Gig Bags for BAT's----commercial availability?

[Brown Mule]

There's been a lot of conversation lately on BAT's. How about availability of Gig bags for BAT's? Other than using discarded Ringling Brothers Circus Tents-----Are they Commercially available-------say for the 24" bell 2xj's? (Sometimes I have trouble getting through a door with my 25j-----and just forget getting through a bus door.)

[awaters]

Cronkhite makes a nice one for the HB6

[tclements]

I have Cronkhite bags for all my tubas.

[TUBAD83]

When I had my 25J, I special ordered a bag from Altieri--and also bought a handtruck to carry it on (no way was that 35lb 44" tall monster was going on my back). Loved the horn, but 2 of my directors hated it and it just got to be too much of a hassle hauling it around so I found a good home for it.

[pjv]

For the bell section of my 36J I use my sousaphone bag. For the body you can use any gig bag thats wide enough. It'll always be long enough! Sure, you often have to walk twice (or at least put one part down to get through a door), but personally prefer it. Half a tuba is half the weight and size, thus increasing ones control over moving these bigs horns in and out of buildings (not to mention less wear and tear on the body).

I use a gig bag I had made at a local adventure store. I had it made for upright tubas, but use it just as easily for my 36J body. If necessary I "back pack" my 36J body and carry the bell in my hands. If necessary.

Its basically a tuba sized backpack. Many reputable rate adventure stores make or work together with someone who makes back packs to order (There's always someone out there that wants to bring something different into the wild).

Anyway, my experience is that many gig bags look rough 'n tough on the outside but are real cushy on the inside. Unfortunately, most tuba's tend to wear holes in those cushy bags and after a while you need a new one. Another typical gig bag thing = the zipper. They often tend to break right around the point that they cross over the bell edge. Another thing that isn't always practical is the carrying straps on some bags. Sure, they're getting better, but often they're still not up to par.

So, for a little more than the price of a music store gig bag, I had a tuba back pack made of Cordura. Because its cordura inside and out, it sturdy. Because its a well-made back pack the shoulder and waist straps are ergonomically sound (it also has a large over-the-shoulder strap as well). And because its from a reputable shop it has a life long guarantee.

So, its a giant back pack, double-lined with foam rubber in-between. As well I wanted extra padded protection at the two spots were I typically set my tuba down on the ground; along the bottom-bow section and on the side of the tubing parallel with the bell (first leg???). The tuba goes in from the top, and the top flaps down...click. It also has the typical back pack straps on the side that tighten the back pack against the tuba...to keep the tuba from flopping around in a big sack. I've had it for about 10-15 years now. No holes, loose stitches or broken clasps. (knock on wood)

Bottom line is, a music store isn't the only place to find a solution for your tuba travel needs. Sometimes thinking outside the box can give one a more suitable product of higher quality at around the same price. Sometimes.

Good luck.