Ways to lock up an amp head?

[CosmicRay]

I also rent a rehearsal space with a few musicians. But there is more than one bass amp there, so no one uses mine. However, one night I went into the space and there were about 3-4 bottles of water, some half-full, sitting on top of my 1968 Sunn 200S. I took pics and sent it to everyone involved in renting the space, letting them know my displeasure and to NEVER put liquids on top of an amp. Any amp, not just mine. Now I keep it covered, haven't had an issue since.

 

[CosmicRay]

This probably will not work for an Ampeg SVT, but they are a deterrant for an unwanted amp user.....


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[rtslinger]

I was going to say plug lock would work great

 

[rtslinger]

here you go

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I would use a light class D head for rehearsals. Or a junky one to leave there.

This, if you are that worried. I guess I would be too. Yes, people will mess with anything, try to make it work..We used to have a gig at a rough joint. My bass was either in my hands to in the case.

 

[Old Fart]

If I were in your shoes, I would leave it at home and only use it on the gigs.
Then I'd buy a cheap D class head that is easy to bring to and from rehearsals.

This. ^^^

 

[Slevage]

here you go
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And if you lose the key, I’ll get you running in about 5 minutes.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Nothing you can do to prevent it from being stolen. A lock will only slow a thief down. Cords can be cut, locks can be cut and a locked cabinet can be taken away to be opened at leisure. If you are concerned about theft, don't leave anything in a shared, uncontrolled space you are not willing to lose.

 

[Zak TMD]

Second the locked roadcase. I got one, it has wheels, it has a spot for a padlock. Done and done. Are you lugging that thing without a case?

 

[DJ Bebop]

How about a little from column A and a little from column B.

Take the amp head home. Get a lighter head that can travel easier and bring that back and forth to practice because you are just there to make sure the notes and cues are right, right?

Then before an upcoming gig, bring in the big head to make sure it's working and sounds like what you remember, dress rehearsal, then pack it up for the gig, bring it home, then put it in the car for the gig, play gig, bring it home, rinse and repeat.

That's kinda how the big names use to do it.

Oops, I forgot to ask, is there gigs involved?

If not, one can understand why you want to use the amp all the time in that space as that is your opportunity to use it. But if it's a gigging situation maybe hearing the amp once in a while would benefit the amp as well and keep the threat of something happening to it down, using it manly on the gigs.

 

[Grinderman]

Bass Confusion ask: Is the problem that the SVT is too heavy or too light?

 

[two fingers]

If the head is a newer version, the cord lockouts won't work. The IEC input on the back means that ANY IEC cord could be used to power the amp. Any rehearsal space is going to have a dozen of those within arm's reach.

The IEC lockout is the way to go. No way to power it up with this baby on it.
Accuform Orange Power Cord Plug Lockout (IEC Plug), Nylon Plastic, KDD320: Industrial Warning Signs: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[Thebiggestjerk]

With the amazing advances in technology with solid state amps is there any reason to play an 80# head into what I presume is either a 4x10 or 8x10 cab in a small practice room? This is overkill at the least. Get a TC Electronic or Markbass combo amp...it boasts tons of power and headroom, and it’s 40-50# and can be moved in and out easily. Plus it’ll be under warranty for a few years which means servicing tubes and transformers is basically off the table.
OR
Get a premium gear insurance plan with a low deductible, damage and theft coverage and roll the dice with leaving it there.

 

[Biggbass]

jut take it home... 80 Lbs is not an obstacle.

 

[pepj]

If you can't trust the people in the studio when you arent there...and I presume you've paid for this space you need to have a word.
Why you need to dance through hoops re your space and your amp is a pretty said state of affairs bandwise.
A heavy tube amp is run under a certain procedure and load but if youve never come across that, they'll likely abuse it.

2 options, imv
Take it home and carry a cheaper class D
Ban no paying guests.
Fire drummer if cant be trusted.

 

[lermgalieu]

I'm in the camp of get a cheap class D head and bring it to and fro. Use the SVT for gigs. IMO.

 

[MikeBass]

Just pull the fuse and the holder. Stick it in your gig bag until next time you’re there. buy a spare and leave it in your glove box of your car just in case you misplace it or something.

 

[agedhorse]

Older lead sled amps are available for "pennies on the dollar", find something you like and use that in the rehearsal space.

 

[john_g]

Its an SVT CL, like mine, so it likely has a detachable power cord. So you could take it with you but I know I have a million of those cords so its not hard to find another if someone wanted to. And its closer to 90 lbs, so i wouldnt lug it back and forth either. I would definitely talk to the band members that it is absolutely off limits and explain how expensive it is. Like someone else said, i would be worried some dummy would try to use it without connecting it to a cab and blow something.

It might be your only amp at this point but, i wouldnt permanently use mine just to practice. You are putting miles on those tubes just for practice...but that just imo. If i was thinking of both protecting it from unauthorized use AND being stolen, then I would probably just look for a cheap, used bass head to use instead. A locking case will probably be more expensive.

 

[g-dude]

I’d love to but it’s like 80 lbs

Lift heavy and take a multi - eventually you'll be using it for curls.

Seriously though, I remember when I thought it wasn't a big deal to lug two 4x12s down some stairs and load them into my GTI even though I was pretty scrawny at the time. Nowadays, I have to weigh (get it?) the likelihood that I'm creating extra work for the folks at physical therapy versus the benefit of bringing any particular pieces of gear.

Even if you are in good enough shape to routinely schlep the thing around, eventually you won't be - either on a temporary or on a permanent basis.

If someone tries to steal it, hopefully they get a hernia. If you want them to not play it, it sounds like the solution is to remove a fuse or tubes or something to keep it from powering up - but I imagine removing the wrong thing could create other issues.

Flight case might be the best solution.