Gig Bag Questions

[Tubaryan12]

1) Are there any other companies that make a gig bag that opens like the ProTec bag? I have owned 2 top loading bags and there is something I just dont like about having to lift the horn that high to clear the opening of the bag to insert or remove the horn.

2) Does anyone make a light weight hard case that will fit a Marzan (rotor) horn?

[Dan Schultz]

I've had several styles of gig bags including the Altheri two-piece top-loader. I prefer a side-loading bag like the Brasswind I now use for my Miraphone 183. One thing I learned about the top-loader... it's a lot easier to place the bag over the horn than to hoist the horn into the bag. Once the horn is in the body part of the bag, I would turn it over to apply the bell cover.

[Lew]

I've had several styles of gig bags including the Altheri two-piece top-loader. I prefer a side-loading bag like the Brasswind I now use for my Miraphone 183. One thing I learned about the top-loader... it's a lot easier to place the bag over the horn than to hoise the horn into the bag. Once the horn is in the body part of the bag, I would turn it over to apply the bell cover.

I do this with my Altieri bag for my King, but I put the bell cover on the floor, put the tuba on the bell cover, then slip the bag over the horn. I find it a lot easier than putting the bell cover on after the horn is in the bag.

My favorite side loading bag is the Soundwear bag I have for my Besson. It has that extra bell protection area and seems very sturdy overall. I haven't tried a Dolly bag, but others love them.

[JayW]

Lew is totally right... Soundwear bags are quite nice. Saw someone this past weekend at the USABTEC with one and i was very impressed by how durable and well built it seemed to be. I am not sure how many size options they offer though..... but if the glove fits go for it

[Tubaryan12]

Thanks for the help....has anyone had any experience with Gard bags?