Gig Bag Recommendations?

[Levaix]

Long time no post! I'm a little bit out of the loop and wondering what people are recommending for gig bags nowadays.

Came home from a community band concert last night, put my tuba down for just a minute to take care of some things, and my toddler unexpectedly threw up on the gig bag. :| A replacement has been on my list for a while and this looks like it may push things over the edge.

This is for my B&S Sonora stencil, ~43" tall with a 16.5" bell. I was using an old Pro-Tec bag which honestly I was not a huge fan of; a little too loose and VERY uncomfortable when wearing on the back. (EDIT: Looks like the newer Pro-Tec bags may be a slightly different design. Mine was prior to using the "ballistic" fabric they now come with.)

I've also owned a Wessex bag for my Eb which was good quality, but I wasn't a fan of inserting the instrument "face down," particularly with a rotary horn.

What else should I be looking at? Particularly something that won't break the bank?

[Kevbach33]

As you might guess, most bags that are tall enough are otherwise too big for your (slender) instrument. Maybe check with Tom McGrady at Mack Brass? They still sell that copy.

For Protec, perhaps the Cordura changed, but it's still a roomy bag meant to fit the tall King tubas best. I despised how my 2103 sagged in it, and how it sat on my back. There's word they are looking into expanding the Platinum line... Maybe a taller-yet-not-as-big option will come to fruition.

The tallest Gard bag is also the biggest inside. The next size down is too short for the 101 (and only just tall enough for the 103).

There's still a chance you may have to set aside some funds for a Cronkhite bag...

[Levaix]

As you might guess, most bags that are tall enough are otherwise too big for your (slender) instrument. Maybe check with Tom McGrady at Mack Brass? They still sell that copy.

For Protec, perhaps the Cordura changed, but it's still a roomy bag meant to fit the tall King tubas best. I despised how my 2103 sagged in it, and how it sat on my back. There's word they are looking into expanding the Platinum line... Maybe a taller-yet-not-as-big option will come to fruition.

The tallest Gard bag is also the biggest inside. The next size down is too short for the 101 (and only just tall enough for the 103).

There's still a chance you may have to set aside some funds for a Cronkhite bag...

Thanks for the recommendation! I reached out to Mack Brass to see if they sell bags for the TU200. It's a slightly wider bell but probably still better than the Pro-Tec.

In the meantime, I also found that Soundline makes a bag specifically for this model. I found some positive impressions for the brand as well as this website for US shipping: https://www.fmb-direkt.de/en/accessorie ... -tuba-42cm

I'll wait to hear back from Mack Brass, otherwise I think I may bite the bullet on the Soundline as that is a very compelling price. Top loader isn't my preference but I'm sure I could find a buyer if I end up not liking it.

Fwiw... I would love a Cronkhite bag, but it's hard to justify something almost half the price of the tuba.

[bloke]

I bet some people would be willing to buy your bag if you just wiped it off fairly well, and they would finish cleaning it themselves.

They might even have a toddler themselves who would throw up on it again, and - who knows - your own toddler might throw up on your brand new one that you're going to get.

useful information of no use:
I haven't had much luck finding bags that fit those tubas which are smaller-belled than 186 yet taller than 186...(nor hard cases).

If there is something that fits a Meinl-Weston 25, that would probably work, but the 25 is somewhat larger around and the bell is two inches larger in diameter.

[Levaix]

Didn't hear back from Mack Brass within a couple days so I ordered the Soundline. Will likely report back in once it arrives!

I bet some people would be willing to buy your bag if you just wiped it off fairly well, and they would finish cleaning it themselves.

I've done what I can, and you'd better believe I'll be borrowing the neighbor's pressure washer come springtime. Truth be told, it's had worse in the past, but this has been on the wishlist for a while.

[prodigal]

I bothered them about the same thing today, so hopefully we'll hear more soon.

[Levaix]

I bothered them about the same thing today, so hopefully we'll hear more soon.

Got a response this morning, and they do not. They recommended the Protec as well.

As mentioned, I'll report back when the Soundline gets here (likely in a couple weeks). I'm optimistic.

[prodigal]

I bothered them about the same thing today, so hopefully we'll hear more soon.

Got a response this morning, and they do not. They recommended the Protec as well.

As mentioned, I'll report back when the Soundline gets here (likely in a couple weeks). I'm optimistic.

They look to be a good value, how bad was the shipping from Tubaland?

[Levaix]

I bothered them about the same thing today, so hopefully we'll hear more soon.

Got a response this morning, and they do not. They recommended the Protec as well.

As mentioned, I'll report back when the Soundline gets here (likely in a couple weeks). I'm optimistic.

They look to be a good value, how bad was the shipping from Tubaland?

Not bad at all! Was only 35 euros. Total with shipping was ~$250 USD.

[prodigal]

Wow!

[Levaix]

Got the Soundline bag (https://www.fmb-direkt.de/en/accessorie ... -tuba-42cm) via DHL, and as promised, some impressions.

Buying and Shipping Experience

First off, ordering from FMB was straightforward, and shipping from Germany to the US was reasonable at 35 euros. Note that VAT is included in the list price and was removed once I put in the US address. Paying with my Visa debit card, the total came out to $237.04 USD. Not bad at all!

Placed my order on December 16, and DHL shipment arrived January 2. Once again, not bad at all for international shipping during the holiday season. The box was totally beat up with some rips in it, but since the contents were a gig bag it really wasn't a big concern.

Gig Bag Impressions

Overall I'm quite happy with what I got. Some bullet point thoughts below.

+ Fits my B&S 101 Sonora perfectly. You can tell it was designed specifically for this model. Zero flop compared to the Protec!
+ Seems to be made of quality materials. I like the external fabric, and padding seems roughly equivalent to my worn Protec bag. Hilariously, it has silver reflector strips.
* The stitching seems to be good, but only time will tell how it holds up. Hardware is primarily very solid plastic, but none of it seems to be an obvious failure point.
+ Ergonomics are great. Much better backpack fit than the Protec, and the carry handle is placed for optimal balance. There's a small "brace" handle near the bell which is great when unloading off your back as well as steadying when loading the horn.
+ Plenty of storage in the huge dual side pocket, and additional mouthpiece storage in a zippered pouch inside the bell cover.
- The bell cover goes over the rim. You have to pull it over the bell and zip it well below the rim. I don't know if I feel great about that. You can see how much it sticks up in one of the pictures. If I had a prettier finish I might be concerned about scratches from the zipper when fitting it over.
- To be honest, I think I prefer a sideloading design. More of a personal preference.
- Due to the tighter fit and the bell cover design, I feel the need to baby my tuba more. Mentally it feels more vulnerable, but this might actually be all mental.

(There was an attached tag that said "aS aS aS Quality Product". No idea what that's about, and neither does Google.)

I don't believe the image function plays nice with Google Photos, so here's an album with some pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4gKVR4Wq2pkgVBFY8

Conclusion

Seems good! Unless it has a major failure point in the future, I'd feel good about recommending these as a solid option, especially considering that they have a wide range of bags designed with specific model dimensions. Usual caveats apply about gig bags offering less protection than a hard case. Let me know if you want any other specific pictures.

[MikeS]

(There was an attached tag that said "aS aS aS Quality Product". No idea what that's about, and neither does Google.)

It seems like it’s a Chinese luggage manufacturer. From a description in a listing on AliExpress,

“The asasas brand has carved a niche for itself in the travel accessories market by focusing on innovation, portability, and affordability. Known for its sleek, lightweight designs, asasas caters to travelers who prioritize convenience without compromising on functionality. The brand’s signature product line includes compact travel duffels and carry-on suitcases that blend modern aesthetics with practical features.”

[Levaix]

(There was an attached tag that said "aS aS aS Quality Product". No idea what that's about, and neither does Google.)

It seems like it’s a Chinese luggage manufacturer. From a description in a listing on AliExpress,

“The asasas brand has carved a niche for itself in the travel accessories market by focusing on innovation, portability, and affordability. Known for its sleek, lightweight designs, asasas caters to travelers who prioritize convenience without compromising on functionality. The brand’s signature product line includes compact travel duffels and carry-on suitcases that blend modern aesthetics with practical features.”

I'm having a hard time finding that, would you mind sharing a link?

The Soundline website says the bags are made in Europe, so regardless of quality that would be a little disappointing.

[MikeS]

(There was an attached tag that said "aS aS aS Quality Product". No idea what that's about, and neither does Google.)

It seems like it’s a Chinese luggage manufacturer. From a description in a listing on AliExpress,

“The asasas brand has carved a niche for itself in the travel accessories market by focusing on innovation, portability, and affordability. Known for its sleek, lightweight designs, asasas caters to travelers who prioritize convenience without compromising on functionality. The brand’s signature product line includes compact travel duffels and carry-on suitcases that blend modern aesthetics with practical features.”

I'm having a hard time finding that, would you mind sharing a link?

The Soundline website says the bags are made in Europe, so regardless of quality that would be a little disappointing.

Sure. It doesn’t say where they are made. They could have a licensing agreement with a European manufacturer. Wouldn’t that be a turnaround from what we have seen on some Chinese tubas; “Designed and Engineered in China Made in Germany”

https://www.aliexpress.com/p/wiki/artic ... rds=asasas

[Levaix]

It seems like it’s a Chinese luggage manufacturer. From a description in a listing on AliExpress,

“The asasas brand has carved a niche for itself in the travel accessories market by focusing on innovation, portability, and affordability. Known for its sleek, lightweight designs, asasas caters to travelers who prioritize convenience without compromising on functionality. The brand’s signature product line includes compact travel duffels and carry-on suitcases that blend modern aesthetics with practical features.”

I'm having a hard time finding that, would you mind sharing a link?

The Soundline website says the bags are made in Europe, so regardless of quality that would be a little disappointing.

Sure. It doesn’t say where they are made. They could have a licensing agreement with a European manufacturer. Wouldn’t that be a turnaround from what we have seen on some Chinese tubas; “Designed and Engineered in China Made in Germany”

https://www.aliexpress.com/p/wiki/artic ... rds=asasas

I think I solved the mystery. I typed in the UPC on the back of the tag and it brought up several results for this exact bag but labelled "Arnolds & Sons". (Here's one example: https://www.musikhaus-lange.de/product/ ... 78890.html) Seems like maybe Arnolds & Sons is the parent company?

EDIT: Yeah this is the exact same logo. I think mystery solved! https://www.fmb-direkt.de/en/accessorie ... ece-no.-1c

[prodigal]

Sorry for the delay, but thanks for the review!

[Chris Mayer]

I have the same bag (Soundline) for my Alexander F/C double tuba. Very good price -performance ratio. For further Info on aS (Arnold Stölzel), please check out

https://www.stoelzel-music.de/en

best
Chris

[prodigal]

Thank you!