Rack case or rack bag for my swr head

Aurresku

Aurresku

Mar 8, 2017
24
29
4,571
Bilbao
youtu.be
#1
Hello Talkbass!

I'd like to get a case or bag to protect my swr bass 350 amp head while playing and carrying it. I'm considering different options:
1. Rackcase 2u shallow (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GR2S--gator-gr-2s-standard-shallow-rack-case , 14'' rackable depth)
2. Rackcase 2u standard (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GR2L--gator-gr-2l-standard-locking-rack-case , 19'' rackable depth)
3. Rackbag 2u (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GRB2--gator-grb-2u-rack-bag)
4. In anycase, should I choose 2u or bigger (because of overheating protection)?

Does anyone have a recommendation, considering: weight, protection, overheating, ease of transport ... or anyother matter you have experienced.

Thank you!!
 
#3
Pockets and long straps are often handy. I also like being able to just flip the front/back flaps under a Gatorstyle rackbag on the cabinet, instead of having to stow the lids for a hard rackcase.

So if I'll be handling my own gear, I'll generally house the amp head in a rackbag. Hard racks if otherwise.

I don't think of Bilbao as particulaly hot, but if overheating is a concern on your circuit, opt for a shallow case (which'll breath better), consider a 3U instead of a 2U rack, and on really hot stages use an external fan to help the SWR's internal fan (make sure the extra fan directs air to help rather than fight against the SWR's fan). Or, consider upgrading the internal SWR fan. (Not sure of the OEM fan's specs, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a more efficient—and perhaps quieter—fan from the usual computer and electronics vendors.)
 
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#5
I have choice #2 and have had it for quite a while.
It holds a 1u power amp and a 1u preamp. I have never had issues with overheating, and used to play in a garage in Arizona summers. I have carried it on NYC trains and cabs, it carries like a briefcase. Mine is not especially heavy, and the 'net says our amps are comparable, although yours weighs a little more. The rack weighs around 10 lbs on its own.
It is sturdy and works as advertised, although they included the wrong key for the lock...


Aurresku said:
Hello Talkbass!

I'd like to get a case or bag to protect my swr bass 350 amp head while playing and carrying it. I'm considering different options:
1. Rackcase 2u shallow (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GR2S--gator-gr-2s-standard-shallow-rack-case , 14'' rackable depth)
2. Rackcase 2u standard (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GR2L--gator-gr-2l-standard-locking-rack-case , 19'' rackable depth)
3. Rackbag 2u (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GRB2--gator-grb-2u-rack-bag)
4. In anycase, should I choose 2u or bigger (because of overheating protection)?

Does anyone have a recommendation, considering: weight, protection, overheating, ease of transport ... or anyother matter you have experienced.

Thank you!!
Click to expand...
 
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#6
According to the dimensions, the SWR head fits into a shallow rack.
Bilbao is not a very hot place. I'm concerned about the normal heating while using the amp because it is +/- 20 years old and although it works very fine ... i want to use it carefully.

Considering different pros and cons, probably I will get a shallow rack case,

Thank you very much!
 
#7
Pretty sure my gear is older, too. :D

Aurresku said:
According to the dimensions, the SWR head fits into a shallow rack.
Bilbao is not a very hot place. I'm concerned about the normal heating while using the amp because it is +/- 20 years old and although it works very fine ... i want to use it carefully.

Considering different pros and cons, probably I will get a shallow rack case,

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
 
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#9
I'd go with the Gator shallow rack, option 1. According to the 350's manual, you need ½" clearance on the left side for the fan, and I *think* you should be fine with that. I've never used rack bags, but I'm sure plenty of folks use them with success. I like something a bit more rigid, but my gig situation also warrants that.

A little note about Gator, a few months back I had the handle fail on a 6U shallow rack that I have had for over nine years. I contacted Gator and after sending a couple of images of the issue, they sent me a brand new 6U shallow rack case. That case had seen countless road trips, trailers, bus storage areas, etc. Color me impressed and a big fan of Gator. I have a typical plywood road case, but prefer the Gator case over it as it's just easier to move around and offers what I feel to be the same protection.
 
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