Author Topic: Recommendations for a portable rack mount case (Read 536 times)

hammer · « **on:** December 13, 2015, 10:01:10 AM »

I've been using a home-built rack mount case for 20 plus years that has both seen better days and appears to be getting heavier and heavier every time I lug it to where we will be playing. Looking for something that will accommodate my Yamaha P5500; F-1X; SF-2; and several other pieces of equipment (need an 8-space). It doesn't have to be airline worthy but should be able to take a long ride in a van with bad shocks. Interested in what others are using that are fairly light weight.

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2015, 10:21:54 AM »

I use the older style SKB racks. I went from a heavy 6 space rack down to a 4 space and 3 space rack After I got my Series 1. Not only did I need to accommodate the DS-5R but was tired of all the weight. I have the amp and voltage regulator in a 3U and everything else in a 4U case. The result is both cases are lighter and I can move them however I feel like at the time (two light trips is easier than one heavy one).

The only advice I would give is if you go with one of SKB's newer styles or old for that matter is to get front and rear rails for the power amp. While they are sturdy most power amps needs more support than just the front rails can give.

Keith

charles_holmes · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2015, 10:42:10 AM »

Take a look at my thread called
Chalie's revised Rig and Effects I now use the Hybrid Case which is very study.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2015, 11:37:58 AM »

The old top of the line SKB rack with front and back aluminum rails would be a good choice for you in a lightweight choice. I have many rack case's all different makes some heavier then others made from 3/8 and heavier plywood . The top of line plastic SKB is not all that shabby and I think would serve you well for just trucking around.

Wolf

hammer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2015, 03:20:02 PM »

Thanks for the thoughts. Keith I appreciate the idea of having two cases to ease the pain, even if its just a bit, of lugging the equipment everywhere. I don't know why I didn't think of that mysefl. It appears that while a Ph.D. in Child Psychology might have enlightened me about a variety of aspects of child development, it didn't really teach me much common sense or basic math (i.e., two 25 cases are easier to lug around than a 50 pounders).

JuancarlinBass · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2015, 07:04:30 PM »

+1 on the old SKB line. Been trusty for about 20 years, still no damages. Not been using the heaviest power amps in them, tho (The heaviest has been my anvil-heavy Fender BXR Dual 400 bass head, and it has behaved well anyway).

dtothec · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2015, 08:48:28 AM »

I use a Gator Rack Case with telescopic handle and wheels that is very much like the SKB. It has aluminum front and rear rails and rolls like luggage. I have a Ampeg SVT 4pro, Monster power supply, Korg rack tuner and Line6 wireless in it. It is very durable and I've had it a few years and never had a problem with it. I would include pictures but I could not get them compressed enough. If someone could compress them for me I could show you the setup.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2015, 09:39:28 AM »

I have a SKB X-rack style 6U rack case which I got for a song off eBay and whilst it's a great strong and durable rack. It is quite heavy before you put stuff into it. So with a QSC PLX and 4 alembic rack items it, it is a real heavy lump to cart about. I need a trolley really.

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2015, 10:05:48 AM »

Jazzyvee , a trolley or 4 wheel dolly is quite useful indeed. Lately I have been setting my entire rig on stage with such a labour saving item beneath it just incase I am called upon to adjust the location and /or positioning of the rig . This has already helped me in many situations. It also makes setting up and making all the connections easier and faster when I can just turn the entire thing around once all the connections have been made.

Wolf

gtrguy · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2015, 12:08:50 PM »

SKB makes rolling rack cases with handles that are nice. The wheels are not obtrusive and the case is solid.

rockerdebassman · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2015, 02:06:29 PM »

I see a trend as I grow older: older musicians cut corners because stuff gets heavy. So, my guitarist friends tote around tiny practice amps and rationalize how great they sound, forgetting the experiences of playing through a Marshall stack.And they chastise me for hauling around my vintage SVT. No substitution for quality, I say. Also, the heavy stuff builds character !

keith_h · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2015, 02:59:29 PM »

But we're not confined to having use the heavy stuff anymore. If we were I would still be hauling around two Acoustic 301's and two single 15 JBL's. While it sounded good for the era and still would today for a certain style of music it is limited. I get a much better range and tone from my Bag End 2X10 cabinets and less backache to boot.

By the way the term building character might have worked when I was young and foolish but doesn't work on this old coot anymore.

Keith

rockerdebassman · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2015, 03:21:45 PM »

That is true, Keith. It also depends on the gig, I guess.

I played through a EDEN EGRW1264 on Tuesday at a blues jam. smallest bass amp I've ever seen and it kicks out 300 watts (not RMS). Not as nice as the SVT, but this thing just about fits in your pocket.

(Message edited by rockerdebassman on December 14, 2015)