Let's talk gig bags

[tofu]

How much are we talking for a Wiseman case? Are we talking Accord prices? I went to their site but saw no tuba cases. For folks with oddball tubas, the demise of Cronhkite is especially tough. Try finding a case for a vintage 185 with a 15 in. bell these days.

[pjv]

I went to reputable outdoor store and had a one size fits all gigbag made in the form of a giant back pack. Many outdoor sport shops have someone who does custom bags since there's always a need to take and protect unusual items on ones back.
Just slide the tuba in and tighten the side straps. No zippers (except for the side pouch). Foam all around with extra foam at the place I designated on the bottom and the side (where I usually set the instrument down). Shoulder straps are A+ backpack quality and there's an over the shoulder for strap and a side "handle".
Life long guarantee. I bought it in the eighties and there is literally no wear. I use it for everything from a Kanstul 80 to a Miraphone 1281 and an Alexander 184.
If you live on a budget and want a top quality bag then this is the way to go.

[sousaphone68]

I have a Ritter gig bag fits a B&H BBb Imperial I have it 5 years with very light use, I would not recommend this bag very little protection and the zips on my one were weak.

[roweenie]

Mr. Cronkhite's bags are (were), IMHO, by far the best quality gig bags made. I own several, and was poised to buy yet another when he closed up shop.

The last time I spoke to him, he said he didn't have a buyer for the business, but that was several months ago - hopefully, that has changed.

It would be a real shame if his business sunk into obscurity - over many years, he's collected a huge list of patterns for many different tubas, both new and vintage, and the quality of his product was always top-shelf.

[scottw]

There are excellent quality bags available if you are willing to look in Europe. Götz make high-quality bags, they come as top-loaders as standard but are available as side-loaders too if you request that.
It may be easier to deal with a company like Thomann - or perhaps ask Bob Tucci, he's very helpful.

As an example here are the current offerings from Thomann:
https://www.thomann.de/intl/bags_cases_ ... Gig%20Bag"

Has anyone ever tried the Ortola line of bags Thomann offers? They look like decent side-loaders, but the metric sizes will take some conversion to see if they fit.The price is quite reasonable, too.

[bisontuba]

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[bort]

Götz ... are available as side-loaders too if you request that.

Didn't know that! I ordered my Gotz bag from Tucci's shop in Munich, and they were very easy to work with to place the order and get all the options I wanted.

One other note: The Gotz default is "double padded," but I'd suggest ordering "triple padded." I've owned both, and think the triple is definitely worth the small increase in cost.

[Wes Krygsman]

If no one is buying Cronkhite's stuff, I have a guy in NJ that does luggage repair who has a bunch of the right equipment. He fixed quite a few tuba and instrument cases and even seemed receptive to making me a custom tubas case for about the price of a Chronkhite.

Maybe I can convince him of our need? Anyone have the info about what exactly is for sale and for how much so I can pass along the info? Let me know...

WeskrygsmanATgmailDOTcom