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I just received my custom case for my Eastman 6/4 tuba. I am blown away! Quality is on the level of Cronkhite (Roughly half the price), customization (Color, embroidered name, Yankee emblem and Jolly Rogers) included. David Messina was fantastic to work with and was very responsive to my desires. Truly takes care of his customers.

I could not justify the recent Cronkhite price increases. I encourage all to check him out. I am picky with my gear and he made me very happy!

I own a Cronkhite for my 4/4 Eastman, so I am very familiar with their product Very fast turn around time.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Another picture, Zipper protector

Thank you for sharing. I'll definitely check them out next time I need a new gig bag.

I have one of their bags for my Eastman 4/4 CC. I would certainly say it's serviceable but I don't think it's quite near the level of quality of a Cronkhite bag. The foam is not nearly as dense as a Cronkhite and the attachment points of the straps are not as sound. I haven't had any issues and the Messina is certainly at a better price point, but I do find myself being a bit more mindful when using it.

I'm mot sure I would want my name on my back as I am walking through town (or a Yankees logo ), but it's nice that you have the option.

How much did this cost, all told?

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I have owned and used three Messina Covers gig bags as well as two Cronkhite gig bags. The level of fit and finish in both maker's work is excellent. If I were to be purchasing another bag, I would look to David Messina first. His customer service is excellent, he returns emails promptly and is prepared to deal with incredibly picky customers such as myself. The Cronkhite bags are the gold standard, however the recent pricing structure certainly gives one pause to think. The pricing combined with the state of the Canadian dollar versus the American would make the Messina Covers option seem much more attractive. A custom Cronkhite gig bag for any of my horns would be at least $2000-$2500 CAD. For that price, I would rather use the money for an older horn that I am interested in. Messina Covers for the win!

The most expensive Cronkhite bag is ONLY $1551 CAD. And there's always a 20% off sale going on it seems.

Ken Crawford wrote:The most expensive Cronkhite bag is ONLY $1551 CAD. And there's always a 20% off sale going on it seems.

ONLY,

But you missed a couple things:

$1551 + shipping ($96)+ customs(only $9.95 with USPS/CP) + taxes(10% for previous poster)= +/-$1821.60. Plus credit cards/banks often take 2% on the exchange.

tofu wrote:What is the buckle next to the Yankees logo used for?

D-ring for a detachable duffel-style shoulder strap, I’d imagine. Guessing there’s a complimentary one on the reverse side near the bottom bow.

A very good plan!

I do not have a Messina Covers tuba gig bag, but most of the bass players in the orchestra I work with have Messina bass cases. I've looked them over very carefully, including one made just in the last few weeks, and they are as well made as any gig bag out there. I know that bass cases are their bread and butter and they've been building them for years, so the design has been pretty highly refined, but still...looking at those is a solid indicator of materials and workmanship.

In every case (no pun intended) the owners of those cases are pleased with their purchases. Seems to be the same with those that have had Messina tuba bags made for them.