MONO 'The Producer' review

[VroomVroom]

Hi Folks,

Yesterday I bought one of these from our man, Greg. Figured I'd share my initial thoughts in case anyone is interested.

Background
For about three years now I've been using a Protection Racket messenger bag for my...stuff. Charts, gig logistics sheets, maps, invoices, business cards, yada yada. Because my day gig often meshes with the important stuff in life (that'd be music!), for the past year-ish I've been using the same bag for that stuff - notes, project folders, so on and so on....often to include wallet, keys, cell phone, etc. Protection Racket stuff is great - ask any drummer or percussionist, but this particular bag isn't really up to the tasks I'm throwing at it. There's not a lot of protection for when I do carry fragile stuff, all of the pockets are open, and the shoulder strap is sewn on, with no rotating hook thingies to self-correct or even prevent it from getting twisted.

So...time to shop. After looking at a few quality brands (Tumi, Victoronix) and a few not-so-quality brands (cough), I kept coming back to the MONO Producer. Seemed to be the best choice, and since we know the awesomeness that is Greg, the "Where to buy?" question was a no-brainer. Pricewise, cheap it ain't, but it's certainly not the most expensive product on the market.

Buying, Shipping, Delivery
First part: easy-peazy, Roscoe-squeezy. Greg is the man, and it was nice chatting...even if it was for just a minute. Shipping? I'm right across the bay from MONO's distribution center. Next day, bada boom. Delivery? Well, it is Fed-Ex(pect the worst), and of course my office is always the last spot they visit for the day. Been on the truck since 6:15am, and I get it at 3:30pm. Wah, wah.

First Impressions
Holy crap, this box is huge! I hope the case isn't that big. Whew. Well, it is a pretty big bag - more on that soon - but it was well-protected in a box that easily could've fit one more bag. The bag itself...materials feel and look good, it's light-weight, the zippers look to be indestructible, and there's lots of room. Oh, and it's pretty big. When I read the dimensions on MONO's website, I neglected to catch that the bag's width did not include the external side pockets. They're not removable, so the true width of this bag is ~ 21.5". Not a showstopper by any means, and I can't say that I would've found a smaller bag that I liked nearly as much overall, but...it's a pretty big bag. Sense the theme here?

My only dislike: the shoulder strap. Aside from the connectors, it looks like an afterthought. The padded area is very thin - much more so than on my old bag. Granted, I've got a pretty sensitive shoulder these days, but I have to say I'd hoped for better. The strap is highly adjustable - as shipped I'd guess it was at the perfect length for Shaq, or at least Gard. For my 5'9ness, however, I shortened it quite a bit.

The handle on top of the bag is really stout, and may actually outlast the zippers. Kudos there.

Pockets/Storage
High marks here. Probably overkill for my needs, and I do want to emphasize that I'm using this as a catch-all bag, not for a specific, dedicated purpose. The flip cover is held by two pressure clips, and it offers great coverage and padding. The main pocket is huge and very well-padded. It's divided front/back and the back section will accept (and reasonably protect) a laptop computer. The bag comes with velcro dividers for side/side use. I removed them, but can see how they'd be useable for fragile components. I've got the main area loaded with a number of file folders, manuscript paper, and a regular college-lined notebook. There's a semi-hidden zippered pocket in the front wall, and I've got it stocked with pens, pencils, highlighter, and a mini flashlight.

There are two zippered front pockets under the cover as well. Plenty of room for gadgets, power supplies, yada yada. Thus far I've got one dedicated to checkbook, business cards, cell phone, wallet, keys, etc. The other one will likely hold my Radial JDI. For my purposes, I do wish there was one large pocket instead of two smaller ones, but that's just me.

There is a document sleeve in the back of the bag that's perfect for this kind of stuff. A top-center velcro strip keeps everything in place. Nice touch.

The two external side pockets are perfect for A/C adapters, external HD's, etc. For my needs I do wish they were removable, but again...not really fair to judge based on that. (Although without them, the bag's width decreases by more than four inches...being able to remove even one would be a nice feature.) I'm also not much on the silver color applied to these pockets...seems to take away from the classy and otherwise subtle look of a black bag.

Unless you have something fairly heavy in the back section of the main pocket, there is significant nose dive. I'm not sure the bag would stand on its own anyway, but without that weight you'll have to lean it, face-first, against a vertical surface.

Final Thoughts
It's a pretty darn sweet bag. Seemingly very well constructed, yet lightweight...and definitely ready to carry some cargo.

My only grumbles are with the external pockets (color and the extra overall width) - which is really a minor and definitely a selfish thing, and with the shoulder strap (padded area is very thin). I think the bag will be a keeper, but I'm already on the lookout for a higher quality strap.

Bottom line: if you happen to have needs like mine, but don't want to carry a briefcase or some other alternative/compromise, I'd definitely recommend taking a peek at this one.

This went on a lot longer than I expected. Imagine that. I'll close with a few cell phone pics.

Two shots of the bag in comparison to my old Protection Racket one. The PR bag is noticeably skinnier, and even though it's a bit taller, I can't say I've had an issue with that dimension.




And finally, here's a shot with all of my stuff in the bag:


Happy shopping. You can wake up now.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

The strap is highly adjustable - as shipped I'd guess it was at the perfect length for Shaq, or at least Gard. For my 5'9ness, however, I shortened it quite a bit.

Dude. I've met Shaq. He made me feel like a 3 year old.

...I ain't even CLOSE to Shaq big.

Happy shopping. You can wake up now.

...zzzzzzZZZZZzzzZZZZZhuh?!?!?

[Gard]

...oh yeah, nice bag.

[1kinal]

Thanks for the great review. Everytime I end up on the mono website I have to restrain myself from ordering one.

I'm with you regarding the outside compartment color and size which make the bag a bit too long for my taste. Still, because of the many pockets it's the most interesting model for a bass player.

I'd prefer the size of the Fader model ( http://www.monocase.com/mono-efx-fader.asp ) but it lacks a few small pockets on the front panel for stuff like in-ears, cell, keys, etc...

I'm on the fence between the Producer and Fader. Anybody have seen the two models in person?

[VroomVroom]

You know, I looked long and hard at the Fader, but decided it would be too small...and not totally geared for how I'd try to use it. Sweet bag, though, and those exterior dimensions are perfect. Good luck with the decision...

[RocketMusic]

Jerry - You're looking at it all wrong! You clearly just need to accumulate some more crap to fill up those side pockets.

Definitely, thanks for the thorough review! I'm pretty sure I still want one as badly as I did before reading this... being slightly too big rather than slightly too small is probably a plus for me.

And please do let us know if you find a better strap! I share that sentiment on the double M80 bass case, too. There's just a whisper of padding in those shoulder straps, so they're less than comfortable when you have two basses on your back. I've been half-heartedly looking for a cushion of some sort that can just be put over top of (around, really) the existing strap... something in a sheep skin would be lovely.

[VroomVroom]

Echo on the M80, Greg. Seems kinda' ironic that a company that makes comfortable straps for instruments doesn't excel at providing comfortable straps for their bags.

Funny you mention sheepskin. Last night I was looking at the Producer bag, then at a spare black Ken Smith instrument strap...then back to the bag...back to the strap... Hmmm. Doesn't seem like they're a good match, but it does have me thinking.

[bassWR]

Originally Posted by RocketMusic

I've been half-heartedly looking for a cushion of some sort that can just be put over top of (around, really) the existing strap... something in a sheep skin would be lovely.

Check the auto parts store. Thet have the sheepskin pads that go on your car's shoulder harness. Inexpensive and if it works you can put a stitch at each end to hold them in place.

[Bipslapper]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

Echo on the M80, Greg. Seems kinda' ironic that a company that makes comfortable straps for instruments doesn't excel at providing comfortable straps for their bags.

Funny you mention sheepskin. Last night I was looking at the Producer bag, then at a spare black Ken Smith instrument strap...then back to the bag...back to the strap... Hmmm. Doesn't seem like they're a good match, but it does have me thinking.

Wow, you mean you guys don't have roadies to carry your gear???




Oops, forgot; I don't either. Guess it's time to wake up from my nap by the pool.

[RocketMusic]

Originally Posted by Bipslapper

Wow, you mean you guys don't have roadies to carry your gear???




Oops, forgot; I don't either. Guess it's time to wake up from my nap by the pool.

I find that I play better after roading 200 lbs of gear. Gets the endorphins pumping.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Bipslapper

Wow, you mean you guys don't have roadies to carry your gear???




Oops, forgot; I don't either. Guess it's time to wake up from my nap by the pool.

Get back to arboring those trees before the rich guy catches you sleeping by his pool





God Bless, Ray

[bobunit]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

My only grumbles are with the external pockets (color and the extra overall width) - which is really a minor and definitely a selfish thing, and with the shoulder strap (padded area is very thin).

One word... Colorbond

[VroomVroom]

FYI/FWIW...shoulder strap. Here's what I'm considering:

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mer...ct_Code=TB0505

http://www.shoebuy.com/skooba-design...-_-none-_-none

[Bipslapper]

Originally Posted by LilRay

Get back to arboring those trees before the rich guy catches you sleeping by his pool





God Bless, Ray

Appreciate your concern Ray, but currently on vacation in Florida. Told Gard that I had my first chance to sample Turbo Dog on draft at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando- Me Likey

Now in Jupiter and missing playing my bass(es)

Schlocky Jimmy Buffet guitar, keys and midi bass & drums duo in the lounge don't quite do it for me.
Looking forward to playing music when I return Thursday. In the meantime I have my laptop, wi-fi and can download and play all the great bass tracks you Roscoe Heads are posting, loving it! Keep em coming!

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Bipslapper

Appreciate your concern Ray, but currently on vacation in Florida. Told Gard that I had my first chance to sample Turbo Dog on draft at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando- Me Likey

Now in Jupiter and missing playing my bass(es)

Schlocky Jimmy Buffet guitar, keys and midi bass & drums duo in the lounge don't quite do it for me.
Looking forward to playing music when I return Thursday. In the meantime I have my laptop, wi-fi and can download and play all the great bass tracks you Roscoe Heads are posting, loving it! Keep em coming!

Vacation? Cool man. Hope ya have a great time. And hey, If the lounge act ain't cuttin' it, have more Turbodog

God Bless, Ray

[1kinal]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

FYI/FWIW...shoulder strap. Here's what I'm considering:

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mer...ct_Code=TB0505

http://www.shoebuy.com/skooba-design...-_-none-_-none

For the price difference, the first one seems better. Looks a lot like a Sadowsky strap I have (for bass obviously).

[VroomVroom]

Originally Posted by 1kinal

For the price difference, the first one seems better. Looks a lot like a Sadowsky strap I have (for bass obviously).

That's the conclusion I reached too. It'll be here tomorrow.

[JOME77]

Nice review Jerry!
You've got me wanting one and I don't even need one!

You should be in the advertising business!

....or maybe a staff reviewer for one of the bass mag's!

[bobunit]

Jerry, I hope you don't mind, but I sent your review to Pat @ Mono. I figure they should know how there customers feel about their goodies.

Greg, FYI, you are not listed as a dealer on the Mono site.

[VroomVroom]

^ Not at all. Thanks for doing that.

Okay, now we have a bag. Went with the 'Absolute' shoulder strap, aka the strap that should've come on the bag from the factory. Big difference.



Much more padding, nice ergonomic curvature action, and the connectors are all metal, all the time. Here's a shot of it attached to the bag...



So, $36 (including shipping) extra on the tab makes this a pretty pricey bag, but I'm okay with that. It's very functional and my one real beef has now been addressed. As Greg suggested, I've already started filling the pockets, and I can't say the size of the bag has been an issue...car, office, rehearsal venue, or home. It's very comfortable with the new strap...may not be a solid cosmetic match, but it certainly is a functional.