Re: SC48 Case
Scott,
Since you must already know there are several excellent case manufactures building quality ATA300 spec cases I guess you're looking for personal experience from a few of us to hear just how well the product holds up.
First let me say, that for 13 years before I worked in audio, I built props for large stage illusionists. Everything had to have cases, especially for Andre Kole who did more than 60 dates each year. I bought lots of cases and also built many of my own designs as I experimented with ideas for light weight, durability and unique features. So I've come to a point were I have certain expectations of what I want to see in construction and materials.
The past six cases I've purchased have been from
LM Engineering Inc. They've been very easy to work with allowing me to send in my own drawings and send me a final edited drawings for approval before commencing construction. They have used quality materials and allow me to spec a thin wall without complaint. I have never seen much of a need to build a case with 1/2" plywood--it weighs far too much. Their cases have an excellent edging & valence, no split rivet construction and with good hardware. I don't think the hardware is J. I. Sessions quality, but its good none-the-less, no failures to date.
I don't have an SC48 but my church is looking seriously at one. I do have an M7CL and just purchased a case for it last summer. Very nice, lots of special detail in its construction. I always spec larger diameter casters. 4" minimum, but 5" for heavier cases. I think LM Eng. Inc will send photos to you upon request. If not, let me know an e-mail address and I'll try and get some pics to you.
The cost. A console case has lots of detail construction as well as several features and hardware--so expect it to be a bit pricey. Shoot, my M7CL case has 27 handles on it! A little over kill but it sure makes it easy to be gentle when handling. With shipping it was about $2,300.
David
~
