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Double Bass Gig bag for AI heads and other assorted uses

C

cacophonic

Mar 18, 2008
126
80
San Francisco
#1
Alas, the padded bag that came with my AI series III head is coming apart. I've been considering buying a high-quality, multipurpose, shoulder-slung backpack or messenger bag that can accommodate the AI, cables, pedals, etc. and that will survive the rigors of frequent use. Today I happened to wander into the Chrome Industries store in 'Frisco to kill some time while waiting for my parking meter to expire. Chrome recently introduced a camera bag that is almost exactly what I have been searching for-- the Niko camera bag. While designed for photographers, it is almost a perfect fit for the AI series III, deep enough to hold cables with the amp, and has a top compartment that can accommodate more cables, two or three small pedals, rosin, or a couple of fifths of bourbon. I own a Chrome bag that dates back to 2002 and has held up very well--but it's not padded at all and the dimensions are not a good match for the AI. The Niko isn't perfect, but it's pretty darned close, well-designed, well-made, and it looks good. And for those who might need to carry a camera and a couple of lenses when not gigging, it just might be good for that too.

Now if they'd just make gig bags for basses.

bob
 
#4
boylebass said:
Rick (AI owner/proprietor<sp?>) is one of the nicest guys in the business, and I betcha if you told him your old one was falling apart, he would gladly swag you a new one.
Click to expand...
Greg Clinkingbeard said:
He did that for me. Didn't even charge shipping.
Click to expand...


Thanks for your comments. It is unquestionably true that AI's commitment to customer satisfaction is second-to-none. But there was nothing wrong with the materials and workmanship of my original AI bag--it just wore out, and the wear was most likely accelerated by my habit of stuffing all my cables and maybe a pedal or two into the bag along with the amp. I got plenty of use out of that bag, and AI certainly didn't owe me anything when it finally expired. I would not have felt comfortable having the company "swag" me a new one at their expense.

What's more, I wanted a larger bag that would more comfortably accommodate all the ancillary crap needed for a typical gig, and that had with a better strap system. The Chrome Niko seems to have fit the bill.

bob
 
#6
I have an AI Clarus Series III head and the zipper on my bag broke. I called Acoustic Image and they also sent me a replacement bag free of charge. They had also sent me a Speakon to 1/4" cable free of charge a few years back. Their customer service is really top notch.

I have also looked for a larger bag that would accommodate my AI head along with my Headway preamp, cables and other accessories but haven't found one yet. I use a laptop bag to carry the preamp and accessories but the compartments are too small to fit the AI head so I just carry the AI head separately.
 

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