ive been thinking about starting to put together a rack but i have absolutly no idea what really goes into them. im currently working getting a Gallien-Krueger rb700 II with a neo 4 10 cab. And if i do decide to build a rack all i really know that would go into it is that head, a power conditioner, a tuner, and id like to get a decently simple effects processor, after that i have no idea. I noticed alot of people use compressors and BBE sonic maximizers, but i really dont what either of those do.
so on my list i have
-Furman Power Conditioner
-GK rb700 II
-Korg DTR1000
and no idea about an effects processor, but not a Bass V-AMP pro
so id appreciate any input about a good effects processor
so i just wanted to know if you guys could give me some insite on these things
and let me know if id even be worth it for me to start a rack... yet
i play a schecter stilleto elite 4 and a fender jazz bass. i play for a melodic metal band but i go from using a pick to salp and pop to tapping and anything i can find in between lol... so that helps anybody for the type of sound im going for
Building a Bass Rack
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lonewolf
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The higher end Furman conditioners are great, but I don't recommend the Merit or Rackrider line unless you just want power distribution.
The Lexicon MX200 FX processor is a great low-cost choice for FX. You would have to spend a lot more to get anything as good. However, if you want to run 10 fx at once, you will need to get one that is set up for guitar like the Rocktron Xpression or the TC Electronic G-Major 2. TC used to be THE name, but lately, I've been a little disappointed with their stuff.
Do you want a wireless? Many of those are 1/2 rack space with mounting kits that either place it in the middle or on the side of the rack. If you get one of these you will want to consider the next paragraph.
Take a look at the GK amp's top side and look for heat vents. If it has any, you should consider either putting a 1/2 rack component above the GK amp so it doesn't cover the vents, or letting one space above it empty and filling the front panel with a 1-space vent panel.
A rear covering is nice but not necessary. To do this, you need to buy a blank rack panel that is the height of the rack. Figure out all the connections you need to the outside of the rack. Get bulkhead connectors for the connections, make cables to the bulkhead connectors, drill holes in the panel, mount the connectors to the panel, connect them to the gear and then mount the rear panel to the rear rack rails. Personally, I have never been bored enough to do this on a guitar rig and it is a royal pain in the ass to troubleshoot at a gig.
As long as the GK fits, I recommend the Gator Shallow FX racks. They are heavy duty, compact and come stock with rear rack rails, although you are limited to 6 spaces:
1-power
2-tuner
3-FX
4-wireless or blank
5-6 GK
The Lexicon MX200 FX processor is a great low-cost choice for FX. You would have to spend a lot more to get anything as good. However, if you want to run 10 fx at once, you will need to get one that is set up for guitar like the Rocktron Xpression or the TC Electronic G-Major 2. TC used to be THE name, but lately, I've been a little disappointed with their stuff.
Do you want a wireless? Many of those are 1/2 rack space with mounting kits that either place it in the middle or on the side of the rack. If you get one of these you will want to consider the next paragraph.
Take a look at the GK amp's top side and look for heat vents. If it has any, you should consider either putting a 1/2 rack component above the GK amp so it doesn't cover the vents, or letting one space above it empty and filling the front panel with a 1-space vent panel.
A rear covering is nice but not necessary. To do this, you need to buy a blank rack panel that is the height of the rack. Figure out all the connections you need to the outside of the rack. Get bulkhead connectors for the connections, make cables to the bulkhead connectors, drill holes in the panel, mount the connectors to the panel, connect them to the gear and then mount the rear panel to the rear rack rails. Personally, I have never been bored enough to do this on a guitar rig and it is a royal pain in the ass to troubleshoot at a gig.
As long as the GK fits, I recommend the Gator Shallow FX racks. They are heavy duty, compact and come stock with rear rack rails, although you are limited to 6 spaces:
1-power
2-tuner
3-FX
4-wireless or blank
5-6 GK
...Oh, the freedom of the day that yielded to no rule or time...