Double Bass Wheels> Gainnes vs Upton and others

[bobsax]

The Upton Wheel
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looks a lot like the Gaines model.
http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product/1222-GAINES_UPRIGHT_BASS_TRANSPORT_WHEEL.html
Has anybody compared them?

How does the Meisel compare ? It's the cheapest .
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/orchestral-strings/meisel-bass-endpin-wheels

or the Xeros?
http://www.amazon.com/Xeros-1007XW638-Bass-Wheel-Shank/dp/B002Q0WT56/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

This one looks like an air filled tire but I don't see a stem
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upright-String-Bass-Transport-Wheel-with-10mm-Shaft-/140526796267

What about Onyx?
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thanks for your help

 

[cultrvultr]

I've got a xeros. Seems like it is pretty similar to the Gaines and other wheels. I have walked with it for several miles over pavement with no problems. Make sure the wheel you buy has one flat side to catch the end pin screw so it won't spin while you walk.

I had a rocky dirt path to the gig last night and it was too bumpy for the wheel. A bass buggy or festival stroller might be a better solution for that type of offroading.

Let me know if you want to come check out the wheel.

 

[SAlcott]

I'm leery of any wheel whose axle is supported on only one side. I've used the same Gaines wheel for 20+ years, and expect it to be functional long after I'm not.

 

[geoffbassist]

The Onyx has worked really well for me. It's lightweight and well made.

 

[tornadobass]

The Onyx worked great until I got a bass with a carbon endpin that doesn't have a set screw. The onyx wheel is nice and cushy, without needing to be inflated. I'm not using a bass buggy.

 

[drurb]

I'm hooked on the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] after having used an Upton wheel for some time. The Upton wheel is one with the axle supported on one side. Given the gauge of the metal, that's not a shortcoming at all.

 

[longfinger]

I have a wheel that is not on that list, but is similar to the wheel design that Upton sells.

Some points: bigger wheels roll better over rough surfaces than do smaller wheels. ie. sidewalks, snow+ice, pot holes etc. I advise choosing the bigger wheels over the smaller ones.

Inflatable is nice, cushy, but make sure the air valve is easily accessible for a standard bicycle pump. ie. Looking at the pic of the Xeros, I think refilling that tire with air might be a chore to do.

Two forks might seem better, sure it is in theory, but the reality IMHO regarding the metal strength+thickness involved, and the mass of a DB+case+accessories, the single fork wheels can be fine for decades too.

For the flat part of the shaft: not a big deal... a few minutes and some arm work with a proper file can flatten down any one side of a cylindrical wheel shaft.

 

[Anonymatt]

Gaines wheel is awesome. I fly with mine, bumps ain't no thang, and in my mind, I'm riding Batman's motorcycle.

 

[csrund]

I'm a fan of the buggy. No need to remove/swap the endpin, very stable, and no direct shock to the end block; the buggy is cushioned by the padding of your case.

And, significantly, when using the buggy, the overall height of the instrument is the same as with the endpin retracted, unlike the unicycle wheels, which make the instrument length longer during transport. That means I can load the bass into the car, close the hatch and go without having to remove a wheel.

The buggy is considerably more expensive than any of the wheels, but I like it a lot.

Hope this is a bit helpful... cheers!

 

[bobsax]

Thanks Guys
Lots of real good info here
I use a Magna Cart now
http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B000HVVSDU
I used it a Jazz Camp West and it worked best to drag it behind me. Obviously this would not work in a crowded situation .

I was holding my bass trying to image using a wheel and in my mind it seems like you'd fall over. I'll have to look around for a training video on Youtube

Here is the MagnaCart. It's probably more stable then the buggie when standing alone.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Jazz Camp? Hi Bob!

I have the Onyx but I don't use it much. Next time around, I'd go for an inflatable wheel. The foam is still a bit stiff. I would feel better with a Gaines or similar. But it's backpack straps for me!

 

[bobsax]

Jazz Camp? Hi Bob!

I have the Onyx but I don't use it much. Next time around, I'd go for an inflatable wheel. The foam is still a bit stiff. I would feel better with a Gaines or similar. But it's backpack straps for me!

Hey Huy

I think we were the only two that didn't have wheels.

There's is a thread here somewhere at BassTalk where somebody with a backpack bass bag like yours mentions how he fell over backwards on a crowded NYC sidewalk .
He said he flailed there like a turtle on its back for some time before sombody helped him
Be safe with that thing

bob

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Yeah I feel like a turtle with that thing on. It's definitely easier than having to sling the bass around on a shoulder strap. I used to backpack more often so I'm comfortable with large bulky loads.

Wheels tend to really screw with my heck when I'm pushing them around.