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Musicman no longer including hardshell cases?
- Thread starter jd56hawk
- Start date
Starting later this year, Ernie Ball Music Man will make a transition from hardshell cases to MONO Cases. MONO has a long history of design-driven innovative case manufacturing, so it was a natural collaboration. Inside each case, the foam was custom molded to fit the instruments like a glove. It’s finished with soft plush lining, providing outstanding protection and a lush feel. The handle is reinforced with MONO-branded metal rivet, with MONO’s signature orange trim as the finishing touch. An extra-large zippered storage compartment with a built-in organizer is easily accessible without opening the case. The average MONO case is over 2 lbs lighter than a traditional hardshell case. Watch the official MONO case trailer video here.
Mono stuff is amazing, most certainly an upgrade.
But wait, you can’t stack that Mono case nicely in a closet with all your other hard cases you don’t use.
Aw shucks, I guess you’ll just have to use it.
Bravo EB!
But wait, you can’t stack that Mono case nicely in a closet with all your other hard cases you don’t use.
Aw shucks, I guess you’ll just have to use it.
Bravo EB!
I’m of mixed minds about this. Mono makes really great gig bags and, for me at least, a good quality gig bag is far more practical than a hard case.
On the other hand, as original equipment there’s no way even a good gig bag will last anywhere near as long as the bass will if you actually take it to gigs so it’s sort of an expendable. Selling years down the line “with original case” is simply no longer an option.
I’m a big fan of EBMM and I think they’re a great company but, given the sharp rises in prices in the past several years, I’d like to see instruments in this price range come with something a little more permanent than a gig bag. That’s just my take on it.
On the other hand, as original equipment there’s no way even a good gig bag will last anywhere near as long as the bass will if you actually take it to gigs so it’s sort of an expendable. Selling years down the line “with original case” is simply no longer an option.
I’m a big fan of EBMM and I think they’re a great company but, given the sharp rises in prices in the past several years, I’d like to see instruments in this price range come with something a little more permanent than a gig bag. That’s just my take on it.
Mono makes great gig bags. I had one for my Pedulla and I loved it.
Like mentioned above, the case is going to be permanent only if you store it in your closet.
That said, don't like that Mono case either. Looks like a standard inexpensive "lightweight" case made of rigid EPS foam covered with fabric. Got one with an Ibanez bass, and it was basically all the bulk of a hard case with none of the protection. Would much prefer a quality gigbag like Mono M80 or Reunion Blues CV / Aero.
I agree with most above. Mono is a nice upgrade. Their products are quality and built to last.
I hope Fender doesn’t follow suit, I’m a big fan of the US Fender (and Musicman) hard cases.
Mono bags are nice, but a $2000+ instrument should come with a solid hard case.
As much as I like/prefer cases , I seldom use them. A gig bag is infinitely more convenient, specially if your Ferrari/lambo/bmw only has two seats.
Agreed - take a look at that case, it's nothing like an M80 or a Vertigo or a Sleeve, and isn't recognisable as a 'gig bag' as most of us know them. Resembles a student's violin case. Looks like all of the negatives of both hardshell cases and gig bags IMO.
Edit: link with full size pic here: Ernie Ball Music Man: New at NAMM 2022
I like my Mono M80.
But I LOVE my Sadowsky Portabags.
But I LOVE my Sadowsky Portabags.
I don't take hard cases to gigs, I use my best gig bag. The hard cases do make great storage devices but I don't like using them otherwise.
I'd see this as an upgrade for sure.
I'd see this as an upgrade for sure.
Not sure about this,usually people already have a gigbag they use to take the bass out and use the original hard case to store the bass.
Mono are great but any gigbag will get worn and gather dust and dirt,a hard case will last.
Mono are great but any gigbag will get worn and gather dust and dirt,a hard case will last.
While I certainly agree with the first part, I feel the opposite about the second. Take a hard case to just one gig and you are going to find all sorts of new scratches and wear on it. A gig bag doesn't show wear nearly as much. I mean, they *will* wear and chances are the first casualty will (eventually) be a zipper. But if you want to keep a case looking nice while actually using it... forget it.
