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Musicman no longer including hardshell cases?

#241
Fun Size Nick said:
Watch the video - no backpack straps.
Click to expand...
I really really like backpack straps for gig bags, but they have to be hidden (and the D rings with them). It's just too easy to snag them on other things, which can rip the D rings out of the bag or damage whatever they've snagged on, usually when you're unloading things or hauling them up a stair.

Mono doesn't provide a lot of storage capacity with their usual bags, so they make something called a "Tick" available (as a $100+ option) that uses external D rings on the bag and straps on the Tick as connectors. While at first it seems like a great idea, I can tell you from experience that it's dangerous to your gear and a major PIA and snagging hazard. Be extremely mindful about these things if you've got one on your bag.
 
#243
I recall Bob Taylor discussing the issue of supplying cases with guitars. He explained that guitarists expect certain brands of instrument to be accompanied by a hard case.

This (he claimed) presented a dilemma for guitar manufacturers, as even prestigious brands wanted to have a competitive presence relative to their rivals at an ever-widening price point.

Thus, providing a hard case for certain models in the range becomes a difficult balancing act. Between raising prices to preserve profitability, which makes instruments less competitive against rival manufacturers.

Or providing instruments without cases, which falls short of consumer expectations and causes dissatisfaction, even if they can now afford the desired instrument. The solution manufacturers have gone towards is providing a soft case or form foam case. A compromise between diametrically opposing forces.


Most of the long-standing name manufacturers have explored this avenue, Gibson, Fender, Taylor, Martin and now Music Man.

I think recent financial squeezes, and other economic disrupters drive manufacturers down such roads. They are doing the best they can in the circumstances to provide good instruments and provide real value to their customers.

Looking to square the circle of high customer expectations in the face of economic feasibility, remaining profitable and providing acceptable working solutions to what is a genuine dilemma for them, they hope you will accept. The alternative is damagingly raising prices in a highly competitive market place.

I normally buy an extra case myself for road use. But beyond a certain price point do expect a hard case with a quality instrument, but don’t mind too much if the cheaper models in a range come with a gig bag. Though I never use them for storage or road use. Everybody has a different place where they draw a line on what they accept, I am clear about all this in my own mind. Buying an extra case a little later is generally not a problem either a branded case or the Hiscox cases I find to be excellent.
 
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#245
When it comes right down to it, no instrument really "comes" with a case or bag, its factored in the cost of the instrument. So the best solution would be if the builder offered case or bag options priced accordingly.

When I ordered a Lull, I requested a Pro-tec gig bag as well as the "included" HSC, and my Sadowsky "included" a choice of a porta-bag or gig bag.
If EBMM is still going to continue to offer a molded HSC, they could make it an add-on or replacement, for whatever upcharge there may or may not be if substituted for the new Mono case.
That way, everyone can be happy.
 
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#246
jd56hawk said:
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.
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I've got a Mono case for my Rick after the gig bag I was using finally fell apart. The Mono bags are very good. Very, very good. I'm very happy with the quality and build of the Mono bags. The bags look like they will protect the instruments as well as the older plastic and metal cases. Quite frankly, I'd take a Mono case for my MM Stingray 5HH over the case I got when I purchased it new. Now, I'm going to have to see if I can buy a Mono case for the Stingray. Awesome cases, worth the price, in my opinion.

I just read some of the comments on the thread. I have the Mono M80 for the Rick. I love the back pack straps and use them all the time. No straps? I think I'll pass. However, Mono still makes great cases.
 
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#247
Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati said:
Upgrade? Try to put your bass in a MONO case inside the belly if a regular line flight …
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I wouldn't trust the plastic and aluminum case that my MM or the Rick came in for air travel. That's where you invest in a proper flight case to protect them. Just traveling around, schlepping your own gear? The Mono's are more than good enough.
 
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