If you have the money, get llbean canvas bags. I have two different sizes. I saw that this year you can have them custom designed with pockets
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- Sep 8, 2015
- 1,120
- 1,050
- 49
- Disclosures
- Endorsed by Fusion ( maker of killer gig bags)
I use that type of bag. It works perfectly. I think it was about $5 at a thrift store.
Gym bag - I bought this one eight years ago, and it's showing almost no signs of wear.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YXHJ0W/
EDIT: I forgot I reviewed it on Amazon!
"...this is exactly what I needed to carry cables, effects pedals, towels, batteries, clothespins (you can never have too many clothespins), a compact stand for my bass, a music stand... And there's still room to throw in a spare t-shirt or a change of shoes!"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YXHJ0W/
EDIT: I forgot I reviewed it on Amazon!
"...this is exactly what I needed to carry cables, effects pedals, towels, batteries, clothespins (you can never have too many clothespins), a compact stand for my bass, a music stand... And there's still room to throw in a spare t-shirt or a change of shoes!"
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
I use a Hand-me-down laptop bag from my brother. He found it on the side of the road, virtually new. 
In fact I found my fold-up cart in the gutter near a music venue. I've used that for 8 years now.
In fact I found my fold-up cart in the gutter near a music venue. I've used that for 8 years now.
I guess this popped up as a new conversation as someone liked.
I use two FATMAX 22 in. 4-in-1 Cantilever Tool Box Mobile Work Center. One for mic cables and extras and the other for light and power.
Stanley FATMAX 22 in. 4-in-1 Cantilever Tool Box Mobile Work Center-020800R - The Home Depot
Attachments
"Best" is so variable based on the needs of the user. For a case that holds everything you need, doesn’t wear out nor allow the stuff inside to get damaged, it’s an Anvil type case.
I have these Anvil cases. I bought the briefcase used 35 years ago, the other case about 25 years ago used, both still going strong with no issues. That's the benefit of these type of cases, they tank in value on the used market despite being in 100% operational condition for decades.
The briefcase holds plenty of cables, a few tools, a couple pedals and a mic for the typical small, local gig. I pulled out the tool organizer out of the lid. It's strong enough to be an amp riser or shoved under the front of the cab for tilting back. This is not mine, but I saw this briefcase for $44 on etsy. Invalid Link Removed This is a steal considering they sell new for $250ish.
I also have the larger Anvil that's 13"d x 12"h x 22"w that stores much more when needed. It also easily doubles as a riser for an amp or cab.
I have these Anvil cases. I bought the briefcase used 35 years ago, the other case about 25 years ago used, both still going strong with no issues. That's the benefit of these type of cases, they tank in value on the used market despite being in 100% operational condition for decades.
The briefcase holds plenty of cables, a few tools, a couple pedals and a mic for the typical small, local gig. I pulled out the tool organizer out of the lid. It's strong enough to be an amp riser or shoved under the front of the cab for tilting back. This is not mine, but I saw this briefcase for $44 on etsy. Invalid Link Removed This is a steal considering they sell new for $250ish.
I also have the larger Anvil that's 13"d x 12"h x 22"w that stores much more when needed. It also easily doubles as a riser for an amp or cab.
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I have been using the Husky 18" Tool Bag. Has a solid bottom, heavy duty canvas and stitching. Opens at the top and carries in the position you load it so contents don't shift such as in using a suitcase. I use it to haul extension cords, power strips, XLR and guitar cables, as well as mics, power supplies, spare pedals and strings. I don't use the outer pockets. I use the small narrow inner pockets for batteries, adapters, etc.. Can handle the weight no prob. Can't beat for around $20.
I got the phitz bag today very well made. Fits my 8 channel snake, some shorter xlrs and Tom mics.
- Sep 8, 2015
- 1,120
- 1,050
- 49
- Disclosures
- Endorsed by Fusion ( maker of killer gig bags)
A gruve gear club bag. As far as my personal stuff and not the PA I think I’m finally set.
Call me cheap but I use a regular Adidas backpack which my ex wife bought me years ago as a christmas gift. I called it "My stage backpack" : Cables, picks, pedals , power supplies and some tools , wireless , a spare tuner , spare batteries..
Apologies in advance for not reading all of the posts here, so the following alternative to a storage bag/case may or may not have any relevance...
When I was doing a lot of large PA rentals back in the day, all of the mic cables went on a hand crank cable reel, sort of like this:
These seem not to be in vogue much these days for club use and can be a bit more money invested for just hauling around cables, plus it's an odd form factor unless you have a road case for it and/or have the available vehicle space.
But the plus side to using cable reels is that, if you take just a small amount of care reeling/unreeling the cables, they will stay twist-free and have a longer life. IME it's the fastest way to pack up lots of mic cables. No fussing with velcro wire ties and knotted cables, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a hurry setting up, only to waste time untangling mic cables individually stored in a bag. Pet peeve. This frustration is eliminated with a cable reel.
Some people loved 'em, and some people hated 'em. I still have mine. It's served me very well over the years.
When I was doing a lot of large PA rentals back in the day, all of the mic cables went on a hand crank cable reel, sort of like this:
These seem not to be in vogue much these days for club use and can be a bit more money invested for just hauling around cables, plus it's an odd form factor unless you have a road case for it and/or have the available vehicle space.
But the plus side to using cable reels is that, if you take just a small amount of care reeling/unreeling the cables, they will stay twist-free and have a longer life. IME it's the fastest way to pack up lots of mic cables. No fussing with velcro wire ties and knotted cables, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a hurry setting up, only to waste time untangling mic cables individually stored in a bag. Pet peeve. This frustration is eliminated with a cable reel.
Some people loved 'em, and some people hated 'em. I still have mine. It's served me very well over the years.
My band has a ton of XLR cables and AC extension cables and power strips.
We roll them in with two of these:
Photo Equipment Carry Bag 36in Wheels Handle Steve Kaeser Photographic LIghting | eBay
Light, roller wheels, telescope handle, perfect. I roll them in and set them in front of the stage during set up and tear down.
We roll them in with two of these:
Photo Equipment Carry Bag 36in Wheels Handle Steve Kaeser Photographic LIghting | eBay
Light, roller wheels, telescope handle, perfect. I roll them in and set them in front of the stage during set up and tear down.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I use the really cheap orange extension cord reals......I can get about 250' of XLR on them - give or take. Depending on cord length - 10-14 cables or so. For my small small sound setup and band PA that is sufficient. I have 4 reels full right now, and a few spares, and about 15-20 5-10 footers......I keep separate. I have a large camo gym/duffle that can hold all four easily for times I need all of them. My PA and Bass Rig HAS to all fit in my minivan. so I really had to engineer my load plan to accommodate it all.
I use 2 ll bean canvas bags for gigs, one bag for reharsalsIt depends on how many cables you have. I have a small plastic tool box that works just fine for me.
