Bass Cases - The Good... The Bad and The Ugly

butcher · #1 08-22-2011, 12:33 PM

Well, this is my first official post on TB... so I ask for forgiveness in advance for any faux pas.

I am having a custom Warmoth-wooded, jazz-based-shaped 5-er built and want to get a good case for it. I was hoping to find some reviews or threads about bass cases here but had a bit of difficulty searching for any.

So, here's the topic for discussion: What bass cases have you had/used that you have loved or hated... and maybe some pics of ugly cases just for fun.

Currently, my fav cases are an old Yamaha left-handed hard case I got on clearance from MF for $29 (only thing left-handed about it is where the accessory compartment is located) and a Gator GL lightweight which my GK MB500 head fits nicely into the outer pocket.

I have had a Warwick RockBass hard case that was sufficient but pretty flimsy, a MF tweed case that was pretty but didn't keep any of my basses secure, and a TKL ABS case that cracked mysteriously en route to a gig.

Thanks - hope to get some shared enlightenment

kdalmia · #2 08-22-2011, 12:39 PM

I have had good luck in that both the basses that I've bought so far came with custom fitted Hard Shell Cases from the manufacturer, but the best gig bags that I've ever used are made by Mono. I even got my latest shoulder strap from them too. Really padded, soft, and has backpack straps, if that's what you're looking for. They're definitely pricey, so if you do decide to get one, don't get one off of the manufacturer's website, go with Musician's Friend or Sweetwater or something.

However, you can't get a better feel for the case without touching and using one than on the manufacturer's website. :: MONO ::

JeffBTZ · #3 08-22-2011, 12:41 PM

I've got a roadrunner molded case that I got a steal on from GC as they were out of the case that I wanted, so I got the step up for the same price as the cheap model.

It's built like a tank on the outside and I've never had it get damaged. The storage is pretty cruddy in it though. It's fine for holding batteries, a screwdriver, picks, and a strap along with one pedal, but that's it. Don't expect to get an amp head into it.

The velcro strap that secures the neck is also quite useless. The plush fabric peeled off of the velcro, so it flops around mostly independent of the velcro that it was supposed to cover. I usually just set the bass on top of the strap and forget it. The top of the case comes down all the way to the strings, so it can't move anyhow.

All that said, I'd probably buy another one. It's a bit pricey for me at 100 USD, but... you know.

jmac · #4 08-22-2011, 12:45 PM

I own a Mono double gig bag. I find it to be awesome. I don't have experience with other gig bags.

TolerancEJ · #5 08-22-2011, 12:56 PM

I know this doesn't apply to your specific case, but if you ever happen to purchase a Conklin GT-7 or BDGT-7, avoid the Groove Tools case. After I bought my BDGT-7, I researched a lot and located nothing but negative reviews on the matching Groove Tools case. Luckily, however more expensive, the case sold by Conklin fits the Groove Tools (GT) models perfectly. The one I have is a heavy duty foam with all kinds of pockets and carrying strap combinations (i.e. shoulder strap, backpack straps, etc.) Bill Conklin, himself assisted me with my order via email. One day, I hope to own an actual Conklin.

butcher · #6 08-22-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBTZ

I've got a roadrunner molded case that I got a steal on from GC as they were out of the case that I wanted, so I got the step up for the same price as the cheap model.

It's built like a tank on the outside and I've never had it get damaged. The storage is pretty cruddy in it though. It's fine for holding batteries, a screwdriver, picks, and a strap along with one pedal, but that's it. Don't expect to get an amp head into it.

The velcro strap that secures the neck is also quite useless. The plush fabric peeled off of the velcro, so it flops around mostly independent of the velcro that it was supposed to cover. I usually just set the bass on top of the strap and forget it. The top of the case comes down all the way to the strings, so it can't move anyhow.

All that said, I'd probably buy another one. It's a bit pricey for me at 100 USD, but... you know.

Oh, I forgot about the RR case I had for about a week. It was the rigid foam one. I put an Ibanez SR505 in it and picked it up to and the handle pulled right off of it.

Glad the outside has been protecting your bass, but the inside sounds in line with the experience I had. And yeah, they aren't cheap...