Dual (2 bass) Gig Bag

[MegaSwing]

There’s always a trade-off. Two basses on one handle add up to 20+ pounds (especially including cords and accessories). Still, it’s just one thing to carry, which beats the brakes off hand-carrying two hard cases, especially rectangular hard cases.

Under no circumstances would I put that long, bulky thing on my back and try to negotiate doorways and staircases. I don’t even use the back straps on my single gig bags. It’s just an easier, more efficient carry that takes up less space everywhere you take it and allows easier access to the instrument in tight spaces.

I only keep traditional OEM bass cases if a bass came to me in one and I decide to sell it down the road.

EDIT: I’ve tried a few different dual gig bags over the years, including the Mono (which I didn’t like because of the compartments having zippers on opposite sides of each other), and settled on the Reunion Blues RBX, which I found to be more suitable and well-priced.

 

[HolmeBass]

I had dual Levy bag for years, it was not all leather and eventually the nylon at the bottom started splitting. Lasted at least 8 years of moderate use.

I replaced it with a dual Mono bag that is now at least 10 years old and going strong. It is heavy w/ two basses in it, but I like using the straps to carry it on my back. Gotta duck a little going through doors is all. The Levy used to hang a bit lower and was better in that regard, but the Mono offers much better protection for the basses.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I appreciate all the comments / suggestions. There have been a few regarding the avoidance of using the backpack straps. Is it because they are heavy or the straps are unreliable?

Straps on any of the good quality bags will hold up just fine to the relatively light weight of 2 basses and some cables. The clip that broke on my Mono got caught in the tailgate of my truck, so that wasn't an issue of weight. I've had some inexpensive bags that I might not trust with 20-25lbs, but very few.

As far as weight, 25ish pounds isn't that much. I routinely put more than that (via dumbbells) in a pack and take miles-long hikes up mountains. Packing an elk hind quarter out of a deep hole is heavy. Hauling 4 days worth of water to a remote wilderness camp in early September when daytime temps are in the 90s is heavy. A couple of basses are not heavy.

YMMV.

 

[Texan]

I’ve had the Mono Dual for over 10 years and used it on hundreds of gigs, and even use the straps to carry it on my back. No issues, fantastic bag.

I haven’t considered replacing it, and would buy another if this one ever broke.

 

[DJWhitJr]

Straps on any of the good quality bags will hold up just fine to the relatively light weight of 2 basses and some cables. The clip that broke on my Mono got caught in the tailgate of my truck, so that wasn't an issue of weight. I've had some inexpensive bags that I might not trust with 20-25lbs, but very few.

As far as weight, 25ish pounds isn't that much. I routinely put more than that (via dumbbells) in a pack and take miles-long hikes up mountains. Packing an elk hind quarter out of a deep hole is heavy. Hauling 4 days worth of water to a remote wilderness camp in early September when daytime temps are in the 90s is heavy. A couple of basses are not heavy.

YMMV.

Hunting and gigs are very similar in the sense that the work is done before and after.

 

[bassfran]

I’ve had a Lakland branded dual bag in regular use for 20+ years. I don’t keep much extra weight in it so it’s still managable with both basses loaded.
When I did fly dates I would only bring one bass and stuff clothes for extra protection in case I needed to gate check. Happened more than once but I never had any problems.

Hardshells for under the bus or in the trailer.

 

[InhumanResource]

Long story short, I’m tired of lugging around my hard cases. They take up a lot of room, yada yada yada.

I have a gig bag to use but like to bring a backup to gigs so either need a 2nd bag or could get a dual bass bag.

I’m interested in experiences of those of you who has or use to have a dual bass bag. Do you like them, wish you would have went with 2 separate bags, etc. Note I have a 3rd bass so my current bag won’t go to waste/collect dust if I get a dual bag.

I bought one and used it a couple of times, now it just sits against the wall. I found it a little too cumbersome to drag around so I just bring the one.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Hunting and gigs are very similar in the sense that the work is done before and after.

So true!

 

[dfp]

2 basses, 1 bag : heavy, awkward carry, did not enjoy, fell apart (late 90’s Fender branded, low quality).

I take 2 basses to gigs now in 2 separate bags, much preferred this way.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I appreciate all the comments / suggestions. There have been a few regarding the avoidance of using the backpack straps. Is it because they are heavy or the straps are unreliable?

I never had a problem with the straps on mine. If you want to call it an issue, the only thing is I have to be aware of how high the bag is above me when going through short doors and whatnot.

 

[Jeff Scott]

As far as weight, 25ish pounds isn't that much. I routinely put more than that (via dumbbells) in a pack and take miles-long hikes up mountains. Packing an elk hind quarter out of a deep hole is heavy. Hauling 4 days worth of water to a remote wilderness camp in early September when daytime temps are in the 90s is heavy. A couple of basses are not heavy.

YMMV.

My camera backpack was well over 30 lb. and I hiked miles with it while carrying my hand a 10 lb. tripod.

 

[DJWhitJr]

good call!

i use that dual gig bag every gig! it's the bomb, and it's it's affordable! good luck with your search!

If not too much trouble would you let me know what the measurements are of the zippered pouch on the headstock?

 

[MegaSwing]

Good to know. I don’t need a super padded one like Mono offers. Although they look nice. I load and haul all my own gear and only play local bars so it doesn’t need to be flight worthy.

For the price this one caught my eye.
Amazon.com

The first one I ever owned was a Pro-Tec similar to that one, years ago. I didn’t even own two basses at the time. It was just a good CL deal. I used the second compartment to carry my A-frame stand. Eventually I did get a second bass and wore the bag out. I’ve never been without a dual bag since.

 

[dave64o]

I've been using a Gator Pro Go for about six years (though almost two of those years was when we were on pause during the pandemic). We've played an average of about 20-25 shows a year in that time and it's held up very well. It has great protection, pretty good storage, includes a rain cover (which I've never used, don't know if having one is worthwhile thing in my use case), and backpack straps which I sometimes use. I've been pretty happy with it overall, but am not sure I'd buy it again.

Regarding the backpack straps, I've found it easier to maneuver through doorways and in areas with low hanging lights (I found the hard way about a year ago) by putting the bag on upside down). I don't know if they're really designed to support that way, but I rarely have them on my back for more than a few minutes going between my car and the venue, so I haven't worried much about it. It is a little more awkward to walk wearing it this way and the brackets can dig into your shoulders, but there a much lower risk of banging the top of the bag on, for example, a low hanging light fixture and knocking it off it's mounting bracket so that it's hanging by a small chain and its electric cord and you end up staying an extra hour or so with the bar manager after everyone else leaves trying to get it put back up.

My main issue with the Gator is that the compartments seem just a little too shallow and it's tough to zip it up with two basses in it. I'd prefer a bag that had just a little more depth in the compartments. Don't know if this is an intentional design feature, maybe to make it nearly impossible for the bass to move around in the bag, but it seems like a little more room would make sense.

FWIW, I don't think I play basses that are unusually thick bodies and I notice this in all combinations of basses I own in this bag - 3 USA Musicmans, a Sire Jazz, a Yamaha BB PJ, and an SX-based parts Jazz. I did some research a year or so ago and I think the Reunion Blues Continental Voyager Double Bass case had slightly deeper compartments, but it cost nearly double what my Gator cost. So, for now at least, I'm keeping the Gator.

However, if anything were to happen to my Gator, I'd probably be willing to spend the extra money on the Reunion Blues. I have a Continental Voyager single case that I like quite a lot and does seem to fit my basses very well so I'd be very confident in the Double version of it based on my experience with the single and on what I saw in the specs.

 

[JRA]

would you let me know what the measurements are of the zippered pouch on the headstock?

~ 6" x 9"

 

[Jim Kernan]

Use the Mono dual. The hard shell was too cumbersome for me, I even use it with one bass for rehearsals. The pockets are tight, in my opinion to sell the tick.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Use the Mono dual. The hard shell was too cumbersome for me, I even use it with one bass for rehearsals. The pockets are tight, in my opinion to sell the tick.

The Tick didn't exist when the Mono M80 Dual was created. It's always had tight pockets, but roomy enough for the essentials.

 

[Jeff Scott]

~ 6" x 9"

Whizzer tweeter in the middle?

 

[jonesn4bass]

I use them all the time. Love ‘em!

 

[Jim Kernan]

The Tick didn't exist when the Mono M80 Dual was created. It's always had tight pockets, but roomy enough for the essentials.

Thanks for the info.