• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Gigbag or hardshell?

Which do you prefer?

  • Gigbag

    Votes: 56 33.9%

  • Hardshell

    Votes: 90 54.5%

  • no preference, don't care

    Votes: 10 6.1%

  • Obligatory carrot option

    Votes: 9 5.5%
  • Total voters
    165
#2
I voted no preference, because my actual preference is VERY situational.

I prefer a gig bag when I'm traveling a relatively short distance (ie cross town as opposed to Detroit to Frankfurt, Germany)and the instrument will be in my control the entire time. If I'm driving my car / truck to a gig or practice, I'm baggin' it.

I prefer a hardshell case if I'm travelling long distances, or with several stops / transfer points. When I drive on vacation and know that I'm going to have a crapload of other luggage, bikes, etc and I'm going to be unloading and repacking the vehicle from time to time, the case is the only way to go.

As a result, I have 4 basses, 3 hardshell cases, and 3 gigbags.

Peace,

James
 
#3
I have a hardshell only and Ive been thinking lately thats its just a pain in the a$$ compared to a gigbag. I can see where malthumb is coming from for sure. I think I might get a gigbag for most uses and keep the hardshell for traveling or moving or something.
 
#5
man i would NEVER put my bass in a gig bag. I have always used a hard shell unless im just going to a friends to jam. Ive had my hard case save my sanity and bass more times than i can count. I guess it depends on the band though. I play in hardcore and punk bands so i mean my bass gets alot more abuse. My stingray is goin on 3 years and it doesnt have even a finish scratch on it yet. I always just feel much safer with a hardshell.
 
#8
Gig bag.

Hardshell cases are heavy, bulky, and a pain in the butt.

I carry my own basses, nobody else is allowed to. I carry them back and forth to gigs in my own vehicle. I always bring two basses. I can carry one on my back, one in my hand, and pull my amp along with the other hand. Saves me a trip.

I have never had a bass damaged in a gigbag. I have accidentally dropped a bass a couple of times, never got a scratch. As long as the gig bags are decent quality and have lots of padding, they offer plenty of protection.

I wouldn't want a car to run over my bass in a bag, but I don't think that a hardshell case would protect it any better in that situation.
 
#9
How about a hardshell gigbag? I'd never seen one of these before, this is what MTD sells with their new basses. Has the storage, lighweight, and covering of a gigbag, and the protection of a hardshell.

Or is this carrots?????

Invalid Link Removed
 
#13
Ah. But does it have backpack straps like the gigbags do? That's one of the main reasons I prefer a gigbag even though I have hardshell cases. That, and the pockets seem to be able to hold more stuff. The case I have for my G&L is pretty darn light. But I would prefer having a gigbag around just for ease. It generally takes up less space, especially when walking, and it's somewhat easier to take the bass in and out of it.

But when I have to put my bass with other instruments or take it to a place I'm not familiar with I bring the case.

I *really* need a gig bag for my Rickenbacker. It came with a tolex case, and that thing is quite heavy and unwieldy.
 
#15
Originally posted by Infernal Affair
Ah. But does it have backpack straps like the gigbags do? That's one of the main reasons I prefer a gigbag even though I have hardshell cases. That, and the pockets seem to be able to hold more stuff. The case I have for my G&L is pretty darn light. But I would prefer having a gigbag around just for ease. It generally takes up less space, especially when walking, and it's somewhat easier to take the bass in and out of it.

But when I have to put my bass with other instruments or take it to a place I'm not familiar with I bring the case.

I *really* need a gig bag for my Rickenbacker. It came with a tolex case, and that thing is quite heavy and unwieldy.
Click to expand...

Actually, it does have an adjustable shoulder strap, it is in the storage compartment at the moment.
 
#16
I agree with malthumb that it depends on the situation.

If I am going to a practice or a small coffee shop jazz gig, I may use only a gig bag.

I use hardshell cases in club gigs. Anything could happen in a club or on the way to a club.
A cabinet or other equipment might fall on a instrument. Someone drinking too much might trip and fall on equipment (happens all the time). Someone may spill a drink on equipment off stage. A fight could break out with things being thrown all over the place (happened a few months ago) - some of those things (chairs, tables, pool sticks) could hit your instrument.
I play in some rough places - one never knows what to expect.
 
#17
SKB hard cases if I'm not doing load-out.

Otherwise, my Ritter Star Pack is padded like a baby's crib and very tough......much easier to handle -

StarPak.gif
 
#18
Hard Shells, 100% of the time. It gives me piece of mind knowing that the basses can take a little bit of abuse, regardless of the situation.

This is especially true with the bus, this is one of the places I appreciate the extra protection the most. I don't understand how you guys feel safe with a gig back when taking public transportation.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back