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Mono Bag Question

What is the best gig bag to get?

  • Mono Vertigo Single

    Votes: 26 35.1%

  • Mono M80 Dual

    Votes: 31 41.9%

  • Other

    Votes: 17 23.0%
  • Total voters
    74
kbakerde

kbakerde

Supporting Member
Jan 24, 2012
3,013
4,695
#1
I have been mulling something over, and I am interested in some opinions. For years I was a hard case guy. I liked them, they protected the gear, they looked cool etc. Last couple years, I've moved to a gig bag, specifically the Mono Vertigo Bass Bag. I used it for my '78 P, my Warwick's and now my G&L. It's been great, protective, great back pack straps, comfortable, everything I could want. Back in my original music days where we'd play 4 bands deep and no longer than 30-40 minutes I'd only bring one guitar. Now I am getting into a cover situation where I will always bring two guitars.

Specifically I will bring a 5 string Warwick, and a 4 string G&L M2000. The 5 is a good backup and would be needed for a handful of songs. Right now, my friend gave me an old bass gig bag to use, but it's not a long term situation. Bare nylon and nothing more. So either way I will end up needing to spring for a gig bag of one kind or another. I have a tick (that I don't really use any more, long story), and the Vertigo, so I am gravitating to getting another Mono. Though I would be interested if anyone has another suggestion. Given the goal is to carry two basses, I feel I have two options. I could just buy a 2nd Vertigo. Or is it better to get a dual. Then I can use the Dual when I need two basses, and the single when I need one. There is a price difference, but it's not huge.
 
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#2
I had a M80 Dual many moons ago, but I was playing headless Status Graphites at the time and so I was able to get away with the double guitar model. It was on the heavy side when loaded for gigs and the double bass model would probably be even more so. I sure wish Mono would make a double uke bass model, but their keyboard gig bag works great for a single uke bass.
 
#4
IF you're happy with the mono vertigo, I'd buy another one. How often will you be taking two basses to a gig? I rarely carry more than one instrument so I happily place my spare bass/guitar into a gig bag. If I were constantly taking two instruments of the same type, then I'd purchase another case, but for rare occasions, a gig bag works..
 
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#5
A double bass guitar gig bag isn’t all that much heavier than a single bass in a plywood hard case.
I don’t have Mono’s, but I have two of the deluxe Fender gig bags; a single and a double. On the rare occasion I need a second bass, I take the double bag and it’s more convenient than two separate bags.
 
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#6
I've used the Mono M80 Dual for about a decade now...I play 80-100 shows per year and it looks barely used at all! I play Spector Euros that weigh about 8 lbs apiece and I don't find it heavy or cumbersome at all. Additionally, I've never had anything happen to a bass during that timeframe. So in other words I'm trusting it with $6K worth of basses 80-100 times per year!
 
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#7
Ive been using dual bags for many years. I started with the M80 until I started playing Thunderbirds, which didn't fit lengthwise. Switched to the Gator.

Ive found that the Gators failed at the shoulder strap attachment points. They're simply not as tough as the Mono. Gator stands behind their warranty, and I'm on my third bag (replaced free twice).

My M80 saw more use, carrying more weight and more stuff crammed in it, and still held up like new.

I posted a while back about this, so you can search for those reviews. My conclusion was that the M80 was worth the extra money if the size works for you. If you're going to be careful with it, the Gator is a fine bag.
 
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#9
Leigh Semmens said:
IF you're happy with the mono vertigo, I'd buy another one. How often will you be taking two basses to a gig? I rarely carry more than one instrument so I happily place my spare bass/guitar into a gig bag. If I were constantly taking two instruments of the same type, then I'd purchase another case, but for rare occasions, a gig bag works..
Click to expand...
It’s a good question. But I’ll need two a lot more than I’ll need one. We’re hoping to ramp up the cover band to at least 100 gigs a year within the next year.
 
#10
el murdoque said:
It kinda depends on your use case. How do you transport the basses? Will they go in a van, handled by other people? Will you have to use public transport? Does it matter a lot how many trips you have to make?

I find double bags are heavy, cumbersome items that only shine when you need to transport 2 basses for longer distances on foot.
Click to expand...
I’ll do most, if not all load in. Will mostly be traveling by car, sometimes by trailer. Rarely will I be taking mass transit.
 
#11
I would take a look at the Reunion Blues Double Bass Bag. I’ve got one, and also the single bass bag as well.

I highly recommend it.

 
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#14
I use the Mono dual bag and I like it. With two heavy basses it is pretty heavy, but once it's on my shoulders it's not that bad. With lighter basses it really isn’t all that heavy at all. And, either way, it is still lighter than my cabinet, with better carry affordances.

Two gig bags would be even heavier and more unwieldy. You could put one bass on your back but would have to carry the second in your hands, which is less ergonomic.
 
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#16
Mono dual is great protection and makes the carry easier than two separate bags.

IMG_3378.JPG
 
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#17
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#18
I actually have both the single and double. The Mono single gets most of the work and has held up great for many many years now and travel all over the world. I only use the double on rare occasions were I need to bring two basses. Both IMHO are the best gig bags out there! Be it my '72 Jazz or my Fodera I never worry about them when in one of those bags.
 
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#20
el murdoque said:
It kinda depends on your use case. How do you transport the basses? Will they go in a van, handled by other people? Will you have to use public transport? Does it matter a lot how many trips you have to make?

I find double bags are heavy, cumbersome items that only shine when you need to transport 2 basses for longer distances on foot.
Click to expand...

Agree 100% on this.

Plus, zippers suck. Give me an ATA styled case any day. I'll deal with the extra weight. That said, I'm only driving my vehicle to our gigs. I don't have to contend with long walks or traversing public transportation systems.
 

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