Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
What will you spend on a gig bag ?
- Thread starter artfahie
- Start date
To answer the original question, I would spend up to about $200 for a nice gig bag that offered sufficient protection and had good storage for accessories. Bonus for being able to transport a micro-head.
As far as why I would use a gig bag when a hard case might provide better protection, it comes down to this. For me, gig bags win "hands down". What I mean is, when I use a gig bag, both my hands are free, since the gig bag is strapped over my back like a backpack. This means I can carry an amp, or a cabinet, or a gear bag or stand. Usually means one less trip when loading / unloading. And since the gig bag goes with me on all of the required trips, the likelihood of my bass(es) coming up missing is seriously minimized.
This does mean that I have to take extra care to not put my bass(es) in a situation to experience damage that might not have been an issue with a hard case. In my experience, the only such concern is in how the vehicle is packed. I have to make certain the gig bag is not in a situation where anything can fall on it. Very easily done.
When I travel by plane, I take a gig bag. Every time I have taken a hard case, I've had to check my bass. All but one time I've been able to carry it on with a gig bag. That one time they gate checked it and, as I found out after the flight, simply put it in the flight attendants' closet.
As far as why I would use a gig bag when a hard case might provide better protection, it comes down to this. For me, gig bags win "hands down". What I mean is, when I use a gig bag, both my hands are free, since the gig bag is strapped over my back like a backpack. This means I can carry an amp, or a cabinet, or a gear bag or stand. Usually means one less trip when loading / unloading. And since the gig bag goes with me on all of the required trips, the likelihood of my bass(es) coming up missing is seriously minimized.
This does mean that I have to take extra care to not put my bass(es) in a situation to experience damage that might not have been an issue with a hard case. In my experience, the only such concern is in how the vehicle is packed. I have to make certain the gig bag is not in a situation where anything can fall on it. Very easily done.
When I travel by plane, I take a gig bag. Every time I have taken a hard case, I've had to check my bass. All but one time I've been able to carry it on with a gig bag. That one time they gate checked it and, as I found out after the flight, simply put it in the flight attendants' closet.
If your playing 8 to 10 times a month, anything that lesson's the bulk is appreciated.
Works for me but may not work for all.
sg
THIS!
Invalid Link Removed
Best $50 I've spent on a gig bag, and it holds both my EBMM SR5 and Squier VM Jazz V. I'm the only one who touches my stuff, and putting both basses on my back makes for a ONE trip load in. Yes that includes my Amp and Cab as well as all my cords etc.
Invalid Link Removed
Best $50 I've spent on a gig bag, and it holds both my EBMM SR5 and Squier VM Jazz V. I'm the only one who touches my stuff, and putting both basses on my back makes for a ONE trip load in. Yes that includes my Amp and Cab as well as all my cords etc.
EXACTLY!! Here I am on my way to a gig last year. Two basses and pedalboard in the bag, MarkBass combo in the left hand, MarkBass extension cab and 3-instrument stand in the right hand.
Since I much prefer hard cases, the only time I use a gig bag is to carry a bass from point A to point B - like from my home a few blocks to a practice site where there's a stand for my bass.
Therefore, I don't see any point in spending money on something I use seldom and which plays a non-critical role. $50 is about it.
Therefore, I don't see any point in spending money on something I use seldom and which plays a non-critical role. $50 is about it.
I use mono cases, the vertigo to be specific. A little less than $200. Best gig bag I have ever used. I'd take a gamble and say they might have better shock absorption than some hard cases with the kind of padding they have. Either way, for someone who is frequently gigging, especially walking around NYC, its the way to go.
I have a Mono Vertigo...it's better than a lot of the cheapo cases but I find myself worrying that it will get worn out. It was a lot of money (upwards of $200) to spend on a case and they all get wrecked eventually.
I have 2 Mooradian Bass Gig Bag (single), 1 Mooradian Bass Gig Bag (Double), a Sadowsky Portabag and a Levy's (Warrior) gig bag. All were in the $180-250 range. I typically use the Mooradians, but will use the Portabag and/or a case when I feel I may need extra protection.
I'd put a $1500 bass in a hard case. I'd spend maybe $50 on a gig bag & whatever I put in there probably isn't my pride & joy.
I would and have paid in the $200 range for a good quality, well designed and thought out gig bag. I find gig bags so much easier and more convenient than hard cases and as already mentioned, it makes it easier to carry more in one trip.
If I had to jam a whole lot into a small space or go on tour and put it in a van or bus, I would likely use a hard case. But to go to a rehearsal or go on the subway, a gig bag is the way to go for me.
If I had to jam a whole lot into a small space or go on tour and put it in a van or bus, I would likely use a hard case. But to go to a rehearsal or go on the subway, a gig bag is the way to go for me.
The gig bag that came with my SBMM bass was phenomenal. Unfortunately, someone else apparently thought so and swiped it from me at a gig lol
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,603
- 222,068
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Which Body Glove bag and why do you prefer it for Gibson style headstocks? I have a tilt-back hs bass and am looking for a suitable gb for it. I'm considering the Mono Vertigo because of the neck cradle.
I paid $369 for my Reunion Blues leather double 20 years ago and recently picked up a leather single for $170. One of the occupants of double used to be a $200 Peavey.
i paid something like $200 for the bag i use now. i put really expensive and high quality hand made basses in there... i'm happy i've got a nice bag.
hey, for upright a nice bag can be over $500...
hey, for upright a nice bag can be over $500...
iGig and Monocase gig bags for me.
These are hands down the best bags for a modern day musician. They both have great neck protection and tons of padding all around.
The iGig has MUCH MUCH MUCH more storage room.
The Monocase is much more comfortable and form fitting, easier to fit into cars doors, etc.
I fly with them of them -- shove it into an overhead bin or coat closet and be done with it.
These are hands down the best bags for a modern day musician. They both have great neck protection and tons of padding all around.
The iGig has MUCH MUCH MUCH more storage room.
The Monocase is much more comfortable and form fitting, easier to fit into cars doors, etc.
I fly with them of them -- shove it into an overhead bin or coat closet and be done with it.
