Musicman no longer including hardshell cases?

[JRA]

Can't believe I saw someone in this thread mention something about how hardshell cases are more susceptible to scratches and wear. That's like ... the whole point of the case!

here on TB we value "looks." when your HSC or your gigbag gets a scratch = time to replace it!

FWIW: i have 25-30 year-old gigbags that look pretty scruffy..but they're still good to go!

 

[JuanB]

To each his own, but I will admit I don't really get the "gig bags are so much more practical" angle unless you are taking public transportation to the gig or something to that effect. I just bought a Modulus that came with a Mono bag. Its a nice bag, but personally I would rather have a hard case. The bag is just about as long, Maybe a little thicker, and not enough lighter to be a factor. I don't really care what anyone else uses, but I do have to disagree with the "everybody uses gig bags" comments

Off topic: Can you post pics of this Modulus bass or a link to a NBD post? I'd love to see it.

 

[BassyBill]

Maybe not an issue for everybody, but it’s something I’ve noticed - on a stage or in a room where space is very limited, finding room to put a hard case down flat can be tricky. It’s easier to get an instrument out of a vertical zip bag than a vertical case with a folding lid. That’s what I think, anyway, unless I’ve been missing something for ages. Likewise, it seems easier to stash an empty bag out of the way than an empty hard case for the duration of a gig.

 

[lermgalieu]

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.

Yeah, I have mixed feelings too. Back when I got my Stingray (2004), I never used gig bags, and man I've taken that hard case everywhere, including many times checked as baggage on planes. It's solid. I like to have a hard case for each one of my basses; even though I gig using a gig bag mostly, it is good to have a hard case for moving or flying or other travel. Plus, even though Mono makes a quality bag, many people may prefer a different gig bag. So overall, I'd call this a downgrade.

 

[Mastermold]

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 agree but still need a case for storage. I’m sure they will still be available aftermarket but it’s nicer when they come with the original purchase.

 

[icefly]

Hard case is pretty stylish; but heavy.
Bag is much more convenient.

 

[Mastermold]

Yeah, I have mixed feelings too. Back when I got my Stingray (2004), I never used gig bags, and man I've taken that hard case everywhere, including many times checked as baggage on planes. It's solid. I like to have a hard case for each one of my basses; even though I gig using a gig bag mostly, it is good to have a hard case for moving or flying or other travel. Plus, even though Mono makes a quality bag, many people may prefer a different gig bag. So overall, I'd call this a downgrade.

I guess this is indeed a “mixed bag.” Lol

 

[E2942]

The trouble with Mono cases is those attachable accessories are about $200.
It's possible to make your own to fit the rings.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Others have alluded to it, and I will mention it again. Changing to gig bags is likely a cost saving measure, but it is a measure that is also very practical for convenience and saving space. My bottom line is that it will allow Music Man to keep making quality basses in San Luis Obispo. It would be very easy for Music Man to make Skyline or Dingwall Combustion quality basses in Indonesia or China that we would love that could also save us $500-$1,500. I am happy to see those jobs kept stateside.

 

[Rib 13]

When I bought my 2020 Special HH, I wish it would've came with the Mono: the hard case, while nice, sits in my closet with the paperwork....the bass is in a Gator gigbag

 

[selowitch]

An OHSC still adds value to your instrument even if you never use it. I like the smaller footprint and lighter weight of a good gig bag.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

Mono bags are nice, but a $2000+ instrument should come with a solid hard case.

The suits tweaking their bottom line...

The MONO bag is very good quality, but guess what, it will be replaced, in a few quarters, with some no name crap, until "Gig bag sold separately". And I am limiting discussion to their top tear basses.

Ever the quest for increased profits...

 

[3bc]

My mono gig back is much nicer, and more protective, than the Fender (vintage and molded), Carvin, Gibson, and SKB hard cases I've owned throughout the years. I also trust that it would outlive any of those with similar levels of usage.

Or put another way, I have two Lakland basses and one Lakland hardshell case. When I take both of them to a gig, I put the $4k lakland in the mono gig bag and the $1k skyline in the hardshell case that came with the $4k bass.

 

[selowitch]

Ever the quest for increased profits...

... achieved by cutting costs for manufacturer and decreasing value for the consumer.

 

[COYS]

A *good* Mono bag like the M80 or Vertigo series would be a major upgrade vs a plastic hard case.

This one lacks even backpack straps, a basic feature, which seems to point toward it being a more budget friendly sort of bag.

Even the cheapo Fender gig bags that (used to) come with the MIM instruments had backpack straps.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

... achieved by cutting costs for manufacturer and decreasing value for the consumer.

Yes, and another implication is jobs migrating abroad, as Dr. Cheese alluded.

Short sighted, greedy, unsustainable practice. Unfortunately, this is the prevailing modus operandi.

If they were to keep the MONO standard, I'd say great. However, that won't be the case eek.

 

[mikeswals]

I've seen the upper model Mono start falling apart. Anything with a zipper will eventaully.

My 78 StingRay has it's original case. I doubt you'll be able to say that in 45 yrs with a bag.

However, if they are going to offer the hardshell as an option, I guess I'll order it that way next time I get an EBMM.

 

[ElectricBass72]

Glad my EBMM Stingray 5 included hard shell case. With that said, I have a Mono Dual bass case and it's the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[80jazz]

If I buy a new $2,500 bass, it better damn well come in a hard case or I’m not buying it.

I agree with this.

 

[Swipter]

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.

I agree. Although I would never buy a 5k bass I was researching and many of those don't come with hardshell cases. Maybe I'm shortsighted but for costs of some I would think they would.