Hi everyone;
I wonder how you carry your Fantom S. I know it is a bit heavy. I guess some people have to carry it to the gig every night. Are there any hard cases sutiable for Fantom S?
How do you carry your Fantom?
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Red Winger
- Posts: 982
- Joined: 03:24, 30 May 2003
- Location: Cal-Y-phony-a
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
Heavy it is. I love the S88, but it would be nice if it could shed a few pounds (I know, I know...I want the weighted keys, all of the toys, and to have my cake and eat it too).
Funny you should ask this, as I just was out looking for a case myself. Unlike workstations that have been out on the market for a while, there are no hard-cases specific to the Fantom-S series at this point. You can, of course, get a custom hard-shell case maker like Anvil to build one to spec for you. Alternatively, there are some "standard" 61-key and 88-key cases out there that you can use (these typically have adjustable inserts or other means of accomodating a range of sizes for various 61-key or 88-key boards).
I wound up buying an "Ace Products Keyboard Porter" (read...El Cheapo...still cost me $100) soft-bag 88-key case, which has hard-reinforced sides (sort of a compromise between hard shell and simple soft-bag). I don't gig all that often anymore, so I probably don't need a true hard-shell case (particularly given that the S88 is built like a tank). Also, I didn't want to add too much more weight to an already heavy item, so the reinforced soft-shell seemed like the best for me.
Check out Musicians Friend if you want to get an idea of the type of generic cases that are available.
Cheers,
RW
Funny you should ask this, as I just was out looking for a case myself. Unlike workstations that have been out on the market for a while, there are no hard-cases specific to the Fantom-S series at this point. You can, of course, get a custom hard-shell case maker like Anvil to build one to spec for you. Alternatively, there are some "standard" 61-key and 88-key cases out there that you can use (these typically have adjustable inserts or other means of accomodating a range of sizes for various 61-key or 88-key boards).
I wound up buying an "Ace Products Keyboard Porter" (read...El Cheapo...still cost me $100) soft-bag 88-key case, which has hard-reinforced sides (sort of a compromise between hard shell and simple soft-bag). I don't gig all that often anymore, so I probably don't need a true hard-shell case (particularly given that the S88 is built like a tank). Also, I didn't want to add too much more weight to an already heavy item, so the reinforced soft-shell seemed like the best for me.
Check out Musicians Friend if you want to get an idea of the type of generic cases that are available.
Cheers,
RW
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
I've been using gig bags for the last 4 or 5 years. I play alot of gigs and I find that with the heavy keyboards they wear out in about 12-18 months, and need to be replaced. Plus the keyboard is still vulnerable to damage.
I bought a Gator (SKB type) hard case with my S88 which itself wieghs about 20-25 lbs. With the S88 in it, I'm looking at about 90lbs. As you can imagine, it's very heavy. After my first gig with it, I thought I was going to die after carrying it clear across a casino gaming floor.
So......I installed 4 swivel casters in the bottom of the case(with the handle facing up) and it makes a world of difference. So much, that the weight is not really an issue any more.
As far as loading, I'm lucky, I have a pickup truck with a fiberglass lid. It's quite easy to load in and out of (especially with the wheels). All i gotta do is lift one end onto the tailgate. I couldn't imagine loading it into a car - I'm not even sure if it would fit.
Although it's heavier with this case, I'm happy that it's well protected, and it's definitely going to last a long time.
Cheers FS bros,
bb
I bought a Gator (SKB type) hard case with my S88 which itself wieghs about 20-25 lbs. With the S88 in it, I'm looking at about 90lbs. As you can imagine, it's very heavy. After my first gig with it, I thought I was going to die after carrying it clear across a casino gaming floor.
So......I installed 4 swivel casters in the bottom of the case(with the handle facing up) and it makes a world of difference. So much, that the weight is not really an issue any more.
As far as loading, I'm lucky, I have a pickup truck with a fiberglass lid. It's quite easy to load in and out of (especially with the wheels). All i gotta do is lift one end onto the tailgate. I couldn't imagine loading it into a car - I'm not even sure if it would fit.
Although it's heavier with this case, I'm happy that it's well protected, and it's definitely going to last a long time.
Cheers FS bros,
bb
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
my fantom s88 should be in wednsday. So you guys dont think the fantom will fit into a big full sized car?
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Red Winger
- Posts: 982
- Joined: 03:24, 30 May 2003
- Location: Cal-Y-phony-a
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
Hey theone (still haven't seen Reloaded yet, so don't spoil it for me! 
The box is very big. I'm guessing it's about 5'-6" or so in length, and about 20" or so in width. I have an RX-300. It fit in that, with half the rear seat folded down, but just barely. I think it would be very difficult to fit the box in something other than an SUV or truck, but I suppose it's possible if you have a very big full-size car.
Cheers,
RW
The box is very big. I'm guessing it's about 5'-6" or so in length, and about 20" or so in width. I have an RX-300. It fit in that, with half the rear seat folded down, but just barely. I think it would be very difficult to fit the box in something other than an SUV or truck, but I suppose it's possible if you have a very big full-size car.
Cheers,
RW
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
theone,
The box is approximately 12" x 24" x 60". This is much larger than your typical 61-key synth, so arrive prepared. The weight alone is a killer, let alone the difficulty of moving this bulky item. You will be taking a risk by bringing a full-size car. The box is meant for an SUV or truck. If you have any health problems, don't expect to lift this synth alone. For that matter, you really need help anyway. I had to assist each UPS and Federal Express driver when I was receiving and shipping my S88's.
The box is approximately 12" x 24" x 60". This is much larger than your typical 61-key synth, so arrive prepared. The weight alone is a killer, let alone the difficulty of moving this bulky item. You will be taking a risk by bringing a full-size car. The box is meant for an SUV or truck. If you have any health problems, don't expect to lift this synth alone. For that matter, you really need help anyway. I had to assist each UPS and Federal Express driver when I was receiving and shipping my S88's.
Re: How do you carry your Fantom?
Im 26 and im in great shape...so health is not an issue. you guys really make this board sound heavy as hell, so I guess I will get my bro in law to bring his suv to help me out.
Thanks guys,
TheOne
Thanks guys,
TheOne