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Topic: Considering Split Cases - Builders? |
Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 6:25 am |
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I think it's time I look into getting split cases for at least my MSA U12; possibly my Kline U12.
(One case for the steel body, one for pedal rack and rods.)
If you have experience with split cases, who would you recommend? Anyone from whom I should steer clear?
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1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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John Swain
From:
Winchester, Va
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 6:42 am
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| My thoughts: the average d-10 body(minus legs and pedal bar) weighs 35#. Put that in a plush plywood case will push that to 50#. Being I want to be on stage with the most complete steel, I would go extra light on the case. I had "Brand X" style split cases for my D10 Carter 8+8. I'm now using a padded and reinforced gig bag for my Emmons D10 8+8. The body in the case is 40#. Save your original hard case for when you ship or have a roadie! |
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Ken Metcalf
From:
San Antonio Texas USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 6:47 am
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MSA U-12 with Red dirt cases.
Emmons with Hatton cases.
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Greg Lambert
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 8:38 am
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| I carry my steel in its case and the legs in a portable lawn chair bag. Works great for me. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 9:07 am
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Thomas will build you some nice cases.
I ordered split cases through Williams guitars, also.  |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 10:38 am
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Thanks for the replies, gents.
I was considering one of the formed plastic/foam lined variety - my fear is something being crushed on the undercarriage, if weight is put on top of the case. I've heard good things about Jim Heep's cases, but I still lean towards solid wood (or plastic?).
Further comments welcome.
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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John Macy
From:
Rockport TX/Denver CO
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 11:14 am
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Steve Hinson and Brand X cases...
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John Macy
Rockport, TX
Engineer/Producer/Steel Guitar |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 11:55 am
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I saw those cases, John.
I must admit I'm hesitant to use a case like that; I understand it is the material drum cases are made of, and while I'm told it is protective, I just don't feel comfortable about it.
I've also been looking at Jim Heep's Loud-N-Proud cases, which seem to be more durable than the Brand X type. Anyone have personal experience with L-N-P or Brand X?
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 18 Nov 2017 9:51 pm
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Hugh Briley made a split case for my D-10 ShoBud. it is fantastic. fits perfectly.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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Alan Cook
From:
Kent,England
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 12:59 am Kline split cases
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These are my kline cases made by joe kline I think!
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Chris Sattler
From:
Hunter Valley, Australia
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 2:39 am
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Has anyone here ever taken to their own case and converted it into two split cases? I've been thinking about it lately.
It doesn't seem too difficult at first glance. |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 4:43 am
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I'm not handy enough to attempt splitting my own case, but it would be interesting to know how that went for anyone.
Tom: Does Hugh have a site or facebook page?
Alan: I assume those cases were made a while ago, correct? Joe worked on my Kline after I bought it last year, but I think he's retired from actual building. When did you get yours?
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 7:05 am
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I built my own two piece set for my D-10 Franklin. Used 3/8" Baltic Birch plywood. I used to have pictures but can't find them. If I find them I'll add to this post.
The cases are lined with crushed velvet and there is a 1" foam pad (also covered with the crushed velvet) for the steel to sit on. "Egg crate" foam in the lids of both cases and for the bottom section of the pedal board/leg case.
I found the pictures (from an old forum post).
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 9:59 am
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Very nice, Jack!
My single concern about cases like this is this: can or does that foam negatively impact the undercarriage? Such as, might the foam end up bending a rod or something else?
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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Ken Byng
From:
Southampton, England
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 11:01 am
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I have split cases by Thomas (2), Hatton (2), and Justice. I also have a Red Dirt case which came with my Infinity. I would say that the Red Dirt offers way more protection than any of my 5 lightweight split cases. However, the tank-like robustness comes at a price. Weight. Even empty, the Red Dirt is heavy, but with an SD10 or a D10 it's a back breaker compared to the lightweight split cases.
I like the wheeled Hatton and Justice cases, but the Thomas split cases are the lightest ones that I own. Plus they are covered in lovely tooled effect faux leather.
_________________
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E, |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 11:15 am
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Ken, do you know if the Thomas cases are still made, and if so, do you have a link you could share?
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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Ken Byng
From:
Southampton, England
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 12:19 pm
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| Daniel Morris wrote: |
| Ken, do you know if the Thomas cases are still made, and if so, do you have a link you could share? |
I'm not sure if they are Daniel. I know that Wade Thomas of Burlington, N.C. is the guy who built mine. My Thomas cases came with the Show Pro guitars that I own, so it may pay you to email Jeff Surratt who could point you in the right direction if Wade is still providing him with cases.
_________________
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E, |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 12:21 pm
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Thanks, Ken.
I did get a quote from Hatton cases, so that's one option.
Do you have any experience with any foam-lined cases, especially the fiber ones (Hinson)?
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 12:41 pm
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I am a big fan of the Hinson Brand X cases. They actually hold up better than standard cases. They protect better also. I use them for fly dates. As do many road players I know.
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Bob |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 1:16 pm
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| Quote: |
| My single concern about cases like this is this: can or does that foam negatively impact the undercarriage? Such as, might the foam end up bending a rod or something else? |
No, not at least in my cases. The "egg crate" foam is fairly soft. The cases are about 8 years old and the foam has not deteriorated or flaked off.
About two years ago I added some aluminum molding to the edges to protect the Tolex covering. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 1:20 pm
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Daniel, here's Wade Thomas' contact info. Great cases, fair prices and timely service.
| Wade Thomas wrote: |
| Hey Kevin, we can help you out with that. We built the very first split cases for Delores Hancock back in 1970. For the last 50 years we have been building single and split cases for virtually every size and brand of pedal steel guitar ever made. Please give me a shout if we can help you, Thomas Custom Case Company 910-616-2662, 24/7 Thanks! |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 2:57 pm
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Red Dirt Splits for my Zum's ... expensive but incredibly robust.
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Daniel Morris
From:
Westlake, Ohio, USA
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 3:15 pm
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Thanks very much, gentlemen!
Those Red Dirt cases look fantastic, but heavy.
I think I have enough to go on so I can make an informed decision. My apologies for not realizing there have been threads like mine already.
_________________
1979 MSA U12 Pedal Steel
1982 Kline U12 Pedal steel
2019 Sierra U12 Pedal Steel
2011 Bear Creek MK Weissenborn
Milkman 40W Mini amp w/Telonics 15" speaker.
Dr. Z Surgical Steel w/TT 15" speaker.
Frenzel MB-50 head.
Spaceman, Empress, Eventide, Pigtronix. |
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John Macy
From:
Rockport TX/Denver CO
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 4:12 pm
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Steve's cases are being flown all over the world with no damage...super light, too...
_________________
John Macy
Rockport, TX
Engineer/Producer/Steel Guitar |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 19 Nov 2017 5:20 pm
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Split cases are a definite plus for me, yeah us I old guys need as much help as we can get. 
Considering a padded gig bag for the legs, rods and pedal rack so I can sling it over my shoulder. |
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