Why don't they make combos easier to carry?

[LaXu]

Propably 95% of all combo amps only have that single handle on top, even 2x12s that weigh a ton and are uncomfortably sized. I moved recently and due to it being right before Christmas, had little moving help available so I ended up carrying most of the heavy stuff myself. Furniture, stereo speakers, subwoofer..none of those were as big a pain in the ass to carry than my two 1x12 combos.

I would've killed for a pair of carrying handles on the sides. How come extremely few combos have them though? They're a regular part on most 4x12s so what gives?

[boogieplaya]

man ive been wondering the same thing for years...that top handle is indeed incredibly useless on my trri...its just as easy to bring my halfstack to gigs..

[Smakutus]

The Vox AC-30 has three and it does make it much easier to carry. My old Egnater TOL 2-12" combo has only one and is very heavy. Every time I pick it up I think "Man I hope this handle doesn't break.." That could screw up your foot bones fur sure.

Jeff

[John Phillips]

Get a lightweight road case - it doesn't have to be full flight standard or really expensive, just a reasonably decent one with wheels and... end handles. It really puzzles me that so few people have them... they make life so much easier. Big wheels, big handles, no need to worry about amp damage any more. And the lid doubles as a great amp stand (mirror image post in another thread!).

[Tone_Terrific]

[quote=John Phillips;2023323]puzzles me that so few people have them... they make life so much easier. quote]

Probably does.

But, if you have a revolving door of amp requirements, that makes a lot of cases to own, and then pack each time you choose an amp for the gig/rehearsal. Those inset metal handles should be on the sides of each combo amp, IMO.

[suhr_rodney]

For me combo amps got easier to move when I started buying heads and 1x12 cabs! :NUTS

[Jarrett]

I don't see why they don't move more towards the trend of portable bass amps. My main bass rig is an Ampeg PortaBass250. (I'm really a bass player that likes to noodle on guitars) It's a 250watt combo comes in either a 2x10 or 2x12 combo that weighs like 50lbs maybe. It has wheels made in to back/bottom of the amp with a removable telescoping handle on the back as well. Not to mention standard handles on the tops and side.

You just put it on the ground, extend the telescoping handle, tilt the amp back and away you go leisurely strolling to the gig. Couple that with a roomy gig bag, you can carry everything you need in one trip and have a free hand to spare.

Another cool thing is the long handle makes it easy to get off stage. You just roll it to the edge of the stage and extend the handle. And just gently lower the amp down to the ground with the long handle. And if you don't want the handle on the amp while you are playing, just remove it and stow it until after the show.

Here is a pic of one:



I even forgot there is a nice tilt back handle on the bottom as well. Why couldn't 1x12 and 2x12 combos or even just 2x12 cabs use this design as well?? Crate could even do an inexpensive Powerblock combo with something like this and only weigh 35-45lbs total I bet. Dang, I should be designing and selling these things

[gkoelling]

Gator cases makes both a 1x12 and 2x12 amp carrier with wheels and telescopic handle. The case also doubles as a stand if you want the amp off the floor.

[harryjmic]

I put 2 Tonkerlites in a Dr.Z Invasion and it now weighs about the weight of a single speaker combo. The best part is the tone of the amp even got better. I can't wait until they come out with more of the Neo speakers because they really address a lot of your concerns.

[suhr_rodney]

Originally Posted by gkoelling

Gator cases makes both a 1x12 and 2x12 amp carrier with wheels and telescopic handle. The case also doubles as a stand if you want the amp off the floor.

That's a pretty neat looking product. Your post prompted me to scan Musicians Friend's web site, where I noticed a number of similar products. They have one for heads, mixers, etc. I'll have to see one in person, but they look well built in the pics.

[boogieplaya]

makes me chuckle to see gator advertising that with a line6 amp..the amp probably cost less than the case.

[gkoelling]

Originally Posted by suhr_rodney

That's a pretty neat looking product. Your post prompted me to scan Musicians Friend's web site, where I noticed a number of similar products. They have one for heads, mixers, etc. I'll have to see one in person, but they look well built in the pics.

They offer just about anything you could think of. I can't remember the warranty but they do stand behind it if something is defective.

[Baba]

Originally Posted by John Phillips

Get a lightweight road case - it doesn't have to be full flight standard or really expensive, just a reasonably decent one with wheels and... end handles. It really puzzles me that so few people have them... they make life so much easier. Big wheels, big handles, no need to worry about amp damage any more. And the lid doubles as a great amp stand (mirror image post in another thread!).

.

As a counterpoint, it would then be very hard to lug that case around by yourself. As hard as a 2x12 is to lug around, it can be done, if you have a case and no help, you're screwed.

[Tonefish]

Originally Posted by LaXu

I would've killed for a pair of carrying handles on the sides. How come extremely few combos have them though?

I've been wondering the same thing...as I haul my AC30 around!! What a pain !!!

[dave s]

The way I see it is that most combos come with feet just tall enough to slip a dollie safely under the bottom of the amp for easy move-age.

But yeah, couldn't agree MORE that moving combos by a top handle is utterly painful on the elbow and knee when the negotiating a door or doorway.

dave