PLAN B analog blog

That makes two of us!

This issue was five sided:

1) I've been listening intently over the past year on any and all
blogs I can lay my eyes on which touch on the subject of cases and the
number one concern is gigging portability.  The desk cabinet would be
a horror to lug around even if you had a outer skin, a cool flight
case crafted for the instrument.

2)  I was terribly worried about damage in shipping, especially
overseas.  I was considering doing a Ikea type you build it kit for
the chassis shown in the link, but it's beyond my mechanical
engineering prowess to design such a thing  (hint to any ME's out
there...)

3)  How would I handle paint that didn't match from lot to lot - the
last thing I have room for in the shop is a temp. controlled light
booth and a set of paint chips, or storage of unsold units?  B
counterpoint, he Zero case is packed marvelously when it ships from
Haliburton and that same packing can be used when it's sent to the
customer.  The key to success as I saw it was to develop a system
that's sturdy and easily duplicated month after month after month

4) Although this deign was somethng I came up with thirty years ago
when I did the case for my Serge, it's hardly original (cough DON
cough cough)...I wanted to come up with something more unique that
drips of sex appeal...I thing the Zero has that nailed.

5)  never say never (see *)


But If it's the ergonomics of the slopped design which draws you to
the sketch of this cabinet, then fear not.  I gotta tell you the Zero
case with both shells filled and the halves arranged as shown in the
photo I posted here has the same benefit of every control being the
same distance from your eyes and reach, plus the added benefit of
being sexier. You have to trust me on this.  When I saw how the two
ends sloped together, like one continuous line when the back shell is
held off the table top by a guitar or amp stand I was really relieved
because I too love the ergomonics of the slopped face and the six row
Zero configuration nails it. That's when I knew this design was solid.
I had tripped upon an original way to accomplished the same goal.

* - this is what I've been thinking about doing: Posting instructions
on the EAR site on how to make one of these yourself (it's not all
that hard).  How I did the three or so I've made through the years is
render the shape of the side walls (as shown in the link you
highlighted) in full scale (Freehand or Illustrator will let you do
this), take to a Kinko's or a suitable overseas equivalent and have a
full size print made.  I then coat a little rubber cement to both the
wood and the back of the print out and using a Plexiglases roller
laminate  the print out to the side of the wood so it sits square to
the bottom edge of the wood.  I then use the the printout and a zigsaw
template.  

Wroks like a charm.  The rubber cemented print lifts easily off the
sirface f the wood and a little sanding, which you'll have to do
anyway) takes care of any residue that may be left once it's removed.
 On the other piece of wood (other sidewall) I lay the first cut pieve
and trace that as the second template.  Once they're both cut, a clamp
them together and use a power sander to get rid of any dips or bumps
from cutting and to assure they're the same size.  The front and top
of the case require no curved cuts,  these are really easy to make.

The only dfficult part (I tend to put a positive spin on it and say 
where the creative challenge begins) is the finish on the wood.  I
opted for paint over stain, accepted the fact that I would flub it up
beyond repair if I attempted to do it myself and put the task in the
able hands of a professional.  

Luckily for me I live very close to a bevy of cabinet makers in the
San Fernando Vally which make rack cases.  They all paint in house and
they all take outside work for painting alone.  I used KK Audio in Sun
Valley (that's an area of the San Fernando Valley).  Their prices are
fantastic p my large case costs only $25 in 2002).

This isn't to say though that stain is a bad way to go.  There are
some gorgeous hardwoods out there, and oils really bring out the
flaming in the wood.  There are a ton of options.  Corral Draw files
can be read by CNC machines - you could have it cut out of plexiglass
or metal for that matter.

How's that sound?  

- P
 








--- In PLAN_B_analog_blog@yahoogroups.com, "sascha victoria"
<sascha.victoria@...> wrote:
>
> argh! i was really hoping one of the cases would resemble this:
> 
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PLAN_B_analog_blog/photos/album/630816539/pic/2048352879/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=41&count=20&dir=asc
> 
> so it goes...
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 8:09 AM, (i think you can figure that out) <
> peter@...> wrote:
> 
> >   First, an important announcement - the Noisebug booth 6108 is on the
> > main hall this year in the vicinity of Moog and Motu.
> >
> > Sometime this week I will be posting some details on what we'll be
> > showing pmn the Plan B Analog Blog (go to www.ear-group.net to sign
> > up): The Models 21C, 30, 30A and 32 and the big move into cases and
> > systems. In brief, there are two different 'cases' - the Ringer, a
> > single row rack frame offering a low-cost solution to a previously
> > expensive expansion requirement, and the Model Zero, which is the same
> > three row Zero Halibuton case used by NIN with some significant
> > improvements, including power saving modes and the option of expanding
> > it to six rows. The production units will be gun metal gray. A photo
> > has been posted in the PB Analog Blog.
> >
> > The Performance System, which has it's own case not unlike the Doepfer
> > portable although two rows of 102 HP and eight inches deep is our fist
> > venture into the systems arena and will also be on display and
> > operational at the show
> >
> > To support the Ringer, the Zero and the PS we're introducing an
> > external power system which utilizes two high-grade second party
> > switching supplies as it's engine. The supplies are audio grade and
> > protected to the point that key'd power connectors on the bus will not
> > be required...the PSU will shut itself off instantly if a module is
> > installed backwards.
> >
> > Again, when my schedule allows I will be posting more details on all
> > this, including photos. Please grant me patience with this and in
> > getting back with anyone who may need to contact me as I'm deep into
> > Namm hell at present and time away to post is minimal.
> >
> > Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you all at the show!
> >
> > - Peter Grenader
> >
> >  
> >
>