Help Me Build a Rack Rig - UPDATED 12/7/2011

[IndyWS6]

I'll take some time to check out the videos and educate myself. It may seem like I'm asking a lot of questions for what will be a fairly simple setup, but like you said, I'm trying to plan ahead. I'm sure my rig will evolve and I don't want to limit myself with poor choices out of the gate.

Thanks again for the input and advice. It's much appreciated

 

[Zachman]

I'll take some time to check out the videos and educate myself. It may seem like I'm asking a lot of questions for what will be a fairly simple setup, but like you said, I'm trying to plan ahead. I'm sure my rig will evolve and I don't want to limit myself with poor choices out of the gate.

Thanks again for the input and advice. It's much appreciated

Anytime...

I am not suggesting craziness... (It can be fun though) rather suggesting that understanding how and more importantly--imo-- why things are done/have been done the way they have-- allows you to minimize the error part in-- trial and error.

 

[IndyWS6]

I'll take some time to check out the videos and educate myself. It may seem like I'm asking a lot of questions for what will be a fairly simple setup, but like you said, I'm trying to plan ahead. I'm sure my rig will evolve and I don't want to limit myself with poor choices out of the gate.

Thanks again for the input and advice. It's much appreciated

Anytime...

I am not suggesting craziness... (It can be fun though) rather suggesting that understanding how and more importantly--imo-- why things are done/have been done the way they have-- allows you to minimize the error part in-- trial and error.

Completely understood. I am all about common sense and logic - even if I don't always apply it

I'm starting with something reasonable (an '80's hair metal rig being the goal...), but it will undoubtedly grow. I'm not afraid to ask questions and the input that you and others have provided/will provide should keep the mistakes and excursions down the wrong path to a minimum.
Much appreciated

P.S. I sent money yesterday for the ADA MP-1 pre-amp and Rocktron Replifex. I hope to have those early next week. I also hope to have the rack sometime next week. I'll take pictures of stuff as I get it and make progress and post additional questions along the way.

 

[Zachman]

I'll take some time to check out the videos and educate myself. It may seem like I'm asking a lot of questions for what will be a fairly simple setup, but like you said, I'm trying to plan ahead. I'm sure my rig will evolve and I don't want to limit myself with poor choices out of the gate.

Thanks again for the input and advice. It's much appreciated

Anytime...

I am not suggesting craziness... (It can be fun though) rather suggesting that understanding how and more importantly--imo-- why things are done/have been done the way they have-- allows you to minimize the error part in-- trial and error.

Completely understood. I am all about common sense and logic - even if I don't always apply it

I'm starting with something reasonable (an '80's hair metal rig being the goal...), but it will undoubtedly grow. I'm not afraid to ask questions and the input that you and others have provided/will provide should keep the mistakes and excursions down the wrong path to a minimum.
Much appreciated

P.S. I sent money yesterday for the ADA MP-1 pre-amp and Rocktron Replifex. I hope to have those early next week. I also hope to have the rack sometime next week. I'll take pictures of stuff as I get it and make progress and post additional questions along the way.

To help minimize noise, and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), route your power cables on one side of your rack and your audio cables on the opposite side of the rack. (IF I already mentioned this, and even if I haven't-- don't ignore it. hehehehe-- it can REALLY help)

 

[IndyWS6]

To help minimize noise, and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), route your power cables on one side of your rack and your audio cables on the opposite side of the rack. (IF I already mentioned this, and even if I haven't-- don't ignore it. hehehehe-- it can REALLY help)

Thanks! I am already considering that. I work in IT and have some experience in cabling data centers and server racks. I'm pretty anal about separating signal and power cables and securing cables to prevent accidental disconnection. I'm actually looking forward to that part of building the rack

 

[Zachman]

To help minimize noise, and RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), route your power cables on one side of your rack and your audio cables on the opposite side of the rack. (IF I already mentioned this, and even if I haven't-- don't ignore it. hehehehe-- it can REALLY help)

Thanks! I am already considering that. I work in IT and have some experience in cabling data centers and server racks. I'm pretty anal about separating signal and power cables and securing cables to prevent accidental disconnection. I'm actually looking forward to that part of building the rack

Awesome!!!! Here is something else that may prove useful for you:

 

[IndyWS6]

Thanks!

 

[IndyWS6]

Update

* The rack mount power source that I am going to use was previously installed in a computer server rack. For that application I had installed a 125V/15-amp twist-lock plug for obvious reasons. Because of this, and the fact that the power cord was ridiculously inflexible, I decided to rewire the unit. After visiting my trusty Lowe's store, I found that it was cheaper to buy a good quality extension cord and cut it than to purchase the wire and plug that I would need. So, I bought a flexible 25-foot extension cord, cut-off the end, disassembled the power strip and re-wired it. I checked it with my faithful Fluke meter before plugging it in to verify that no electrons would go spraying out on the floor. Success!

* The rack that I ordered from Road Ready has made it's way from Cerritos, CA. to a UPS depot in Illinois. According to the tracking information, it is still on schedule to be delivered tomorrow. looking forward to getting the rack so I can bolt my equipment into it as I get it...

* A forum member that I PM'd about a rack tuner may have helped with the search for a power amp for this rig. I told him I was looking for a Marshall 9100 that wasn't abused and he sent some contact info. I'm planning to call during lunch to see if the item is still available, and, if so, the price and condition. I have a couple of alternatives in mind (Mesa 2:90 or VHT/Fryette 2/50/2) but would prefer to have the Marshall for this rig.

* I am buying an ADA MP-1 and Replifex from a forum member. That transaction hasn't gone as quickly or as smoothly as I would have liked, but I will withhold making any assumptions or posting details for another day or two to give him some additional time to ship the gear and provide tracking info. Trying to be reasonable since you never know what is going on in other people's lives...

Rock On

 

[IndyWS6]

Update on the Power Amp

I called the place that the forum member suggested and, sure enough, they have a Marshall 9200 (not 9100). The manager said that it was in "pristine" condition and had a $799 price tag on it. Unfortunately, he said that they now have a corporate policy that prevents them from shipping tube amps. He also said that he knows it will never sell in the area they are in and the "no shipping" policy even prevents him from shipping it to a store in my area. So, they have an amp I want, I have cash, they can't ship it and it would be a 550+ mile drive for me to get there. Frustrating is the word that comes to mind...

P.S. Is $799 plus shipping costs a fair price for that amp if it is fully functional and in the condition advertised? Looking for input on whether I should jump through some hoops to get it...

 

[IndyWS6]

Updates:

ADA MP-1 and Replifex
There wasn't much communication from the seller of the MP-1 and Replifex so I "pushed" a little this morning to get the items shipped and a tracking number. He responded by posting a full refund to my Paypal account. I'm not sure why he backed out, but I have no reason to bad-mouth the guy - you never know what other people may be dealing with and he did refund my money. So, I didn't get the equipment I wanted and I lost a week, but it could be worse. Looks like I'll be posting a "WTB" thread for an ADA MP-1


14U Rack Case
It's on the truck for delivery today

 

[DioLives]

Don't know if you're interested or not but I have got a TC G-force I need to sell and it's in GREAT "like-new" shape....I noticed you said, you were goin' for the 80s sound and this piece REALLY gets it done...though it's kinda' complex it sure does a lot.

just some consolation and a suggestion.

Good luck on your setup!!



Tim

 

[IndyWS6]

Greetings...
Thanks for the post. I just saw your lisitng that you needed to sell the G-Force and was mulling it over in my head. It is a little more expensive than I had considered spending for the "effects" part of the rig and was thinking about posting a WTB thread for the Replifex since the deal for the one I had in the works fell through. But, I might be interested if you were able to come down in price a little. Let me know what you would have to get out of it and I'll see if it makes sense.

I can't always check the posts and PM's, so the best way to contact me is through email: nelson(dot)mark(at)remyinc(dot)com

Rock On!

 

[DioLives]

RE:I might be interested if you were able to come down in price a little...


Maybe we can work somethin' out......shoot me an offer....obviously, you've bought gear before and you know what's resonable...whatcha' got in mind?

Considerin' these are like 1400.00 new and you can see the "crazy good" shape that this one is in....I'm not opposed to workin' with ya' a bit.....


}{it me Back



Tim

 

[Zachman]

Greetings...
Thanks for the post. I just saw your lisitng that you needed to sell the G-Force and was mulling it over in my head. It is a little more expensive than I had considered spending for the "effects" part of the rig and was thinking about posting a WTB thread for the Replifex since the deal for the one I had in the works fell through. But, I might be interested if you were able to come down in price a little. Let me know what you would have to get out of it and I'll see if it makes sense.

I can't always check the posts and PM's, so the best way to contact me is through email: nelson(dot)mark(at)remyinc(dot)com

Rock On!

G-Force is a VERY Nice unit.

 

[IndyWS6]

All I want to know is where is the best place to buy a 4 space rack with a tray for pedals???

I bought a Road Ready Cases 14U Deluxe Amplifier Case (18" depth) that was delivered yesterday. It seems to be built well and, for the money, was a good buy. There are stronger cases available, but they are a lot more expensive and this style suits my needs well. I won't be headlining a tour anytime soon They have a 4-space unit for $200. http://www.roadreadycases.com.

I have never purchased from them, but a place called Star Case has what appears to be reasonably prices shelves, drawers and filler panels. http://www.starcase.com

 

[IndyWS6]

Update -
<rant>
The rack case was delivered yesterday by UPS - who seemed to feel the need to give it instant character. It's a flight case style 14U rack with four latches on each "door" and they somehow found a way to completely knock one of the doors off, inside the box, even though the latches were still (mostly) engaged Did they drop it to the tarmac while flying over the hub??? There are several knicks and a few small dents in the aluminum edging, a ding in the wood door panel and one of the ball corners is partially smashed. None of it is bad enough to go through the hassle of shipping it back and it won't affect the usability, but whatever happened to quality service?
</rant>

 

[rlord1974]

but whatever happened to quality service?

UPS? Quality Service?!

I'd file a claim just to piss them off!

 

[IndyWS6]

Update...
OK, getting a little frustrated. The purchase of the MP-1 and Replifex I found fell through (seller backed out...) and my "Want to Buy" thread for an MP-1 has gone nowhere. I also haven't been able to find a good used Marshall 9100 or EL power amp. Time to re-think this effort

The original plan was to build a "Hair Metal" rig to emulate Dokken, Ratt, Poison, Tesla, etc. - the stuff I like to play. I figured that the easiest way to do that was with the equipment listed above. It would, however, have been a fairly inflexible setup. So, maybe it would be best to put some equipment in this rack that would allow me to get those sounds, plus many others. Seems like a reasonable option...

Power Amp
I'm leaning towards a VHT 2/50/2, but also interested in the Carvin TS100. It seems to have the right pieces and parts out of the gate and is flexible in terms of tubes. It comes with (4) 12AX7 & (4) 6L6, but has internal bias switches to accommodate the use of EL34's. You can also run 6L6 on one side and EL34 on the other, if you choose. The price is certainly right at $550 + $35 for shipping (new) vs. ~$750 for a used VHT. Mulling this over...

Pre Amp
My original "want" list for the pre was pretty narrow. I can't find an MP-1 and, after having done some research, I don't think I would like the Marshall JMP-1 or the Mesa Triaxis. That leaves the Egnater M4 / Randall or... something else. I'm starting to wonder if I should just go with an Eleven Rack in this rig.

I already have an Eleven Rack and like what it can do. Admittedly, I haven't fleshed this thing out yet, but the time I have spent with it has been enjoyable. The problem is that it is mounted in my recording desk and would be a pain to use both in the "studio" (e.g. Madison Spare Bedroom) and in a rig that I plan to use outside the house. I would love to give an Axe a spin, but it's more than twice as much as the Eleven. I'm going to Sweetwater's Gear Fest this weekend and thinking about buying another Eleven Rack...

Damn - this was sooo much easier when I knew what I wanted...

Comments? Suggestions? Help me with things I may not have considered...

 

[rlord1974]

Right now, the following items are available on the forum.....

Code001 is selling an MP-1 and a Rocktron Multivalve (tube version of the Replifex)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=72287&hilit=ADA

Filter500 is selling a VHT 2/50/2 with the 6L6/EL-34 switch.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=72286

Teqnick is also selling a VHT 2/50/2.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=71881

Guitarslinger is selling a mint Mesa V-Twin rack pre too, which is a nice unit if you think the tones will work for you.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=72497

Zewango is selling a MINT blackface Rocktron Intellifex right now for only $125!
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=64598


It's all there for the taking my man - you just gotta pull the trigger!!!

 

[rlord1974]

Here....

I don't know these guys but noticed them selling locally. So here's your FYI.....

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/1777218072.html

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/1767053699.html

Kick it!