Tuba Gig Bags

[Eupher6]

Looks like I found a "gig bag" that is both inexpensive and will fit my 1924 Buescher Eb tuba very well. It's top-loading, but does have both a handle and backpack straps. And at least one outside pocket. Color selection was not great, but I'm happy with it. Total cost including shipping is just shy of $28.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/ZRW-173

I'm thinking that I can address all the reviews that say rather unflattering things about how it smells. Hoping to receive one that corresponds more to the comment that "For the price, these little jewels are worth it." Hope springs eternal.

I know those gig bags well! (Mine didn't smell like much but mothballs and GP mediums.)

[58mark]

found this on ebay today, so I jumped on it... perfect for my needs


http://www.ebay.com/itm/261205821981...84.m1497.l2649

[ghmerrill]

I am interested in hearing about (in order of preference):

Tom and Will
...

Getting back to the original request (which I fear I contributed to diverting), here is a thread on the British "The Mouthpiece" site that provides some details of the Tom and Will bags by people who have them: http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/show...-Tuba-gig-bags.

[bigdh2000]

Anyone every use Virtuosi gigbags? They seem to be all the rage in England.

[bigdh2000]

PS: Keep posting folks. Sounds like there are a lot of us out there having issues finding a good gigbag for a tuba.

[bigdh2000]

Looks like the Virtuosi is the winner this time around. It is on backorder right now so I have to lug around the monster case for a few more weeks. While their cases are only about $160 you pay around $90 to get them shipped here since they only seem to be sold in England.

Just an FYI to everyone, you will note I play a tuba frequently used in British Brass Bands so the cases that fit tend to only be sold out of England. Most of the American standard cases that fit the bell on my horn are about 6" or more too deep for the horn I have. The 19" bell with a 35" deep horn is a unique combination for most American manufacturers.

[davewerden]

The 19" bell with a 35" deep horn is a unique combination for most American manufacturers.

Although Altieri for one (and there may be others) will let you send the dimensions and they will make the case to fit.

[ghmerrill]

Looks like the Virtuosi is the winner this time around.

Please post a review when it comes in. I looked at the information about them on the web and there wasn't much detail so far as I could see. Saying, for example, that they are made of "gig bag material" I found to be less than enlightening .

It's too bad that shipping anything (I mean virtually ANYTHING) costs so much nowadays. And I wish vendors would be a little smarter about it since I've discovered (shipping things I've sold on Ebay) that you can often substantially reduce cost if you put some time into comparing (Like how many people know about USPS "Regional Rate"? And why did it just cost me less to ship Priority than Parcel Select? Well, maybe some clues there about the USPS financial situation.) Alas, I suspect that the alternatives for shipping the likes of tuba gig bags are limited.

[58mark]

In looking at duffles that didn't smell, I ran across this... It looks to be the perfect size for my little Eb. I can add padding if needed

http://www.amazon.com/CalPak-Temptat...+Temptation+32

This came in the mail today. tuba fits in it, but tomorrow the gig bag comes in, so I will have to see which one is better. If I use the duffel, I'm going to have to ad some foam to it.

Its nice though, very well built

[ghmerrill]

This came in the mail today. tuba fits in it, but tomorrow the gig bag comes in, so I will have to see which one is better. If I use the duffel, I'm going to have to ad some foam to it.

Its nice though, very well built

What about a rigid frame? The duffels I've used (one as a "tuba support vehicle") have rigid frames along the bottom to which the telescoping handle is attached. Without some foam (or perhaps a solid "bottom" that you insert, and then padding), this could do some damage to an instrument. Does this have such a frame?

Also, can you send the dimensions of your tuba (bell diameter, height from bottom of bow to bell rim, width from mouthpiece receiver to outer bow)? Just in case my smelly duffel doesn't work out .

[ghmerrill]

To keep an eye on: Jonathan Hodgetts of Wessex Tubas informs me that they will shortly be offering their own line of gig bags (I presume manufactured in China). Don't have any more details at this time except that the new Wexxex Wyvern logo will be displayed on them. Currently Wessex offers Gotz gig bags -- which are pricey.

[ghmerrill]

The allegedly smelly bag arrived today. It's not smelly. It's obviously used, but not heavily, and is clean and odor free. For it's intended purpose it is usable, but it's just a bit smaller than I had hoped. It's difficult to get the bag top up over the bell (bell is 17"), and then the bag won't close fully over it. I don't see this as a real problem.

If I do decide to use it, I'll have to do something about the metal grommets used for closing the top since these will not be real good for the finish on the horn. Perhaps they can be replaced with plastic ones, or I may just remove them entirely. I will probably think of an alternative over time, such as the rolling duffel. But this bag will be useful for other stuff around here.

[58mark]

My horn is very small. 14" bell, and no more than 32" in height. I could add padding (and would need to) but the gig bag I bought off ebay arrived today, and it's great. the bell is about 2" too big and hte body is slightly too long, but it's well built and decently padded, so I think I'll use it. I might someday see if I cna find somebody to "take it in" but until then it will do fine

[58mark]

found the maker of the bag I bought! very interesting. Looks like a got a bargain

https://www.violins.ca/cases/bags_tuba.html

[ghmerrill]

Looks nice. But the "Using the Duralite Tuba Bag" frame at the bottom of the page indicates that the tuba should be placed in the bag with the mouthpiece inserted in the lead pipe, and that "any other way is incorrect".