I agree. That bite is still there but the starting spot (flat) is a bit more centered/less scooped. Those soapbars really work nicely with the Sadowsky pre. I kind of tripped into mine and I’m glad I did.
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Nice! That's the one they had at Martin Music? I kept eyeing it...love the specs on that one!
I've been playing the new-to-me soapbar equipped jazz exclusively since I got it awhile back, but pulled out the tried-and-true Will Lee 5 with single coils out last night. While I love the thicker than a snicker tonality of the soap bars, mannnnn the bite and tone of the singles is just fantastic.
Absolutely. Flip it on and slice through the mix even more.
credit where due, i've also recently discovered this bag, and it's an excellent bag IMHO.
How do y'all like the backpack straps? Specifically, I see that the adjustable part at the top has the metal clips that are my complaint with the Sadowsky/Access bags. Do the metal clips cause any discomfort at all when carrying as a backpack? I'd assume by the price posted, you both are using the single bag and not the heavier dual, is that correct?
Sorry, but I pretty much never use the backpack feature on my gig bags. I just carry them like suitcases. At least for me, the backpack carry method presents enough logistical challenges I'd rather use a cart or just two hands, or make multiple trips if I can't use my folding cart.
Grew up with Fender/MM hardshell cases.
2006 Sadowsky rectangular soft case was ok, just different from the hardshells.
Then the next Sadowsky NYC came with a Portabag. No more hardshells.
Bought a Protec similar to Portabag but nowhere as good.
I have 2 Portabags now and swap my bass collection around so I always use a Portabag.
In my 60s, strap the bass on, strap a TC amp backpack over the top, 2x10 in right hand, 1x12 in the left and away we go in one trip.
I drive to gigs, so I guess that wouldn't work so well on the NYC subway.
If the Portabag straps were crap then my old skeleton would be the first to complain.
They still look like new and the first bag is nowhere near worn after 12 years UK and Australia.
I find anything Roger recommends is probably top-notch, whether strings, bags, electrical spray or jelly beans.
2006 Sadowsky rectangular soft case was ok, just different from the hardshells.
Then the next Sadowsky NYC came with a Portabag. No more hardshells.
Bought a Protec similar to Portabag but nowhere as good.
I have 2 Portabags now and swap my bass collection around so I always use a Portabag.
In my 60s, strap the bass on, strap a TC amp backpack over the top, 2x10 in right hand, 1x12 in the left and away we go in one trip.
I drive to gigs, so I guess that wouldn't work so well on the NYC subway.
If the Portabag straps were crap then my old skeleton would be the first to complain.
They still look like new and the first bag is nowhere near worn after 12 years UK and Australia.
I find anything Roger recommends is probably top-notch, whether strings, bags, electrical spray or jelly beans.
No doubt the Portabag is the best built single bag I've used and the straps are certainly not crap. But like different sized pants, shirts, etc. - they just don't fit me and dig into my shoulders. No biggie. Still a great bag!
Edit (and not a reply to the quoted text): I really like the storage capacity of the Gator Pro Go Dual and may give that one a shot. The Mono dual got repaired, but I've got a coupon at Musician's Friend and some points just burnin' a hole in my pocket.
Edit 2: Pulled the trigger on a dual Gator Pro Go bag. With the coupon, as well as the points I had, came in cheaper than a single bag. Excited to give it a whirl!
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I usually one should strap carry my basses unless it's a longer walk to wherever. If I were to change one thing in the Portabag it would be to not have the shoulder straps meet in the middle at the top. It can pinch a little bit on the back of your shoulders. I will say my newer Portabag that came with my Satin is more comfortable than my older one that the straps are a little more grippy.
With that said the Gator Pro is my favorite in terms or cost, protection, and storage space. Even if it broke I could get a new one and still be less than an Access bag. I've had 2 Gator Pro bags for about 2 years and any bass besides a Sadowsky leaving my house travels in one of them and they're in great shape.
With that said the Gator Pro is my favorite in terms or cost, protection, and storage space. Even if it broke I could get a new one and still be less than an Access bag. I've had 2 Gator Pro bags for about 2 years and any bass besides a Sadowsky leaving my house travels in one of them and they're in great shape.
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I'm mildly surprised any of you are using the "backpack straps." I prefer hard cases anyway, but at 6'5" this will never, ever be an option for me.
I can barely manage to not hit my head on things, let alone anything above it!
I can barely manage to not hit my head on things, let alone anything above it!
I'm mildly surprised any of you are using the "backpack straps." I prefer hard cases anyway, but at 6'5" this will never, ever be an option for me.
I can barely manage to not hit my head on things, let alone anything above it!
You'll see people recommend wearing the case as a backpack with the neck pointed down when traveling - doesn't stand out as much, etc. I've never seen a soft case, or a backpack for that matter, that looked comfortable or safe to wear upside down like that.
I'm mildly surprised any of you are using the "backpack straps." I prefer hard cases anyway, but at 6'5" this will never, ever be an option for me.
I can barely manage to not hit my head on things, let alone anything above it!
Fortunately at 5'10", I don't have that problem. I use the backpack straps on my bags 99% of the time and haven't used a hard case in probably 12 or so years. For load in, though I don't do it all the time, it's nice to be able sling two basses on my back and still be able to carry other items or push cases.
I use the single bag and the backpack straps are the reason I keep sending others back. I always wear my bass on my back. This is the most comfortable of all I've tried, by far. TBH, I've never even noticed those clips... lol.
I'm mildly surprised any of you are using the "backpack straps." I prefer hard cases anyway, but at 6'5" this will never, ever be an option for me.
I can barely manage to not hit my head on things, let alone anything above it!
6'4" here. I always sling it with one strap. The Portabag allows for a long enough extension that the headstock is near even with my head. Other bags without the capability to make the straps long, like the M80, were a PIA for me.
I really like the features of the portabag, and although I’ve not flown with it, it seems like it would make the trip without damaging the bass. I don't think I would buy another, however. The zipper on mine separated from where it was sewn onto the case, and I took it to an upholstery shop to repair. Due to the way the case is constructed, there is not much space to sew a new zipper edge securely to the case. And since the case is made in layers, it would nearly have to be disassembled to install a new zipper. The first repair job failed, and I had it repaired again at a different shop. For the repair money, I could have bought a new case. Its a great case when it works…but if the zipper fails, watch out. My next case will be something different…probably along the lines of what Modern Case Company made when they were in business.
