New from the laboratory: Stand Related

[EscapeRocks]

Me and my stands, huh.... 🙄

 

Well today my new shell from Presto Pianos arrived.  First, let me say these people know how to package something to survive the truck from Illinois to Texas.

Whomever figured out the packing needs obviously played a lot of Tetris as a kid, the way every piece of supporting cardboard was arranged and box-shaped.

 

I've only gotten so far as to unbox it, and inspect it for any shipping damage...there was none.

The shell and legs are covered with that peel-off film to protect the finish.

 

I have a gig today and tomorrow, then Sunday I'll begin getting it all setup for my stage rig.  With plenty of pictures.

 

Yes, it will be red, of course.   I'll describe the method on that later

 

Here is is in its just unboxed form.   It's very easy to carry with all those slots.

Anything that looks like scratches, are not.   It's the protective film.

 

My Fantom-08 will fit perfectly, with MODX61+ uptop

 

In the lab, waiting for Dr. Escaperocks

 

I love it when Christmas comes early.

 

 

[kaptainkeys]

Looks very nice!  How did you decide on the Presto shell in particular?  Also do they come in a preset size or are they custom built to the keyboards you intend to put in them?  How much does the stand weigh and what is the weight limit for the keyboard inside and keyboard on top?

[Morrissey]

Impressed you took the plunge.  Should add a lot to stage presence!

[EscapeRocks]

I’ll answer some of the questions I’ve received here and via pm later. 
 

Here’s some pics of it assembled 

 

 

 

 

[Moonglow]

Dave, that totally rocks! Do you use a truck or van to transport? SUV?

 

Congrats on the “Baby Shamu.”  Looking forward to the paint job!

[EscapeRocks]

3 hours ago, Moonglow said:

Dave, that totally rocks! Do you use a truck or van to transport? SUV?

 

Congrats on the “Baby Shamu.”  Looking forward to the paint job!

I use my Dodge Ram Quad Cab. 
With the legs off, the shell easily fits in the bed over the two keys cases. 
 

Then I installed a very nice locking bed cover and locking tailgate mechanism. 

 

And here’s a little preview.  The transformation begins. 

 

[RandyFF]

Weight? 1 person capable of moving it?  Time to tear down and put back together?

 

The wood looks beautiful!

[johnchop]

Great googly moogly. 
 

 

[rickzjamm]

At the church I play at we have a shell from Grand Illusions, RD2000 inside ... love it. Been in place for the last five years & most people still think it's the real deal.  

[EscapeRocks]

2 hours ago, RandyFF said:

Weight? 1 person capable of moving it?  Time to tear down and put back together?

 

The wood looks beautiful!

Thank you

 

With the legs attached it's about 55lbs

Unattached legs it's lighter

 

I am able to easily carry it, and lift it into my truck.

It took me about 10 minutes the other night, the very first time I set it up.

 

I've got that down to about 5 minutes.  of course getting the keys setup takes a bit as well.

 

Here's the thing:  it could take 30 minutes for all I care.  This shell will not be used on throw-and-go gigs.  I have my trusty Gibraltar contraption for those.

This is used at 'shows', where the venue is ours, or we're the headliner with just one opener.   We always setup and sound check, then opener sets up in front of us.

 

I've already (on paper) come up with a way to have it on wheels, for those shows so I can roll it out of the way.   I'm also creating a long snake for a clean look.  Nothing ruins the illusion than spaghetti coming off a shell.

 

[ajstan]

Very nice!  I was wondering if you were going to paint it red.

[ABECK]

That's really nice.  Of all the paint and stand projects you've posted over the years, I like this the best.  That is going to look really nice on stage.

 

[EscapeRocks]

1 hour ago, ABECK said:

That's really nice.  Of all the paint and stand projects you've posted over the years, I like this the best.  That is going to look really nice on stage.

 

Thank you!

[EscapeRocks]

Painting over smooth laminate is a slow process.   You have to have the proper paint. 
The smooth laminate of this shell behaves the way plastic on my keyboards do, when it comes to paint.   A lot of research on my part  plus what I’ve learned previously helps. 
Instead of my go-to Krylon Fusion, I’m using Krylon ColorMaxx Banner Red gloss.  It’s a spray enamel with a bonding primer, similar to their Fusion line.  It’s a thinner paint, but that’s good as it makes you do many light coats for good adhesion.  
 

The earlier picture was from last night.  
 

First thing this morning I sprayed a second light coat.  
 

Then I just now got done with a third coat. 
It will probably take 4 coats using my method.    Once the top and sides are done and cured for 36 hours.   I’ll beach ‘baby shamus’ on its back and do the underside and legs.  
 Here’s how it looks as of 5pm Texas time after 3rd round.   I’ve missed these kind of projects. 

 

[Moonglow]

IIRC, Jonathan painted his grand with a type of paint used for racing boats.

[EscapeRocks]

17 minutes ago, Moonglow said:

IIRC, Jonathan painted his grand with a type of paint used for racing boats.

Yeah.  Basically that’s a polyurethane marine paint that holds up well. 
It’s a much more tedious process. 
 

However,  oil based polyurethane works perfectly over enamel based paints and “bonds” to itself. 
 

I’ll be using it in clear coat fashion once the red cures for a week. 

[drawback]

4 hours ago, ABECK said:

That's really nice.  Of all the paint and stand projects you've posted over the years, I like this the best.  That is going to look really nice on stage.

 

+1. Just beautiful! This one'll take your show to another level.

[Moonglow]

For those of you less fanatical about Journey than David and I, here's the basis for the "Baby Shamu" reference. Jonathan's Yamaha grand was affectionately referred to as "The Whale" while the piano shell/DP in his "B-rig" was called "Baby Shamu." Apparently, his B-rig was used when tour dates involved tight timelines and were separated by long distances, allowing a forward crew to more comfortably get things set-up in advance of the band's arrival.

 

Looks like the piano shell was a "Slam Grand." Rather pricey.

 

[EscapeRocks]

Awesome find on that pic !!

[EscapeRocks]

Main paint coats are done. 
Now I let it cure for about 4 days, then apply the polyurethane top coat. 
I’ll be using a roll on to apply it. 
 

Here’s a couple shots of the legs that show the depth of the color coat

The lighting’s a little dark. 

 

 

 

[Mills Dude]

Colors look great.  On the polyurethane, are you going to use a high gloss or a matte finish?

[EscapeRocks]

 

[stoken6]

Amazing, once again I'm in awe.

 

Are you going to add a wooden column for pedals? Like Jonathan's Slam Grand shell a few posts up.

 

Cheers, Mike.

[eric]

I haven't been on the forum much lately and to see I've missed this! I love it! I had the same question about how you plan to integrate pedals with it...they probably won't be that noticeable in any event, though if you're rolling it much it may be nice to have them somehow tethered to the stand.

 

Very nice work - takes the Journey tribute band to another level!

[Morrissey]

10 minutes ago, eric said:

I haven't been on the forum much lately and to see I've missed this!

Welcome back!  I know we don't know each other well but I've noticed your absence and am glad to see you back.

[EscapeRocks]

Thank all!

 

No, there will not be a column for the pedals.  Adds weight and complexity of tear down and set up that I don't want or need.

Since I am creating a snake, there won't be cables hanging down all over the place.

[EscapeRocks]

I need to do some minor touch ups on the edges, but other than that we’re good to go. 
Now I’ll be up in the electronics lab designing the snake.  A little solder and some strong loops for my old eyes. 🤓

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s the dimensions from their website. 
I verified with my tape measure 

 

Total Width

60 1/8"

Total Height (with legs)

33 3/4"

Total Height (without legs)

9"

Total Depth

30"

Shelf Height

25 3/8"

Max Keyboard Width

56 5/8"

Max Keyboard Depth

18 1/2"

Max Keyboard Height

7 3/4"
 

First use will be next Friday night Nov 4 under the lights.  
thanks for indulging me 

[Al Quinn]

Nice work David! Looking forward to seeing some action photos / videos. It’s going to look amazing on stage 🎵

[Nathanael_I]

Super cool. I think this effort pays off big time. Both in personal satisfaction, in band reaction, and in putting the full effort in for an audience. Many know and appreciate it. 

[ElmerJFudd]

Looks great. Comments on build quality?  Worth every penny?