Gard bags

[manutd35]

Does anyone have any experience/bought a gardbag? Specifically the soft 4/4 with wheels for Eb 19" bell.
Thoughts welcome!

[Michael Bush]

I have one and don't hate it. It's basically fine, but I don't know that I would buy it again. You get all the bulk of a case with only slightly better protection than a regular bag. The foam blocks you can arrange around your tuba to "customize" the shape are its best point.

The little extension that is supposed to stabilize it standing up didn't last long. It's just screwed into the bottom of the bag and a few car trips were enough to loosen it and then pull it off. But this loss was not a big deal as I didn't use it anyway.

I don't mean to damn it with faint praise, but only to praise it faintly: it's fine, not great.

[Art Hovey]

Gard used to make and sell gig bags that opened up like a suitcase. I thought they were very well-made and reasonably priced. But last time I checked they were only making top-loaders, which are rather inconvenient, in my opinion.

My other pet peeve is that almost all gig bags are made for top-action tubas, and I prefer front-action. The sheet music pocket should be on the back side, (under the shoulder straps) instead of over the valves. That way my band folder doesn't get bent.

[Tubaru]

I bought one of those to use with my MW 2141 EEb. For protection the bag works well. The bottom of the bag is a piece of plywood that can be turned around depending on which side of the tuba your bell is on. There are foam pieces that can be moved around to provide protection and a snugg fit. The wheels work really well and the weight is well balanced on them. It is easy to load and unload the tuba as the opening unzips all the way around.

What I don't like. The case is heavy. Too heavy to use the backpack straps. The straps themselves are to narrow and uncomfortable for the weight of the tuba and case combined. The front pocket is quite large but it doesn't lay flat since I have a front action tuba. A standard concert folder doesn't fit well as it has to bend to fit in the pocket. There are pockets on both sides that are way too big. While they can easily hold several mouthpieces, a folding music stand, and various other accessories but are still much bigger than needed and I find that the case has trouble fitting through a standard single door. The pockets just stuck out too far.

Would I buy another one? Mayne if I never had to navigate stairs and narrow doorways.

[tclements]

I have one for me Tuono. I used it a couple times, it's to heavy for me. I need to sell it.

[Mirafan]

I have had a Gard bag for a year or so now. Got it for my 186 because of the wheels and a more protective bag than I had. I have found it to be very well made, nice looking and very usable; that is the tuba loads easily, plenty of room for stands and music, but like others have already stated: It is heavy. 25lbs heavy. This is about the same weight as my 186. The total package with stand, music and tuba is 50lbs or better. What are those shoulder straps for???? The other downside to me is the size of the bag. I can't get it in my car (4 door sedan). Too big for the trunk and too big for the back seat. (Fortunately I can get it in my Honda Element). Anyway, I will keep it and use it, but I kind of wish I had known about the weight and size before I bought it...... and that's all I have to say about that...................