TommyRude Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Inspired by Docbops Maverick thread I had a 1971 VW van, orange with no windows - called it the Prowler Pumpkin. Sadly I have no pics, but looked something like this. This van was amazingly dependable, drove it ALL over the place and pushed all the other vans when they broke down! Quote Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 VW is bringing back this shape van as a hybrid or fully electric, I forget. But do a search. You"ll find it easily. 2024 https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35940134/vw-id-buzz-us-on-sale-date/ Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cphollis Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 My dream "gig rig" is the forthcoming electric F-150. You can run your house off of it for a few days, or maybe a live gig away from electric power? Haul the gear to a nice spot, plug in and go. Quote Want to make your band better? Check out "A Guide To Starting (Or Improving!) Your Own Local Band" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motif88 Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Back in the day, my keyboards went into a 1973 Ford Torino Station Wagon.Built like a tank. Quote Using: Yamaha: Montage M8x| Spectrasonics: Omnisphere, Keyscape | uhe: Diva, Hive2, Zebra2| Roland: Cloud Pro | Arturia: V Collection | NI: Komplete 14 | VPS: Avenger | Cherry: GX80 | G-Force: OB-E | Korg: Triton, MS-20 Sold/Traded: Yamaha: Motif XS8, Motif ES8, Motif8, KX-88, TX7 | ASM: Hydrasynth Deluxe| Roland: RD-2000, D50, MKS-20| Korg: Kronos 88, T3, MS-20 | Oberheim: OB8, OBXa, Modular 8 Voice | Rhodes: Dyno-My-Piano| Crumar: T2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Analogaddict Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Nowadays I"m hauling an XK5, XPK250, stand for the XK5, Leslie, bench and sometimes one more board in my Opel Meriva⦠snug fit!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 I"m driving a Toyota Matrix. Snug fit indeed. Back seats down. Way down. Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skipeb3 Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 My first car, in 1968, was a '66 VW bus. Being young and indestructible (!) I was able to load in & out my B3 & two 122's myself...thanks to Roll-or-Kari dollies. Later on a couple Pinto wagons proved their worth many times as gear haulers. Now, 53 years later, my gig rig is a 2014 Scion xB. Wonderful car, drives like a Mini & hauls gear like a champ....traded in a Cadillac for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stokely Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 My gig rig is small enough these days where literally any car--maybe not a Smart car--could haul my stuff. My experiences with several VW vans over the years would have me wondering if I'd make it to the gig.... I will admit, despite my dislike of seeing these giant tall trucks (which seem to me to be pretty unsafe for everyone else), that the electric F-150 someone mentioned above seems pretty cool. I have no need for it, but it has a frunk! My wife wants a Cybertruck (??!!!?!) which I couldn't understand at all...her reasoning? It has a built-in ramp...facepalm. Someone here last time suggested a trailer, she said no way. I told her to get a Ford Transit and forget the 1980s running man vehicle. We have home solar and battery now so that's one reason I don't see any fossil fuel cars in our future. Ideally we'd pay nothing to recharge, have to see how that actually plays out. Even without that I fully intend to move on from gas, it's time. Honestly, working from home as I now do I'd probably come out ahead taking ubers anywhere I need to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miden Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 I've still got my VW T5 - I've had a T2, T3 skipped the T4 and now the T5. FWIW, there is a firm in Queensland (Oz) that converts T2's (at the moment, but they are expanding to all models) to fully electric! Electric motor in the rear and under floor (well in a "hidden" floor, I've been told) the battery packs. Estimated range is around 450-500 kilometers Quote There is no luck - luck is simply the confluence of circumstance and co-incidence... Time is the final arbiter for all things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamanczarek Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 I had a yellow '68 VW bus I was using in the early 80s. It was so under-powered it would barely get over the mountains in southern California. I put a dual-carb 1600 engine in it which was illegal in California but I kept it registered in Oregon. After that it flew over the mountains. At that time the gigs were five nights a week usually for two weeks. I would only drive the VW to haul gear for the first and last nights and commute in my '72 Monte Carlo. The VW is currently rusting away in Yerington, NV. Quote C3/122, M102A, Vox V301H, Farfisa Compact, Gibson G101, GEM P, RMI 300A, Piano Bass, Pianet , Prophet 5 rev. 2, Pro-One, Matrix 12, OB8, Korg MS20, Jupiter 6, Juno 60, PX-5S, Nord Stage 3 Compact Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoken6 Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 My vehicle of choice is never particularly interesting. (I joke that, unlike my colleagues who boast about hp, 0-60 and top speed, I have nothing I need to compensate for). But I regularly turn up to the dealership with my gear and check it fits in the trunk/boot. Cheers, Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docbop Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 Inspired by Docbops Maverick thread I had a 1971 VW van, orange with no windows - called it the Prowler Pumpkin. Sadly I have no pics, but looked something like this. This van was amazingly dependable, drove it ALL over the place and pushed all the other vans when they broke down! I'm in love.... Out of all the vehicles I've owned since a kid the only one I would truly love to have again was my old 1966 VW bus camper. I got it used and removed most the camper stuff to make more space to haul gear. I just left the back seat that pulled out into a bed. So many great times in that van with friends. It was slow but didn't matter had my tape deck and lots of music. I put it through hell the overloading it, but it kept creepin' along. The think about old VW's is they really had personality it really was part of me. After I had to finally let her go is when I got my compact pickup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wineandkeyz Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 I haul my usual rig (two or three 76- or 73-key keyboards in their road cases, stands, two gig bags, a fan, and a 12-space IEM rack) in a Honda CR-V. I can squeeze one more person and some luggage, but it"s a little snug on long trips. When I need to haul more gear or people, I take my old 4WD Ford Supercrew. Quote Live: Yamaha S70XS (#1); Roland Jupiter-80; Mackie 1202VLZ4; IEMs or Traynor K4 Home: Hammond SK Pro 73; Moog Minimoog Voyager Electric Blue; Yamaha S70XS (#2); Roland Integra-7; Wurlitzer 200A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Verelst Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 My favorite gear and carrying stuff cars were two Audi 100's which I consider defeated with honor pretty much only by the etron2. I haven't transported gear for performances or demo's for years, and currently I drive a Mitsubishi Space Star (Mirage '18) for it needed to be every day reliable with zero hassle and cost little. Of course it can transport moderate loads by putting down the rear seats. Interestingly it can do over 50 MPG... T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 I had a short-wheel-base Chevy Van that was fully carpeted inside. Excellent vehicle for transporting my CP-70, Prophet 5, CX-3 (original) and sound reinforcement, as well as hosting an assortment of other activities. Quote "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyRude Posted October 17, 2021 Author Share Posted October 17, 2021 After my VW van I felt I needed to step up to something with a bit more power. Got this - another rugged monster, by the time I was done with this beast it has dent and dings and contusions all over. This thing could haul pretty much any key rig - it was huge! http://americanclassicscars.com/uploads/pictures/1979-ford-econoline-custom-150-van-handicap-lift-controls-power-door-v-8-eng-6.jpg Quote Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obxa Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 A smart alec guitar player friend used to say "A musician is someone who puts Ten-thousdand dollars worth of gear in a two-thousand dollar car". . My favorite gig car has been the Honda Element which has been great to haul full PA, or any of my keyboard rigs, and can easily fit a Lesie-....or washer or dryer. Not a comfort car, but perfect gig vehicle. Quote Chris Corso www.chriscorso.org Lots of stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docbop Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 A smart alec guitar player friend used to say "A musician is someone who puts Ten-thousdand dollars worth of gear in a two-thousand dollar car". . My favorite gig car has been the Honda Element which has been great to haul full PA, or any of my keyboard rigs, and can easily fit a Lesie-....or washer or dryer. Not a comfort car, but perfect gig vehicle. You left out the last bit in this classic nugget..... A musician is someone who puts $5000 worth of gear in a $500 car to drive 100 miles to a $50 gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adan Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 I had a short-wheel-base Chevy Van that was fully carpeted inside. Excellent vehicle for transporting my CP-70, Prophet 5, CX-3 (original) and sound reinforcement, as well as hosting an assortment of other activities. OMG, you were "that guy." Or, one of those guys. A member of a vast brotherhood. I started with a 66 bug, later had a VW Van. Probably just nostalgia, but miss them both immensely. What says itinerant musician more than getting high off gasoline vapors in the passenger compartment. Quote Gigging: Crumar Mojo 61, Hammond SKPro Home: Vintage Vibe 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod S Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 This car was sold in Brazil until 2013, when several safety items became mandatory and they didn't want to bother retrofitting the old production line. It was a workhorse for small deliveries/ small contractors, but there are much better alternatives down here. Rode like crap, but was cheap and never broke down. Apparently we were the last country still producing it, and the last production unit was sent to a museum in Germany. http://s2.glbimg.com/YKUuop9EftLYoAdWx5qZKkIPGXM=/620x465/s.glbimg.com/jo/g1/f/original/2014/01/29/orle0085n_1.jpg Link to article in Portuguese. http://g1.globo.com/carros/noticia/2014/01/ultima-kombi-produzida-no-brasil-e-levada-para-museu-na-alemanha.html Quote Korg Kronos X73 / ARP Odyssey / Motif ES Rack / Roland D-05 / JP-08 / SE-05 / Jupiter Xm / Novation Mininova / NL2X / Waldorf Pulse II MBP-LOGIC American Deluxe P-Bass, Yamaha RBX760 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 I had one of these once. Horrific to drive as the front seats were directly over the wheels (many motion-sickness passengers can attest), plus it was a gutless 4cyl engine under-powering 4wd. Couldn't quite make it up the foothills at speed on the Banff highway with a carload of kids and skis. But, it hauled my equipment around town and nobody ever tried to steal it! Traded in for a GMC Jimmy that did the trick until the infamous AC Delco planned obsolescence wore me down, part by part. Ah, those were the days. Quote ____________________________________ Rod Here for the gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cphollis Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 2009 Ford F-150 with a long bed and a camper shell that's mostly dry. Right around 200K miles. It's big as I carry the PA, lights, etc. My actual keyboard rig is quite small. Quote Want to make your band better? Check out "A Guide To Starting (Or Improving!) Your Own Local Band" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Had a Mazda 6 station wagon for a while, which would have been perfect if it wasn't a lemon. Sank a little too much money into that one because I liked it so much. Moved on to a Kia Rondo EX and it's been rock solid. Quote Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roygBiv Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 One of my gig rig's back in the 80's was one of these that my brother had painted with house paint, but it rained before it fully dried. Rock and Roll! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roygBiv Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 One of my gig rig's back in the 80's was a 70's Ford Ranchero that my brother had painted brown. Unfortunately, he used house paint, and it rained before it fully dried. Rock and Roll! https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Ford_Ranchero_rear.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docbop Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 One of my gig rig's back in the 80's was a 70's Ford Ranchero that my brother had painted brown. Unfortunately, he used house paint, and it rained before it fully dried. Rock and Roll! I remember back when these were referred to as Cowboy Cadillacs. The Ford Ranchero and Chevy's El Camino's were really cool trucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Threadslayer Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 The 1970s and '80s went something like this: Ford Econoline* Run the wheels off it Dodge Tradesman** Run the wheels off it Repeat * At least three ** At least two I honestly can't remember Quote Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. -Mark Twain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElmerJFudd Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Got most of the band"s gear into this back in the day. Amp slid back with acceleration and shattered the rear window. That"s Rock"n"Roll! Quote Yamaha CP88, Casio PX-560 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 I had a short-wheel-base Chevy Van that was fully carpeted inside. Excellent vehicle for transporting my CP-70, Prophet 5, CX-3 (original) and sound reinforcement, as well as hosting an assortment of other activities. OMG, you were "that guy." Or, one of those guys. A member of a vast brotherhood... LOL. This is pretty much what it looked like, including color, louvers, wheel cover. If those (grey-carpeted) walls could talk... Quote "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyRude Posted October 19, 2021 Author Share Posted October 19, 2021 Got most of the band"s gear into this back in the day. Amp slid back with acceleration and shattered the rear window. That"s Rock"n"Roll! Awesome! I think those wagons had 500 hp engines. And extra points for pretty much being the National Lampoon Vacation car. Quote Some music I've recorded and played over the years with a few different bands Tommy Rude Soundcloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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