Guiar amp-in-case Redesign!

calistair

Hey everyone

I am a 4th year Industrial Design student currently working on a project to redesign the electric guitar case to include an amp and speakers to improve the tiresome task transporting all the equipment.
I have examined the 1960's Danelctro/Silvertone amp-in-case models (http://www.retrothing.com/2007/12/guitar-week-sea.html) and have come to the conclusion that this concept could be greatly improved by incorporating some of the incredible technology we have today. Making it lighter, louder and better to listen to and look at.

I am looking for any advise on this topic as well as some ideas and things to consider. I am a passionate player myself but my technical understanding is a bit lacking , so simple explinations will help me out a bit more. Any clues to where I could find compact, low-profile equipment would also be a huge help.

Thanks very much..your input will be greatly appreciated.

calistair

I guess it would be pretty helpful telling everyone how far i've got.
So far I have done a lot of research. Trying to gain as much insight and knowledge as i can into the all the areas this project involves such as:
How does all the equipment work.
What distiguishes good amps/speakers from others.
How to create desirable sound/tone. (speakers/enclosures)
Guitar case manufacturing (light & strong materials/technologies)
& importantly, what do guitarists really want out of their equipment. (highly debated subject)
I have found that the information I can gather off the internet is seamingly endless. That's why I would like some direct feedback on the topic from people who know what they're talking about. Anything on the areas mentioned above that could specifically help out with this project would be of great assistance.
On the design side, I have drawn up a few interesting concepts, but without knowing the exact type of components i'll be using it is hard to make any design concrete. So defining the components first will give me my design constraints sooner. I am working towards using a small, good quality practice amp that would give a good sound for private playing or for gigging when played through a mic and PA system. I am also aiming to allow it to cater for various guitar models, either by using different inner molds or by using a clever strapping system.
Well thats it so far..
I am very open to any advise or things you think i could consider.

AlanRatcliffe

Hi Calistair

I'm out for most of today, but I'll give it some thought and reply later or tomorrow.