Head shell vs combo shell

[ochrisl]

Can a DC 5 that is in a head shell be swapped directly into a combo shell? I'm new to Mesas and it seems if the amp is the same,just the shells are different where other manufactures use a entirely different amp for combos than for heads (Marshall) I just bought a DC 5 head but would like the combo option for certain gigs. Is it feasable to switch back and forth or is it a major PITA if possible at all? Also are there specs for a combo shell around if I were to build one? Thanks

 

[dodger916]

For most amps Mesa used the same frame for heads as combos. This is not the case with later Mesa amps where the frame is inverted: the head version has the tubes pointing up whereas the combos have the tubes pointing down (e.g., Single Rectifier, Road King, etc.)

In my experience, it's not a major PITA to swap cabinets for Mark amps. I believe DCs are the same.

 

[GD_NC]

It takes about 5 minutes to swap a Mark or DC from cab to a head. If you have to move the reverb and/or fan add 10 minutes each. Also note there are different mounts for the reverb between a head and combo. You will need to order the parts from mesa or just order a whole new reverb unit.

 

[ewpvic]

It only took me one beer to convert my DC3 from head to combo. Took three beers to take parts from two DC5s and a Mark IV to create FRANKENBOOGIE. lol

 

[Monsta-Tone]

It only took me one beer to convert my DC3 from head to combo. Took three beers to take parts from two DC5s and a Mark IV to create FRANKENBOOGIE. lol

:lol: :lol: :lol:


The 5 will fit in any "Widebody" head or combo cab.
I used a Mark IV combo cab for mine.

You can usually find one in the Boogie Classifieds section of the forum.
Look for a:
DC-5
Mark IV Widebody
Mark III Widebody
Nomad 55
F-50
.50 Caliber

There are probably some others too. I don't know the measurements of the Mark V, it looks like the standard Widebody size, but I did not measure it when I tried the amp out.
Also, GTS may know this, but I don't know if all of the Mark III widebody amps had the same bolt spacing for the mounting.

Beware of the SUS 4 mounting system though. It has 4 rubberized holes in the top of the cabinet to help with vibration control, instead of the chassis straps or the 4 screws with metal washers.
Years ago, I bought a hardwood combo cab for my DC-3. The DC used long 10-32 screws to hold the chassis into the cabinet. The SUS 4 used 8-32 screws, so the DC's mounting screws were too big to fit in the holes.

 

[Dondante]

Well if you are in or near mobile al u can call me and I'll swap shells.