As I was looking into that B3 Eddie posted earlier, I was introduced to a fellow that was doing something that I have long been contemplating. Only, a little different. Gary's post on his new setup also got my creative juices flowing. So i thought I'd share this idea with everyone, because I'm sure you've all had thoughts similar to these...and hopefully, I can get some thoughts and lessons learned from all of you..here goes nuthin....
I have been playing weddings, the service and then the reception, dinner hour, live with a yamaha P-80, and then have done the DJ thing afterwards...kinda an all in one service. It's been received real well, but my biggest downfall is the setup/breakdown time, and all the pieces and cables and computers and wireless stuff and CD players etc etc...you all know the drill. My thought is to gut out a baby grand piano. Stick the digital piano where the normal keys go, and build a custom rack in the back of the piano to house the CD players, wireless receivers, lap top, mixer, lights and power strips. All the extra stuff gets tucked into the baby grand body. Obviously, it would be a heavy beast, and i would need to have a large van to transport and a dolly/transportation device that would enable me alone to roll this pig in and out of banquet facilities...I actually have seen composite baby grand shells that were made for similar uses that were light weight and very strong, but i lost the contact numbers and haven't seen it through an extensive google search. I know lighter and compact is better...but this unique setup intrigues me I guess...it would be different...but perhaps it is much more a hassle than any positive effect it might have. In any case, I need to slim down my bundles of wires and cables into a handsome rig in the line of Gary's setup. My rig includes:

P-80 88 key piano
Mackie DFX-12 Mixer
(2) numark mp3/cd players
Sennheiser wireless mic and receiver
lap top computer
EV Sxa100 powered speakers
Mackie Sub

Obviously, there are speaker stands and all the supporting stands and accessories...I looked into modifying a podium to hold everything, and just put the P-80 out front for the dinner portion, then utilizing the podium..That would be clean and light. Also have contemplated building my own custom booth for everything...

any thoughts?? Thanks B2