Miraphone Gig Bag Q's...

[Bill Troiano]

Hi Wade,
My 1292, that I bought from a student at UNT, came with a Miraphone bag. I don't think a large music folder would fit in the side compartment. I put 2 smaller folders in there and it's a tight fit. There is another smaller mouthpiece type pouch on the underside of the lid. I find the bag to be the most padded bag I've ever owned. And, it doesn't ride too high or low on my back, like some others that I've owned. It's the best bag I've ever had. Personally, I don't like side loaders. I always found with side loaders, you had to place the bag on the floor to load the tuba and most floors, especially on stages and schools, aren't clean. So, you put a dirty bag on your back. Plus, if a side loader breaks, your tuba spills onto the floor. I know a lot of people like side loaders, but I'm not one of them. I do like the Miraphone bags !!

[bisontuba]

Wade-
I've owned Miraphone 'blue' gig bags and they are superb. Lightweight but great protection....they make a really fine gig bag.
Mark

[bisontuba]

Wade-
I think(?) the side pouch is stitched on there--it does not come off....
Mark

[Ed Jones]

The large pouch is big enough for large concert folders and those that come from music stores. There is a secondary pouch on the front that can be used for tools, oil, pencils, etc. There is a mouthpiece pocket inside the bell lid. I have two Miraphone bags and I like them very much. They ride high on the back and are very comfortable to carry. I prefer top loading bags because you can prop them up in a corner. Slide the tuba in the bag, zip it up and go!

[Phil Dawson]

I own both 2 Cronkite leather bags (for my 1293 and Conn 3J) and a Blue Miraphone bag that came with my Besson 983. The 3J bag will also hold the 983. The standard pouch on the Miraphone will hold one or two of the Music Store folders but I wouldn't try for any more. I have both of them in front of me and tried putting in a Music Store folder in each. The Cronkite bag has at least twice the capacity in the removable pouch and will hold another couple of folders in the built in pouch. If the difference is only $100 or so I would definitely go with the Cronkite bag. Glen is a great guy to deal with and might be able to come up with a bit more storage in the removable pouch for you if you ask him. He can be reached on the phone if you are patient. Good luck Phil

[bort]

For walking long distances, I found the Miraphone bag to be more comfortable, weight better distributed up/down my back, and the chest clasp on the front is great too. Good storage, but not what you're looking for.

The carbon fiber insert in the bell section is great, and more protective than it seems.

The Miraphone bag always seemed like it was an inch or two too tall, but that's just the design of it. The Cronk is truly fitted and exact to size.

Between the two, I would go with the Miraphone bag again. It's ugly, but very functional and more comfortable to carry. I suspect most of your transportation is to/from the car (and not walking 2 miles and standing on a train for an hour), in which case I would recommend the Cronk for you.

Either way, you didn't mention Alteiri, so I know you'll be just fine.