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I have an old school 186 CC with the small bell. I need a gig bag but I do not want to spend $300 if possible.
Does anyone have a thought on the Protec Platinum or the Gard Mid Suspension bags? Both are available in the low $200's.
Any other suggestions are welcome.

If I were in your situation, I'd look for a decent used Cronkhite.

Check the usual websites, such as Baltimore Brass, Dillon Music or any others on the Sponsors' list. Once in a while these do come up.

Try Wessex the gig bag for the "Mahler" should work, and is only $135.

I really like the Gard bag for my vintage 186 BBb.

I agree with the above recommendation regarding Wessex bags. I have had a few and are really the best option, IMHO, for a bag below the $300+ price point. I have had bad experiences with both bags in term of both poor fit, though measurements matched the descriptions, and have had damage done because of it. Wessex makes a bag for their Mahler 186/188 clone (whichever it is) that should be a perfect fit for you with ample padding and protection.

For what it's worth, I like the Precieux tuba bag

https://shop.warwick.de/en/Cases+and+Ba ... b+Tuba+Bag

Bill B wrote:Try Wessex the gig bag for the "Mahler" should work, and is only $135.

Wessex told me that SHIPPING for a bag I was interested in would be $200. I am not kidding.

the elephant wrote:

MaryAnn wrote:

Bill B wrote:Try Wessex the gig bag for the "Mahler" should work, and is only $135.

Wessex told me that SHIPPING for a bag I was interested in would be $200. I am not kidding.

I think that was a typo (or someone misread it to you). It is like $20. I actually paid $25 in 2016 for FedEx.

Shipping was $35, each, for two bags I ordered this month (two different orders, so no chance to combine shipping). The only reason I can think of for that being the quote is if the bag was not available in the US store and was being shipped from the UK, but that even seems high for what I've heard them doing before.

I have the ProTec Platinum (got a great deal through Dillon's under $200 shipped). The only thing I don't like is the one-way zippers on the pouches. In fact I liked the regular (non platinum) version of this bag better. It had slightly less padding around the bell, but worked better. Still a great bag!

I just procured a Protec Platinum gig bag with a tuba purchase I made. The previous owner reinforced the bell and the bottom with some extra foam from Michael's, this helps provide extra protection and provides a more snug fit for the tuba I'm using it for. I am very impressed with the quality of the bag and must say it is my favorite bag I've owned. Based on what others have said about Pro Tec, I was not expecting it to be near this nice.