Can We Talk Cases?

e.maynard · #1 01-19-2009, 10:22 AM

I'm looking to buy a case for my old Kay.
I've seen the soft gig bag options, and I've seen the flight case trunks. But there seems to be a semi-hard case out there too.

There's a fella on eBay selling these, but I'm sure these are being sold elsewhere as well. Does anyone know of a good (maybe even a too good to be true) angle on these types of cases?

I'd like to be able to transport my bass, with less fear of snapping the neck that I get from a gig bag, but I don't need a $1500 flight case.

Thoughts?

Jeremy Darrow · #2 01-19-2009, 10:27 AM

How and how far do you have to travel with your bass?

thewhale · #3 01-19-2009, 10:33 AM

Basses are big enough to deal with already. Get a soft case, learn to take care of it, and you'll be fine. I know someone with one of those cases that you have pictured and he never uses it--it's just too much trouble to deal with. Go with a Mooridian or a Messina or something. Bobelock's nice too but can be a bit over-cushy and cause the bass to roll when you set it on its side. Messina is nice because they use the same amount of padding as other cases, but quilt the padding down so that it's somewhat compressed already and therefore keeps its shape much better.

e.maynard · #4 01-19-2009, 10:36 AM

It'll travel (mostly) in the back of my enclosed truck.... Along with other gear.
I usually do my own load in load out, but you know the deal. 1:00 am, "let's get outta here & get home"

How far? Locally to 1-2 states away. Back wood secondary roads leading to gigs etc.

e.maynard · #5 01-19-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewhale

I know someone with one of those cases that you have pictured and he never uses it--

Any chance they're looking to sell it?

Thanks,
Erik

Jeremy Darrow · #6 01-19-2009, 10:59 AM

You're probably better off with a good soft cover than with the foam case. I really like Mooradian cases. Bobelock's covers are nice as well, but Mooradian can make a custom cover for your bass that will fit better and offer really good protection. I don't know a lot about the foam case you're interested in, but I do know that it's a lot bigger than a good cover, that means less room in your truck and that the case will need to lay on it's back. That means that other gear will go on top of it. With a cover you can probably lay it on it's side and the other gear can go next to it, not on it. And, it's not hard to store when the bass is being played. That may not seem like a big deal now, but that foam case is almost as big as a road case and it needs to go somewhere. If you leave it in your truck your bass will go into a cold case when it's cold outside.

Either way, you're in little danger of snapping the neck of your bass. If you really want one of those foam cases, you should check with a bass shop in your area, they may be able to cut you a better deal than ebay once you figure in shipping.

Jake deVilliers · #7 01-19-2009, 11:26 AM

Hey E, those expanded foam cases are HUGE and my concern would be the zippers pulling free of the fabric. We have one at Long & McQuade and it doesn't feel like a long-term solution.

On the other hand, I have one of the white JMLaabs fibreglass cases that I bought from a TB member and it feels much better constructed. Its not as strong as a Gage or SBS trunk but its also not nearly as heavy. Its probably about 40 lbs.

It would ride on either its side or its back in your truck too.

salcott · #8 01-19-2009, 12:29 PM

I've seen one of the cases pictured above (or something close to it), and it looks to me like the perfect thing for someone needing more protection than a soft case, but not as much as a flight case, especially if the player will be doing all or most of the handling himself.

hdiddy · #9 01-19-2009, 12:38 PM

Soundwear performer and a bunch of bungee cords.

If you have a truck, I'd consider making a rack for the bass in the bed.

e.maynard · #10 01-19-2009, 12:39 PM

Yup.
Now how do I find one close to me (Virginia) to avoid shipping?

Dr Piggery · #11 01-20-2009, 01:18 AM

Has anyone had any experience with the Sunrise gig bags from Lemur? http://shop5.mailordercentral.com/le.../products/158/

They seem like good value and I'm thinking of ordering one.

wdave · #12 01-20-2009, 08:41 AM

Here are a few other sources to check out:
http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/string-...prod_1609.html
http://www.howardcore.com/cgi-bin/sh...tm&key=CC4200B
http://www.gotofmi.com/34upbalihaca.html

Brandon Tuomiko · #13 01-20-2009, 09:35 AM

say I have a $4000 bass. Should I get one of these foam cases? I dont want it to get scratched from a gig bag or sitting out at school where it will be for weeks at a time.

Should I invest? Ya know how bad high schools can get in terms of the "band" kids messing with the orchestra cellos and basses. I am getting a fully carved very special bass. And if it gets one 1 scratch Im going to be on the floor crying!

e.maynard · #14 01-20-2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks wdave.

I wish there was a dealer closer to avoid the insane freight shipping.

jgbass · #15 01-20-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Piggery

Has anyone had any experience with the Sunrise gig bags from Lemur? http://shop5.mailordercentral.com/le.../products/158/

They seem like good value and I'm thinking of ordering one.

I had the bag and I considered it a very well made, high quality bag. The price is right. However, I sold it because it was a heavier bag than a Mooridian and the Mooridian has turned out to be easier to use. But, it you do not mind a medium weight bag, its an excellent value. I just happen to be female and older and like lighter equipment.

Jake deVilliers · #16 01-20-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e.maynard

Thanks wdave.

I wish there was a dealer closer to avoid the insane freight shipping.

Its pretty cheap to send it Greyhound.

thewhale · #17 01-25-2009, 12:20 PM

Brandon,
A soft case will not scratch the bass unless it is a very poorly made case or you are careless in putting it on. As far as band goes, see if you can get it behind a locked door so that it is out of reach of the band kids. If your teachers are smart then they will allow you to put it in an office or something for storage instead of the general mass storage areas. I just think that those foam cases are completely impractical. If you are careful with a soft case your bass will be fine. People will get hard cases and eventually be less careful when carting the bass and end up hurting the instrument more than they would with a soft case and some tender loving care. That's my two cents.
ktw

NewYorkBassist · #18 01-25-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon Tuomiko

say I have a $4000 bass. Should I get one of these foam cases? I dont want it to get scratched from a gig bag or sitting out at school where it will be for weeks at a time.

Should I invest? Ya know how bad high schools can get in terms of the "band" kids messing with the orchestra cellos and basses. I am getting a fully carved very special bass. And if it gets one 1 scratch Im going to be on the floor crying!

I would stick with a Mooridian case. Mine's in fine condition and it's as old as I am! But as far as the foam cases go, I haven't heard of any "success stories", so it might not be the best investment.
With the regular cases, just be careful when you put it on (pull the zipper away from the instrument when you're shutting and opening it), and it shouldn't get scratched..

And as far as the whole high school situation goes, wouldn't you take your bass home with you every day? And during the day you could probably find somewhere to store it that would be safe, the music director should understand the problem.

Brandon Tuomiko · #19 01-25-2009, 05:28 PM

ok i will go with the mooridian case.

The situation is- My neighbor picks me up from school about 3 blocks from the highschool at a grade school that her kids go to. My parents work till 5:30.
My neighbor drives a ford taurus and really has no room for ANYthing.

I have not taken my bass home from school since August.

NewYorkBassist · #20 01-25-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon Tuomiko

ok i will go with the mooridian case.

The situation is- My neighbor picks me up from school about 3 blocks from the highschool at a grade school that her kids go to. My parents work till 5:30.
My neighbor drives a ford taurus and really has no room for ANYthing.

I have not taken my bass home from school since August.

It's too bad your school doesn't have a school bass. Maybe they'll get one soon?
Well, if you find somewhere safe to put it, I think it'll be fine.