Gig Bag: Dolly vs. Cronkhite
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WoodSheddin
- 5 valves
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Alex F
- 4 valves
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- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:39 am
- Location: Chicago
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Tom
- 5 valves
- Posts: 1579
- Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:01 am
I've got both a Dolly Bag and a Cronkhite as well.
I would agree with Wade in saying that although the plastic inserts in the Dolly Bag are nice and make a gig bag about as protective as it can be, overall quality is lacking when compared to Cronkhite. My Dolly bag is cordura rather than leather like Wade's bag and is a 3/4 opening side loader (think old Reunion Blues design that does not open all the way around the bell).
Just like Wade, I had to address issues with seams coming undone (although after years instead of months) on my Dolly Bag and had to have the zipper replaced in the last year or so. To be fair, I did buy the bag used (although very well cared for). I had all of the repair work done by a local shoe/luggage repairman and not through Dolly Bags. I think normal wear and tear combined with the fact that there is no little leather piece on the bottom bow area of Dolly Bags to protect the zipper (Cronkhite has this) when set down took it's toll. Cronkhite has a pretty decent service policy, if I remember correctly.
Wade is right on about the comfort/wear issue of Dolly vs. Cronkhite, too. The straps are set in a much better position, have better padding, and are more adjustable on the Cronkhite bags. The Cronkhites do sit higher on the back, which I find more comfortable. The straps on Dolly Bags are narrower, not as well padded, and not quite as adjustable. It's also worth mentioning that Dolly Bags are considerably heavier than Cronkhite bags...I would not want to travel far with a Dolly Bag strapped to my back.
I've heard (just as Wade said) getting a Dolly Bag can take a really long time (read: upwards of 6 months). I didn't have any trouble getting a Cronkhite bag in a reasonable amount of time.
I think that I would buy a Cronkhite if I were buying today simply for the high quality of the fit and finish.
I would agree with Wade in saying that although the plastic inserts in the Dolly Bag are nice and make a gig bag about as protective as it can be, overall quality is lacking when compared to Cronkhite. My Dolly bag is cordura rather than leather like Wade's bag and is a 3/4 opening side loader (think old Reunion Blues design that does not open all the way around the bell).
Just like Wade, I had to address issues with seams coming undone (although after years instead of months) on my Dolly Bag and had to have the zipper replaced in the last year or so. To be fair, I did buy the bag used (although very well cared for). I had all of the repair work done by a local shoe/luggage repairman and not through Dolly Bags. I think normal wear and tear combined with the fact that there is no little leather piece on the bottom bow area of Dolly Bags to protect the zipper (Cronkhite has this) when set down took it's toll. Cronkhite has a pretty decent service policy, if I remember correctly.
Wade is right on about the comfort/wear issue of Dolly vs. Cronkhite, too. The straps are set in a much better position, have better padding, and are more adjustable on the Cronkhite bags. The Cronkhites do sit higher on the back, which I find more comfortable. The straps on Dolly Bags are narrower, not as well padded, and not quite as adjustable. It's also worth mentioning that Dolly Bags are considerably heavier than Cronkhite bags...I would not want to travel far with a Dolly Bag strapped to my back.
I've heard (just as Wade said) getting a Dolly Bag can take a really long time (read: upwards of 6 months). I didn't have any trouble getting a Cronkhite bag in a reasonable amount of time.
I think that I would buy a Cronkhite if I were buying today simply for the high quality of the fit and finish.
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sc_curtis
- pro musician
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MW215588 wrote:I say that sterling gig bags are the best, hands down
Are you trying to tell us something?MW215588 wrote:Sterling Custom gig bags are the best period
www.thetubaplayer.com
Current stable:
PT6
Meinl Weston 2250
Rudolf Meinl 3/4 CC
YFB621S
YCB621S
Custom BBb Cimbasso
Current stable:
PT6
Meinl Weston 2250
Rudolf Meinl 3/4 CC
YFB621S
YCB621S
Custom BBb Cimbasso
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Rick Denney
- Resident Genius
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Why? They look similar to my Pro-Tec cheapie that works fine for my big tuba, but they cost at least twice as much. I can't tell from the picture if they are side-loading or top-loading. For most people, that's a key issue. What about the details of construction? Strap location? Size of the zipper pocket and ability to hold music folders?MW215588 wrote:Sterling Custom gig bags are the best period
Instead of making pronouncements, try backing them up. I didn't respond in this thread (until now) because I haven't owned both and therefore have no basis for comparison. If you have a basis for your judgment, let's hear it.
Rick "getting tired of youthful self-assurance" Denney
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clagar777
- 3 valves
- Posts: 349
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:17 am
- Location: Texas
I have a Sterling bag for my PT. It is not my favorite and I will tell you why:
It is a top loading bag and that makes it awkward to maneuver with a large tuba. I usually use it as a bottom-load bag by setting the tuba on the bell and sliding the bag down over it.
It does not provide excellent proctection in the key areas. I am thinking about cutting some foam to put in the bottom of the bag where the bottom bow rests.
There is no hard plastic sheet on the sides and I think that allows the bag to push the valves at angles sometimes. If I notice any damage because of that I will probably remove the valve springs and tape down the valves, but that is only if I carry it far on my back; The majority of the time the tuba is in the bag is spent with the instrument lying flat...therefore there is little contact with the valves.
If anyone has noticed any damage similar to this only on the main tuning slide (PT-6, very close to the bow) let me know. I could see how the bag might push in on the main slide.
I do like the hard cardboard material on the bell end of the bag. I wish the whole bag was that way.
I do like the looks of the bag. Mine is the 'deluxe' model and it looks good.
The straps and handles seem to be VERY durable, however on my particular bag the handles on the top side seem to be sewn on too far forward, causing the bag to tilt back slightly.
The Sterling is a great 'handle' for my tuba. I am extremely careful when using it though. If I could afford another bag I would probably buy a Cronkhite for the PT-6 and maybe use the Sterling as my F tuba bag. (easier to handle with the smaller horn...if it would fit.)
It is a top loading bag and that makes it awkward to maneuver with a large tuba. I usually use it as a bottom-load bag by setting the tuba on the bell and sliding the bag down over it.
It does not provide excellent proctection in the key areas. I am thinking about cutting some foam to put in the bottom of the bag where the bottom bow rests.
There is no hard plastic sheet on the sides and I think that allows the bag to push the valves at angles sometimes. If I notice any damage because of that I will probably remove the valve springs and tape down the valves, but that is only if I carry it far on my back; The majority of the time the tuba is in the bag is spent with the instrument lying flat...therefore there is little contact with the valves.
If anyone has noticed any damage similar to this only on the main tuning slide (PT-6, very close to the bow) let me know. I could see how the bag might push in on the main slide.
I do like the hard cardboard material on the bell end of the bag. I wish the whole bag was that way.
I do like the looks of the bag. Mine is the 'deluxe' model and it looks good.
The straps and handles seem to be VERY durable, however on my particular bag the handles on the top side seem to be sewn on too far forward, causing the bag to tilt back slightly.
The Sterling is a great 'handle' for my tuba. I am extremely careful when using it though. If I could afford another bag I would probably buy a Cronkhite for the PT-6 and maybe use the Sterling as my F tuba bag. (easier to handle with the smaller horn...if it would fit.)
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quinterbourne
- 4 valves
- Posts: 772
- Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:52 pm
- Location: Ontario, Canada
My teacher also has a bag similar to the "sterling" gig back. I don't think it says sterling on it, but it is the bag she got with her PT-6p at Custom Music. The bag is top loading, not very well padded and is coming apart at the seams. These things are quite expensive and I definitely think you can find a better value out of something like a Chronkhite bag.
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quinterbourne
- 4 valves
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- Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:52 pm
- Location: Ontario, Canada
I just wanted to note that when I was at WWBW I managed to try out a couple of Yamaha 822 CC tubas. I found these tubas to be extremely heavy. I'm not sure exactly how heavy they were, but I'd say about 30-35 pounds. They may have seemed so heavy to me because I'm used to about 20 lbs of tuba weight.
If I were you, I would definitely get a side loading gig bag, no matter the brand you purchase.
If I were you, I would definitely get a side loading gig bag, no matter the brand you purchase.
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clagar777
- 3 valves
- Posts: 349
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:17 am
- Location: Texas
I agree and...quinterbourne wrote:These things are quite expensive and I definitely think you can find a better value out of something like a Chronkhite bag.
I would bet that the majority of Sterling bag owners didn't choose to buy their bag. With both horns I have purchased from Custom Music the bag was "thrown in". Of all my PT buddies none of them actually chose the Sterling.