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What Gig Bag to Buy? Public Perception Question
- Thread starter jasontan10
- Start date
Ive never given a thought to a persons gig bag or case and how it relates to their playing ability. No one has ever even noticed or said anything to me about it as well. For years I had an old Guild bass with a really nice (and heavy) case that I lugged around. No issues at all. These days, alot of manufacturers dont offer cases and the bass comes with a gig bag. My ric is the only one I have bought in the last 4 years that came with a case. No one in the audience at any of my gigs could care less, even the fellow bass players. Dont give it another thought. Get the best you can afford.
No.
Seriously, that's your question, that's what worries you?
It's a complete non-issue. I would bet that 90% of the people who see you carrying your gig bag don't form an impression about you at all, period. They don't notice. They don't care. You're a stranger, ergo anonymous, invisible.
Of the remaining 10% who see you carrying your gig bag, if you're lucky they might form the impression "That guy's a musician." I guarantee they will not further qualify that impression by supposing you are either Good or Bad based on your choice of gig bag.
The one possible exception: If you get a gig bag that prominently displays the brand name of a really freakin' expensive high-end boutique bass on it -- like, for example, "Alembic" or "Fodera" in big neon flourescent letters 8" high -- then 0.001% of the people who see you carrying that gig bag will get the impression that you have a really freakin' expensive high-end boutique bass in it
...and then they will mug you and steal that bass.
Everybody else absolutely does not care about your bag. It's true. So just get a nice one and quit dropping your bass on the ground...and quit worrying about whether other people are judging your musicianship based on appearances.
- Feb 27, 2005
- 3,218
- 125
- Disclosures
- Full disclosure, I'm a certified Fender technician working in a music store that carries Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez products among others.
No one in the audience ever sees my cases or gig bags, and wouldn't care if they did. Some musicians ask about my Pro-Tec hybrid since it's different (mostly they ask about the bass inside it), but that's about it.
The only time I've seen a case elicit comment is when it's an Anvil with the band's name stenciled on the side. Soundguys, producers, etc seem to think that means you're a serious musician, though not necessarily a good player. I think the general public just thinks that's what a case is supposed to look like.
The only time I've seen a case elicit comment is when it's an Anvil with the band's name stenciled on the side. Soundguys, producers, etc seem to think that means you're a serious musician, though not necessarily a good player. I think the general public just thinks that's what a case is supposed to look like.
Image is way over rated.
Get a bag that protects your gear and works for you. Forget what anyone else thinks.
Get a bag that protects your gear and works for you. Forget what anyone else thinks.
why would anyone care *at all* what kind of gig bag someone has?
The only thing I think about, with respect to appearance of a gig bag... Is that I've had several, over the years, that have out of business store logos on them (LA Bass Exchange / Jims house of guitars, etc). I that I think is kinda cool. Otherwise... Who could care?
The only thing I think about, with respect to appearance of a gig bag... Is that I've had several, over the years, that have out of business store logos on them (LA Bass Exchange / Jims house of guitars, etc). I that I think is kinda cool. Otherwise... Who could care?
Have a little respect for your self and get a decent gig bag. I like the "Access" bags, but I hear they have raised their prices.
Here - an answer to the actual important question - what gig bag should you get?!?! 
I say: World Tour Gig Bags. I think they're a "house" brand for American Musical Supply bc I've never seen them anywhere else. I have used the bass double gig bag for about 2 years. Nice and durable, lightweight, tons of storage.
Here's a link for the single bass bag:
Invalid Link Removed
and no, I have no affiliation.
I say: World Tour Gig Bags. I think they're a "house" brand for American Musical Supply bc I've never seen them anywhere else. I have used the bass double gig bag for about 2 years. Nice and durable, lightweight, tons of storage.
Here's a link for the single bass bag:
Invalid Link Removed
and no, I have no affiliation.
Thanks everyone for all your replies.
It's not that I'm worried too much about what people think; I'm more curious on how the public view musicians these days. I hear a lot of people criticize the musician even worse if they use a guitar way beyond their play level, so why not extend the argument to accessories and other equipment as well? Well, I guess it doesn't apply to anything but the guitar (and maybe the amp as well).
I guess it's also because of the culture where I grew up in. They have a "different" view on anything relatively expensive; often they call them unnecessary, unless you really deserve it. It's a bit of a cultural pressure.
In the end, I'm going to find a good gig bag that I can afford, that I plan to use all the way to the end. I'm more leaning towards iGig ever since I saw it (carried by Justin Raines), and it looks like a real gig bag (compared to mine).
In all honesty though, there is a certain part of me that thinks about what other people think. Although most of it is in the music I play whether I am playing appropriately to the people (in church) or not, there is a part of me that's reluctant to buy higher end equipment just because I don't think I deserve it, and other people will comment on that. But thanks everyone for your posts!
It's not that I'm worried too much about what people think; I'm more curious on how the public view musicians these days. I hear a lot of people criticize the musician even worse if they use a guitar way beyond their play level, so why not extend the argument to accessories and other equipment as well? Well, I guess it doesn't apply to anything but the guitar (and maybe the amp as well).
I guess it's also because of the culture where I grew up in. They have a "different" view on anything relatively expensive; often they call them unnecessary, unless you really deserve it. It's a bit of a cultural pressure.
In the end, I'm going to find a good gig bag that I can afford, that I plan to use all the way to the end. I'm more leaning towards iGig ever since I saw it (carried by Justin Raines), and it looks like a real gig bag (compared to mine).
In all honesty though, there is a certain part of me that thinks about what other people think. Although most of it is in the music I play whether I am playing appropriately to the people (in church) or not, there is a part of me that's reluctant to buy higher end equipment just because I don't think I deserve it, and other people will comment on that. But thanks everyone for your posts!
Well, if there's anyone here who doesn't deserve higher-end equipment that would be ME (see my tagline, been using variations of that one for years here 
). But if someone is going to look at my gear and judge me because of it then as far as I'm concerned THEY'RE the one with the problem, not me. There's nothing about my equipment that's anyone's business but mine.
Bottom line... the iGig looks like a really useful bag. If it meets your needs and you can afford it then buy it and use it. Remember, it's only a gig bag, a tool for helping you do what you do, same as a hammer or a drill to a carpenter. It's not a statement about who you are, what you stand for, and what others should think of you. So don't make it into one! 
). But if someone is going to look at my gear and judge me because of it then as far as I'm concerned THEY'RE the one with the problem, not me. There's nothing about my equipment that's anyone's business but mine.Bottom line... the iGig looks like a really useful bag. If it meets your needs and you can afford it then buy it and use it. Remember, it's only a gig bag, a tool for helping you do what you do, same as a hammer or a drill to a carpenter. It's not a statement about who you are, what you stand for, and what others should think of you. So don't make it into one!
I have to admit I feel an instant kinship with anyone carrying their instrument in an old, well-worn Reunion Blues gig bag. Those things give me the fuzzies. 
BTW, the original guy split off and started his own company.
http://www.glenncronkhite.com/
BTW, the original guy split off and started his own company.
http://www.glenncronkhite.com/
I understand that Gig bags are more convenient, but after one of the switches was damaged on my Warwick while in the bag, I bring my basses to the gig ONLY in a hard case.
I have one RoadRunner case that is made of rigid foam with canvas over it - VERY light and about the same cost as the bag, and put whatever bass I am taking in it.
I have one RoadRunner case that is made of rigid foam with canvas over it - VERY light and about the same cost as the bag, and put whatever bass I am taking in it.
I'm not sure if Jaco even bothered with a case or bag.
People are going to judge you and your gear however they want and there's not a damn thing you can do about it.
So just use whatever you can afford that gets your bass to the gig in one piece. The only opinion that matters is your own.
People are going to judge you and your gear however they want and there's not a damn thing you can do about it.
So just use whatever you can afford that gets your bass to the gig in one piece. The only opinion that matters is your own.
- Nov 8, 2010
- 1,391
- 9
- Disclosures
- Unofficial Endorser: Ibanez, D'Addario, Zoom
There once was a Jazz trumpet player that carried his trumpet in a brown paper bag and he still got lots of gigs. I wouldn't really worry about it. Most people will still assume it's a guitar anyways. I usually go for value brands on gig bags. works well for me. And most of them are nicer than the instrument themselves. I would just repair yours if I were you, but I'm into that DIY stuff. Why toss a good bag that could be repaired. You don't always have to be a consumer(it is good sometimes though)
The last thing I pay any attention to is someones case or gig bag.
Now go out and buy a hardshell case! Peace of mind will set you free.
Now go out and buy a hardshell case! Peace of mind will set you free.
Jasontanten,
I picked up a Mono M80 a few months back and couldn't be happier. Has all the room and protection I need for my basses. As for what other people think, who cares...I know I don't.
-Chad
I picked up a Mono M80 a few months back and couldn't be happier. Has all the room and protection I need for my basses. As for what other people think, who cares...I know I don't.
-Chad
Stop worrying about public perception based on your gig bag and other gear. It really doesn't matter. Most non musicians don't know one gig bag from another or one manufacturer from the next. The most important thing is your ability. It sounds to me like you are somewhat insecure about your playing and are looking for reasons other than your ability.
Geeze, some people are too hung up on what they THINK others might be thinking of them. Bottom line is you ain't important enough for the public to notice your gig bag, let alone make moronic assumptions about your musical skills based on it. Most punters don't even know the difference between a bass and a guitar, how'd they know a good gig bag from a crap one? Methinks your ego is too inflated if you think folks are actually paying attention to stuff like this.
If you want to use a gig bag, get one that's solid, protects your instruments well, and will last (i.e. the straps won't come loose). Spend some time periodically examining the seams and attachments so you can catch problems BEFORE the thing falls off your back and down the stairs. And don't discount hard-shell cases. They're still the best way to get a bass or guitar to and from gigs without damage. I only use the gig bag if I'm carrying the instrument on the car seat next to me. If I gotta put it in with anything that might move around it's in the case. Things like the heavy gig bag I carry cords, tools, mics, etc. in; like the amp head in its bag, like a mic stand or two, and so on have a way of shifting around in the back of the van or in a car and I don't want my bass trashed because I was a lazy putz who didn't want to schlep the hard case around.
But get over yourself and your idea that people are actually paying attention to your bag. Put your time and energy into playing, not considering what others might think.
John
If you want to use a gig bag, get one that's solid, protects your instruments well, and will last (i.e. the straps won't come loose). Spend some time periodically examining the seams and attachments so you can catch problems BEFORE the thing falls off your back and down the stairs. And don't discount hard-shell cases. They're still the best way to get a bass or guitar to and from gigs without damage. I only use the gig bag if I'm carrying the instrument on the car seat next to me. If I gotta put it in with anything that might move around it's in the case. Things like the heavy gig bag I carry cords, tools, mics, etc. in; like the amp head in its bag, like a mic stand or two, and so on have a way of shifting around in the back of the van or in a car and I don't want my bass trashed because I was a lazy putz who didn't want to schlep the hard case around.
But get over yourself and your idea that people are actually paying attention to your bag. Put your time and energy into playing, not considering what others might think.
John
