Custom case for a modular?

[List, Christopher]

Hi Jim - 

I built something like what you describe out of 3/8" plywood with two
sections, the bottom angled and the top vertical. It's big, 22" wide panels
(fracracks on custom rails) and 10u high on each section, with a bottom
section that acts as a cable tray and space for the power supply. Yes, it's
way too heavy and bulky for easy transport.
 
Later, I was lucky enough to find a used turntable case that had a 19" x
8.5u internal size - for about $90. The only problem is the height -
especially the top half - as there's only about 2" there (about 4 on the
bottom). I put my own hinges on it, along with those locking bracket things
that you use for trunks to keep the lid open, and set it up so that the top
opens slightly more than 90'. Pictures are here;

http://www.mindspring.com/~clist/synths/

Note that I'm a fanatic for compact designs. As an example, I've squeezed a
1.5 amp International Power PS in that turntable case in the bottom section,
under the left side of the ASM-1, and I cut a square out of the back for one
of those switch+filter+fuse+AC cord modules. The whole thing is still a
little heavy (especially with the PS) but really not that bad for walking
around with. 

You may have to get something custom built from Anvil or Calzone or one of
those guys, but that would be the cleanest and best solution. I'd guess it
would be around $200 - $300 or so. If you really want to go light and
professional, that would be the best choice. If you have a lot of music
stores around you with used gear, you can get lucky and find one that's just
what you're looking for. Rogue here in NYC has a ton of used custom cases -
though I've yet to find one with an internal size of 19"w x 17.5"d x 10"h -
split perfectly in the middle. That would be a perfect size IMHO. I've
thought of getting a custom keyboard case - as they have a lot of those -
that was at least 40" wide inside and mounting two "columns" of 19" modular
gear - maybe only 5 or 7u high each. It's another idea, but it would mean
longer cable runs...

- Chris

 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Jim Johnson [SMTP:jamos at technotoys.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, March 31, 1999 1:01 AM
> To:	analogue at hyperreal.org; synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl
> Subject:	Custom case for a modular?
> 
> I'm trying to design a portable case for the modular I'm assembling. I'm
> being real picky - I want something with a multi-sectional, angled front,
> sort of like the old Buchlas - the lower section at about 15 degrees, the
> center section at about 70, and the top, vertical. I've built a cardboard
> mockup - it's two tiers of 25 (19") spaces on each side and I gotta say it
> looks awesome.
>