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Gig Bag or HSC

#82
My basses both have HSCs, I don't own a gig bag--but for my Epi Mandobird I would accept one--it's unusual size makes it tough to get a case or gig bag (It did originally come with a gig bag, but I got mine used-sans gig bag)
 
#83
I personally store my HSCs in a closet and they don’t come out unless I am selling one of the basses/guitars. I hate HSCs as a rule. They are bulky, heavy, and are always banging into walls when navigating stairs, etc. The only time I would transport an instrument in a HSC and not in a quality, padded gig bag is when I know it’s going to be somewhere where it’s going to receive abuse (i.e., in a van with a bunch of other gear smashing into it constantly).

For day-to-day schlepping, a Gator Transit series gig bag for around $80-$90 dollars works just fine. I hang my instruments on a wall when not in use, and whichever one I'm taking with me goes in the bag.
 
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#90
Fun Size Nick said:
City dweller here...train/bus/walk to gigs. Definitely gig bag! Mono's bass sleeve is light, thick, has good straps, and has a big single pocket so I can put everything I need in it and keep my hands free. I never used to 'need' a gig bag when I drove a car in suburbia, but now it's absolutely essential.
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Absolutely. I live in the city as well. Our city council is trying to decrease the amount of cars in the city centre, so driving is discouraged, and street parking is practically non-existent. So the alternatives are public transport, cycling, or walking for most people.

In such circumstances, a HSC is a major PITA. For my last gig, I found it easiest to walk the three kilometres to the venue, which was in the heart of the city. I brought my bass, pedalboard, and Rumble 500c combo. My bass in my Mono Vertigo on my back, my pedalboard in a Tick bag strapped to the Vertigo, and pulling my Rumble on a small cart. It worked perfectly, the walk was comfortable, my gear was well protected, and I even had one hand free. With a HSC, it would have been heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable. And no hands free either.
 
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#93
Gig bag is the norm ... load in is usually from a block away, this taken in the parking garage shows the normal “roll in” rig. Weight saving and space are the rule of the night, never had an issue.


E4CE88B9-2BC6-42C5-A284-76DB650DF498.jpeg
 
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#94
I have a nice Gator gig bag, padded and formed, backpack straps and a big front pocket. It works great and was my main case for a long while. I also have a Gator lightweight case, its the size of a hardshell, but less weight and still has an internal shell and protects really well. I prefer the case, but still use the gig bag for backup.
 
#98
I prefer HSC but most are the big rectangle ones. My Fender p has the 1/2 guitar shaped case which is great. But, I use a gig bag. It is much easier to carry, it has a strap going across the middle so it can be carried vertically. But at the rough dive I play at there is not much protection from wanna be's
 
#99
Hardshell Case. Always.

During a load out after a show, the drummer dropped the pedal for his bass drum. It landed corner down on the hardshell case for my bass. It cracked the shell, but the bass was totally fine. I also have 2 basses stored at my parent's house. The one that was in a hard case under my bed required no set-up adjustments after sitting for nearly 3 years. The one on display in a stand needed a full set up.

Seeing as how most basses don't come with a case or a bag now, I just get a hard case and call it day.
 

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