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Hello there!

I'm looking for a gig bag for a Willson 3050 and I would love some solid advice. I've looked at several designs and my general impression is that Cronkhite bags are the best. Do Cronkhite bags come with backpack-style straps and a pouch on the side?

I personally like the top-loading style of bags because they do not have a zipper that can be broken and provides one solid piece of protecting from the top of the bell and down.

Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Wes Braker

I've used a Cronkite with mine since I bought it in 1995. I got an Altieri with it but found the horn to be a little bit too heavy for it. It swung around too much while on my shoulders and momentum made me feel the horn was too much at risk. Altieris are good bags(I have one for my 188) but I think the Willson needs the beefier bag. They are great horns that I feel are largely underrated. Have fun.

I really like the new-style Miraphone gig bags. The blue is kind of ugly, but they are made very well and are very comfortable. The carbon fiber disk in the bell cap is great, and helps absorb shocks and protect the bell. Unfortunately, they are really only best suited to Miraphone tubas. Other things will fit, but just not as well. I think this is the easiest bag to walk around with.

Right now, I have a Gotz Supersac gig bag -- also a top-loader. The padding isn't as extreme as a Cronkhite bag, but it's solid, well-built, and frankly, it looks cool (it's a very clean and sharp look). The straps aren't padded, but you can add some padding on your own if that is a problem.

Cronkhite bags are side-loading, but offer the best protection. They are also heavy, and I find them a little awkward to walk around with for long distances (not really a problem for everybody). You can't go wrong with a Cronkhite.

I don't really like Altieri bags. They offer "just okay" protection, and also wear "okay." The pocket on the front gets very frumpy looking very quickly. Better than nothing, but for what they cost, you can spend a little more and have something much better.

I use a Cronkhite bag with mine. As you know, the 3050 is a beast, weight-wise, and would not use anything less substantial than the Cronkhite.

Do the Cronkhite bags have backpack straps? A Storage pocket?

Yes and yes.

I just purchased a Cronkhite bag for my PT20. I had a Reunion Blues Bags but the bag was a little long so the bottom bow hit me in the back of the legs and made it a pain to carry very far. I really like my new Cronkhite bag. The straps are in a slightly different place so it doesn't hit me in the wrong place. the case opens fully and it is easier to use. There are front and rear pockets. The backpack straps don't seem to shift either. Price was acceptable through the Horn Guys.
I have a Mirafone bag for a 184 and it works fine but think it would be hard to top load the PT 20 due to weight and my height. I am pretty short.
Scott M