Hard cases - do you use them?

[Ampeg SVT]

Hard case = Safety
Gigbag = Practicality

/thread

 

[venturabass]

I don't know if you have a budget, but I myself have two cases. One is a hardshell I recieved from my dad. The other is a gigbag. Basically, when I need to take my bass somewhere, I use the gigbag because its easy to transport. The rest of the time, I keep it in the hardshell.

If you have a budget, I would suggest keeping the hardshell. Your bass will thank you

Just my two cents

 

[Jeff K]

I use the hard-shell case whenever possible. But when I take two
basses , I use a double gigbag. I much prefer to use the cases, but it's quite a PITA to carry two cases plus the rest of the gear.

 

[yellofury]

I would keep the OHSC just in case you ever want to trade the bass for another Stingray or whatever. I have a hardcase for my US Jazz and I never use it really but I do keep it just in case I do a long travel gig or if ever plan to sell it ( I don't but you never know)

I have used gigbags that have ranged from cheap to deluxe and rugged. Even the real expensive ones wear out over time. I would look at something in between like a durafoam case like this:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Kaces-Boutique-Polyfoam-Bass-Case?sku=549433

or a decent gigbag and a SKB base safe:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/SKB-SKB44RW-ATA-Electric-Bass-Roller-Case?sku=544564
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Music-Man-5994-Bass-Gig-Bag?sku=545704

 

[mello_bedwetter]

I use a hard case for my Geddy and MIA Precision and a soft "gig" case for my MIM Jazz.

 

[Rusty the Scoob]

IMHO - having done this gigging thing for 12 years or so - I'm sticking with Sadowsky-style cases from now on - the kind that are rigid in structure but have a nylon shell with a zipper. I've had the latches on my various hard cases catch and open unexpectedly far too many times. Plus the sadowsky-style cases have way more padding than any conventional hard-case.

If I had roadies putting racks of poweramps on top of my basses I'd go with Anvil-style flight cases, but since I load my own gear and am not a complete idiot, I load in all the amps and hardware and put my basses in last, gently, and on top.

I never keep the basses that I care about in a gig-bag that can fold in half when empty.... there's just no reason to do that anymore now that alternatives are available.

 

[1954bassman]

Most of the time, I carry my bass myself, and in the back of my minivan. I use Levy leather gig bags exclusively. If I was touring, I would have an ATA type case, and not the worthless SKB type. I have hung on to one original G&L, and one Lakland 'skb' type cases, incase I need a hard case for whatever reason.

To answer the OP, I recommend buying a nice gig bag, but hang on to your OHSC.

 

[BassJunkie730]

No, 4 years for monthly gigs - never needed to.

My deluxe roadrunner gig bag works fine.

 

[phatbass]

For gigs where I load my own stuff (e.g. local gigs where I take my own car, or a gig where we're going in one van) and I can load MY gear MYSELF, I usually use a gig-bag.

Flying, or equipment trucks, or any time there's ANY doubt, I use a hard case.

 

[ryognbass]

theres always the space-saving molded hard case!

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I'm not too big on gig bags. I prefer hardshell cases for their added protection.

 

[copreus]

It depends on the gig and how I'm traveling there. If there's room in the car and/or loading the gig is a nightmare, I'll use the case. I have low end $ basses and so I usually just use the bag (nice & thick!) -- I have to get my stuff off the street and up the stairs in one move when I get dropped off. But once it's in the apartment, back into the case. They're all in hard cases but only one gig bag. Keep the case!

 

[p0k]

i only really play in church so a good gig bag is all i need...although i do still have HSC for my passes in case i need more protection.

 

[bassbrad]

I have hard cases for all my basses but generally use a gig bag for local gigs because it's more convenient. These days I only use my hard cases if I am sharing transportation. The hard cases are for when we move, emergencies, for short term storage and in case I go back out on the road.

 

[svtb15]

I never use a hard case if i am carrying my bass myself.. I use he sadowsky gig bags which is fine and has more pocket area to carry stuff than almost any hard case..
I do use an ANVIL case if i fly my basses. .but i have also used a gig bag on flights where i know i can carry and put in the coat closet..
I havent used a regular hard case in over 20 years and never had a problem..

 

[idler]

Each of my basses has its own case. 2 are hard cases, the other's a gig bag. Each bass lives in its case and travels in it. Job done.

 

[Baird6869]

I have a rule: Never carry a bass in a case that cost (or is worth) less than a tenth of the cost of the bass itself.

I am the opposite.

I ALWAYS carry my basses in soft cases unless they are stacked and stored in their OHSC in my basement.

I have been lugging Stingrays, Sadowskys, Fenders and other high end basses around in soft cases/gig bags for 20 years without ever having an issue.

 

[perfektspace6]

Always a hard case. Easier to transport (e.g., stackable, can put things on top) and less worry about damage if it gets knocked over or if I were to drop it.

 

[Captain_Arrrg]

It's more about the value of the bass. My US Spector lives in it's case, so there's no chance of accidents unless it's in my hands. If I need to transport my other basses, I have a Rockbag.

Question one: Why do the gig bag people think it's more convenient? Is it because you can sling them over your shoulder?

Question two: Any links to these Sadowsky-style bags?

 

[bassanddrums]

I never put any of my instruments in a soft case. Ever.

I feel attached to my basses, I treat them to way that I would want to be treated if I were a bass.

I still own my first bass and it's a perfect example of why you should always use a hard case (I'll post a picture sometime, it's depressing).

What if you like being thrown around?