Author Topic: How to get your gear to gigs in an eco-friendly way. (Read 2292 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** September 11, 2009, 09:31:40 AM »

At last. I did say a few years ago that I would post some photo's of my smart car loaded with my bass rig? Well at long last and after some gently reminding from Bill tgo, I decided to put the stuff in the car today and take some photo's. So here we go. This is a Standard Smart for two Pure with 3 cylinder 600cc engine. Inside is a two mesa boogie powerhouse cabs 1x15 and 2x10, a flightcase containing my Mesa-boogie walkabout with compressor limiter and also my Europa 5 in it's standard case. Oh yes the drivers seat is clear as you can see for me to sit. I'm about 5'11 and the drivers seat is just pushed forward slightly in order to get the cab behind my seat and the passenger seat is much further forward than normal. FYI, the passenger seats on smart cars have more travel since in normal position it is slightly behind that of the driver so to face the passenger you would have to look slightly behind and to the left. Ok photo's.

All the best Jazzyvee

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2009, 09:44:34 AM »

Yeah !!!!!!! for little hatchbacks. Cool. My next car will be a little hatchback.

LMiwa · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2009, 09:45:29 AM »

And since it's about the same size as your average hand cart, you can just drive it up on stage, open the hatch, plug it in, and start playing!

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2009, 10:01:22 AM »

ya call that a tail gate gig.

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2009, 10:36:36 AM »

The steering wheel is on the wrong side. ;-)

I must admit I'm impressed with the hauling capacity.

Keith

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2009, 11:48:56 AM »

Its a great little runner, never had any problems with it. I get it serviced and tested once a year. The engine is actually underneath the two mesa boogie cabs.
It's a bit cramped in the front with all that gear inside but for a short trip across town it;s ok. I wouldn't go on a long drive with it packed up so much. Just a shame I can't plug those two cabs into the in-car stereo!!!

It is interesting when the punters see me taking my stuff outside and realise it all fits into a smart car......

Jazzyvee

bigyouth · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2009, 12:01:37 PM »

Very ni?e Picture Jazzyvee!
Small car with a Big sound

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2009, 12:54:40 PM »

How tall are you jazzy? (leg room???)........i'm 6'3 & would have a hard time fitting my long legs / big Blue alembic bass case in such a tight spot!

Bradley Young · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2009, 03:28:01 PM »

Jazzy,

I think this is one of the best threads ever.

Thanks for posting.

Bradley

lbpesq · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2009, 04:05:12 PM »

Jazzyvee:

I was going to suggest that you return the Smartcar to the dealer as it is defective .. they put the steering wheel in wrong, but Keith beat me to it. I would be cool to get a power converter, wire up the rig, open the hatch, plug in and play! Great Britain's answer to the Bose P.A.S. cylindrical radiator! I'll have to show this to the other guitar player in my band who recently bought a Honda Element to haul all his equipment around. Thanks for the pics. As they say, the best things are worth waiting for

Bill, tgo

toma_hawk01 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2009, 04:42:00 PM »

I love that car!

With multiple cameras installed, someday, we would be able to make remote delivers without ever needing to enter the car. Remote driving, will be a reality someday.

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 11, 2009)

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2009, 06:24:12 PM »

Jazzyvee; does the hatch close? Looks like the speakers are sticking out from here. But I'm impressed; and I love it! Very, very cool!!

What size shoehorn does it take?

Bill; Honda Elements look like they were designed to hall band equipment around. Great cargo area.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2009, 11:54:04 AM »

Hi Dave, the hatch does indeed close. I usually cover them with a thick blanket to prevent the corners knocking on the windows as the cabs can bounce a bit during driving and I don't want to crack or smash the glass. in any case showing a pic with the hatch closed wouldn't prove the stuff was in there hahah.

Keavin I'm 5'11 so a shortie compared to you. Although my friend's son is 6'4 and is comfortable in the passenger side. Driver side you may find it a little short on leg room.

jakebass · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2009, 03:46:33 PM »

Hi Jazzy, great to see all that gear in such a tiny car, I have a pianist/arranger friend in London Simon Whiteside, he is easily 6'4 and a very big guy, it impresses me that he and his 88 note keyboard show up in a Smart just like yours. Hats off for thinking of your environmental impact.
Jake

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2009, 08:00:16 AM »

I'm in process of switching from a '99 Mercury Sable station wagon to a '06 Chevy Cobalt 4-door coupe. I don't have it yet, but I took measurements and should be able to fit all but my largest 1-15 (an old Crate B-15) into the vehicle.
Thanks for the pics, Jazzy.
Mike