Mono Bag Question

[shirojiro]

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.

For 100 gigs a year, I'd get a double gig bag.
I have an older Undercover double gig bag, and I have to admit that I rarely use it because it gets heavy, but it definitely makes carrying 2 basses simpler for me.

These days, I'm bringing two basses to recording sessions or writing sessions more often than to gigs, but even then, it's pretty convenient to have one bag vs two.

 

[bassfran]

I don’t hv experience w/Mono personally but can vouch for using a double bag. Much more convenient for me to carry both basses like a backpack and wheel everything else in one trip in/out on my folding cart or small dolly.

 

[ga_edwards]

I have a love-hate relationship with double cases. My only experience is with an Ibanex one. The fact that is had integrated wheels should have flagged how heavy it would be once loaded with basses and other items. I have to agree with other sentiments, they are useful for keeping your hands free when you have to schlep two basses and maybe a couple of other bags in one trip, but you can't get away from the fact that it's a heavy lump strapped to your back.

I have been tempted to try one again, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy it. It may be a case (no pun intended) that I'll get one "just-in-case" (no pun intended again). If anything, it could be useful for transporting a bass in one section and other items in the other - such as mic stand, or multifx unit, or a keytar...

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

I have an older mono bag I’ve had since I was 14-15
I’m 25 now

It’s been a tank
And other then stitching ripped in side a bit

The older ones are slightly bigger which I like for certain basses

Not only that a dual case is heavy

 

[ghiggin1079]

I say the dual as it's less things to babysit, and larger things, IME, grow legs less

 

[triplelutz]

Gator Cases has a new Icon Take2 Double bag and it's killer! Check it out!

 

[Kael]

I just got a mono vertigo bag a couple months ago after being a die-hard hard case person for the past umpteen decades. I am finding that as long as you are not stacking anything on your instrument in the vehicle and are not putting your instrument into a trailer they are enough protection. I opted for a single and the vertigo version to keep it more sleek and, strangely enough, have more protection than the other variant. I briefly considered a double bag but the entire reason for me to use a bag is to make transport easier and a double bag isn't making transport any easier as it is more than double bulky. You do you, but if you are looking at a double bag, I'd say just stick with hard cases.

 

[Kevan Campbell]

I’m still using the Mono M80 that I bought back in 2016 with a Tick and have zero complaints besides the obvious weight once it’s all loaded up.

My buddy just bought a Reunion Blues (Continental?) double bag and so far is pretty impressed with it. I think the RB is a bit more comfortable on the shoulder than the Mono but I can’t attach the Tick to the RB, so for me that’s a no-go.

+1 to those who mention how the basses are being transported. If I’m driving myself in my Gladiator or carpooling in a larger passenger vehicle I’m all for the gigbags and take just a one-bass gigbag when I can get away with it (the M80 when I can’t). If a trailer, bays or plane is involved then it’s hardshell/ATA case for sure (unless I book my own flight and can get myself early boarding).

 

[TonyP-]

I found Reunion Blues to be built a little better and more compact.


Check out the video I did on my double.
Cheers
-Tony

 

[kbakerde]

Seeing a lot of love for the Reunion Blues bags, which is no shock to me. I've heard great things. I did see two styles, the RBX and the Continental, and there is a big price difference. The RBX is very cost effective vs the Mono, but is the quality similar or more on par with Gator (good but not in that elite category). The Continental seems more in line price wise with the M80 Dual.

 

[el murdoque]

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.

I like how this thread has turned out. Folks who hate double bags recommend getting two single bags and folks who love double bags recommend getting one. All for more or less personal reasons.

A double bag takes up less space in the car.
A double bag is a great chance to get all your basses stolen or damaged in a single incident.
Some prefer to carry two basses to and from the car, some prefer hauling a single, bigger one.

 

[el murdoque]

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.

I like how this thread has turned out. Folks who hate double bags recommend getting two single bags and folks who love double bags recommend getting one. All for more or less personal reasons.

A double bag takes up less space in the car.
A double bag is a great chance to get all your basses stolen or damaged in a single incident.
Some prefer to carry two basses to and from the car, some prefer hauling a single, bigger one.

Seeing a lot of love for the Reunion Blues bags, which is no shock to me. I've heard great things. I did see two styles, the RBX and the Continental, and there is a big price difference. The RBX is very cost effective vs the Mono, but is the quality similar or more on par with Gator (good but not in that elite category). The Continental seems more in line price wise with the M80 Dual.

I've had and used a Continental for a dozen years now. It is hands down the best thing I ever put a bass in. It feels like it combines the advantages of a gig bag with the advantages of a case. Plus, it's super high quality. As I said, mine is more than a decade old and nothing is broken or worn out. It just keeps performing well.
When it comes to protection and ease of use, it beats the Mono easily. The Mono is a bit slimmer and I'd prefer it for using public transport because it rides a little lower on the back, so you can make it through more doorways without smashing the headstock against them.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

During all the years of stacking gear in multiple vehicles or loading trailers with heavy crap, I never thought twice about hauling my basses in hard cases. It was a reasonable level of safety then.

But these days, with powered speakers and smaller footprint of lights and associated gear, I snagged a Mono dual bag about 2 years ago from the TB classifieds. Since I can load all the PA and light gear in my Ford Edge to the same level with room on top, it seemed like a good idea to try one. It's worked very well and has held up well so far. The only consolation I had to make is a small piece of foam to accommodate short scale basses.

Yes, it's kind of heavy with two basses. But in reality not that much more than the old hard cases I had. I have no experience with any other dual bag so can only speak to my experience.

 

[overit]

I like having a double gig bag. If I'm not bringing two basses - the other side is great for storing other things - stand, hx stomp, headphones, IPad, etc. mine is a Reunion Blues RBX. I use it for rehearsals so I'm not carrying a gig bag and an accessories bag.

I think it might be lighter than my single bag which is a Reunion Blues Continental Voyager which is super heavy duty.

 

[joel the bass player]

Mono Dual works for me. Used to carry two basses (everywhere but practice) and decided I'd rather have them on my back than one in each hand or one on my back and the other in hand. It replaced a Music Area bag that I normally would use, which was quite heavy for a single bag.

Even if I'm only bringing one bass I still use it, just because everything else is already in the bag. All accessories live in the dual bag, and nothing ever gets left behind because it is always in the bag. Nothing extra to carry or leave behind. Pedalboard in one hand, basses on my back, and a hand free to carry my drinks/open doors. Way easier to navigate a crowd with the basses on my back as well. They can get heavy depending on what I have back there but I'm a big enough guy that it doesn't bother me any.

 

[roccobass]

I like Mono Bass Sleeves.But then I usually just schlep one bass around. My sleeves is just for gigs and overnight stays when I jam with friends. I like them a lot.

Never tried the Dual, but have tried the Vertigo. I sent it back. I couldn't get used to the orange foot and it had a petroleum like odor.

 

[D Bopp]

I have one of each Mono bag (Vertigo, M80 single, Sleeve, and M80 Dual) and always favor the M80 single over the others.

 

[hennessybass]

No dual for me,,, cuz I just get it done with one.

I've had an M80 for years. Recently got a Vertigo.
I do like the big rubber boot, and extra padding on the a$$ end of the vertigo, but I think I like the M80 better.

 

[songwriter21]

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.

I don't know why the M80 is so successful and popular. The bottom padding is a joke, as I've had 2 or 3. Gator Go-Pro or what I have now, and three of them...Roadrunner Highway soft cases. So much better than Mono (aside from not being waterproof/resistant).

 

[bass12]

I don't know why the M80 is so successful and popular. The bottom padding is a joke, as I've had 2 or 3. Gator Go-Pro or what I have now, and three of them...Roadrunner Highway soft cases. So much better than Mono (aside from not being waterproof/resistant).

Maybe the more recent iterations are different, but based on my old M80 I totally agree. I've used t-shirts and socks to add padding to the bottom of the bag because it's so lacking.