Gig bag of soft shell case?

JES · #1 08-08-2009, 12:49 PM

Hi All,

I'm looking for something lightweight but that offers some decent protection and won't scratch my bass with its zippers (my only experience with a cheap gig bag years ago did just this). I don't case if it's a gig bag or a soft shell case: my two priorities are light weight and protection, as I can be a little clumsy.

Also, my preference would be for something not flashy or expensive looking (no fancy leather, please), though I am happy to pay for quality. I don't want any more of "steal me" sign on it than it already has by virtue of being an instrument.

Thanks.

--JES

PS -- Since there's no obvious forum for it but it's about protecting my basses, I'm posting here. Sorry if it's the wrong place.

KJung · #2 08-08-2009, 12:55 PM

There are a number of wonderful hybrid gig bags (i.e., soft bags that offer more protection than a 'cheap' gig bag) out now. They are not cheap, but are worth every penny.

My favorites:

Mono bag.... uber quality, very lightweight, nitro safe... only downside is relatively small pocket

iGig... there are a number of models. The original offers less protection (closer to a very high quality gig bag than a hard case) than the others, but has HUGE pocket space.... enough for all your stuff and a micro amp

Sadowsky Portabag... GREAT in every way IMO

inCase Slim Bag.... offers the most protection, the straps are a relatively overdesigned alpine backback system that can be cumbersome on the typical 'car to stage' schlep, but overall a GREAT bag.

All are great in their own way, with the primary differences being protection, weight, and pocket size.

The Mono is at the top of my list at the moment.

Do a search for these brands in the 'Miscellaneous' section of the site, and you will find reviews and pictures.

K

Edit: PS... if you are on a strict budget, the ProTec Contego is nice at the lower end of this category.

diglo · #3 08-08-2009, 01:03 PM

I recommend the Mono M80 gig bag. Also, I've own a igig and it has more pockets for storage. You can put a micro amp in it. But, the Mono just seem more durable. The mono is more comfortable on the back. Also I like the single handle...easier to pick up and go.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #4 08-08-2009, 01:52 PM

Another vote for Mono bags. No fancy leather there

The Zero G softshell cases are very nice as well- they really do weigh almost nothing, and offer a very good amount of protection with that hard foam stuff.

JES · #5 08-08-2009, 01:56 PM

Thanks for the quick replies! The mono sure is sexy, but beyond looks, what do you get in terms of light weight or protection over the Contego? Has anyone seen both?

Best,
--JES

KJung · #6 08-08-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JES

Thanks for the quick replies! The mono sure is sexy, but beyond looks, what do you get in terms of light weight or protection over the Contego? Has anyone seen both?

Best,
--JES

I have both (I have a Contego that came with one of my Rob Allens). It's kind of like the difference between a Chevy and a Lexus. Both perform the same function, but one does it much better.

The quality of the materials, the zippers, etc., etc. is just miles better with the Mono. Of course, you will pay much more money for one. The Contego is a great case for the money, especially if you only gig occasionally and are very careful with your instrument.

kevbassman · #7 08-08-2009, 01:59 PM

INCASE Slim bag is the way to go IMHO.

I actually had a "case" where someone accidentally dropped it around 10 feet....bass was stored in my INCASE bag......the bass was in the same shape! Thank God!
Now, I'm not recommending dropping it 10 feet to see if that's the case!

That bag is very very secured!

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #8 08-08-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

The quality of the materials, the zippers, etc., etc. is just miles better with the Mono.

Zippers curved to fit your fingers? You can't beat that

Pilgrim · #9 08-08-2009, 02:04 PM

Gator makes very nice soft shell bags with great protection, and they are around $120. I prefer hard cases when I can get them, but those are the second best I've used. I'm sure many of the others mentioned are good.

BUT -

I only use gig bags when there is no other option available. I don't trust 'em much.

KJung · #10 08-08-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Gator makes very nice soft shell bags with great protection, and they are around $120. I prefer hard cases when I can get them, but those are the second best I've used. I'm sure many of the others mentioned are good.

BUT -

I only use gig bags when there is no other option available. I don't trust 'em much.

If you haul your bass in the back of an equipment van piled full of other gear, I agree (althought the Incase Slimbag is close to hardcase protection).

However, if you carry your own instrument, there is really no reason to not consider one of these hybrids. I too don't like the thin, soft gig bags, but I've used the hybrids or one of the uber quality thickly padded bags like the Reunion Blues bags for years and years without a hitch!

mkrtu9 · #11 08-08-2009, 02:21 PM

I used a very nice soft shell gigbag the kind you can use like a backpack and I found a knob was pushed into my control cavity. I since bought a hard shell case. If I want to take a bass anywhere and I care about the bass then I use the hard shell case. If it is a throw away bass then I'll put it into the gigbag.

pasta4lnch · #12 08-08-2009, 02:25 PM

the mono and incase look cool for sure! I've had a mooridian bag that fits two for both bass and guitar and it's been fantastic. I've taken the bass one on tons of gigs w/ no issues (and all the pockets are filled to the brim)

**BLDavis** · #13 08-08-2009, 03:34 PM

I have a ToughTraveler that I've had for over twenty years and it still works great. I loaned it to a friend in Nashville and he used it almost daily for over five years. I'm glad to have it back. If anything happens to this one I'd buy another one in a minute. Yes, they're expensive but what's your axe worth?

http://www.toughtraveler.com/guitar.asp

B.

GM60466 · #14 08-08-2009, 03:36 PM

REUNION BLUES - You won't be sorry

G

malthumb · #15 08-08-2009, 03:50 PM

I picked up a Wolfpak case at GC recently. $75. Gets the job done for MOST of my basses. The neck contour seems to be patterned for a 4-string P-Bass, so my 5- string Marchlewski doesn't rest comfortably in there. My 5-string Roscoe fits well, though. Probably not quite as cool as the Mono cases I've seen, but at less than 1/2 the price, I'm good. It has backpack straps and plenty of pockets.

When I need two basses, I still use my Ritter double bag. It's padded pretty well, but I wouldn't stack a lot of stuff on top of it.

Mr.Phil · #16 08-08-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM60466

REUNION BLUES - You won't be sorry

G

+1 Levy's also makes a high quality leather bag. These are where its at.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #17 08-08-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Phil

+1 Levy's also makes a high quality leather bag. These are where its at.

He said no leather.

LilRay · #18 08-08-2009, 04:08 PM

Which is best for carrying it backpack style? I walk on crutches and need my hands free.

God Bless, Ray

KJung · #19 08-08-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilRay

Which is best for carrying it backpack style? I walk on crutches and need my hands free.

God Bless, Ray

The inCase has a true 'alpine backpack system' with waste and chest straps. That would, for sure, but the most secure.

LilRay · #20 08-08-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

The inCase has a true 'alpine backpack system' with waste and chest straps. That would, for sure, but the most secure.

Unless, I fall over backwards and end up like a turtle with limbs flaling

Thanks Ken

God Bless, Ray