Gig bag shoulder strap location

[Febs]

I've read through many of the threads reviewing gig bags like the iGig, Mono, Reunion Blues, etc., and one piece of information that I don't often see but which is very important to me is the location of the shoulder straps. I would like to use this thread to collect information about how high various gig bags sit on the shoulders. I've love my Reunion Blues Continental in terms of its construction and the protection that it offers, but the shoulder straps are attached relatively low on the case (27.25" from the top of the case), so that the bass sits high on my shoulders. On the other hand, I have a no-name nylon gig bag that sits much lower (19.25" inches from the top of the case), and that 8" difference makes a big difference in the portability of the case. As a result, I tend to use the RB when I need a heavy duty case, but I will sometimes use the generic bag where portability is paramount (for example, if I'm going to be taking a crowded subway to a gig).

If you use a gig bag, could you measure the distance from the attachment point of the shoulder strap, to the top of the case and post it here?

Distance from attachment point of shoulder strap to top of case:
Reunion Blues Continental: 27.25"
Generic nylon gig bag: 19:25"

 

[Febs]

While I remain interested in measurements, does anyone have any subjective impressions of the shoulder strap location of some of the higher end gig bags like the iGig, Mono, etc.?

 

[dharmashawn]

I have a mono and will measure it later, but I will tell you that I have to duck down more often than I would like. I am probably getting the iGig very soon.

 

[BklynKen]

The top of the shoulder straps to the top of the bag on my Incase Tour Bag is 22". Unless I'm careful, I bang the top into things, mostly in the NYC Subway.

 

[newamsterdam]

The top of the shoulder straps to the top of the bag on my Incase Tour Bag is 22". Unless I'm careful, I bang the top into things, mostly in the NYC Subway.

My Incase Slim (single) is 19" from top of the case to single shoulder attachment ring (which on NYC Subway is fine). I only break out the backpack style for long walks. Best gig bag ever!

 

[BklynKen]

My Incase Slim (single) is 19" from top of the case to single shoulder attachment ring (which on NYC Subway is fine). I only break out the backpack style for long walks. Best gig bag ever!

By curiosity, how tall are you? I ask because you said its not a problem on the subway.

 

[Martin89]

I have the roadrunner gig bag that I think is $40(not the very nice one but it works) and it runs about 22" to the straps. I'm 6' and keep the straps fully extended to lower the top of the bass more, it sits about 4-5" over my head, not a problem for most things.

 

[Pilgrim]

I almost never use the backpack function of gig bags. When I do I inevitably whack the neck or headstock into things. I just carry them like hard cases.

 

[BklynKen]

I almost never use the backpack function of gig bags. When I do I inevitably whack the neck or headstock into things. I just carry them like hard cases.

Do you have a car? I'm not being sarcastic here.

 

[Pilgrim]

Do you have a car? I'm not being sarcastic here.

Absolutely. I live in the western US where public transportation is essentially nonexistant. But I think I'd do the same on a subway, because if I back-packed it with the headstock above my head, I'm pretty sure that I'd break it off.

If I were doing a subway thing (thank god I'm not) I think I'd get a folding wheeled cart to transport everything, and I'd put the bass in a hard case or extremely stout gig bag and bunji it to the cart.

I'm sure that one could re-configure the straps on a gig bag, but I can't imagine how you could keep the headstock from sticking up WAY above your head without having the body so low that it continually banged you in the butt and upper legs.

 

[bassbrad]

My main CTM bag the strap attaches 14" from the top of the bag that seems to be just about right for me at 6' not to be constantly bumping on stuff. My other bag is a Peavey 2 bass bag that I attached some nicely padded straps to, meant for golf bags, at approximately the same place..

CTM aka Case The Music was a company for the 90's that is sadly long gone now that made a pretty sweet bag that is still going strong.

 

[Kevinlane]

Sadowsky portabag = 12.5"
another example of Rodger's attention to detail