Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60

This is an introduction to Takazudo's DIY series product, zudo-block-60.

This is a 60HP Eurorack modular synthesizer case DIY kit designed by Takazudo. The motivation behind creating this case was wanting something compact that allows adjustable angles and depths. It features color variations, side panel shape options, and budget-selectable rails, allowing you to build a case in your preferred combination. It's also a visually striking case.

This product is available for purchase below. There are multiple product variations, which are detailed later on this page.

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Red-Lite

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Red-Dual

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Red-Metal

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Orange-Lite

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Orange-Dual

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Orange-Metal

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Green-Lite

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Green-Dual

Takazudo Modular: zudo-block-60 Green-Metal

This case assembly kit is also available in other sizes and material variations. Please check the full Takazudo Modular brand product lineup below.

Brand: Takazudo Modular

Product Photos
Features of zudo-block-60
Lineup
Tiltable Design
Included Items
Assembly Instructions: Case
Bus Board
About Power Supply
Expanding zudo-block and Rails
Additional Product Photos
Dimensions / Data

Product Photos

Features of zudo-block-60

The zudo-block-60 is a moderately sized, easy-to-handle 60HP Eurorack modular synthesizer case DIY kit designed around acrylic board. The key features of this case are:

Vibrant appearance
Tiltable design
Budget-selectable rails
Expandable through combinations

Let's go through each of these.

1. Vibrant Appearance

The greatest appeal of an acrylic board modular case is undoubtedly its vibrant appearance. The back of your modular synth visible through the transparent case gives a cyber, futuristic impression. The way LEDs on module backs and bus boards softly diffuse through the acrylic is a visual pleasure in itself.

The rich color variations are another charm unique to this type of case. Choose colors to match your taste and build your own original setup with your preferred combinations.

2. Tiltable Design

The zudo-block-60 features the ability to fix the inner frame at any angle. The case consists of a frame section and an outer box section, with numerous holes in the outer side panels. By fastening these two parts with screws, you can fix the frame at your preferred angle and position.

If you already own a modular synth case, have you ever felt that "flat on the desk, it's hard to use when sitting down"? The zudo-block-60 solves this problem with the case alone. The freely adjustable frame angle significantly improves visibility and operability, creating a comfortable playing environment.

3. Budget-Selectable Rails

The zudo-block-60 is a customizable case that lets you choose from three types of rails in different materials. There's a high-precision, premium all-aluminum type, an affordable ASA resin entry model, and a well-balanced hybrid type that sits between the two.

Rails actually account for a large portion of the overall case cost. While there's no arguing that solid metal rails are ideal, they drive up the price. This means even buying a box to house your modules can be costly, creating a significant barrier for modular synth beginners.

This case initially used only metal rails, but to remove that barrier, we designed a resin rail that maintains usability while keeping the price down. This allows users to choose the rail type that best fits their needs.

4. Expandable Through Combinations

The zudo-block series incorporates the concept of modularity into the case design itself. Just as modular synth configurations are flexible, the case configuration can also be flexibly expanded and reconfigured based on your needs and ideas.

Start with a small setup, and when your system grows, add another zudo-block to scale up to a larger case. Since panel dimensions within the series are standardized, you can create your own original case with your preferred colors and combinations.

Lineup

Next, let's explain the zudo-block-60 lineup. There are three key selection points:

Side panel shape (Rectangular A-type / Stepped B-type)
Color (Red / Orange / Green)
Rail material (Lite / Dual / Metal)

Let's go through each.

1. Side Panel Shape

First, the side panel shape. You can choose from the following two types:

A-type: Rectangular
B-type: Stepped

A key feature of this case is the freely adjustable rail angle, and the B-type allows for even steeper tilting.

2. Color

Three colors are available:

Red
Orange
Green

This product is assembled by securing acrylic panels with brackets and screws. Each panel is precision laser-cut by a specialized manufacturer.

3. Rail Material

Three rail types are available:

Lite: ASA mounting rail + ASA bar nut
Dual: ASA mounting rail + metal bar nut
Metal: metal mounting rail + metal bar nut

These are listed in ascending price order: Lite, Dual, Metal.

The most premium rail is Metal, featuring anodized aluminum mounting rails (the part that holds the bar nuts) and aluminum bar nuts (the part where screws are fastened). These are precisely manufactured rails with solid weight and rigidity, similar to those found in typical metal cases.

The most affordable rail is Lite, using ASA resin mounting rails with ASA resin bar nuts, produced in-house. Being plastic, they're more prone to wear and require more force for screw insertion, but they are lightweight and inexpensive, making them a great entry model for those interested in modular synths. They're also recommended for users who don't frequently swap modules.

The middle option is Dual, combining ASA resin mounting rails with the Metal version's bar nuts. It aims to keep prices down while maintaining the convenience of metal bar nuts. This is Takazudo's recommended rail.

Purchasing on Mercari Shops

These products are sold on Mercari Shops as 9 variations (3 colors x 3 rail types). Including side panel shape differences would make 18 variations (9 x 2), but the side panel shape (A-type or B-type) is selected at the time of purchase, so please take note.

For this case, panel color and side panel shape do not affect the price; only the rail type determines the price difference. Tax-included, shipping-included prices are as follows:

Lite: ¥8,980
Dual: ¥12,980
Metal: ¥16,980

Tiltable Design

This case is assembled by first building the module-mounting frame section. Below is the assembled state:

Next, the outer box section is assembled. The box sides have many holes, as shown below:

These holes are sized for M5 screws. Using the included M5 screws, washers, and nuts, align the holes on the frame side with the box side and fasten them together.

Even the A-type box has about 8cm of depth, providing ample room for mounting a bus board on the bottom. Four front/back panels are included, but you don't need to use all of them. If you're tilting the frame and want to use it with less depth, they may get in the way, so use only as many as you need.

My personal recommendation is to remove one front panel and use the frame at a slight tilt. As long as you're not using very deep modules, this still provides sufficient depth. It creates a moderately angled setup that makes module operation comfortable.

Included Items

The product includes cut acrylic board panels, rails, and hardware.

Common to All Rail Types

Bottom panels: 2
Side panels: 2
Front/back upper panels: 2
Front/back lower panels: 2
Rail mounting panels: 1 set
1mm spacer washers: 16
3mm spacer washers: 4
Panel joining brackets: 6
M5 screws 12mm: 12 (for bracket fastening)
M5 screws 14mm: 4 (for rail x side panel fastening)
M5 lock nuts: 16

Metal Rail

Aluminum mounting rail 60HP (305mm): 2
Aluminum bar nut 60HP (305mm / M3 holes): 2
M5 screws 12mm: 4

Dual Rail

ASA mounting rail 30HP (152.5mm): 4
Aluminum bar nut 60HP (305mm / M3 holes): 2
M5 set screws 50mm: 2
M5 screws 40mm: 4

Lite Rail

ASA mounting rail 30HP (152.5mm): 4
ASA bar nut 30HP (152.5mm): 2
M5 set screws 50mm: 2
M5 screws 40mm: 4

Assembly Instructions: Case

For case assembly instructions, please refer to the following guide:

zudo-block-40 / zudo-block-60 Assembly Guide

The zudo-block-60 is a wider version of the 40HP model, and the assembly procedure is identical. Assembly requires tools such as a hex key wrench, wrench, and Phillips screwdriver. Please refer to the guide above for details.

Bus Board

The following bus board was developed for the zudo-block-40 but can also be installed in this zudo-block-60. If you're interested, please check it out.