| Author | Message | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 15 Registered: 9-2012 |
I've had my '77 Series I bass for a little over a month now and I love just about everything about it. But I have one MAJOR issue with it - that case!! I've been playing bass since 1979 and have actually not purchased certain vehicles because I could not fit my instruments inside it. I've been driving a Nissan XTerra since 2001 and never had an issue putting a bass case in the back or even the back seat ... until now. The case for my Series I will not fit lying across the back seat, lying across the trunk or even sitting straight up-and-down in the passenger seat (too wide at the bottom). Granted, this instrument is probably worth more than the blue book on the car, but that's not the point. I want to be able to transport it without having to put a seat down and stretch it back to front. I have a great Gator 2-bass gig bag that almost does the trick. The one bass compartment holds the DS-5, cables and strap while the other holds most of the bass ... except the very tip of the headstock (I can force it to fit, but I'm afraid it will eventually bust the zipper. Any recommendations on alternative cases or gig bags that will work well with an old Series I (pointed headstock and tail - just a hair over 49")? I'm thinking I may need to hit up a guitar show to really find something because I don't want to order something and have it not be right. I wouldn't mind a nice padded bag with a couple pockets on the front for the accessories, and would actually prefer it. Anyone here face and solve the same problem? I'm looking at the Reunion Blues Sonoma 49 bag, but I'm not sure if it's big enough. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2693 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi , for the sake of protection I stay away from soft gigs bags | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3198 Registered: 6-2002 |
I understand your concern Sonicus and for that reason I have hard cases that are only used for storing the basses at home and flight case I use when my bass goes in a van or with other equipment for a gig but when I am travelling in my own car or to rehearsal I now use gig bags for convenience. As for a recommendation for a gig bag, earlier this year I bought a Reunion Blues leather bag that holds two basses but it was not long enough inside to hold my Europa bass so I sent it back and got a refund. I now have a Harvest leather bass gig bag that holds two basses and it has loads of room for the Europa bass and accessories or another bass in the second compartment. So far it's been fine and is pretty sturdy. (I have to say that one of the shoulder straps did fail the first time I used the case and I sent it back to Harvest who fixed the problem and now it seems fine) The web site does have the inside measurements so you can check out your bass to see if it will fit. http://www.harvest-guitar.com/Cow-Antique-oxid-8.html Here is a USA site listing their cases. http://www.carryaccess.com/FORMgallery2.htm Jazzyvee (Message edited by jazzyvee on November 04, 2012) | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 16 Registered: 9-2012 |
For the sake of not having to buy a new vehicle, I need an alternative to drive it the 3 miles to my church gig. Jazzyvee, unfortunately all the Harvest measurements are shorter that the 49.25" I get for tip-to-tip on my Series I. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1323 Registered: 10-2006 |
Huh. To my mind, that's exactly backwards, JV. A gig bag might be sufficient for home storage, but out in the world where things get broken, they scare me! Peter | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 414 Registered: 8-2008 |
For me it is gig bags always unless I have to fly or truck the bass. I have 4 old Reunion Blues bags that are still doing the job. Jake, the "single" Harvest bag dimensions are below and I am pretty sure you could squeeze your 49.25" machine into their 48.42" length. Remember it's "soft". It would be best if you could try one on because they're not cheap... But those bags look great and if I ever needed a new one that's where I'd go. Jimmy J  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3199 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Peter, I don't disagree with you on that score and over the years where I was gigging a lot and touring I invested in good quality flight cases to protect my instruments. So I actually do have flight cases for of my basses and for all my guitars. There are occasions where I feel a good quality gig bag is suitable and practical which is why they have a place in my gear. The standard cases I do not use for transporting my instruments at all because in my opinion they are not strong enough and give a false sense of security. In the past when I was an active touring guitarist I did not find them to be durable at all. My main points of concern for these are the hinges and the lock mechanism. They are the same design as was used in vintage suitcases and they either break apart and/or come away from the case entirely. Also because they are "hard cases" other gear tends to be put on them and certainly in my personal experience, this resulted in the case distorting so that the edges did not match up. Now when the case was closed, there was additional stress on the clasp which meant that the locking mechanism was not secure resulting in failing when the case was lifted by the handle. So I've had situations where the case has come open when being carried and also the hinge failing resulting in the case opening from the side nearest the floor when carrying. So until i discovered flight cases I added luggage straps to these cases to make sure they stayed closed and large cupboard hinges to replace the suitcase ones. So for me they have been relegated to storage devices mainly because I failed to sell them on ebay. :-) But I know people like them because they are traditional. I guess they would add extra authenticity if I sold an instrument in the future. With a padded gig bag I would always be aware of it's vulnerabilities and take extra care where it is placed during transit. Mine is mainly used for taking instruments to rehearsals and or gigs where I'm driving in my own car which is stronger than any flight case. :-) I hope you find a suitable case for your bass backdoor_hippie. Now that I remember, I did exchange emails with the guy who started Reunion Blues and he can custom make gig bags of any size you desire. I will see if I can track down his email address for you. Jazzyvee | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3202 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ok here are the details http://www.glenncronkhite.com/index.html I have forwarded you an email Jake. Jazzyvee | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 17 Registered: 9-2012 |
Thanks, Jazzyvee. I tracked down Glenn yesterday on a search for custom gig bags and contacted him. He responded quickly and has promised some prices and options today. I've also contacted the folks at Reunion Blues and a couple shops that are familiar enough with Alembics to understand the situation I'm in. Jimmy, the thing is I can "squeeze" my bass into a Gator bag that I have now, but that squeeze puts a strain on the zipper and will ultimately lead to a lost bag - and a double bag in this instance. I'm using it a s a stop gap, as I said, with the tip of the very headstock left exposed to possible damage if I run it into a doorway. And while I appreciate the debate of case vs. bag that's not what I was looking for. I'm a case guy for protection and transportation - expect when in this case. When it takes me longer to prep the car than so the case will fit than it does to drive to the gig then a more convenient solution is great. And since I'm usually not transporting an amp and other equipment that can badly damage the bass during transport, the types of things that could happen during that time that might damage the bass in a bag would likely damage it in the case as well - or at least necessitate a new vehicle to transport it, if you get my drift. And unfortunately, my location doesn't provide me access to a lot of places that sell the type of bag I'm looking for, so trying something out first is near impossible. | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 527 Registered: 9-2004 |
Just invest in a short scale series one, the case is smaller and they still sound great!! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3204 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have my eye open for one of those very instruments. Jazzyvee | ||
| wayne
Advanced Member Username: wayne Post Number: 208 Registered: 5-2002 |
Take a look a the iGig bags, http://www.flyigig.com/. I ordered the "shorter" one (the G525) to hold a short scale SI that I picked up and it turns out to be a great bag. AND it's within an inch of fitting both my long scale standard SI omega bottom w/ crown headstock and the point bottom with knobby headstock. Their "longer" bag (the G515) gives about 1.5 inches more length. If I didn't already have one of the leather bags that Alembic offered several years ago, I would completely trust the iGig bag for my basses. C-Ya..............wayne | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 18 Registered: 9-2012 |
Wayne, they look like killer bags, and it's killing me that it's still about an inch too short for my bass. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5268 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jake: Until you get a new bag, if you're going to leave the headstock sticking out, you might want to put a thick sock over it for added protection from those evil doorways. Bill, tgo | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 19 Registered: 9-2012 |
I use the t-shirt that normally accompanies it to wipe down the strings after playing to wrap the top. No bare points on this bag!! ;) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1324 Registered: 10-2006 |
"Also because they are "hard cases" other gear tends to be put on them...." OK, point taken - but that's not a problem with the case, that's bad roadies! Every truck I ever loaded was "guitars on top" - or the talent transported them, which brings us back to Jake's dillemma - for which I have no answer (except maybe to use a golf club cover instead of the t-shirt), so I'll shut up now. Peter | ||
| backdoor_hippie
Junior Username: backdoor_hippie Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2012 |
It's not the entire headstock, it's the 1/4" tip of the top of the headstock. If the folded over t-shirt isn't enough to protect that than a 3-wood cover certainly won't. ;) Jake | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2695 Registered: 5-2009 |
I remember when I worked for Bill Graham /Bill Graham Presents (BGP) and the all Anvil guitar/bass cases that were standard expected protection on tours. Everything was in Anvil cases ! Why ? because they offer REAL protection. I have to side with Peter regarding protection. Simple logic VS expensive repairs due to lack of protection .LOL! Don't be sorry when it's too late_________ | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2696 Registered: 5-2009 |
I did not want to offend anyone with my post #2695 above, sometimes I just have a "Karl Malden" moment !!!! LOL ___ | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3283 Registered: 10-2002 |
can't see anything offensive in that post Wolf. Unless it's something getting lost in translation as it crosses the atlantic :-) Still sad you couldn't make it to Bill's when I was over - it would have been great to meet up. Graeme | ||
| count
Member Username: count Post Number: 71 Registered: 10-2003 |
I've also got an anvil case for my Doobiebass. It's unfortunately so heavy and bulky I rarely use it. If I'd be going on the road though I would sleep safely knowing my axe was less prone to accidents than me! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2697 Registered: 5-2009 |
likewise Graeme , but I needed to get ready for work the next day @ 4:15 AM . Wolf | ||
| hankster
Advanced Member Username: hankster Post Number: 296 Registered: 6-2004 |
Ahh, the Doobiebass. As I recall, the case even said "Doobie Brothers". Sigh. R. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1348 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wolf, I think the preponderance of the Anvil case back then had a couple of other factors. Cheaper gas prices and rowdy cocaine fueled roadies! More seriously, though, there are some modern case construction techniques that work pretty well. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2704 Registered: 5-2009 |
Edwin___, I am in agreement that there are now lighter case designs that offer good protection. I remember back in the late 1970's when I worked on the Genesis Tour for BGP/FM productions at the Oakland Coliseum I was one of those roadies but I was not fueled by cocaine ! We received seven forty foot Consolidated freight semi-trucks full with anvil cases at about 6 AM and had them unloaded by 11AM. Then a race to get it all set up including the BIG LASER show before show time ! Then came the SOUND TEST's ! ___such memories!!! Peter Gabriel was still in the band then___. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1329 Registered: 10-2006 |
I lifted many an Anvil, and Calzone, and Star. But I was working in/out of Chicago, so we mostly had R&R, out of Evanston, IL. They were noticably sturdier than any of the others - and, of course, proportionately heavier. Might have something to do with my back trouble, eh? And I never got paid enough to be cocaine-fueled. And to de-hijack, I've heard good things weight:size:strength-wise about Calton; no experience, but I think someone here has touted them (Bill?). Might be worth a look. Peter | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1349 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have a Calton for my Starfire and it's exceptional. It's also exceptionally pricey. Standard fare for the acoustic world and highly recommended. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2705 Registered: 5-2009 |
Peter, Yes __ I have seen Bill's Calton Case and perhaps that is the best alternative as per topic of this thread. It appears to be lighter and smaller and can hold up to abuse ___perhaps. I used the product name "ANVIL CASE" just to describe build type. ATA 300 complaint ; ATA 300, Category 1 compliant means that the cases are built for your contents ... with a rating of T-5, comprising a strength rating of 42 kips per square inch. A vapor /dirt resistant valance ETC, >>> ... ... ... | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1350 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would put my Calton up against any Anvil. It's bigger than Bill's so maybe it's a different model, but it is really solid. Check their site, there are some great testimonials, including one from Bill Frisell who describes seeing his $10k guitars getting tossed end over end by an airline and the airline rep comforting him saying if there were any damage, he'd probably get $500! Needless to say, they were all fine. I don't want to appear pushy about it, but they are really fine cases. Personally, I am looking for a gig bag for my Starfire. I'm not doing road work and it would make life very much easier. | ||
| hankster
Advanced Member Username: hankster Post Number: 297 Registered: 6-2004 |
I had an Anvil case for my Strat when I was on the road playing guitar in a country rock band in the late 70s. On its first trip, our drummer dropped it off a second floor balcony in to the parking lot - with the guitar in it - as a "joke" (ha ha). End of story - worked like a charm, and no more gripes from the rest of the band about its weight or size. | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 536 Registered: 9-2004 |
Anvil case=anvil heavy. I shipped one once on an airplane to LA when it was new and it came back sprung. I think they deliberately tried to pop it open to see what was inside or they were annoyed at having to lift it and just shoved it out the door and dropped it. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5274 Registered: 7-2004 |
I believe Calton recently went through an ownership change and some BIG changes. The reviews I've read since are not encouraging. I've heard some really good tings about Hoffee cases. Check out his "test videos". Very entertaining. Bill, tgo | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1351 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's too bad. They were an industry standard for a long time (including in wait times. My case took something like 10 months). | ||
| willgunn
Member Username: willgunn Post Number: 63 Registered: 2-2007 |
I just got off the phone with Hoffee cases, to see if they produce - or if not, would they consider to produce - cases for solid-body electric basses. Unfortunately, the answer at this time to both questions was "No" - to tool up for something that much larger than what they're accustomed to producing is a cost and effort they're unwilling to pursue. Perhaps if enough folks called and requested they reconsider their current position we'd have a VERY viable alternative to both gig bags AND heavy road cases - their cases are truly amazing, in that they're lighter than conventional cases but stronger than the typical road case - and apparently water-resistant as well! Hey, it's worth a try! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3221 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here is a company in the UK that do carbon fibre cases for solid body and acoustic guitars. They are more likely I think to do something for alembic sized basses since they are already geared up to do custom work. Although they are not particularly cheap. http://www.calderoriginals.com/index.php Jazzyvee | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1354 Registered: 5-2002 |
I"ve spoken to Hoffee a few times and they are pretty intransigent about not helping us out here. Oh well. I got excited about Calder until I saw the price. Oh my! I bet they are very nice, though. | ||
| count
Member Username: count Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2003 |
Wow! Those cases are beautiful Jazzyvee!! Hmm... It's christmas AND my birthday very soon... ;) Price is ridiculous though.. 4200 pounds for a strat-case. Can't imagine the price of one able to swallow a series axe! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3222 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here is one on ebay for a heck of a lot less. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Calder-leather-on-carbon-fiber-Stratocaster-guitar-case-/221152237213?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Access_RL&hash=item337db3569d jazzyvee | ||
| wideload
Intermediate Member Username: wideload Post Number: 196 Registered: 6-2003 |
I use a gigbag for my Rogue, but I only play at church now, and I am the only one handling my bass. Yes, something could happen to damage the bass, but that is also possible ANYTIME it is uncased, so just be careful! I plan to get a Mono Case Vertigo next. | ||
| briant
Senior Member Username: briant Post Number: 632 Registered: 12-2004 |
I continue to be a huge fan of InCase gig bags. It looks like they are not producing them (again) so finding one could prove challenging. I've been using an InCase bag exclusively for transporting my basses for years and they are nothing short of fabulous. If I were to put an instrument on a truck with a bunch of other gear I'd still use a proper flight case for protection. | ||
| briant
Senior Member Username: briant Post Number: 634 Registered: 12-2004 |
FYI: I spoke with InCase and they no longer make gig bags and are completely out of stock. I am bummed as I wanted one of their double bags to make it easier to bring two basses to my gigs. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1372 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would check this one out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Double-Bass-Gig-Bag-Canvas-and-Black-Buffalo-Nappa-Harvest-Fine-Leather-/271090858868?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item3f1e463b74 It's a steal for that price. I've got a single version of this bag on the way and it was pricier than this. I'll report back on how it is and if the Starfire fits. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1378 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, the Starfire doesn't fit. But, it's a very sturdy case. It's pretty heavy and the leather is top quality. It looks like it's going to take a while to break in and it's possible that as it does so, the Starfire may fit in the future as it is very close and as the leather relaxes, it might stretch a bit. I don't have a long scale Series bass handy, so I don't know what the fit for that might be, but my shorty surely would fit. | ||
| piers_williamson
New Username: piers_williamson Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2011 |
Edwin, I've been watching this thread with interest as the owner of a long scale MK Standard. Can you advise how long your Starfire is tip to toe? | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1379 Registered: 5-2002 |
Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I think the Starfire is around 46" tip to toe, but I can measure a little bit later. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1403 Registered: 5-2002 |
My Cronkhite gig bag for the Starfire showed up today. It's a great case, definitely a step up from all the gig bags I've used before this. The fit is perfect and the build quality is stellar. It has imbued our house with a delicious leather smell! The only daunting aspect is the price, but given that it would probably outlast 4 or 5 conventional gig bags and it's handmade, it's not that bad. I'll post pictures soon. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1404 Registered: 5-2002 |
Here are some pix: | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1405 Registered: 5-2002 |
    | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2758 Registered: 5-2009 |
Nice case (Message edited by sonicus on January 19, 2013) | ||
| moonliner
Member Username: moonliner Post Number: 90 Registered: 12-2004 |
Nice case, and I love the work you've done on the Starfire. It looks like it was done back in the day. I bet it sounds great. | ||
| count
Member Username: count Post Number: 86 Registered: 10-2003 |
Nice case! What was the final price...? And are those reissue caramel pickups, or are they the real old deal?? Grats on a cool bass. :D | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1406 Registered: 5-2002 |
It was a little over $400. The pickups are the real old deal and are trapezoidal in rectangular shells. They sound really wonderful. I'm still working on getting the noise down to 21st century standards, but all in all, it's not too bad. |
