Gig bag question, specifically Roadrunner...

[jlepre]

I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this, but if not please move.

Today I went to replace my old (5 year old) Roadrunner Gig bag. I bought it from GC, and it was very nice, but it has developed a tear, so it's time for a new one. The Roadrunner bag that I saw at GC looked NOTHING like my old bag. My bag has a nice front storage pocket that holds ALOT of stuff. It even has a zipper that allows removal.

The NEW RR Gig bag had no suck zipper, and the SIZE of the pocket was almost nothing. What happened? Was I just looking at the lower version of my old bag? Did the more expensive $49 have the features of my old bag?

Here are links to the 2 bags in question. The FIRST one is the bag they had on the floor. I didn't see the more expensive $49 bag.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Road-Run...80-i1168041.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Road-Run...49-i1400669.gc

Any help on this, or is you can recommend a similarly prices alternative?

[AMp'D.2play]

Different models.

http://www.roadrunnercases.com/produ...x.cfm?cat=bass

I have one of the middle models, which may be the one you've owned. You were probably looking at the bottom rung of their line at GC.

The one I have has served me admirably for 3-4 years. I recently purchased an iGig bag, which is a step up in quality/features (but also > 2x the price).

[deste]

Hmmm.
I feel a lot concerned a bout gigbags, having seven basses that usually rotate (both on stage and in two different houses, so they're always on the move).
I live in Europe, the market in necessary different, so my suggestions may be not useful to you. Anyway:
I used a great Rockbag, the one that in origin were made especially for Warwick besses, and it's still great after fifteen years or so.
Two of the new Rockbag have lasted only a couple of years: they're the typical chinese stuff, perhaps strong, but the sewing are extremely poor (same as my double bass bag, btw).
I just bought two bags at Thomann, an online shop in Germany:
http://www.thomann.de/it/fender_delu...bag_pjbass.htm
http://www.thomann.de/it/thomann_pre..._e_bass_br.htm
They are the same prices: the Fender one is quite nice, six pockets, rear handle, non front handle, the manifucturing quality looks ok (but no more than just "ok"); the Thomann one is somewhat ugly: it's made of a sort a fake leather, no rear or front handle, just three pockets, but it looks extremely sturdy, judging by the materials and the sewings. I regret I bought just one...

Anyway, always look at the sewings: it's the first thing to break, often making your gigbag useless.

[obimark]

mono m80 - worth every penny!!

[jlepre]

Originally Posted by obimark

mono m80 - worth every penny!!

Too expensive. I'm looking sub $75 range.

[jlepre]

Originally Posted by AMp'D.2play

Different models.

http://www.roadrunnercases.com/produ...x.cfm?cat=bass

I have one of the middle models, which may be the one you've owned. You were probably looking at the bottom rung of their line at GC.

The one I have has served me admirably for 3-4 years. I recently purchased an iGig bag, which is a step up in quality/features (but also > 2x the price).

I actually owned the 3rd or BEST model from your link. I can't seem to find any product numbers, so that I could even ORDER this bag. Any ideas?

[jlepre]

Well I emailed RoadRunner and got THIS:

Hello,

Our cases are sold through retailers such as Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. Unfortunately, that particular model has been discontinued and is not available any longer. I apologize for any inconvenience. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please let us know.

We listen to our customers and want to hear your feedback. Feel free to contact us if you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns regarding the service that you have received today. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Ryan A.
Road Runner Product Support

Oh well..the search continues.

[jlepre]

http://www.georgesmusic.com/products...8ed45a1cdbd8acI'm trying out this one.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by jlepre

Too expensive. I'm looking sub $75 range.

You are going to risk your fine basses in a sub par gig bag?
A Mono, Reunion Blues or Pro-Tec bag will cost a little more but will last longer and provide better protection.

Did you save any money the first time now that you have to replace your RR bag now? A good bag is a investment that lasts years. I bought my son a Pro-Tec bag for his Squier knowing that it will last him years and provide better protection for his bass now and in the future.
Don't be penny wise and pound foolish with your nice basses.

[jlepre]

My.last $50 Roadrunner bag lasted almost 6 years. If this bag lasts as long I will be happy. FWIW I still have another RR bag stikl going strong. I just cant see spending half the price of my bass on a gig bag.

[zfunkman]

I recently purchases a dual bass gig bag by Mono. Its awsome! Well built and very practical. I'm sure their single bass gig bags are just as good.

[Bassman7PM]

I think the OP and I have the same older RR gig bags and there is nothing subpar about them. The new RR gig bags are a joke compared to the older model and after many years mine has developed a tear at the bottom as well. But because my bass deserves the same level of protection that the older RR case had I'm going with the Mono or comparable.

[jlepre]

+100! If they still made the Roadrunner bag that wasn't a joke, I would have bought 2 more.

[jlepre]

Originally Posted by jlepre

http://www.georgesmusic.com/products...8ed45a1cdbd8acI'm trying out this one.

Oh well this fell through. Out of stock until MARCH?

[jlepre]

I was able to find a retailer out in WA state that still had the Tour Grade 20 mm Padded Bass Gig Bag in stock. I have been away on business, so I will have to give you my impressions when I get a GOOD look at it this weekend. First impression is it looks pretty nice, and LIGHT!

Originally Posted by jlepre

http://www.georgesmusic.com/products...8ed45a1cdbd8acI'm trying out this one.