Adding handles to a 2x12 combo amp?

bipedal · Post by **bipedal** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:46 am

Maybe I'm overthinking this...

I've kept my trusty Ampeg R212 Reverberocket (looks like this) parked in my home studio for a long time, in part because the thing is heavy enough that it's rather awkward to carry with only the single handle on the top.

Seems like I ought to be able to install a pair of handles of some type on each side of the amp to make it easier for two people to haul it. Not too worried about cosmetics -- functionality is my goal. I'm planning to make the rounds of local hardware stores for a pair of heavy duty 4/5-screw generic case handles...

Any other resources I should be looking at / solutions that have worked well for you?

- Jay

curtiswyant · Post by **curtiswyant** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:50 am

Heavy-duty hardware store handles should work fine. A crusty old dude I know suggested metal door handles from an older car, like a '60s Cadillac

RefD · Post by **RefD** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:36 am

handles placed at either end of the top like an AC-30?

bipedal · Post by **bipedal** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:03 am

Hmm... I was thinking more handles one the sides of the cab (a la the recessed handles I've seen on some Marshall combos and a lot of cabs, but routing the sides for recessed handles might be beyond the capabilities of my limited power tool arsenal...).

Handles on either end of the top *could* work too, but the R212 is an angled front amp, so top is narrower (front to back) than a lot of combos.

Happy to hear suggestions.

- Jay

RefD · Post by **RefD** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:24 am

bipedal wrote:...the R212 is an angled front amp...

sorry, didn't know that part.

mikeyc · Post by **mikeyc** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:47 am

Just wanted to add that you should try to get spring loaded handles if possible to cut down on sympathetic rattling.

johnnydove · Post by **johnnydove** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:25 am

reliable hardware is a good place for handles, and most amp related accessories.

UnlikeKurt · Post by **UnlikeKurt** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:18 am

Why not go ahead and put two matching handles on the sides?
You can get replacement blue handles for rockets, etc. from fliptops
http://www.fliptops.net/catalog/product ... ucts_id=54

kayagum · Post by **kayagum** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:09 am

Alternately, you can use a furniture dolly to help you move the amp (and all your other gear).

Benefits:
* saves your lower back.
* works decently as an amp isolator in the studio.
* helps elevate the amp off the floor, which is nice when your basement floor gets occasionally wet like mine.

bipedal · Post by **bipedal** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 10:19 am

Thanks for suggestions, all -- including the Fliptops recommendation; hadn't come across that resource before.

The furniture dolly is a great idea, but easing the up-and-down-stairs-process is one of my goals.

Looking at the combo cabinet, I'm starting to rethink the value of adding handles vs. simply cutting out handholds into the sides of the amp - say, 4" wide by 1" tall, rounded at each end. Probably trickier to keep it looking good cosmetically, compared to handles attached to the sides.

UnlikeKurt · Post by **UnlikeKurt** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 10:34 am

Now it is your amp . . .
but, for the sake of aesthetics, consider not damaging a lovely ampeg

Message Board

Adding handles to a 2x12 combo amp?

Adding handles to a 2x12 combo amp?

Who is online