Gig Bag - Meinl Weston 2145 CC

[Ferguson]

Glenn Cronkhite in Berkeley, CA makes the best one IMO. Ask for the HB2 model bag, but do mention that it's for the 2145, as he may make a modification for that model to perfect the fit. Fedderly's, Tubadome, Hornguys, Tony Clements, and most other dealers can get them, custom made in 2 weeks. Perfect fit, comfy straps, solid construction, easy access. I've used these for 22 yrs w/o problems.

Ferguson

[bill]

I second the motion on a Glenn bag. I have two of them and each is a masterpiece. If you can get the measurement chart and fill it out, then call Glenn, he can tell you if the horns will fit interchangeably. For instance I have a Miraphone 184-5U CC and the bag that fits it very well, Glenn tells me, has dimensions of that horn which are almost the same, as far as bag making goes, as a M-W 2182. He will have something for you or be able to make something for you and, if you want REAL CLASS, consider a leather bag.

[SplatterTone]

Can anyone tell me something bad about this Cronkhite bag?

Rosie O'Donnell plans to be buried in one.

[MikeMason]

Using a gigbag is like putting your tuba in a pillow case.If you delude yourself into thinking it's a case,problems arise.I'm an altieri guy with no incidents(or other dents).I just handle mine like it's in a pillow case.The dolly might be the exception,but it's as heavy as a hard case and if you're going there,you might as well get a real hardcase with wheels...

[vurltuba]

Cronkhite Bags are very well made. Each bag is made to fit a specific model of tuba and consequently the precise fit makes the tuba carry easier/more comfortably. Bags that I have had before that are general sizes tend to be oversized to fit a large number of instruments. Oversized allows the horn to slide around inside the bag while it is on your back. The snug fit of Cronkhite bags is a far better option.

[vurltuba]

I am definitely doing my on research as well, but I want to get a decent cross section of opinions from the fine folks here.

Thanks to those who have replied, so far, your comment are very helpful... I'm still listening...

The Cronkhite has a shoulder strap, but no backpack? My current awful bag is a backpack, which I do find useful getting through doors - but maybe the shoulder strap would be better??


--AC

My Cronkhite bags have a backpack setup and do not have hardware for shoulder straps.

[mdc2d]

I feel like I have to insert my recommendation for the Soundwear bag I bought for my Gronitz. Although, if you feel a little queezy about fronting the $ for a Cronkhite, a Soundwear bag probably wouldn't be for you. The Soundwear bag is quite heavy, but the protection is second to none.

I have recently obtained a Cronkhite bag (with an almost purchased MW 2141). I have been very impressed with it. Nice and light, but fits the horn like a glove... no room for movement. I think a proper fit is very important, it seems the Cronkhite bags are designed very well for that.

The above posts regarding that ANY gig bag, could also be referred to as a DENT bag are completely true. Doesn't matter the $$ you spend on bag, if you are careless, there will be damage.

[Ferguson]

Too long post...I'm just in a writing mood.

I'm one who tends to post ferociously when topics of gig bags or Glenn's cases comes up. It's not because I need to sell more. We sell enough, and my bills are paid.

I write because like to support Glenn's work. He was the creator of the Reunion Blues line, which was made under license and under his tutulage for 25 years. Then they closed up shop, copied his designs, and moved everthing to China. Their drop in quality shows. He's the real deal, in Berkeley, with a small sewing shop, personal service, and a superior product at really a quite reasonable price when you look at how well they fit and how long they last.

A friend who builds custom bicycle frames recently talked about the history of craftmenship in Europe and the US, and said it's sad when people decide to buy a cheap imported, non-durable product instead of a slightly pricier, long-lasting, superior product that also supports their local craftsmen. He called it exporting the craft, and that's one reason bicycles, cases, and now many horns, are built for pennies on the dollar in Asia. Yes, the consumer gets more quantity for less money, but the quality and long term value is a lot less. I don't know the fine line between free trade and protectionist policies, but we've swung more than enough towards the former for me. I could do well without Walmart, Dalyan tubas, and Chinese gig bags.

I also rave about Glenn's cases because they're so superior. His cases open flat like a suitcase, so it's easy to get the horn out. Backpack straps keep the tuba centered over your back so you don't bump the bottom bow into a door frame. Newer shoulder straps have comfortable padding on them. The fit is perfect (50 sizes?), so your tuba doesn't move around. The zipper is prevented from scratching your horn by a copyrighted beveled foam piece. The orchestra folder music pocket is separate from the case so the case can bend around your tuba while the folder remains flat. The pocket is also removeable. And, this case is completely rebuildable. In 10 or 15 or more years, when the foam is starting to feel a bit soft and thin, he can rebuild it into a new case at a great price. And his leather is really thick. It's stiff enlugh to protect the tuba. I like it because it sheds pet hair, and is uber-stylish. But, it's heavy and pricey, so you might regret carrying a 6/4 in a leather Cronkhite case. I have a leather Cronkhite case for my HB2 CC, and it's weighty, but I'm glad to be rid of dog hair on my tuba case. I mean, what kind of statement do I want to make about my musicianship when I walk into a gig? Crappy old gig bag, or sleek new leather one? I'll take style, thank you.

Other cases I can think of: Protec fits nothing well, has cheap straps, and very thin padding. Altieri bags are big and loose and floppy, end loading is more difficult for me, the hardware is plastic, and the straps are poor. Reunion Blues of China have much cheaper materials and an older design, and can't be repaired. Dolly bags - I don't like the straps or thin leather, and the plastic reinforcements don't seem helpful to me, YMMV. Soundwear - simply huge.

What's bad about Cronkhite cases? It may take a couple of weeks to get one in the right size. And they don't cost $23.95. But what's your tuba worth? What will the first repair cost if a Protec strap breaks and your MW tuba takes a dive to the ground?

Even being in the retail business, there are not many products where I say, "You really should get this one." Instruments, mouthpieces, mutes, stands, whatever, most have several choices at least, that are all excellent and depend on personal taste.

Regarding the term "dent bags", some naysayer always chimes in and mentions that. Remember that the design of the case is as important as its rigidity. I deal more with trombones, but I have seen trombones completely wrecked in hard cases from Protec, SKB, Bam, Marcus Bonna, and Walt Johnson. These folks all make decent trombone cases, but %&#@ happens. And it happens in Cronkhite cases too I'm sure, though I rarely hear of it. And how do you get your tuba around town if you don't have a soft case? If you have a Besson or Yamaha or Miraphone, their form fitting hard cases are decent (thought still heavy), but for most anything else, the aftermarket cases are huuuuge. SKB, MTS, Johnson, A&S? No thanks, too big for a lanky boy like me.

I'll take the soft case.

Glenn's cases are not widely seen partly because he's no good at marketing. But the tuba dealers who are passionate about selling a superior product and who don't have an agenda, will offer Glenn's cases. Why doesn't the Brasswind sell them? Glenn wants to support only the smaller dealers who stayed with him when RB went to China. That's their reward. He's seeking dealers. Have your local music dealer look him up: gcronk@sonic.net" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank, 510 527 4490.

Good luck on your search.

Steve Ferguson

[Jesse Brook]

I have made a gig bag for my 2145, but I want a hard case for it. Is there anywhere in Canada that I can get one?