Messina bags

[MaryAnn]

These guys make custom bags. Anybody have any experience with them?

http://www.messinacovers.net/low-brass" target="_blank

[craigpotter]

I've got two bags: one that was measured at their shop in Louisville, and one that I sent in measurements for. The former fits much better, but they're both good quality and well built and padded cases. Not quite as sturdy as a Cronkhite bag, but it certainly does the job of protecting the horns from place to place. They'll customize it in about anyway you can imagine, colors and pockets, etc.

Their Facebook page has a lot of pictures that show the range of what they can make - certainly worth checking out!

[arpthark]

These guys are local to me but I've not checked them out yet. What is pricing like?

[MaryAnn]

I was told $395 for a tuba bag.

[MaryAnn]

I was also told to trace the tuba and make a couple measurements. I don't know if that will be sufficient.....for it to fit "right" I'd want to prop the bow up so that it and the center of the bell were in a straight line....and take pictures of the tuba in that position with yardsticks placed at intervals so the viewer could see the numbers. Plus the tracing, plus the requested measurements.
Most people are going to lay the tuba valves-up on the ground and trace it that way. Seems like that would leave a bit of a gap on the non-valve side. My unknown maker euph bag fits like a glove, and I like it that way. My unknown maker bag for my 184 also fit like a glove, and I liked it that way too. The Altieri bag for my MW 3/4 F was more of a sack, even though I remember it being a side zip, and the Altieri I have for my current NStar is less of a sack, but it kind of has to be a sort-of-a-sack if you are going to make a top loader.

[TUbajohn20J]

This company might become the new go-to guys for custom tuba gig bags. I've seen a couple in person and they are top notch, plus they're side loaders which many of us prefer. Going to give them a call to inquire about one for my 6/4. Wonder if they could make it big and sturdy enough for a 30lb. 24" bell tuba