Looking for a new Gig Bag

[Joseph_Bickel]

Hello!

My Protec gig bag has basically fallen apart from its use over the past three years. Where would I be able to find a decent gig bag for under $250? When I look on Amazon, the only gig bags that I find are Tom and Will, Protec, and the unbranded $20 ones that I wouldn't even trust to keep my folder safe. Are these Tom & Will cases any good? I cannot find any reviews on them, but I see them everywhere.

I need to be able to fit my JP274S along with a few folders of music.

Thanks,
Joseph Bickel

[RickF]

Welcome to the forum.

I myself have never heard of Tom & Will cases. When I searched I found a Review of the Top 9 euphonium cases/gig bags and Tom and Will was dead last. They review Protec as #1 but if yours only lasted 3 years not sure you'd agree.

I use a Miraphone gig bag which offers excellent protection with 1" thick padding. Has 2 pockets, 1 large to hold a large leather folder and another pocket for mpc, valve oil, tuner, glasses, etc. It sells for $259 at WWBW here. But it's a top-loader which takes some getting used to (took me a couple of years). The zippered flap that closes over the bell has a rigid disk along with padding to protect the bell.

[davewerden]

It's a little over $250, but the Altieri bags are well made. I am using one right now (although I have ordered a Chronkhite bag, but they are quite expensive).

They have a large pocket on the side that will fit oversize folders.

https://altieribags.com/collections/euphonium-bags

[tbonesullivan]

Wow, a Pro-Tec bag lasted only 3 years? How did it break? Zippers or stitching? I've got two Pro-Tec trombone cases and they've lasted for years with no signs of failing.

I also am going to be in need of a gig bag for my Euph, as the original Sterling Case is MASSIVE. I thought about getting an MTS case, but a bag makes much more sense for any playing I will be doing.

[aroberts781]

I would recommend the Altieri bag. I've used one for the past 4-5 years and it is still in great shape. No signs of wear on fabric, padding, zippers, straps, etc...

The outer pocket is large enough for me to carry my music, one of those cheap folding music stands, cleaning/maintenance supplies, and mouthpieces. It is fairly lightweight and easy to get the horn in and out of.

[58mark]

My pro tec bag has been great. I had a trombone bag with bad stitching on a pocket, and they sent me a brand new bag for free

[Davidus1]

Has anyone purchased a Soundgear bag? Just curious if they are any good.

[Nbnarcisi]

Davidus1,

Do you mean Soundwear, made in the UK ? If so, I do own one and like it very much. They have 3 models: Protector $150, Performer $280 and Professional $325. For me, the Performer was my choice. Dillon Music has them in stock, worth checking out if you’re still looking.

[highpitch]

I had an Altieri for 10 years, held up great. Went to a Bonna now.

DG

[Davidus1]

Davidus1,

Do you mean Soundwear, made in the UK ? If so, I do own one and like it very much. They have 3 models: Protector $150, Performer $280 and Professional $325. For me, the Performer was my choice. Dillon Music has them in stock, worth checking out if you’re still looking.

Yes! That's it. I have seen pictures and they look nice but had not heard feedback. Thanks for sharing!!

[spkissane]

I had a Soundwear bag before I bought a Cronkhite cordura bag. I BELIEVE it was the "performer" but I can't remember for sure. Here are a couple things from my own personal experience:

Pros:
- I love the way the case opens/closes - I actually prefer how the zipper goes around the front at the bell area to the way the Cronkhite's zipper goes straight down the spine.
- LOTS of space for music/accessory storage.
- Good protection, but it's definitely heavier than a Cronkhite bag (you'll probably always sacrifice one for the other).
- Detachable backpack straps (I prefer to use a single strap).

Cons:
- The metal hardware on one end of the shoulder strap eventually broke in half, so I had to find a replacement strap.
- The screw on my first valve slide water key "dug" into the lining of the case and created a hole in the lining/padding, which the entire water key assembly would get stuck in. I haven't had this issue with my Cronkhite bag, but I also have a different horn in it, so I'm not sure if it was the case's fault or the horn's.

Overall the case was a good workhorse, but it wasn't perfect. I prefer the Bonna case I got with my Adams (but obviously those are a LITTLE more expensive).

FWIW, if you keep up with Cronkhite on social media, they periodically do sale promotions - I've seen as much as 30 percent off before!