Hard case or bag question?

Gabriel51 · #1 10-18-2008, 10:42 AM

I have only used hard cases and anvil cases but I don't go anywhere with my bases anymore so is a gig bag OK? Like the deluxe Fender? If I did take them I still have two hard and one anvil. Being hard is no assurance that something won't go wrong if you have a mishap. I slipped once while carrying my Schecter in a very heavy Schecter hard case while I just dropped it about a foot, I landed on it with my hand only to brake the fall and to my amazement it broke the neck in the middle and the case looked perfect. (cases should have a middle of the neck support).
So I guess my real question is are gig bags any good? I have a new Cirrus coming.
*Yes I did a search* Thanks

lindseyp · #2 10-18-2008, 10:47 AM

The Fender deluxe bag carries my Peavey GV and the Road Runner I bought Thursday carries my MTD Artist. It's not the protection of my hard cases, and requires me to pay attention to tuning before a set (but then, who doesn't do that? but gig bags are more manageable and still protect my instruments from scratches. The Peavey has worn out the inside of its case, by the way.

Gabriel51 · #3 10-18-2008, 10:52 AM

Thanks, it does seem like they would be easier to manage.

P-BASSLOVER · #4 10-18-2008, 11:10 AM

If yo broke you bass with it in a hard case it will break in a bag as well. It's kind of a double edged sword. A bag can be carried on your shoulders but don't offer the protection of a case which is heavier, and can only be carried by hand.

Marley's Ghost · #5 10-18-2008, 11:12 AM

The only time I ever had a string break on me was in a gig bag. And tuning is an issue. You really have to be careful where you put the bag when you transport it. Hard cases do not have these concerns, but they are heavy and cumbersome.

Jefenator · #6 10-18-2008, 12:45 PM

I've been bagging it for 12+ years, never had a single problem yet. On those ratty van tours, just make sure your axe is near the top of the gear pile!

ishouldbeking · #7 10-18-2008, 12:48 PM

take a look at the iGig... it actually appears to have a really decent neck support, and it's in a gig bag design. apparently these are sold by a fellow TBer to boot. when i get the cash i plan to get one.

http://www.mikobass.com/Shop/iGIG/index.htm

jonbass · #8 10-18-2008, 12:49 PM

The Incase bag is great, its kind of a hybrid so you get quite a bit more protection than your standard gig bag.

Stumbo · #9 10-18-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabriel51

...(cases should have a middle of the neck support).

Yeah, I think that's a great idea also. It would be easy to build in some internal bracing. I suggest emailing your broken neck story to Schecter. The same problem would come up if an amp or anything else heavy fell on the case.

vinxbass · #10 10-18-2008, 02:55 PM

When I was playing the Reno/Tahoe circuit, I would use a gig bag because it was easier getting around in the casino's with one. I could just strap it over my shoulder and carry my other belongings in both hands.

Now I prefer cases, even though I play just about every week, cases give me more peace of mine.

BluesWalker · #11 10-18-2008, 03:07 PM

I have given up on hard cases and only use soft cases. The soft cases are easier to manage, lighter weight, have outside pockets that hold extra strings, fuses, straps, cables, etc. I have never had a problem with my basses in a soft case.

Jactap · #12 10-18-2008, 03:13 PM

I use a Coffin Case gig bag. I took my school's Mia jazz bass to California in it and the bass survived a round trip through airport security and baggage handling.

Gabriel51 · #13 10-18-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Yeah, I think that's a great idea also. It would be easy to build in some internal bracing. I suggest emailing your broken neck story to Schecter. The same problem would come up if an amp or anything else heavy fell on the case.

That was 22 years ago. I still have the case and the bass is in it as we speak

progrockbass · #14 10-18-2008, 05:42 PM

I have both hard and soft cases for my basses the Fender Deluxe is ok. The best gig bag I've found is the Warwick RockBag... really durable, tons of pockets and a pad with a velcro strap to hold the neck in place...

**embellisher** · #15 10-20-2008, 03:13 PM

I much prefer the lighter weight and convenience of a good bag over a hardshell case.

I have a nice, well padded lightweight Mooradian bag for when I am taking one bass.

I have a much more substantial(and heavier) Incase DUB bag for when I take two basses. It is heavy for a double gig bag, but it is much lighter and easier to manage than two hard cases.

The Golden Boy · #16 10-20-2008, 03:22 PM

I've only used hard cases.

Just judging from the scratches, nicks, dings and cracks in my cases- that's all stuff that would not as easily been absorbed by a bag.

Pilgrim · #17 10-20-2008, 03:29 PM

I prefer hard cases. I use gig bags mostly when I'm carrying a bass between my house and the car for practice...in other words, when my hands are the only ones that touch it, and I can be careful with it.

**BullHorn** · #18 10-20-2008, 03:43 PM

Wow, that IGIG bag looks awesome. Wish I could've got one in Israel.

A decent gigbag is the way to go.

xbrandonx · #19 10-20-2008, 11:16 PM

I have a fender deluxe gig bag and a nice flight case as well.

If the bass is going in my car for a local show it goes in the bag. If its going into anything other then my car and possibly be handled by a single person other then me it goes in the case.

Since you already have a case (cases) i'd get a gig bag and when you feel that you may need it in a case just put it in one of your extra cases and leave the bass you don't take with you in the gig bag at the house.