Seperated After Birth - unCombo a Combo unit

I bought this Bassman 400, primarily for playing outside (the backyard gig):



http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=72492&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1194021694

Now back then 80 pounds was nothing. Today, maybe it is something.

The amp is separable from the box.

What are your thoughts on separating, and then chopping the top of the box that holds the amp, in order to haul both pieces separately?

It would probably be a little easier to make a headbox for the amp part, and just take it out of the existing cab.

...or maybe just get a folding hand cart for it!

Cheers, Tim

It would probably be a little easier to make a headbox for the amp part, and just take it out of the existing cab.

...or maybe just get a folding hand cart for it!

Cheers, Tim

Great idea for a headbox. Do you have any experience putting one together?

The issue is more getting it from the basement to the truck, and from truck down to the ground....haha. It's got casters for the in-betweens.

I wouldn't cut up the existing cabinet either - that's serious cosmetic issue and a major devaluation if you and the amp decide to divorce later.

The headbox itself would be simple enough to build. Depends how far into the cosmetic's you want to go. If the amp is under say 11 " depth - I would spring for a piece of clear hemlock 1x12 as you can then do a round over, black transparent stain and a urethane top coat for a nice finished look to the wood.

If the amp is deeper than that - cost would be outta site on solid material. Not having a jointer and planer handy, I'd opt for sheet goods. Probably a hardwood veneer ply - you could but joint or rabbet & dado. I'd do the trans stain and urethane finish as it's way easy, looks nice and is reasonable durable. Plenty of other options abound for finish though. Carpet, Dura Tex - gasp - black spray paint...

www.partsexpress.com would be one source for finishing hardware like corner stacker protector thingies , rubber feet, etc ...

These guys will sell you a nice finished aluminum extrusion if you want the road case look. Penn-Elcom (http://www.penn-elcom.com/Default.asp?MC=1106010&GC=200)

It doesn't take much to get a decent look. If you're tool shy, the lumber yard (even home depot) will rip the sheet to width and chop it to length. they may charge you a couple of bucks.

I would be using 5/8'ths materials for sheet goods I think. Smaller than that and things look a little 'weenie' to me. 5/8th's is pretty stiff too.

If this is the first time and it's going to get moved often, think about a way to provide front and rear protection in transit. I would be inclined to build the box between 1.5 & 2" oversized front to back and derive a way of velcroing in a panel front & back.

I would also do a false cover for the now missing amplifier to block that big old hole in my cabinet ...

If you're woodworking shy - then a kitchen cabinet maker could do this - dovetailed in a couple of hours ... it's basically a drawer with weird dimensions, stood on it's face... he would just need a drawing to get the idea and a set of dimensions to build to ... you would need to be prepared for the look he'll give ya when asked though ...

man dont cut that cab.,its to purty.

Don't do it! Get yourself a Kart-a-bag or the equivalent if 80 lbs. is more than you can carry.