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Flying with a Mono Vertigo - can it be done???

#21
^True that. I treat my gear well, but when I get tired I sometimes find myself tossing M80 or RB Continental gig bags around and I have no worries there is any chance the instrument inside will get damaged. I won't do that with a hardshell case.

To give an extreme example: if I were forced to launch a case 30 feet or drop it off a roof or something, I would actually feel somewhat confident with a "super" gig bag. But I would be mega worried with a hardshell case. Unless ATA as you mentioned.
 
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#22
Bob_Ross said:
You know the quote "Never assume...", right? :)

In my experience there are a lot of hard cases that are simply not better -- in terms of protecting the instrument from damage (which is the whole point of a case, right?) -- than a good modern gig bag. E.g., I would rather have my bass in a Mono Vertigo or M80 than, say, the stock rectangular plywood hardshell cases that Fender uses (used?). The Mono provides better support of the neck, more shock resistance, better water resistance, puts more material between the bass and any potential puncturing object, and is less likely to open accidentally. That choice is a no-brainer for me.

There are several other models of gig bag that I'd be equally comfortable using, and moreso than many other hardshell cases. IMHO until you get up into the ATA-spec cases, HSCs only give the illusion of more protection.
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Bob, After owning a Vertigo bag for about 2 weeks I have to say you are right.
There is a lot of resiliency and padding to absorb shock that a standard hard case does not offer.
 
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#25
Bob_Ross said:
You know the quote "Never assume...", right? :)

In my experience there are a lot of hard cases that are simply not better -- in terms of protecting the instrument from damage (which is the whole point of a case, right?) -- than a good modern gig bag. E.g., I would rather have my bass in a Mono Vertigo or M80 than, say, the stock rectangular plywood hardshell cases that Fender uses (used?). The Mono provides better support of the neck, more shock resistance, better water resistance, puts more material between the bass and any potential puncturing object, and is less likely to open accidentally. That choice is a no-brainer for me.

There are several other models of gig bag that I'd be equally comfortable using, and moreso than many other hardshell cases. IMHO until you get up into the ATA-spec cases, HSCs only give the illusion of more protection.
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I very much agree. In most cases, a hard case, especially a standard Fender plywood case, would be much worse than a good gig bag. I'm somewhat more confident when it comes to an ABS case, such as the Music Man cases, but in general a hard case tends to transmit shocks instead of dissipating them, so it all comes down to fit and lining material. A gig bag would fare much better than a case if thrown about. I think that probably the most secure solution would be a gig bag inside a hard case such as the SKB Bass Safe. This also fixes what is the only weak spot on a bag like the Mono Vertigo - compression. If a lot of heavy cases were loaded on top of a Vertigo, the bag wouldn't be able to stand the weight, and the instrument inside could sustain damage.
 
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#26
I have flown with a Mono M80 double gig bag (though it only had one bass inside, the other compartment was stuffed with clothes for extra padding). No issues at all. I have either gotten it in the overhead compartment or the flight attendants put it in the coat closet for me. Early boarding is key.
 
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#27
Most of us that had to travel with the instrument have gone through some of these questions. In my case I had to travel with basses (I am a 6 string kinda guy) and/or my Warr Guitar, massive 12 string beast.

The way I solved it, I chose the best of both worlds, a soft gig bag inside ky SKB golf case (Deluxe Standard ATA Golf Travel Case | Golf Travel Cases | SKB Sports This thing will easily carry two instruments and some of your gear (cables, pedals, stands)

Upon arrival, take the gig bag out, and you're in your way. The combination will withstand any kind of neglect and will free you of having to "negotiate" with the airlines.

An alternative idea, it has worked for me.
 
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#28
thewildest said:
a soft gig bag inside ky SKB golf case (Deluxe Standard ATA Golf Travel Case | Golf Travel Cases | SKB Sports This thing will easily carry two instruments and some of your gear (cables, pedals, stands).
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I'm amazed that you can squeeze one, much less two, basses in gig bags inside that thing! It lists its interior dimensions as 14" wide x 11" deep, and a typical Fender bass has a lower bout width of ~13" ...doesn't leave much room for the padding in a nice gig bag.

But yeah, I've always liked the concept of a case-within-a-case for flying. Nobody wants to actually lug an ATA flight case from the stage door to the green room...so just leave it in the hotel.
 
#29
MrFabulous said:
All in all my experience with the Mono Vertigo was awesome! Mono has absolutely outdone themselves and created a case that is rugged, stylish and easy to tote.

Between 6 flights I was able to carry my bass on 3 and had to gate check it the other three times. Each time it was checked I anticipated a great experience and was never let down. A pink tag, a little prayer and off it went down the stairs! I honestly expected some type of damage, even a scratch or two, but it never happened at all.

Carrying the case on was a breeze. I walked on like I owned the place and either asked a stewardess to stow it or headed to my seat to try and squeeze it into an overhead bin. On one Delta flight the overhead bin fit my bass in the backside of the compartment and three roller bags in front...with room to spare!

One thing to note, I wasn't only traveling by plane. We played about 10 different events so my gear was in and out of buses, trailers and vans. I'm serious guys, this case never even showed a scratch. Super impressed.
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I love both my Mono Vertigo and Mono M80 Dual case so it's very cool to hear that everything went so well.

MrFabulous said:
I also have a Guitar Tick. With the Tick full and attached to the Vertigo it felt like whole thing doubled in weight. I know it didn't but it felt a lot heavier. I resorted to carrying the Tick by hand and not keeping it attached to the Vertigo very often.
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Personally I've never been a fan of the Tick because I think it's a little expensive for what it is and I don't like the way it looks on the bag. It's interesting though to hear about the extra weight issue. That's something I wouldn't have thought of.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!
 
#31
The only problem I have with the Mono Vertigo is cost. For $250 you can buy a used ATA-approved flight case.

I just sold a Calzone for a Pedulla Buzz on the classifieds here for $150 shipped. I've got an Anvil for my Les Paul Junior that's even better quality; bought it for $200 from a member on another forum.

If you're going to fly, I think you're still better off with a real ATA case built by one of the big players. Just be careful: lots of low-quality copies on the market! Stick with the good stuff (Calzone, Anvil, USA Case, etc.) and you can't go wrong.

Bob_Ross said:
In my experience there are a lot of hard cases that are simply not better ... I would rather have my bass in a Mono Vertigo or M80 than, say, the stock rectangular plywood hardshell cases that Fender uses.
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Agree 100%. Plywood cases covered in Tolex/tweed are great for storing basses in your house (they don't take up much space) or tossing in the trunk of the car. But they don't offer any real protection.

JakobT said:
I'm somewhat more confident when it comes to an ABS case, such as the Music Man cases.
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In my experience, you should consider them disposable shipping containers: they sacrifice their lives to protect the bass...once!

I've flown with such cases 4 times. In 3 of those trips, the case was destroyed. Brand-new case each time...

  • Trip #1: Case and guitar were fine (SKB "chainsaw" style)
  • Trip #2: Case ended up twisted; wouldn't close properly (SKB rectangular)
  • Trip #3: Case punctured on front surface and cracked in top corner (TKL rectangular)
  • Trip #4: Case completely smashed in on rear corner (TKL rectangular)

So, 3 out of 4 times the case was unusable when I arrived. Not good.
 
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#32
LanEvo said:
The only problem I have with the Mono Vertigo is cost. For $250 you can buy a used ATA-approved flight case.
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree that a proper flight case would be the safest option. However, it's not just a question of the flight itself, but what happens when you arrive. A flight case is nearly impossible for any other situation than the actual flight, due to its weight and size. After your arrival, you'd want something practical and convenient to carry your bass around in, and this is where a gig bag would come into its own. In my opinion the SKB Bass Safe is a stroke of genius here - a safe case for the flight that you can actually check, and when you arrive you can leave the case at your hotel and use the gig bag. The only downside is that not all bags will fit, apparently the Mono M80 will just about squeeze in, the Vertigo will not.
 
#34
JakobT said:
I absolutely agree that a proper flight case would be the safest option. However, it's not just a question of the flight itself, but what happens when you arrive. A flight case is nearly impossible for any other situation than the actual flight, due to its weight and size. After your arrival, you'd want something practical and convenient to carry your bass around in, and this is where a gig bag would come into its own. In my opinion the SKB Bass Safe is a stroke of genius here - a safe case for the flight that you can actually check, and when you arrive you can leave the case at your hotel and use the gig bag. The only downside is that not all bags will fit, apparently the Mono M80 will just about squeeze in, the Vertigo will not.
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I looked at the SKB Bass Safe, but honestly at $140ish plus the cost of a softcase (Mono preferably) I would have been over my budget. Also, I'm not sure I would have used the SKB here at home all that much. I realize that it sounds like I'm saying I didn't want to spend all that much to protect my instrument, but remember the experiment was to see how my bass would fare given only the protection of the Mono Vertigo.
 
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#35
MrFabulous said:
I looked at the SKB Bass Safe, but honestly at $140ish plus the cost of a softcase (Mono preferably) I would have been over my budget. Also, I'm not sure I would have used the SKB here at home all that much. I realize that it sounds like I'm saying I didn't want to spend all that much to protect my instrument, but remember the experiment was to see how my bass would fare given only the protection of the Mono Vertigo.
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Absolutely, and I was very interested to see how it turned out. I once asked a question about this here on TB, without getting any the wiser, so your courage and dedication is much appreciated. :)
 
#36
JakobT said:
Absolutely, and I was very interested to see how it turned out. I once asked a question about this here on TB, without getting any the wiser, so your courage and dedication is much appreciated. :)
Click to expand...

That was what I found as well. I just wanted to find someone who had "done it" and since I couldn't I figured that maybe I should be the one to do it! What's funny is that since I've been home I've only used my Mono Vertigo to carry my basses. If I want to play a different bass I leave one on a hanger and load another one into Vertigo. I absolutely love it!
 
#37
MrFabulous said:
That was what I found as well. I just wanted to find someone who had "done it" and since I couldn't I figured that maybe I should be the one to do it! What's funny is that since I've been home I've only used my Mono Vertigo to carry my basses. If I want to play a different bass I leave one on a hanger and load another one into Vertigo. I absolutely love it!
Click to expand...
It is indeed a truly great gig bag. The only question remaining is how it would do in the hold. I'm tempted to follow your example, buy a cheap used bass and make the experiment myself. If I ever do, I'll post it here :)
 
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#40
Thread bump and thanks, MrFabulous.

I travel a lot, probably an average of 8-10 flights a month. I've been considering the Vertigo for a while, but my situation is a bit different. I'm traveling with a suitcase for my clothes, a backpack for small stuff and toiletries, an electric bass, and an NXT EUB. I've got status with American (our usual airline) but that only means I get two checked bags free, a third would make me too expensive to employ.

I've managed to make it work for a few years now by disassembling my electric (metal inserts for neck bolts) and putting the body in the suitcase and the neck in the case for the NXT. It works, but is a hassle and even though the neck has not had any issues in years of doing this, I want to start touring with my newly built Stambaugh (and I was less than crazy about touring with this bass in that manner). My thought was 2 carryons (backpack, elec in Vertigo) and 2 checked (smaller suitcase and NXT).

It works on paper but I was concerned I would not always be able to carry the electric on and would have to gate check sometimes....so how would the Vertigo perform in this scenario? Fortunately, you started this thread and has given me just the kind of info I was looking for, thanks.
 

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