Euphonium Players: What brand gig bag do you own?

[Louis]

Other = none.

I love the Willson hard case. Or at least I'm afraid to use anything else...

Louis

[Carroll]

I used a Reunion Blues bag for my old euphonium (I payed more for it than I did the horn) for 15 years, until I bought my new horn with a larger bell. It would not fit the old bag so I bought a Cronkhite bag. I have had it for 5 years and have no complaints. The guy in my quartet who is using my old horn is still using the R.B. bag with no problems (that's 20 years for those of you keeping score). I think that might just be a ringing endorsement. BTW both are black leather (if you know me, that is no surprise). I did have a leather strap cover made for more shoulder traction.

[Louis]

Why do you need a gig bag for a euphonium?

You don't. But you might prefer one. That's all.

It's not my thing. I choose maximum protection over the convenience of a gig bag (at the moment anyway). But it sure is nice to throw that thing over your shoulder and be on your way. I did carry my previous horn (Boosey & Hawkes Imperial) in a gig bag because the really old Imperial cases (opened at the bell - no padding - bell was constantly at risk) were awful. And I admit that it (the gig bag) was nice. But when I moved onto the Willson 2950... It's just so secure and well-protected in that hard case. I can't bring myself to search out a bag for it. The case has two handles and rubber feet to stand it on the side or on the bell. But I'm a pretty big fellow - I certainly understand someone opting for ease of transport.

So to answer the question - it's just a choice, and a viable one for some.

Louis

[dave]

I have a Cronkhite, and while it is probably the best gig bag around, it doesn't have a pocket big enough to hold the music folder I carry around between rehearsals, and it doesn't have a good place to store valve oil, mouthpiece & tuner, let alone a foldup music stand. I think I am really waiting for someone to break the mold of existing gig bags, and design one for all these needs.

I use the hard case that came with my Hirsbrunner, which is very similar to the Willson hard case, since it does all of these things, and it protects the horn.

Dave

[CJ Krause]

***

[Tubadork]

Hey,
I just got 2 soudwear bags for my tubas and I love them. I've seen the soundwear bags and everyone that I know who sees them usually gets one. Lots of padding, BIPS (bell impact protection system) is ccol, messenger bag that straps on, they are way too much fun.
Gosh, I'm a dork
Bill Pritchard

[Lew]

I have a soundwear bag for my Besson 983 tuba, and I think it is the most convenient, and protective gig bag I have ever used.

OTOH I also have a number of Altieri bags, including my only euphonium gig bag that I use for my King double bell euphonium. The euphonium bag protects well, is easy to use, and has lots of nice little features, like the separate compartments in the "accessory" area. As a bonus she is great to deal with and will make whatever you need for any oddball shaped or sized horns, of which I have too many.

[red0radio0head]

i have a reuinion blues bag that's about 4-5 years old and it still looks brand new. i think it was made before they went to the "new style"...anyway. it's great, and the padding is still very plush. and, i do use it on a daily basis.

[Rick F]

I've used the RB bag for four years without any complaints (the cordora model). The padding is sufficient (1 inch thick) and the zipper is away from the horn behind the padding so there's no contact with the horn. The pocket in the RB bag is large enough to store music folder (rigid folder too), mpc, glasses, tuner and pencils.

BTW, Steve Mead even flies with his horn in a gig bag. Not sure what model he uses, but it's brown leather. I met him in the lobby of the hotel when he flew in from England to ITEC 2002 with his Prestige in this bag over his shoulder. I asked him if he flew with his horn in that bag. He said yes... that way he can take it as 'carry-on' luggage. Of course if there were ever any damage to his horn, he could make a phone call and get a new one right away.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Does anybody know exactly what year they stopped making the great Reunion Blues bags?

I assume that it was at the same time than Glenn Cronkhite started doing bags under his own name.

[Ryan_Beucke]

I've got a Pro Tec, and I think they changed their Euph bags a little while ago because I've seen someone with an older one that looked nothing like the one I have. I got it from WWBW, and it is an excellent bag. Durable outer, really thick dual layer padding, and a huge pocket for music and pretty much anything else. I would definitly recommend you take a look at those. I know a couple of guys who have reunion blues bags who were noveling over the quality that these ones have.

[MaryAnn]

Ok, here's my dumb question:
Why do you need a gig bag for a euphonium? It's not like your packing around a Yorkbrunner in a case. Is it so you can carry school books or something? (I thought that's what backpacks were for.) Just wondering. Never saw the justifcation for it. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Doc

I snarfed up an RB bag a year or so ago that showed up "new/used" somewhere. If I use the hard case for my euph, I have to struggle it into the back seat of my X-cab Toy, and then I have to lug it banging my knees from the back of the parking lot to rehearsal, with folder/Manhasset in the other hand. With the gig bag, the euph fits on the floor of the passenger seat, and then goes on my back while I carry my Manhasset in one hand and my folder in the other. For this 100# weakling it's a no-brainer.
MA