Gig bag for 6/4

[Tubainsauga]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new gig bag for my Rotary Neptune. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a gig bag with very good back pack straps to help off set the weight of the horn a little. I have a Cronkhite for my Eflat and I find it quite comfortable (though the horn is quite a bit lighter), but I was wondering if there is anything better, strap wise.

Ian

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I have no complaints about my Cronkhite bag for my 6/4. The backpack straps work great!

[Rick Denney]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new gig bag for my Rotary Neptune. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a gig bag with very good back pack straps to help off set the weight of the horn a little. I have a Cronkhite for my Eflat and I find it quite comfortable (though the horn is quite a bit lighter), but I was wondering if there is anything better, strap wise.

Ian

You already have your answer. But in case the price of the Cronkhite is causing you to ask this question, I can suggest a cheaper alternative. The Pro-Tec large tuba gig bag will fit a 6/4, even a tall one. But the shoulder straps are not perfect. They are attached too close to the bell end of the bag, which means your head will hit the bell and the bottom bow will get in the way of your legs. But I'll bet it would cost a lot less than the difference between a Pro-Tec and a Cronkhite to have an upholsterer move the attachment points on the bag to wherever you might want them.

Rick "thinking Altieri bags have the best shoulder straps, but who can't abide top-loading bags" Denney

[vlatuba]

I started to use this (the frame only) to carry my big horn with an Altiere bag when I wass having back problems:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... id=0015827" target="_blank

You can take off the top bar, which just gets in the way. I put padding on the "shelf" and between the case and the back of the pack and a little bit of pipe insulation on the crossbar. Threaded the original pack straps throught the frame and use the belt that comes with the Altierre bag to cinch the horn closer to the frame for better stability. The Altiere bag works nicely with this since it is top loading and less expensive than other cases (plus it's what I already had).

This can put all the weight on your hips, as a good backpack should. My neck ached after two blocks carring the horn before, now I walk the 1.25 miles to work.

The frame also allows the instrument to stand on it's bottom end nicely for loading and unloading (It will actually free stand but I always lean it up against a wall. And hey, if I ever meet a 1/4 moose - I'm ready!

ED