Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: MrBump on February 18, 2010, 09:48:34 AM

Title: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: MrBump on February 18, 2010, 09:48:34 AM
I mean, really!

In this age of light weight materials, space age technology and micro-computing, SURELY output transformers shouldn't need to weight a tonne???

(I have a sore back from lugging my Orange* to a rehearsal last night...)

Mark.

* - OK, bad example; my Orange was built by Noah.  But you get the idea...
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Ratrod on February 18, 2010, 10:29:43 AM
Transformers are made from magnets and copper wire. Heavy materials. Speakers also have a large, heavy magnet.

Try hauling a 4X10 Bassman combo or Ampeg Superrocket.
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Stevepage on February 18, 2010, 10:37:54 AM
If transformers in amps weren't as big as they are, the amp wouldn't sound as awesome.

When I used to work as a refridgeration engineer I had to disconnect a transformer from an old fridge. It was just a bit bigger than the transformers you get in guitar amp and it weighed an incredible amount for something of it's size. Like carrying a bag of bricks.
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: MrBump on February 18, 2010, 11:25:18 AM
Archaic, ludite technology.

We're never going to have jet packs and flying cars at this rate...
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: ToneMonkey on February 18, 2010, 01:19:35 PM
Imagine working where I do.  I have to crane in my transformers:

http://www.brushtransformers.com/product-listing/1005
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: MrBump on February 18, 2010, 01:22:51 PM
Imagine working where I do.  I have to crane in my transformers:

http://www.brushtransformers.com/product-listing/1005


Jeepers.  I hear that Martin over at MJW amps is planning to use on of those for his next 2x12 combo line...
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: ToneMonkey on February 18, 2010, 01:44:15 PM
I have one spare at the minute.  £150,000 and he can have it  :lol:
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: gingataff on February 18, 2010, 01:46:32 PM
Imagine working where I do.  I have to crane in my transformers:

http://www.brushtransformers.com/product-listing/1005

Hot damn. The spoilers on the back look badass.
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: ToneMonkey on February 18, 2010, 02:11:25 PM
 :lol: :lol: There's some metro's around here with something similar  :lol: :lol:  It's an oil tank BTW
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 18, 2010, 07:23:16 PM
Hauling my Koch about is a pain. It weighs 25 kg but the combo weighs 45kg! A bit like a 5150 combo. Evil. But good. Transformers have lead in them too I think so that would account for the weight which is out of proportion for their size. A small roll of lead roofing flashing takes both arms to lift.
I was looking at a Vox Nightrain online last night just cos its light. Probably won't sound as good though.
So what light weight amp sounds really good?
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: blue on February 18, 2010, 08:21:38 PM
i just lugged a Marshall 4x12 from the boot of my car into the house, and now have to get it up the stairs.  bugger this, maybe the POD wasn't so bad after all! :(
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Lew on February 18, 2010, 08:31:31 PM
Hauling my Koch about is a pain.

Dave?
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Twinfan on February 18, 2010, 09:52:41 PM
Arrgghh!  Bloody swear filter!!!
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 18, 2010, 10:20:21 PM
Hauling my Koch about is a pain.

Dave?

We've done them all I think.  :lol:
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: sgmypod on February 18, 2010, 10:40:44 PM
Hauling my Koch about is a pain. It weighs 25 kg but the combo weighs 45kg! A bit like a 5150 combo. Evil. But good.
Nothing like a big Koch... (probably been done)
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Afghan Dave on February 19, 2010, 12:43:13 AM
Here's a Koch dressed as a Transformer...

(http://www.howoldami.co.uk/people/HowOldAmI.com_773_20070219233512.jpg)

Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Lew on February 19, 2010, 12:46:58 AM
diggin the Devin Townsend hair cut
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: 38thBeatle on February 19, 2010, 06:28:10 AM
Back in the day, In used to have a 2 x15 Selmer cab for my bass amp. The amp head was not a lightweight but there was no rush of volunteers when it was time to move the cab.I used to have to get it up the stairs when I got home.My bass amp now weighs around 90lbs( no idea what that is in kilometers) and lifting that in and out of the car is a challenge. That is one reason I now work as a guitarist -the amp can be carried far more easily ( Laney VC30 2x 10).
Title: Re: Why Are Amps So Goddamn Heavy?!?!
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 21, 2010, 09:59:09 PM
The studio I rehearse in has a big 8x10 bass cab. It moves a lot of air. I wouldn't like to haul that thing around though.