I use this bag. It's a lot better than standard gig bags and "almost" as protective as a hard case.
Do a search ... there are a few threads about it.
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Hard cases - do you use them?
- Thread starter thudfromafar
- Start date
I use this bag. It's a lot better than standard gig bags and "almost" as protective as a hard case.
Do a search ... there are a few threads about it.
I always use hard cases. I would much rather live with the bulk of them than have to deal with a broken bass. Yea, Gig bags are much more convenient, but there's a much greater chance that the bass could get damaged in a gig bag, no matter how careful you are.
I use both. It just depends on my mode of transportation as to which will get used. Generally, my basses ride in the extended-cab part of my truck, so a nice gig bag is sufficient. I gained a lot of confidence in using gig bags after seeing some of these monster bassists confidently carrying their uber-high-dollar ERBs in gig bags.
This reminds me of what was almost the biggest blunder of my entire life. A few years ago, I was at the Lodo Bass Bash, wandering around the venue. I stopped to look at some of the stuff at the merch booth. I took a step backward to let someone get by me. As I stepped, I felt my foot about to step on something other than floor. At the last minute, I lifted my foot and fell into the wall. I looked down to see what I nearly left my footprint on. It was Jean Baudin's "Joust" bass leaning up against the wall. I almost peed myself after this close call. Luckily, Jean is way cool.
This reminds me of what was almost the biggest blunder of my entire life. A few years ago, I was at the Lodo Bass Bash, wandering around the venue. I stopped to look at some of the stuff at the merch booth. I took a step backward to let someone get by me. As I stepped, I felt my foot about to step on something other than floor. At the last minute, I lifted my foot and fell into the wall. I looked down to see what I nearly left my footprint on. It was Jean Baudin's "Joust" bass leaning up against the wall. I almost peed myself after this close call. Luckily, Jean is way cool.
It's inflexible for a very good reason - to protect the instrument.
All a gig bag does is protect against scratches and perhaps spilling beer. If you drop it or or gets knocked over or the amps shift in the van, your neck can get whacked (or worse).
Not only that but the hard, rectangular cases are more flexible to load with other gear because you can stack the cases or fit them between amps. etc. With a bag, I'd think you'd have to be very careful where you put the bass.
I've had a hard case for every good bass I've owned.
All a gig bag does is protect against scratches and perhaps spilling beer. If you drop it or or gets knocked over or the amps shift in the van, your neck can get whacked (or worse).
Not only that but the hard, rectangular cases are more flexible to load with other gear because you can stack the cases or fit them between amps. etc. With a bag, I'd think you'd have to be very careful where you put the bass.
I've had a hard case for every good bass I've owned.
I have a musicman stingray OHSC. It's cool -- but large, heavy, and inflexible. I find it annoying.
I was thinking to just sell this case. Does anyone else say to hell with their hard case, and just use a soft standard gigbag? I know it's possible, just wondering to hear from you guys
knarleybass
Commercial User
I use gig bags for all of my basses. I had a road case made up for one of my basses, ad I use that case when I know that my bass needs to be thrown into the back of a semi or checked on a flight. Any other time I am driving to gigs with my bass in a gig bag laying on the back seat of my car. I am not a fan of regular bass cases.
I love hardshell cases. I don't find them that much harder to deal with and I don't have to worry about damaging my instrument. I feel with soft cases and gig bags I have to be much more careful. (Not always possible in the trunk of my car with my tools...)
+1
I used to be an HSC only guy but, lately I've been migrating to the gig bag side of the house......when appropriate.
At gigs where I'm packing my own gear, I'll use gig bags and leave my bass(es) in the truck until the end. If my gear is getting packed in the trailer or van with everybody else's.......HSC.
Like the man said.......common sense usually works!
I have both of my HSC for my Ken Smith and Sadowsky but I don't use them. I have a Mono gig bag that is great and a Road Runner bag (better than anything they make now by miles!) that is out of production. If I had to pack either one of the basses in a truck or something I would definately use the HSC.
I just wonder how many posters who are in the "hard case only" camp have even tried one of the many excellent gig bags out there. I've been using my gig bags for 14 years, hard cases for 21 years before that, and have never had one of my basses damaged while in a gig bag (or a hard case for that matter). The gig bags are way easier with a BIG '+1' to being able to throw it over a shoulder and have both hands free to carry other gear.
All hard cases, all the time for me. Your remark triggered a memory: years ago I bought a used Fender case from the '70s to carry my cheapo Jazz knockoff around in. The day finally came when I traded off the cheapo -- along with some other gear -- to get a Fender Classic '50s P. The dealer opened the case, looked at the Global inside, and said "you realize this case is worth more than what you're carrying in it."
My hard cases are used to hold the garage down. 
The only time they leave the rafters is when I'm dusting them off to sell an instrument. I gig 40-50x/year and have entrusted my instruments to quality gig bags going back to the late 80's. Which means that I've never had an issue, and....damn, I'm getting old.
The only time they leave the rafters is when I'm dusting them off to sell an instrument. I gig 40-50x/year and have entrusted my instruments to quality gig bags going back to the late 80's. Which means that I've never had an issue, and....damn, I'm getting old. 
I use the hard case that came with my Yamaha. If you don't like the weight of your case, then I'd suggest trying a lightweight case like the ones below.
http://accessories.musiciansfriend....Durafoam-Shock-Resistant-Bass-Case?sku=540611 (used these for a couple different basses and liked them)
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gator-Lightweight-Bass-Case?sku=546099
http://accessories.musiciansfriend....Durafoam-Shock-Resistant-Bass-Case?sku=540611 (used these for a couple different basses and liked them)
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gator-Lightweight-Bass-Case?sku=546099
Soft cases are for the beater basses and guitars.
Anything worth more than a grand goes in a hardshell case, without a doubt.
Also, when you're loading the van at the end of the night and the guitarists put all their amps and pedal boards ON TOP of your bass, you'll be glad you kept it in the hardshell!
Anything worth more than a grand goes in a hardshell case, without a doubt.
Also, when you're loading the van at the end of the night and the guitarists put all their amps and pedal boards ON TOP of your bass, you'll be glad you kept it in the hardshell!
I sometimes keep my basses in gigbags if they just stay at home and don't get gigged. However, I have a hardcase again and that gets used when I go to gigs.
