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  #1  
Old 06-08-2018, 11:20 AM
815C 815C is offline
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Default Looking to build a small PA on wheels...

I have a couple small powered speakers, and a small Mackie mixer that I'd like to mount on some kind of wheeled gizmo that would let me easily haul it into a nursing home and play. I'd mount 3 guitar pedals in it as well.

The idea being I'd wheel it in, plug into a power outlet, plug my guitar in, plug my iPhone into the mixer (to play backing tracks) and start playing.

I guess I'd need to build this from scratch? Anyone know of anything that would be good starting point to putting this together?

I guess I could just mount everything on a piece of plywood and move it around on a dolly, but I'd like to have something slightly less primitive.

Thanks for any ideas!

Dave
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  #2  
Old 06-08-2018, 11:58 AM
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fitness1 fitness1 is offline
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When you say "small powered speakers" what size are you talking about?
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Old 06-08-2018, 12:32 PM
815C 815C is offline
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Quote:
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When you say "small powered speakers" what size are you talking about?
speaker dimensions are 10" x 10" x 6"
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Old 06-08-2018, 12:45 PM
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Quote:
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speaker dimensions are 10" x 10" x 6"
In that case, I'd build the speakers into the box (one above the other), but hanging on brackets that would "swivel" out and allow them to get "air" around them and get better dispersion.

Many nursing home lunch or activity rooms aren't square or rectangular. You may need to point the speakers at different angles to be heard.

Probably a 2 by 2 frame with 1/4" ply to keep it light. Make a "lid" on top to flip up and expose the mixer (with a top shelf holding it up.)

And casters......
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Last edited by fitness1; 06-08-2018 at 02:10 PM.
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:52 PM
Peegoo Peegoo is offline
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How about a rolling tool cart? They re collapsible, and they're made of a plastic that is easily drilled/machined to accept modifications. You also have a place to sit :o)

Like this one, perhaps.

https://images.homedepot-static.com/...26-64_1000.jpg
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Old 06-08-2018, 08:07 PM
Long Jon Long Jon is offline
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This guy has a pretty cool setup.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gr...eLrFKUDgtkgLM:

Hope this helps.
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Old 06-08-2018, 10:54 PM
superbitterdave superbitterdave is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long Jon View Post
This guy has a pretty cool setup.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gr...eLrFKUDgtkgLM:

Hope this helps.


OK. That completely got me. I’m not a huge fan of the LOL because I think people use it without actually making noise. I did laugh out loud. Thankfully, no one was in earshot.

Dave
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Old 06-08-2018, 11:45 PM
Davis Webb Davis Webb is offline
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I would scrap it and get the Bose S1 Pro. 15 pounds, does it all. If you need more than 2 inputs, get a small passive mixer.

You dont need to haul that stuff around anymore since the S1 hit the streets this Spring.
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Old 06-09-2018, 02:04 AM
SpiderTrap SpiderTrap is offline
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Id Agree , look for something factory . I built something similar years ago and was more trouble than was worth , used a metal bar from Ace Hardware for an axel with small lawnmower wheels , but it WAS HEAVY 1/2 inch plywood and alot of work . All power supplys hidden in bottom , PA and about 4 or 5 Shelves . Wasnt worth the trouble , a monster to drag around , Im sure there is a better way today .
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Old 06-09-2018, 04:42 AM
bluesfreek bluesfreek is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long Jon View Post
This guy has a pretty cool setup.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gr...eLrFKUDgtkgLM:

Hope this helps.
The first mobile DJ!

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  #11  
Old 06-09-2018, 09:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 815C View Post
I have a couple small powered speakers, and a small Mackie mixer that I'd like to mount on some kind of wheeled gizmo that would let me easily haul it into a nursing home and play. I'd mount 3 guitar pedals in it as well...
Not exactly what you're looking for, Dave, but perhaps a little rolling cart like teachers use would be handy. You could put your gear inside, take it out, set speakers on the top and your mixer on top of them, and your pedals on the floor. Probably have room for an extension chord, etc. For instance: https://www.officedepot.com/a/produc...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Since I have an older Ultrasound AG50 DS4 amp, that's what I use at nursing homes, etc. Don't always use a mic, but since hearing difficulty is often present, most of the time I do. The DS4 has 2 channels, and a pair of RCA inputs for backing tracks, etc. I'm big on using what you have, if you can, rather than buying more gear. That's why I buy gear with flexibility in mind.

cotten
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Old 06-09-2018, 10:04 AM
The Kid! The Kid! is offline
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That Bose S1 pro with battery power seems like it would be perfect, especially if you get the battery pack. You wouldn't even need a cart, unless you want to find something that wouldn't add so much unnecessary bulk.
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  #13  
Old 06-09-2018, 07:04 PM
PorkPieGuy PorkPieGuy is offline
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Fishman has a compact system or two as well you could look into.
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  #14  
Old 06-09-2018, 07:28 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Davis Webb View Post
I would scrap it and get the Bose S1 Pro. 15 pounds, does it all. If you need more than 2 inputs, get a small passive mixer.



You dont need to haul that stuff around anymore since the S1 hit the streets this Spring.

He’s right. The Bose S1 Pro is the way to go. 15 lbs. You can even battery power it when there isn’t an outlet available. Moreover, it uses Bluetooth for the phone connection/backing tracks.
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  #15  
Old 06-17-2018, 06:41 AM
815C 815C is offline
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OK guys, the project is complete. See photos here: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=514026
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