Convert Dual Rectifier Roadster to Head

[Texsunburst59]

I picked up this 2x12 combo amp a few years ago for a decent price.

I keep it my home studio and rarely move it.

The thing weighs a ton.

I’d like to put the chassis in a head cab.

Can I buy a quality less expensive black tolex covered head shell other than Boogie?

Also can I use the existing reverb tank in the new head cab?

 

[elvis]

A lot of builders will put a headshell together for you. It won't weigh that much less though. The chassis itself weighs a ton.

 

[Texsunburst59]

A lot of builders will put a headshell together for you. It won't weigh that much less though. The chassis itself weighs a ton.

Well, I guess that takes care of that.

If it’s not going to help that much with the weight, then it’s not worth pursuing.

Thanks for the info.

 

[domct203]

A lot of builders will put a headshell together for you. It won't weigh that much less though. The chassis itself weighs a ton.

At first thought I agreed with this, The V30 is not that heavy of a speaker, the magnet is just a hair over 3 pounds, the speaker itself can’t weigh more than 7-10 lbs.

Then I looked up the weight specs on Mesa’s website. The 2X12 Combo is listed at 100 lbs, the Head is listed at 48 lbs. I didn’t expect that.

https://legacy.mesaboogie.com/ampli...r-series/roadster/2x12-closed-back-combo.html
https://legacy.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/rectifier-series/roadster/head.html
I’ve never weighed my amp, but my Roadster head is heavy as hell. I can manage it with one arm picking it up from the floor and putting it on my 4X12 though, doubt I can say the same for the combo.

Dom

[edit] That’s a fantastic price on that combo if that’s US dollars.

 

[Texsunburst59]

At first thought I agreed with this, The V30 is not that heavy of a speaker, the magnet is just a hair over 3 pounds, the speaker itself can’t weigh more than 7-10 lbs.

Then I looked up the weight specs on Mesa’s website. The 2X12 Combo is listed at 100 lbs, the Head is listed at 48 lbs. I didn’t expect that.

https://legacy.mesaboogie.com/ampli...r-series/roadster/2x12-closed-back-combo.html
https://legacy.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/rectifier-series/roadster/head.html
I’ve never weighed my amp, but my Roadster head is heavy as hell. I can manage it with one arm picking it up from the floor and putting it on my 4X12 though, doubt I can say the same for the combo.

Dom

[edit] That’s a fantastic price on that combo if that’s US dollars.

Thanks for the int Dom.

Yea, I picked it up at a pawnshop for $400.

I really wasn’t looking for another amp, or even this moi, but it too good of a deal to pass up .

 

[domct203]

I would have jumped on that deal instantly, and I own two Roadster heads LOL.

 

[Eevil]

I had a 1x12 Roadster combo and that was painful that had only one top handle to lift it. Grew tired VERY fast moving that lump of gravity around.

Traded it for a head and it was piece of cake..

Yes. If you find someone to make you a custom headshell (and not DIY-looks) you’d be better served..

If you google around a bit I bet you can find some companies (from your continent) which coukd provide such headshells

 

[Texsunburst59]

I had a 1x12 Roadster combo and that was painful that had only one top handle to lift it. Grew tired VERY fast moving that lump of gravity around.

Traded it for a head and it was piece of cake..

Yes. If you find someone to make you a custom headshell (and not DIY-looks) you’d be better served..

If you google around a bit I bet you can find some companies (from your continent) which coukd provide such headshells

Thanks Eevil for the advice.

 

[rarebitusa]

FWIW... I moved my LSS to a pine headshell. The weight savings was amazing. The Mesa headshell was definitely oversized for that chassis, so there was a welcomed size reduction. But also the original was built like a tank and the materials Mesa use add to the weight. No surprise as they are built for the road.

Going to assume the LSS is a much lighter chassis then the Roadster, but going with pine and dovetail joints (if your logistic needs don't require more hardiness) may be a feasible option.

Congrats on the stunning deal!

 

[Texsunburst59]

FWIW... I moved my LSS to a pine headshell. The weight savings was amazing. The Mesa headshell was definitely oversized for that chassis, so there was a welcomed size reduction. But also the original was built like a tank and the materials Mesa use add to the weight. No surprise as they are built for the road.

Going to assume the LSS is a much lighter chassis then the Roadster, but going with pine and dovetail joints (if your logistic needs don't require more hardiness) may be a feasible option.

Congrats on the stunning deal!

View attachment 1197

Thanks for this info rarebitus

 

[elvis]

Really good point there. Pine + no speakers + smallest possible shell size could cut the weight in half.

 

[vrodder1]

Peter Mather can make a head for your Roadster in any color tolex/grill you want. He is making me a head for my Tremoverb combo. Here is a rendering of how mine will look. The color tolex I chose is ivory with black leather accents. Price will be between $500-$600 depending on your options. Not cheap but top quality. Just an option for you.

https://mathercab.com/

 

[Texsunburst59]

Peter Mather can make a head for your Roadster in any color tolex/grill you want. He is making me a head for my Tremoverb combo. Here is a rendering of how mine will look. The color tolex I chose is ivory with black leather accents. Price will be between $500-$600 depending on your options. Not cheap but top quality. Just an option for you.

https://mathercab.com/

Thanks for the heads up on this company VR1.