weight but that is far out weighed (forgive the pun) by the protection they provide. It's also a more professional look. Think of a drummer just carrying his bare drums and stands into a gig. Same thing!

My opinion

Paul

 

[iriegnome]

A rack is just another case. I would never buy a bass without one, why would I buy a piece of Rack mount gear and not put it in a case? That would be kind of silly.

 

[flakeh]

rack rig for me...unless I'm using my combo for small gigs or sessions.

SKB 16 space shockmounted!!

Yours, in combination with Franco Bollo make me jealous. Very jealous.

I don't rackmount my head, as it's non rackmountable (YBA-200, SVT450H) But, My rack contains the following:

Juice Goose power conditioner
TC electrics G-sharp effects processor
Behringer rack tuner
And a shelf/drawer for my wireless and other junk.

 

[bassman1185]

I keep my amp racked because it's protected, and this way I can keep my compressor and Sonic Maximizer hooked up at all times. It's just more convenient.

 

[washburnfan]

I rack whats rackmountable... But I also like the classic look of just a head...

 

[saxnbass]

I don't have any rack gear. But not cause I don't like it, cause I have to carry everything around and don't have a license so can't drive; so it's all about the extra weight. grrr

 

[THB_bassman]

I don't use a rack, myself, but I'm not saying it's bad to do so - just different strokes. I transport the amp in a soft padded bag. I would rack it to protect it, if needed.
Gigs nearly every weekend, I mostly use an 800RB and no effects; the only thing between my bass and the amp is a Boss TU-2 which also serves as a mute between sets.
I don't need the extra weight, I don't drop it, and weather here is rarely/never a problem. The amp gets plenty of air when playing.

The only problem I foresee is the carry bag is getting kinda worn, and GK doesn't seem to make one for the 800 anymore...if anyone knows of a place to get a 3 sp soft padded bag (not a rack bag) I'd appreciate the info.

 

[NKUSigEp]

Versatility of being able to switch out each component separately
Protection
Convenience of having everything in one box
Portability
Aesthetics

 

[canshaker]

old rig:

new rig:

 

[tlwaps]

I've got all my gear in a RoadReady case. Easier to transport and excellent protection, yeah it's a little heavy but i'd rather not shell out thousands more dollars to replace my equipment.