Will do. I also ordered a dark glass symmetry compressor from the same place so will have a few new toys to play with. I'll get some pics and my thoughts up when it show for sure
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The definitive "Yes, another gig bag" thread
- Thread starter scubaduba
- Start date
So I've actually used my two gig bags recently (look at me, taking my gear out of the house), and thought I'd give some insight. It's a slow day at the ol' widget factory, and I am drinking coffee, so make yourselves comfortable.
First, my Mono Vertigo (short version- I totally dig this bag). I had to reschedule my lesson for a Saturday, and I took the train/el since I had to go downtown (usually I have it on tuesday and I just walk over from the office with my Peavey in the ProTec Contego (see below) which I have in my locker at work), and I REFUSE to pay downtown parking prices. Plus it's easy street parking by the one station. Anyways, I of course overslept, so I was in a bit of a hurry Saturday morning, and of course hadn't packed anything. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE the design of this bag. It's unzipped, leaning against some of my cabs in the basement when not in use. I just grabbed my Modulus Q5 (35" scale) off the wall and slid it in, zipped up both zippers and was good to go. The "headlock" system really works well and holds the bass in place automatically, and with the cutout in the bottom for the strap pin, the bass slides in perfectly (that being said, the Modulus, my Lakland and my Peavey all have the tail end strap pin in the center) and is ready to go. Threw a Sadowsky neoprene strap with Dunlop straplok ends and a TC Electronic Polytune Clip tuner in the front pocket, grabbed it by the comfortable and secure handle to carry it up the stairs and out to the car. Fits laying across the backseat of my GTI no problem, doesn't slide around on the leather seats (not that I was doing some exciting driving). I put both shoulder straps on for walking the block to the station from where I parked, slipped it on one shoulder to go through the turnstile), and then both shoulders while waiting for the train. My ONLY complaint is that it sits a little high and I bumped the top a little when walking onto the train (I am 5'9"), but I was aware of it and being cautious, so not a full on knock or anything. Sitting in a single seat, bag is easy to keep close between my legs, and the handle is right there for me to grip to avoid a snatch and grab. Even when i switched trains, and the layout of the other line is the seats along the wall facing inwards (which I HATE), having the bag over one shoulder, I don't take up too much space, and am not swinging it around hitting anyone- not my first rodeo. And then when I get up to the studio, just lean it up against the wall, unzip and pull out my bass.
Complaints? All very minor- the shoulder straps could have more padding (not as comfortable on one shoulder). And it sits a LITTLE high, but that being said, I only bumped it getting on the train, not on any of the other doorways or elevators I got on that day. And maybe a grab handle closer to the top- there's one by the shoulder straps, and there's a plastic hang tag up at the top, so not like there aren't options.
For the record, I also own the Tick attachment, so storage isn't an issue with this bag, and I feel the padding/structure is more than enough for what I am going to use this for- it's pretty rigid (stands by itself) and has at least an inch of padding all the way around (I have a flight case for my Modulus if I REALLY need protection).
Next, my ProTec Contego (short version- a good bag, especially for the price). So for my usual Tuesday lesson, I grabbed my Peavey in the Contego in my locker in my cubicle. This was already packed, and is set up for practicing at the library across the street (which I have yet to do), lessons and maybe going to a jam. I have a Sadowsky neoprene strap with Dunlop straplok ends, a 21' cable and some Phil Jones PJB H-850 headphones in the front pocket (2 seperate compartments), and a Phil Jones Bighead headphone amp and another TC Electronic Polytune Clip tuner in the top headstock pocket. neither one is stretched to the limits. I put this over both shoulders and head out the door. It's only about 4 blocks to the studio for my lesson, no low openings to duck through. This bag sits well and is comfortable for the walk (but all my basses are pretty light).
Sadly, when it comes to packing and unpacking my bass, this is where the Vertigo is a superior design. Leaning my Contego against the wall, I have to unvelcro the handle strap and unzip almost all the way down to the bottom to be able to get inside and remove the bass from the neck block (velcro strap on a pillow). First world problems and all, and I wasn't in a hurry, but having just used the Vertigo a few days earlier, I couldn't help but compare them. That being said, if I had never used the Vertigo, I wouldn't have noticed as this is how bags have always been.
The Contego IS a good bag though, especially for the price. There is a newer Pro Pac version that has a velcro strap to close the case when empty without zipping it up (but not for keeping a bass inside), which is a nice touch- mine does not have this. But the bag has a good amount of built in storage, and has good protection, once again it stands by itself and has a good amount of padding, more than enough for what I would hopefully need. It's comfortable with both straps on (could be more padding, but that is probably true for most straps). It does have a strap on the back to retain the backpack straps if you just want to carry it by the side handle. And it has a pretty slim profile and doesn't take up a ton of space. I also wish it had a grab handle higher (has one by the top of the backpack straps), but it also has a plastic hang tag up higher so there is SOMETHING to grab when pulling it out of my locker or out of the backseat.
In conclusion, if money was not an issue (there IS a significant difference in price), and you could live less storage (or were going to get the Tick), the Vertigo is great- well thought out, with a great design for getting in and out efficiently. But there's nothing WRONG with the Contego, and the fact you could buy 2 of them for the price of the Vertigo WITHOUT the Tick is hard to ignore.
Hopefully this was helpful- any questions, feel free to ask.
First, my Mono Vertigo (short version- I totally dig this bag). I had to reschedule my lesson for a Saturday, and I took the train/el since I had to go downtown (usually I have it on tuesday and I just walk over from the office with my Peavey in the ProTec Contego (see below) which I have in my locker at work), and I REFUSE to pay downtown parking prices. Plus it's easy street parking by the one station. Anyways, I of course overslept, so I was in a bit of a hurry Saturday morning, and of course hadn't packed anything. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE the design of this bag. It's unzipped, leaning against some of my cabs in the basement when not in use. I just grabbed my Modulus Q5 (35" scale) off the wall and slid it in, zipped up both zippers and was good to go. The "headlock" system really works well and holds the bass in place automatically, and with the cutout in the bottom for the strap pin, the bass slides in perfectly (that being said, the Modulus, my Lakland and my Peavey all have the tail end strap pin in the center) and is ready to go. Threw a Sadowsky neoprene strap with Dunlop straplok ends and a TC Electronic Polytune Clip tuner in the front pocket, grabbed it by the comfortable and secure handle to carry it up the stairs and out to the car. Fits laying across the backseat of my GTI no problem, doesn't slide around on the leather seats (not that I was doing some exciting driving). I put both shoulder straps on for walking the block to the station from where I parked, slipped it on one shoulder to go through the turnstile), and then both shoulders while waiting for the train. My ONLY complaint is that it sits a little high and I bumped the top a little when walking onto the train (I am 5'9"), but I was aware of it and being cautious, so not a full on knock or anything. Sitting in a single seat, bag is easy to keep close between my legs, and the handle is right there for me to grip to avoid a snatch and grab. Even when i switched trains, and the layout of the other line is the seats along the wall facing inwards (which I HATE), having the bag over one shoulder, I don't take up too much space, and am not swinging it around hitting anyone- not my first rodeo. And then when I get up to the studio, just lean it up against the wall, unzip and pull out my bass.
Complaints? All very minor- the shoulder straps could have more padding (not as comfortable on one shoulder). And it sits a LITTLE high, but that being said, I only bumped it getting on the train, not on any of the other doorways or elevators I got on that day. And maybe a grab handle closer to the top- there's one by the shoulder straps, and there's a plastic hang tag up at the top, so not like there aren't options.
For the record, I also own the Tick attachment, so storage isn't an issue with this bag, and I feel the padding/structure is more than enough for what I am going to use this for- it's pretty rigid (stands by itself) and has at least an inch of padding all the way around (I have a flight case for my Modulus if I REALLY need protection).
Next, my ProTec Contego (short version- a good bag, especially for the price). So for my usual Tuesday lesson, I grabbed my Peavey in the Contego in my locker in my cubicle. This was already packed, and is set up for practicing at the library across the street (which I have yet to do), lessons and maybe going to a jam. I have a Sadowsky neoprene strap with Dunlop straplok ends, a 21' cable and some Phil Jones PJB H-850 headphones in the front pocket (2 seperate compartments), and a Phil Jones Bighead headphone amp and another TC Electronic Polytune Clip tuner in the top headstock pocket. neither one is stretched to the limits. I put this over both shoulders and head out the door. It's only about 4 blocks to the studio for my lesson, no low openings to duck through. This bag sits well and is comfortable for the walk (but all my basses are pretty light).
Sadly, when it comes to packing and unpacking my bass, this is where the Vertigo is a superior design. Leaning my Contego against the wall, I have to unvelcro the handle strap and unzip almost all the way down to the bottom to be able to get inside and remove the bass from the neck block (velcro strap on a pillow). First world problems and all, and I wasn't in a hurry, but having just used the Vertigo a few days earlier, I couldn't help but compare them. That being said, if I had never used the Vertigo, I wouldn't have noticed as this is how bags have always been.
The Contego IS a good bag though, especially for the price. There is a newer Pro Pac version that has a velcro strap to close the case when empty without zipping it up (but not for keeping a bass inside), which is a nice touch- mine does not have this. But the bag has a good amount of built in storage, and has good protection, once again it stands by itself and has a good amount of padding, more than enough for what I would hopefully need. It's comfortable with both straps on (could be more padding, but that is probably true for most straps). It does have a strap on the back to retain the backpack straps if you just want to carry it by the side handle. And it has a pretty slim profile and doesn't take up a ton of space. I also wish it had a grab handle higher (has one by the top of the backpack straps), but it also has a plastic hang tag up higher so there is SOMETHING to grab when pulling it out of my locker or out of the backseat.
In conclusion, if money was not an issue (there IS a significant difference in price), and you could live less storage (or were going to get the Tick), the Vertigo is great- well thought out, with a great design for getting in and out efficiently. But there's nothing WRONG with the Contego, and the fact you could buy 2 of them for the price of the Vertigo WITHOUT the Tick is hard to ignore.
Hopefully this was helpful- any questions, feel free to ask.
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Thanks for that review Fred - nice comparison w/pics. The top loading design of the Vertigo seems to make complete sense and I am guessing that a lot of new bags will follow this design.
Agreed- one of those "why didn't someone think of this sooner" moments the first time I saw it, even more impressive when I used it.
Here's a topic I've done a tone of research on and have a stack of soft cases/gig-bags to show for it 
I've yet to find the "perfect" one, but for overall protection it's between the RB Continental and the iGIG. HERE is one of several blog posts I've made on the subject. Also, I'm getting ready to do another video or two on the RB Continental (there have been some model changes) and one from Kiesel/Carvin... let me know if there is something specific you'd like me to cover
BTW, the "wings" on the iGIG are just to protect the mesh covered pockets on the front-- to keep things from snagging on it. It is a unique look, but after living with it for a bit, it's a non-issue considering the quality & protection of the case itself.
I've yet to find the "perfect" one, but for overall protection it's between the RB Continental and the iGIG. HERE is one of several blog posts I've made on the subject. Also, I'm getting ready to do another video or two on the RB Continental (there have been some model changes) and one from Kiesel/Carvin... let me know if there is something specific you'd like me to cover
BTW, the "wings" on the iGIG are just to protect the mesh covered pockets on the front-- to keep things from snagging on it. It is a unique look, but after living with it for a bit, it's a non-issue considering the quality & protection of the case itself.
My fusion showed up today. First impressions are very positive. I'll get it loaded up and get some pics tomorrow. Very impressed right off the bat looking at the stiffness and general padding and protection seems great.
Ok here we go. First off let me say I'm very pleased with this bag. It has all the protection I was hoping for. I wouldn't feel bad in any way to gate check this and travel without a worry. There is good, compact storage on board and of course you have the option to add on the Fus-on back packs. The sidewalls are sturdy and even with no instrument in the case seem to be able to stand up to plenty of weight. I didn't go so far as to try sitting on the stack in my picture, but in retrospect I think I could have (I'm 6'3", 250lbs). A few things I would like to see them change would be to add about an 1" or so to the internal height. My 35" scale was a bit of a tight fit. Not so much that it's unusable, but I would just feel a bit better with a little more clearance for my 35" scale. It fits nice and snug now though so that's a good thing I suppose. Not a deal breaker by any means just something that I would like in my circumstance. They could have added another zip pocket to the back side top IMO like the one on the front, but this is again just a suggestion and really not a big deal. Since the double bag came with all the extra pad pieces and I couldn't think of what else I would to with them I got creative (see pics). I think maybe they should include a few of these with the single bags as well. Anyway my recommendation on this bag is YES buy it. It's fantastic! Oh one more thing, it looks like most if not all of the padding can be zipped out and removed so as to was the bag itself or replace it I guess?
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Whoa, that Fusion is a nice looking bag! I especially like that wrap-around insert that surrounds the entire bass with an extra layer of padding. Should I ever need yet another gig bag -- I've already got a Mono M80, a Protec Contego, a Ken Smith, and a surprisingly nice generic no-name bag -- I'll definitely give the Fusion a closer look. Thanks for all the pics.
Great job on pics and reviewing it- you should get commission for each one they sell because of it
Is is sad that the thing I dig the most is the rain cover?
Not if you live in the pacific northwest or other like place, and thanks yeah I know when I'm interested in a piece of gear I cant get enough pics so...Great job on pics and reviewing it- you should get commission for each one they sell because of it
Is is sad that the thing I dig the most is the rain cover?
I know I'm late to this thread, but I was in the market a few months ago, and maximum protection was also my first priority. I had just dropped a ridiculous amount of money on a custom shop Warwick, so I wasn't going to pinch pennies on a bag. I ended up going with the Protec Contego - it seemed to offer the best protection because it's more of a hybrid bag/case. Yes, it is annoying to load and unload. That's a result of having a complete frame, and a tradeoff I was willing to make. I carry it on my back all the time with no issues, and the storage pockets are very big. The fact that it was way cheaper than the rest ($110 on Amazon) was the icing on the case. My only qualm is the Velcro "wrapper" that holds the two handles together isn't the greatest. There are rubber feet on the bottom for standing it vertically, but my bottom strap button doesn't even touch the bottom of the case.
A few more observations after taking the Mono M80 on a trip with one of my Ricks inside.
1. This is a very comfortable bag, either to wear backpack-style or to carry by the handle.
2. The storage space is nice. I didn't carry much and wasn't close to maxing it out, but it was nice to not start worrying about space after a cable or two.
3. The protection is very good. I didn't stress test it with really heavy stuff, but this can totally handle having some stuff on top of it in a car trunk.
1. This is a very comfortable bag, either to wear backpack-style or to carry by the handle.
2. The storage space is nice. I didn't carry much and wasn't close to maxing it out, but it was nice to not start worrying about space after a cable or two.
3. The protection is very good. I didn't stress test it with really heavy stuff, but this can totally handle having some stuff on top of it in a car trunk.
Well, I have some time (about 3 years) using a Mono M80 as my only Bag. I use 2 or 3 times every week on bus/train or for a 20 minute walk to my church. It has a lot of space on those 2 pockets, enough to carry cables, headphones and sometimes a 13" MacBook Pro. I have to say that this is a great bag, with really good protection for my bass, easy to carry and very confortable when used in backpack mode. I also found it very durable, as it's looking great after 3 years of continued use.
Here some pics of it with a Cort bass I don't currently own, it had a large headstock and my Fenders (JB5 and PB5) fits more confortable and with more clearence on the upper side.
Here some pics of it with a Cort bass I don't currently own, it had a large headstock and my Fenders (JB5 and PB5) fits more confortable and with more clearence on the upper side.
