Cases---

[Timothy Lyons]

Do you guys think it's important to have really good cases for your instruments? Personally, I hate gig bags because often they do more harm than good and offer a false sense of security. On the other hand, there are a lot of cheap hardshell cases out there, the best, seems to be between TKL and SKB cases, SKB the lighter of the two. However, because of SKB's light weight, I have found the metal lips around the case are quite fragile and bend a bit causing my case to misalign.

 

Now, with the new band, connections all over the tri-state area, I'm asking myself if I should invest in a nice custom made case for about $250. My rack and cabs can take a beating before I'll spend money on cases for them (considering the cases will cost as much if not more than the cabs themselves) but do you guys think a $250 custom case would be a waste or an eventual even trade off. Considering in most cases I can sell the manufacturer's case for about $50. Any thoughts?

[Adamixoye]

If you're worried about the bass, I would say that $250 is not too much. Personally, I'm happy with my SKB, but I don't subject it to a ton of abuse, and I have noticed the misalignment.

[Timothy Lyons]

I was looking at getting one for each Stingray, with any luck I'll be bringing two on the road with me this summer, and with only two basses, horrible things happen when one gets damaged. I was debating sinking money into ATA Flight cases considering their prices aren't too much higher than roadie spec cases and whatnot.

[Basshappi]

Hi Tim, I'm with you on this I do not like gig bags. I will refrain from ranting on this topic but it is a real pet peeve of mine. In the "old days" when I was a young bass player quality guitars and basses came with a case, it was not an extra. Furthermore they tended to be rather good quality cases. The case for my '75 Precision is a little battered but still quite servicable. Even my '83 Yamaha BB400 came with a decent hardshell case!It's wrong that you can go buy a bass that costs $1000 or more and you have to throw down an extra $100+ for a hsc!

 

But anyway, yes buy a good hardshell case. Replaceing a broken neck is far more expensive.

[...]

It really depends on the situation. If it's a local gig, in town, a gig bag or a semi-hard case is fine. When I fly with a bass, or basses, I want to have a super-fly bad ass hard case. Something that is going to protect the instrument so much that my bass and the black box is the only thing that is going to survive the plane crash. Kind of a morbid take on it, but I don't trust the baggage monkeys at all. The baggage monkeys destroyed a trumpet for me once when on a road trip with the marching band in college; and it was in a 'road case' at the time. Bloody hell.

 

If you are in charge of your instrument at all times, there is no reason why a gig bag or whatever should be more then enough. If you're relying on someone else to transport said instrument, I'd look into getting something a bit more bullet proof.

[tnb]

Originally posted by Bumpcity:

The baggage monkeys destroyed a trumpet for me once when on a road trip with the marching band in college; and it was in a 'road case' at the time. Bloody hell.

I haven't put my basses under a plane since 1987. I haven't used anything but a gig bag in over 10 years. When I fly, my basses (I use a double bag) go in the overhead. Any damage done to my basses have been done at the gig.

[davebrownbass]

I use a gig bag, but I know the feeling. Our banjo player flew from France to Houston with the finest Gibson banjo in the finest Gibson case. It snapped right at the headstock.

 

My orchestra took a trip to Disney a few years back...had a chartered plane that pretty exclusively flies musicians from Texas to Miami. So they know what to do.

 

But the unloaders were airport employees. And we were hurrying off the plane because the first kids saw...These guys were tossing the instruments from baggage compartment to cart...including my gigbagged URB's...3 of those...

 

I got there just in time to ask them to gently hand them down...they only threw one.

 

We never see how baggage is handled, but I assure you it is thrown from plane to cart...about a 15 foot drop.

 

I try to never check anything anymore.

 

As far as a custom case...if it looks valuable, it could easily get "lost". Last time I checked an instrument, I used an old beat up, but solid, case...added lots of extra foam so the thing wouldn't move around inside the case, then I taped that sucker up with strapping tape...had to cut it with razor blades...but it arrived.

 

Frankly, when I fly, I always take a lessor bass than my goon'n.

[getz out]

I'd have issues with a case that cost more than 10-15% of a new bass of the same model.

 

My Warwick neck-through came with a case and a gigbag, but the bolt-on came with the gigbag only. The case that came with the neck-through was slightly nicer than the average SKB, but still prone to alignment issues.

 

I'm not planning on flying either of these bases any time soon. If you're not flying, do you really think you'll need more than an SKB case?

 

Are you really willing to spend $250 on an $1,100 bass? I know it's your baby, but it does seem excessive.

[Bisgit]

as a guy who has been through more cases than basses. let me tell you, if you dont check the bass (some airlines will let you carry it on) bring a gig bag. But if you check it, buy a solid (not plastic) case for your bass. I have flown from nashville to LA many times, and when they wont let me carry on the bass, its in a vinyl covered wood case, the baggage dudes can see its a bass and for some reason take better care of it. for instance on a flight not too long ago, I took my curbow in its case and a pretty solid suitecase with me to CA, the bass case got a little scratched, but the suitecase got distroyed. on the other hand, playing with a gig bag sucks, I played a showcase last summer and during load in I opened the back of my truck and my bass fell out on the cement with a heart breaking crash. I opened it up to see the bass pot had been broken and it was no longer a trim pot it was an on off switch and the finish had been cracked and in a million pieces in the bottom of the gig bag. never again will I use a gig bag. flight cases are too heavy.

[BenLoy]

I have absolutely no problems carrying my Stingray around New York City in a gig bag. As long as your gig bag is high quality (like those made by Reunion Blues, Levy\'s, Blue Heron, or Mooradian ), I wouldn't worry about anything that happens to your Stingray with the exception of being run over by a car or something.

 

I notice that a lot people swear off gig bags because they use cheap ones. No wonder. A good bag should have actual padding to protect the instrument. Most "Sam Ash Pro" and similar bags are nothing more than thin fabric that zip closed. These bags are useless. Get yourself an expensive gig bag from a good maker, and you'll find it's very protective.

 

In fact, I hate carrying a hardshell for home-to-gig travel. They're too heavy and completely unneccesary.

 

For airline travel though, a hardshell is absolutely essential. Here's an interesting new product from SKB that allows you to take your bass and gig bag with you on a plane:

 

http://www.skbcases.com/product/1138/R44-bass.jpg

 

"SKB's rotationally molded rolling Bass Safe introduces a brand new concept and loading technique. Your bass is inserted, Gig Bag and all, into this indestructible airline safe shell, the two halves slide together, quick latch, padlock if you desire, then tip it up an roll away. This is just the beginning of a revolution in instrument travel protection."

[The Bear Jew]

The way we pack our van kind of requires a hard case -- we jam our guitars along one side of the van and stack them from the wheel well to the ceiling. You wouldn't wanna try that with a gig bag. Owch.

 

My P-bass came with a pretty nice case -- decent padding, soft interior, hard shell. Works for me. I ain't flying with it, though. I'd probably go for one of those rolling SKB cases if I was.

[alexclaber]

When I bought my Warwick it came with the original gigbag (a rather unimpressive faux-leather one) and a beast of a flightcase, with steel edges and corners and aluminium panels. The flightcase seemed extremely cool for a while but I soon tired of lugging it around as it weighed almost as much as one of my Acme cabs. Also, I never felt the bass was totally safe in it because it moved around within the (non-fitted) case.

 

I sold the flightcase don't regret it at all, I'd rather just keep an eye on my bass and have the pleasure of being able to carry it a reasonable distance without my arm dropping off! Anyway, airline handlers are so rough that I'm not sure that even that case would survive. Also it's amazing how difficult it is to get two basses in cases and a whole rig in a smallish car, whilst in gigbags they fit easily.

 

Alex

 

P.S. Maybe I'm old before my time, but big rigs and flightcases seem cool when you've got bandmates around to share the load, but once you have to move everything on your own, after just getting back from a long day at work (rather than my previous student lifestyle) I'd sooner just take my bass and pedalboard (both in gigbags) and plug into the PA if I can.

[Tom Capasso]

Tim - you mention the tri-state area, so I'm guessing that you are driving rather than flying. That should make it a bit easier...

 

I have a wood case with my old Gibson that needs almost as much work as the guitar does, but that's 30 years worth of boucning in the trunk. Not much padding, but never any damage to the bass.

 

My Kinal came with a custom made wood case. It seems OK, but the hinges aren't strong enough and it doesn't close easily. It is padded enough to hold the bass in place and it's the kind of case I think the bass needs.

 

I have a decently padded case for my Aslin Dane traveling bass. One thing I notice is that all the tuners end up flat, so it's never even close to being in tune when I take it out (as opposed to my "case" basses, which are pretty close). Since the bass was under $400, I'm not going for a case (the damn thing is so long I'd have to get a custom-made case anyway).

 

I like the wood cases and wish the hinges were better/longer. The flight-safe cases I've seen seem like overkill for what I need.

 

Tom

[getz out]

Originally posted by BenLoy:

For airline travel though, a hardshell is absolutely essential. Here's an interesting new product from SKB that allows you to take your bass and gig bag with you on a plane:

 

http://www.skbcases.com/product/1138/R44-bass.jpg

 

Interesting. That sounds like it would actually work. Don't forget basic physics; damage is caused by the inertia. That's why you die in a head on collision at high speeds, even if strapped in and airbags deploy. Your body stops moving, but your internal organs actually keep moving and tear away from their linings. Yummy. Part of the reason I sold my car, since I like to drive fast, it was only a matter of time before I killed myself.

 

So, jam a GOOD gigbag into this beast, and you should be set.

 

I have absolutely NO need for such a thing, but I wonder how much they go for. Looks heavy, though. Anything that has casters usually sets me off.

[Bob Gollihur]

If you're doing a lot of traveling where you won't be packing and/or carrying your gear, a solid case is probably a good investment and practical insurance policy against unpleasant surprises.

 

I've gotten into the habit of using an expensive (Fender) double gig bag for local stuff where I know I will have 100% control.

 

Ever since I ran into those semi-hard cases I have become a fan, and recently bought four more of them. Being a dealer has its advantages. http://www.themusiclink.net/parts/Guitar_Case_1.html shows their acoustic guitar one, but they are a hard foam, sometimes with some light wood on the edges, with a heavy canvas sort of cover. They are plenty protective for basses leaning against each other in the closet as well as in the back of the van. Another brand used to be up on eBay all the time, that's where I got my first two, which are a little bigger than the Feather Weight Cases I just got for myself.

 

You might want to check into one of these, inexpensive and recessed hardware: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2542843715&category=20830

 

I have one that looks similar to it, but with vinyl rather than the PVC covering, and surface rather than recessed hardware. Looks impressive as hell but it's not really much more protective than an average case and it weighs too damn much. It stays in the closet However, it is made very well, and by the company that advertises in the back of Bass Player all the time: Discount Distributors http://www.discount-distributors.com - they make good stuff.

 

It depends on the circumstances and moves, but a practical solution might be a protective overcase like they make into which you'd put one of the semi-hard cases I mentioned above. That way you have good local protection without having to drag out the heavy duty monster except during transport.

 

Just my .02

[MattC]

I still find it amusing that my $500 electric is transported to gigs in a hard shell case while my $2500 URB is transported in a bag.

Granted, a HSC for the URB would cost twice as much as the electric instrument itself...

[Banta]

Only flight cases and hardshells for me. I understand the appeal of a gig bag, but I don't own anything that I want to risk getting destroyed because I was too much of a weenie to carry something a little heavier.

[prophetgtree]

I have a SKB case and it's alignment is a little off but that doesn't bother me. I treat my case like I treat my bass. I try no to let it get hit by anything. It's got a few scratches, but it almost looks brand new. I'm just so over protective of my bass that no matter what case it's in, it won't get hurt if I'm around. Luckily I don't have to fly with my bass yet so I don't have to worry about that. I really like the SKB flight case, I saw it in Bass Player recently. I think it's definitely worth it if you fly!

[jeremy c]

I have a pile of broken cases in the garage, destroyed by the airlines. However, the basses always survived.

 

I'm on my fourth case for my '71 Jazz Bass.

 

I've got good gig bags, I use them for all my in town gigs. Pro-tec makes great gig bags and cases.

 

I have one custom-made flight case (made by Genz-Benz) and I've travelled around the world with it, no problem. Only thing is, it weighs a ton, so sometimes I bring a gig bag folded up in a suitcase for when I get there.

 

I keep hearing about people taking their gig bags on the plane....what happens if they say no when you get to the door of the plane? Nearly all of my US flying is done on Southwest Airlines and those planes are packed full of people, all carrying lots of stuff. The bins fill up very quickly.

[Banta]

Originally posted by jeremyc:

I keep hearing about people taking their gig bags on the plane....what happens if they say no when you get to the door of the plane?

Word!

[Wally Malone]

Originally posted by Banta:

Originally posted by jeremyc:

I keep hearing about people taking their gig bags on the plane....what happens if they say no when you get to the door of the plane?

Word!

Just last week to and from Vegas, American Airlines, took my Kubicki in a gig bag. Full flights both ways, no problems. I carried a letter with me from the AFM that was negotiated with the Department of Transportation. Didn't use it as I had no problems.

 

At the winter NAMM John Turner brought a few of his extended range bassists in SKB golf cases. You can fit a couple of basses in them and the cost is less than cases made specifically for instruments.

 

Wally

[Travis Harms]

I have used a gig bag exclusively for the past 2 years, and I am careful enough that it isn't a problem at all. Of course the only gigs I get are local, if I were to ever travel or tour I would definitely consider a nice hard shell case. I don't think you are being excessive about the cost of the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.

[tnb]

Originally posted by jeremyc:

I keep hearing about people taking their gig bags on the plane....what happens if they say no when you get to the door of the plane? Nearly all of my US flying is done on Southwest Airlines and those planes are packed full of people, all carrying lots of stuff. The bins fill up very quickly.

I have only taken a few SW flights (one from Providence to LAX with 8 stops ) and I put my basses in the overhead. On other airlines I get to the gate and when they ask for "persons traveling with small children or persons who may need a little more time getting on the plane" that is when I get on the plane. I was told to do that by members of the flight crew and the folks that check your tickets before you get on the plane. The toughest part is making it through ticketing, they never think that it is going to fit. I have had no trouble anywhere except St. Louis (it was a connecting flight) in the last 10 or 12 years.

[LizzyD]

I've always managed to get on planes with a gig bag, except once when they would not budge and made me gate check it. THAT was a nervous flight...it came through just fine though, I picked it up right there when getting off the plane - they just put it in with the baby strollers and such, not with the regular checked baggage.

 

The one time I did check a bass in a hardcase, I watched baggage handlers toss it out onto the concrete from a small plane...about 10 feet off the ground. I went over and bitched them out, not that it would help. No harm to the bass (Carvin in a SKB type plastic case). The fragile stickers mean absolutely nothing to those guys. And frankly, if I were doing that job all day, I'd probably be the same way. It takes a lot more muscle and energy to handle something gently than to just toss it and pick up the next big bulky suitcase.

 

I've only taken one post 9/11 flight with a bass from Seattle to NYC. The ticket guy gave me some lip in Seattle about getting on, but I protested and the guy agreed to ask the flight crew if they had room for it. Of course they did and were very nice to me - but the ticket counter guy gave me a stern warning "you won't be able to do that in the summer when it's busy!". Whatever! In NY they didn't even notice me.

 

I love my gig bag as long as I am the only one carrying it EVER, and not packed in with other gear. If other band members or crew will be touching it, a hardcase is essential. I'd love flight cases for everything too, but it would depend on the transportation arrangements to determine whether I would fly with one.

 

In NYC for instance, walking around the airport, getting in and out of cabs with other luggage, on and off snow covered trains, more cabs, etc, that gig bag saved my life. I have a Summit Guitar Pack: http://www.guitarbackpack.com/products.htm It's excellent - steel reinforced, and comes with a neat little detachable bag. They have nice shoulder straps if you need to do a lot of walking (they are originally designed for hikers with acoustic guitars).

 

In a road situation where there is always a vehicle/truck to pack everything in, a custom case would be awesome if you have the money for one (or two). And get 'em with wheels on one end! Bring a gig bag too, if you do any radio or promo appearances where you just need minimal stuff and everybody rides over in a car.

[tnb]

Originally posted by LizzyD:

I love my gig bag as long as I am the only one carrying it EVER, and not packed in with other gear.

Good point. I don't think anybody has ever handled my gig bag but me. When I am driving to a gig it is reclining in the passenger seat or laying across the back seat. Never in the trunk. When I am riding in a van with a band it is beside me or between my legs.

[Talisman]

I recently bought a Gator ATA polyethylene hardshell case. I saw them on Musician's Friend and decided to check them out. The Gator website says that you can sit 3000 lbs. on the case without cracking the plastic. Well, they had one at my local music store. Before I bought it, I asked the sales guy if I could give it a real test. He said sure, so I closed it up, laid it flat on the floor, and jumped on it with both feet (slight look of surprise on sales guy's face). Even when it was empty, it didn't flex much at all. The only problem is that like all plastic cases, the plastic toward the corners will warp a little and cause a gap at the corners of the valance. To solve this problem, I spent ten bucks on a couple of spring-loaded draw latches and installed them close to the corners. Works like a champ. All told, I paid about $125.

[Bisgit]

one of the best advantages to carry on bass with flying is that you get on first and get to get the best seat. I love the special treatment like the handicapped people get.... maybe thats it.. I do play bass by the way, so it may be a handicap.

[Cup]

Basses are a lot tougher than we think, my last bass was thrown from a moving car in a crappy little nylon gig bag and it played just as well after.

 

Of course I was probably just extremely lucky.

 

CupMcMali...this money's gone to heaven

[martianrebel]

Does anyone rent roadcases?

 

Would any of you guys rent heavy duty road cases if that kind of service was available?

[JD_dup2]

I (only) use a Fender hardcase that converts to a stand for my Jazz. My 1888 Barvarian flatback gets a $250 gig back and, unfortunately, I have put a hole in the upper bout getting it out of a car. Not a happy time.