Gollihur Bass Bag Experience

all_grown_up · #1 12-31-2006, 03:26 PM

I am sharing my experience and views on the Gollihur Bass Bag. The Green one $129. I appreciate that others may have had different experiences and this is not intended as a slam on the seller.

Mine seems to be wearing out prematurely. I purchased it in April of 2005. I am not a pro so this bag isn't getting what I consider to be heavy use. I leaves the house about 4 times a week more or less for rehearsals lessons and gigs so that is in and out twice.

The large pocket is splitting above the seam. The upper handle on the main zipper came off. I replaced it with a cable tie. The zipper on the pocket above the main pocket detached entirely leaving the pocket closed. I opened it but it is no longer functional Seam split and material wore out on the side.

I am not sure what is reasonable to expect but I expect the zippers to hold up at least as well as the zippers on my jeans.

Pretty soon the bag won't be good for anything other than storing a bass. Definitely not a life time bag and not even a two year bag.

robgrow · #2 12-31-2006, 04:05 PM

Have you contacted Bob Gollihur about this? If not, that would be a good first step before posting here IMO.

all_grown_up · #3 12-31-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robgrow

Have you contacted Bob Gollihur about this? If not, that would be a good first step before posting here IMO.

I have. In any event, my comment was about the merchandise not the merchant.

Marcus Johnson · #4 12-31-2006, 04:49 PM

Maybe a bad day at the sweat shop. If it's any consolation, my Mooradian, which cost 3X what your bag did, shows a lot of the same symptoms. I just live with it. Maybe Reunion Blues next Christmas! To be fair, the Mooradian travels more than yours does.

I'm sure Bob will want to know your experience, and equally sure that he'll set things right for you.

all_grown_up · #5 12-31-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Maybe a bad day at the sweat shop. If it's any consolation, my Mooradian, which cost 3X what your bag did, shows a lot of the same symptoms. To be fair, it travels more than yours does.

I'm sure Bob will want to know your experience, and equally sure that he'll set things right for you.

Thanks, I am not entirely sure what is reasonable to expect which is why I voiced my comments gently (IMO)

Marcus Johnson · #6 12-31-2006, 04:52 PM

Absolutely, you did. Bob goes out of his way to make sure everyone's happy. I've bought lots of stuff from him.

Silversorcerer · #7 01-01-2007, 02:19 AM

I've gotten most of my DB gear from Bob, who no doubt soon will be well aware of this post and thread. I would be the first to say that you should just talk to him. At worst he'll probably replace the bag or give you a deal on a new one. At best, he will work with the maker to improve the quaility of the bags he supplies.

If you have say 2 or more (up to 4) rehearsals per week, that is actually quite a bit of bass bag use. I have 2-3 Double bass reheasals / gigs per week and even my Reunion Blues bag shows some wear. Granted, its not failing at all structurally, but this is a $600+ bag. I don't know what's reasonable to expect either, but it's reasonable that you get what you pay for.

Everything that I've gotten from Bob has met or surpassed my expectations. And for me, it is my DB, my bows, and most of my other gear. If my bass would have fit in one of his bags, I'd have one of those too. Of course it was Bob that found me a slightly used Reunion Blues Bag that did fit. I really have a great deal of respect for Bob, not just because of how he conducts business, but also for being one of the most genuinely helpful members of the double bass community. Just talk to him. That's all you need to do.

bikerbassplayer · #8 01-01-2007, 08:34 AM

I gig about 3 to 4 times a week now and I consider that a
lot of use. I am semi retired but when I worked full time I
usually only gig'd 5 to 6 times a week. It sounds to me like that
bag is holding up at a normal pace considering the
amount of times a week it is used. And for the record, my
bag is not a Gollihur ! IMO

Wilbyman · #9 01-01-2007, 08:49 AM

I have to say, my regular nylon Mooradian bag (not the super deluxe or anything) is not fancy but has held up great for 8-9 years. It has seen plenty of weekly/daily use and some travelling.

brandonwong · #10 01-01-2007, 09:12 AM

I recently got my Messina bag from a TB member.
It's the best bag i have seen and used.
Top quality materials, cushioning and handles everywhere... plus lots of compartments for scores, bows, preamp, wheel, books.

I recommend it highly. Especially when its at the sma eprice point as mooradian.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #11 01-01-2007, 09:54 AM

That's 10cents per use!

dragonetti11 · #12 01-01-2007, 09:55 AM

I've had my deluxe Mooridian for nearly 4 years....the only wear I have is some rosin dust on the inside bridge pad.....and I use it frequently.

joel kelsey · #13 01-01-2007, 10:55 AM

I use a Mooradian bag ($250) that I purchased in 1998. I use it quite a bit. I gig about 4 or 5 times a week and I also used it all through college (music school). I have walked through rain and snow with it and the bag is still in near mint condition. The only thing wrong with it is the handle of one of the zippers broke off. I think we get what we pay for and while I really thought 250 for a gig bag was rediculous, it has been one of the best bass investments I have made.

armybass · #14 01-01-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel kelsey

I use a Mooradian bag ($250) that I purchased in 1998. I use it quite a bit. I gig about 4 or 5 times a week and I also used it all through college (music school). I have walked through rain and snow with it and the bag is still in near mint condition. The only thing wrong with it is the handle of one of the zippers broke off. I think we get what we pay for and while I really thought 250 for a gig bag was rediculous, it has been one of the best bass investments I have made.

True, I have the $526.00 RB bag for my carved bass and it works great although it is rather heavy. I will be getting the $249.00 Mooradian bag for my Engle. Gig bags take lots of abuse and unless they are fairly high quality, I don't expect them to last very long.

Bob is a great guy and many of us have dealt with him, receiving nothing but great service. I personally would contact him first.

all_grown_up · #15 01-01-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all_grown_up

I have. In any event, my comment was about the merchandise not the merchant.

To restate for the record the third post in this series; I did contact Mr. Gollihur and the post is about the merchandise not the merchant.

Marcus Johnson · #16 01-01-2007, 05:06 PM

Well, if that's the case, then you should contact Bob.

all_grown_up · #17 01-01-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Well, if that's the case, then you should contact Bob.

arcus,

I did contact Mr. Gollihur prior to posting. That is the point of the post preceding your last one (How did I fail to make that clear). I choose not to make the results of that discussion public.

I wasn't happy with the outcome but perhaps I got what I paid for which is suggested by a number of the posts. Assuming that they are correct, the bag was an inappropriate choice for the degree of use which I put it to and I would have been better off spending more money for a better bag. I thank all those who posted with their comments and recommendations. However, I think there is a word of warning that this bag is not a good choice for someone who is going to be taking their bass out more than once or twice a week.

Now I know everyone loves Bob but unless there is a list of sacred cows whose methods and merchandise may not be discussed there is no reason to exempt him and his goods from the same scrutiny to which others are subject.

Roger Harper · #18 01-01-2007, 05:54 PM

I have had one for about a year. Admittedly, my use s lighter but I am very happy with the bag.

Roger

all_grown_up · #19 01-01-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Harper

I have had one for about a year. Admittedly, my use s lighter but I am very happy with the bag.

Roger

At one year, I was happy with mine too.

armybass · #20 01-01-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all_grown_up

...the bag was an inappropriate choice for the degree of use which I put it to and I would have been better off spending more money for a better bag. I thank all those who posted with their comments and recommendations. However, I think there is a word of warning that this bag is not a good choice for someone who is going to be taking their bass out more than once or twice a week...

I have had a similar experience with the Kaces (?) bag. That is why I went top dollar with my Reunion Blues bag and why I will get the Mooradian bag for my plywood bass before I spend the money for a cheaper bag that may not hold up.