Schlepping - Bass Buggie, Wheel, or Other?

SteveFreides · #1 11-07-2008, 06:09 PM

What does everyone do to get their bass around? A wheel - I've heard that, long term, this can be hard on the instrument from some people, but I've also seen a _lot_ of people who play a _lot_ better than me on instruments that cost a _lot_ more using them. I see this thing online called a Bass Buggie that looks interesting.

Thanks in advance.

-S-

EJ_Dad · #2 11-07-2008, 06:56 PM

I selected the Bass Buggy because my end pin is non-removable and I didn’t want to have it changed.

I've found the Bass Buggy is easier to handle the bass with one hand than with a single wheel. My other hand is occupied with the stool or other equipment. Also I can, momentarily, let the bass stand by itself to open a door.

The way the Bass Buggy fits on the bass, I don’t have to remove it to put my bass in the car. Some of my friends do have to remove their wheels to get their basses in a car.

Michael Eisenman · #3 11-07-2008, 07:21 PM

+1 Another vote for the bass buggie. Even though my pin is removable, I'd rather not. Plus the other reasons that EJ_Dad mentioned.

Another plus: If you have a van or long station wagon, you can roll the bass into position. Helpful if you have back problems.

Nagrom · #4 11-07-2008, 07:52 PM

how do you deal with stairs with the buggy?

CamMcIntyre · #5 11-07-2008, 08:28 PM

I use a Gaines Wheel on my NS Cleveland. It works get. I can maneuver it one handed just fine.

The wheel is easy to store, easy to use, and has served me well. I've put more miles on it the past few years than I have my car. My car stays in Indiana.

salcott · #6 11-07-2008, 08:41 PM

Been using a wheel since 1975 or so. My first one was the one with the 3" hard rubber wheel on the sprung shaft, like the cover photo on "Whims of Chambers", followed by a wheel with the pneumatic tire. I never had much luck with the two-wheeled models; I find them hard to steer. 30 years in NYC w/ no mishaps.

toman · #7 11-08-2008, 12:48 AM

I've used a single endpin wheel for a long time and never had a problem. Works great for getting around town and handles easily once you get the hang of it, kind of like piloting a weird unicycle or something. I'd suggest getting whatever the nice brand name one is though, mine is a copy and while it works fine, it has some little issues that are not serious, but worth spending an extra forty or so to avoid long term.

One of my basses, when opened up for unrelated repairs had part of one rib separated from the block; wheel related, I don't know but if the bass had stayed as it was, I don't think I would have ever noticed and given the rest of the issues, it very well may have been that way as long as I've had the bass.

Regardless, I know guys with very expensive old instruments who have never had problems and given my experiences, I wouldn't hesitate to put a wheel on any healthy bass. The probability of damage is, IMO, a good trade-off for my back and anything that's good for my back means I play more; if I'm not playing than what's the point, right?

mattfong · #8 11-08-2008, 01:18 AM

Wheel. The bass buggie looks cool, but I can't afford it and the wheel works fine. I found a nice wheel with a pneumatic tire and everything for much cheaper than the Gaines wheel. It works great, and if the ground is really bumpy i'll just carry my bass for a little bit.

I can also fit it in my car with the wheel on, so that's not a problem.

Nuno A. · #9 11-08-2008, 02:38 AM

The bass buggie , best $100 that i spent on bass stuff, makes walking with the bass so easy, my end pin is not removable too and with the buggie i can walk miles with my bass ....

Nuno

Michael Eisenman · #10 11-08-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nagrom

how do you deal with stairs with the buggy?

I pick up the bass and carry it or take the elevator. A buggie or a wheel is for covering distances; I'd never try to drag it up/bounce it down stairs.

Nagrom · #11 11-08-2008, 09:32 AM

"I'd never try to drag it up/bounce it down stairs."

Of course not, it's just I already have clearance issues with stairs, so I'm asking if the buggy is a pain when using a shoulder strap.

Tejano Bass · #12 11-08-2008, 09:56 AM

check this out as another possible solution . . .

http://www.fretwellbass.com/index.ph...show/wifesaver

Eric Hochberg · #13 11-08-2008, 10:16 AM

Been using it since '78. It attaches to the bag with velcro. No stress on the instrument as with an endpin wheel and you can keep your endpin in the bass and rest your instrument on it when needed, like on a subway or on the street when your not rolling.

I think I may be the only guy in Chicago using one, but I think it's a great product.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #14 11-08-2008, 12:14 PM

I really like the Bass Buggie. It is very easy to use and can't possibly do any damage to the bass. One very nice benefit is that if properly adjusted, the bass will stand up by itself for just a moment. This makes opening doors very convenient. I wouldn't be without my Buggie.

This video shows it in action:

http://www.kcstrings.com/bass-buggie.html

robobass · #15 11-10-2008, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clink

I really like the Bass Buggie. It is very easy to use and can't possibly do any damage to the bass. One very nice benefit is that if properly adjusted, the bass will stand up by itself for just a moment. This makes opening doors very convenient. I wouldn't be without my Buggie.

This video shows it in action:

http://www.kcstrings.com/bass-buggie.html

+++ I used an endpin mounted wheel for years in NYC. It got me there, but a big disadvantage is the height standing up. Not only in the subway, but a lot of subway corridors and stairwells have very low ceilings, so I was always having to stop and remove the wheel. I haven't actually test driven a Bass Buggie, but it looks like the best thing going so far.

Steve Clark · #16 11-10-2008, 05:43 AM

I ordered a Buggie this weekend. Look forward to using it. I have an issue with my right shoulder which is not bass related but I aggravated it this weekend so the Buggie will be one less way to stress the shoulder.

hdiddy · #17 11-10-2008, 09:08 AM

I have a Soundwear bag and have been using the straps alot lately.

salcott · #18 11-10-2008, 09:52 AM

Some thoughts on a few posts: with the wheel you do have to pay attention to ceiling height, but it gets to be second nature; when I'm walking with my bass on a wheel, the scroll isn't much higher than the top of my head. With the two-wheeled carts, in my experience, you have to follow the bass rather than being able to tilt and steer, which I found bothersome, especially in a crowd. With the backpack type straps, if you have the bass high enough to not bang on your legs as you walk, the scroll is WAY up there and susceptible to impact with (especially) doorframes.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #19 11-10-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salcott

Some thoughts on a few posts: with the wheel you do have to pay attention to ceiling height, but it gets to be second nature; when I'm walking with my bass on a wheel, the scroll isn't much higher than the top of my head. With the two-wheeled carts, in my experience, you have to follow the bass rather than being able to tilt and steer, which I found bothersome, especially in a crowd. With the backpack type straps, if you have the bass high enough to not bang on your legs as you walk, the scroll is WAY up there and susceptible to impact with (especially) doorframes.

In my experience, the Buggie is easy to steer. Just tilt over on one wheel and go.

bnutz · #20 11-10-2008, 11:38 AM

I've been using a Gaines wheel and am pretty happy with it. It takes a little getting used to- figuring out overhead clearances, steering, etc. but after a bit of use, becomes second nature.

The only issues I've had are what others mentioned- Having to remove it frequently, doorways and low ceilings, etc. But let's face it; we haven't chosen the most convenient instrument on the face of the planet, so we're all probably used to a bit of hassle here and there.

Also, FWIW, the Gaines was also the wheel that Bob Gollihur recommended I use.

-b