Mono Vertigo Ultra - Anyone else using one?

[PhinDog]

Is anyone using one of these? Have any info on reliability? I was on the fence between the Ultra and the New Reunion Blues Expedition and got a great deal on the Ultra. So...

Ok, so the Vertigo Ultra arrived this weekend. It was one of those things that just came together and I got a good deal/offer on it so I went for it.

Here are my initial observations:

• It seems pretty stout. I have only seen a regular Vertigo once in a shop, but this bag seems tougher. The outside material is made of a very coarse material and is pretty rigid. Not like a hard shell but good and strong.
• The neck support seems upgraded as well. It's longer maybe, from my memory of the standard? I dig it. It feels secure.
• Straps are super comfy and adjust well. It allows for slight height adjustment as well. I'm 6'1" and they allow me to walk through a standard-height doorway. Not bad! I was concerned that when the straps were tucked away the back pads would get in the way of it being a streamlined case. But it doesn't seem that way. And- the back pocket where the straps can go can be used for sheet music or anything else when using the straps. It is padded nicely.
• Pockets are bigger than I thought they would be. The added cable organizer has a sleeve to keep the cables in and separate from the other stuff in the main pocket. Great design.
• What seems well thought out is that the pockets, straps, and strap pocket are all attached to the outside of the bag/case if that makes sense. It's like they took the sturdy/stiff bag and added the pockets to it, instead of having the pockets live inside the stiff case. I may not be explaining well. But I was happy with this as well.
• My only concern is the amount of material used to protect the bag from the bridge. Instead of a small area where the bridge lives, the material takes up most of the area of the top of the bag. I am sure Mono tested the material so it doesn't affect the bass's finish, but we'll see. I did tests loading and unloading the bag and the material doesn't seem to come into contact with the finish. It touches the bridge and strings. I contacted Mono this morning via chat and was told they haven't received any complaints. The material itself seems to be different from the standard vertigo as well. It feels much stronger. Upgrade? We'll see.

I'm happy with the bag overall. It had the options I was looking for. It's a sturdy bag, with tough material, top loading, tuckable straps, and more pockets. I am not in a band situation where I will fly with this bag, so I am confident my bass will be protected. The materials the bag is made of seem like they will last. There are a lot of upgrades/changes from the standard Vertigo, more than the mentioned upper pocket and strap pocket. For me, it was worth the extra $25. Not sure if it was full retail. But as is the case, YMMV.

Phin

 

[Elusive1]

I have one as well. Love it. I had an original Vertigo for about 5 years before I got the Ultra version, and while the original one was great, I just couldn't pass up the chance to get the Ultra with its wheels, literally taking the weight off my back (I've since given my original one to my dad to use with his own bass).

The one thing I've noticed about the Ultra is that if you lean it against a wall with the wheels mounted, you have to put it with the front facing the wall and the rear facing outwards, otherwise the bag will start to slide forward due to the angle of the wheels, but other than that, it's pretty awesome.

 

[PhinDog]

I have one as well. Love it. I had an original Vertigo for about 5 years before I got the Ultra version, and while the original one was great, I just couldn't pass up the chance to get the Ultra with its wheels, literally taking the weight off my back (I've since given my original one to my dad to use with his own bass).

The one thing I've noticed about the Ultra is that if you lean it against a wall with the wheels mounted, you have to put it with the front facing the wall and the rear facing outwards, otherwise the bag will start to slide forward due to the angle of the wheels, but other than that, it's pretty awesome.

Sweet, any finish issues with the larger bridge protection area?

 

[Elusive1]

Sweet, any finish issues with the larger bridge protection area?

None that I've noticed so far, it's pretty good yeah

 

[PhinDog]

None that I've noticed so far, it's pretty good yeah

Great to hear! I'm stoked to use it this week.

 

[Old Ozzie Guy]

I'm seriously considering one. I have a new Sandberg Nighthawk plus, and the bag it came in, is exactly that...A bag...
I have been tossing up between the STD, and the Ultra, but having just read this post, I'm pretty keen on Ultra. Either way I need to get one, in next 2 weeks.

 

[PhinDog]

I'm seriously considering one. I have a new Sandberg Nighthawk plus, and the bag it came in, is exactly that...A bag...
I have been tossing up between the STD, and the Ultra, but having just read this post, I'm pretty keen on Ultra. Either way I need to get one, in next 2 weeks.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I just really wanted the extras of the Ultra, and so far I'm impressed.

 

[Old Ozzie Guy]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I just really wanted the extras of the Ultra, and so far I'm impressed.

I guna try for the Ultra, but it will depend on what discount I can get. I have been quoted a good price for the standard one, hopefully he will do same, or similar %, for the Ultra.

 

[40Hz]

I looked at both, asked the people I knew who had either one for their opinions, and ultimately opted for a Reunion Blues. For what I needed and anywhere I’d realistically be taking it, it seemed the better choice. And I’m perfectly happy with my decision. (Also picked up one for guitar while I was at it.) But that’s me, not you. Truth is, I doubt you could go very wrong with either. They’re both good bags. So like most other things bass related: YMMV.

Addendum: when I was shopping I found much better deals on Reunion Blues bags than I did on the Monos. I don’t know if that’s still the case however.

 

[OlyWhite]

I’m in the market for a bag, but I might wait until Black Friday. It’s hard to find deals on Mono otherwise.

List prices are $269 and $349 FWIW. That’s an $80 up charge and I’m not sure I’d use the wheels.

 

[TheLowDown33]

No dog in this fight, but I just wanted to say that the free Mono Tick being offered above makes the deal a whole lot sweeter. Mine comes with me for pretty much every gig.

 

[ole Jason]

No dog in this fight, but I just wanted to say that the free Mono Tick being offered above makes the deal a whole lot sweeter. Mine comes with me for pretty much every gig.

Do you attach it to the case? I found the Tick pretty useless if you have anything more than a few cables in it because it makes the case balance really weird when attached. I still use it to transport my micro amp, cables, etc. but never attach it if I'm going to be walking a few blocks.

 

[Luckydog]

Had one mono vertigo with wheels. I felt they were completely unnecessary, given the relative light weight of the bass with case. They are now in a closet. I guess thats about $80 sitting in the closet? And I thought the tick would be a nice addition, allowing me to reduce clutter in my separate gig bag. Not so. Anything more than a few accessories added too much weight to the top of the case when carrying, interfering with the vertigo’s excellent balance and handling without the added bag. The tick is also in the closet. I think I paid around $90 for the tick. My closet is getting cluttered with expensive impulse purchases that I had thought would make my life easier.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I have one and use it frequently. I like it. I have a couple other Vertigo’s and an M80 and a few Reunion Blues Contigo. If I were flying, I’d use the Reunion Blues. Going to a gig or practice, probably the Vertigo Ultra.

 

[LowendG]

Happy with my regular Mono M-80, was gonna grab a Vertigo but got a great deal on it new from Mono. That said I'm looking to get a double bag next but for that I definitely want wheels. Kinda weird that Mono doesn't offer a Vertigo double w/wheels (or any double with wheels for that matter). Two 70's Fender basses in a double bag--things are gettin' heavy!

 

[RGerhart]

I've been using two Mono gig bags for years now--I think the original one without the wheels. They are by far the best gig bags I've used, and are what I take with me to every gig. I've had them unfortunately drop a number of times when I had them leaning up against my car or in my office, and my basses have not sustained any damage. They are built to last, and protect your basses. Highly recommended!

 

[Adjectives]

Congrats on the case! I have both models and can weigh in on my opinions. In the grand scheme of things, they are both awesome cases. I like the build of the reunion blues a bit better but it is bulkier. The Mono Case has a few more compartments but overall a smaller storage area pouch. I don’t think you can go wrong. Either way, I might be purchasing a double electric Mono Case soon so I can bring a fretless along with my fretted to shows.

 

[PhinDog]

I have one and use it frequently. I like it. I have a couple other Vertigo’s and an M80 and a few Reunion Blues Contigo. If I were flying, I’d use the Reunion Blues. Going to a gig or practice, probably the Vertigo Ultra.

This was ultimately my choice as you described. I will not be flying using the Mono Ultra. I wanted the extra modern options and got a good price through my gear rep on GC. Otherwise, it would have been the RBs. The RB cases look nice as well.

 

[squish]

I'm a Mono fanboi for sure. I have been using a Vertigo mk1 for years. It is strong and durable. I've taken it on flights a few times (and a cruise) but would never check it - I use the GrugGear Kapsule for that, which is still risky. But for driving-distance shows, the Vertigo or the M-80 Dual case are taken.

The Ultra seems to have a different outside fabric which looks tough. The new features seem thoughtful and worth the extra $$. I wish my Vertigo had pockets for the straps. Funny that you'd worry about the patch over the bridge since your bass looks road-worn. You probably have another bass with a nice finish.

I like wheels on my case because when we fly we often have to walk blocks at a time dragging our luggage and cases down sidewalks. Otherwise I'm using the backpack straps which can be okay up to a point.

I use the Tick more than anything because it holds my small Mono pedalboard. That one goes to every gig.

 

[PhinDog]

I'm a Mono fanboi for sure. I have been using a Vertigo mk1 for years. It is strong and durable. I've taken it on flights a few times (and a cruise) but would never check it - I use the GrugGear Kapsule for that, which is still risky. But for driving-distance shows, the Vertigo or the M-80 Dual case are taken.

The Ultra seems to have a different outside fabric which looks tough. The new features seem thoughtful and worth the extra $$. I wish my Vertigo had pockets for the straps. Funny that you'd worry about the patch over the bridge since your bass looks road-worn. You probably have another bass with a nice finish.

I like wheels on my case because when we fly we often have to walk blocks at a time dragging our luggage and cases down sidewalks. Otherwise I'm using the backpack straps which can be okay up to a point.

I use the Tick more than anything because it holds my small Mono pedalboard. That one goes to every gig.

Ah yes, when I took the pics I grabbed the closest bass. My main player has a nice finish.