Does any one make a case like this?

Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

The other day I was packing up my steel, and noticed that the compartment for the pedal rack,etc. being in the front made it a lot harder on my back to set up/pack up. As a weakling, I started wondering if anyone made a case with that compartment in the back of the case instead. Anyone ever seen this or modified a case to be this way? I assume the pedal rack compartment would have to be reinforced, but it shouldn't be that tough. It just seems like that little bit of bending forward it would save would be a lot easier on my back... Just curious.

Gabriel

Ron ! · Posted 2 Aug 2008 1:18 pm

Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

Ron, I did consider that, actually, but the pedal rods are in the way if I do it that way. Also, I have to lift the steel higher to get it over the lid of the case - again - I'm a weakling. Does this idea make any sense at all, or am I way off? I just spoke with Gary Rittenberry (who is about to start my guitar - I can't wait to get it!), and he's going to find out what Fred Justice thinks of the idea. I'll certainly trust his judgement on the issue, but I would like to know if this seems like a practical idea. Do you guys with split cases find it easier getting the steel in and out without a pedal rack compartment?

GPS

Danny Bates · From: Fresno, CA. USA

Jim Smith · From: Midlothian, TX, USA

If the pedal bar compartment is in the back, when you pick up the case, the weight of the guitar will be on the pedal bar compartment, instead of on a structural component of the case.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

I bet Albert Johnson in Tallassee Fl. could and would do it for you he built sevreral for me.

ernie

Barry Blackwood · Posted 2 Aug 2008 2:55 pm

What Jim Smith said. Cool

Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

Reinforcing the pedal rack compartment can't be that much work. The vast majority of the weight is being supported at the point where the divider meets the outer wall of the case. I little block inserted on both ends seems like it would do the trick. I would think the only potential problem would be balance. It would be top heavy when you sat it down.

Gabriel

James Collett · From: San Dimas, CA

This may seem stupid, but what if you made one with the pedal bar compartment in back, and put the handle back with the hinges? That way, it wouldn't be top-heavy, and when you opened it, the steel would be easier to get in and out.
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James Collett

Danny Bates · From: Fresno, CA. USA

Or just make one with a removable lid with latches and handles on all four sides? Then you can carry it in any position.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Adding a divider and braces that would be strong enough to hold the weight of a steel would add additional weight to the case. A reverse compartment case could be built but it's not really practical.

I like the two piece case set option better and built a two piece set for my Franklin, which is lighter than a Sho-Bud, Zum, Emmons, etc.

Dan Beller-McKenna · From: Durham, New Hampshire, USA

I think Danny's and James's ideas share the gold prize on this one. Just make sure the latches are heavy duty on the removable lid model. Problem solved!

Dan
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dbmCk mUSIC

James Collett · From: San Dimas, CA

Danny Wins! Very Happy

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James Collett

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Gabriel, I build custom steel guitar cases to ANY specification that you want. Actually as far as weight is concerned, splitting the pedal rack and legs off into a separate case and putting wheels on the body case is the way to go. It cuts 15-20 pounds off carrying the whole thing in one case. As far as a one piece case goes I can put the divider where ever you want.Front or back. There is a picture on my website of s Fender Stringmaster case with the divider in the back of the case. Bracing with light weight aluminum L brackets is not a problem at all. I still recomend split cases with wheels on the body case for ultimate weight reduction though, which is why I designed them in the first place. www.hattoncases.com

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

In the Excel case, there is no fixed separater bar.

I can't show it now, but there is a piece of fiber that goes OVER the guitar and separates the guitar from the pedal bar, pedal rods and Legs (in their pouch), before the case is closed.

The dimensions of the case are:

36" long
13 and 1/2" wide
8" thick

This makes the case smaller in the width direction, but a we bit thicker. Yet, it is quite comfortable to haul around. It feels more balanced to me than the regular cases.

Do come and see it at the Excel room, in St. Louis at the ISGC, this year. I look forward to see all of my friends. If you are not already a friend, please become one, I would be honored.

c.
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John Bechtel · From: Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.

I guess this thread isn't accepting Replies from me this evening! Mine didn't register.
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<marquee> Go~Daddy~Go, (No), Go, It's your Break Time</marquee> L8R, jb
My T-10 Remington Steelmaster

Bill Moore · From: Manchester, Michigan

Carl's pictures show the solution to your problem, it's not using different style of case. Before unpacking the guitar, set the case on a table, a couple of chairs, the edge of the stage, anything to get it up off the floor. You won't need to bend over to lift the guitar out of the case. Just raising it a foot off the floor will make a huge difference.
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Bill Moore...
my steel guitar web page

Bill Ford · From: Graniteville SC Aiken

Or, do it like MSA did it a long time ago, notice also, the wimpy handle...BF

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Steeling for Jesus now!!!

Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

Thanks for the opinions. This is more input than I expected. Much appreciated.

Gabriel

Barry Blackwood · Posted 5 Aug 2008 11:30 am

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