Who here has given up on hardcases and mostly relies on gig bags?

[hyperplanes]

For local transportation at least. I never check my guitars in flights, but if I had to I'd be glad to have a flight case made out of adamantium.

I just bought a Fender Metro gig bag because I was sick of carrying a hardcase. I can use the gig bag like a backpack and free up my hands to carry heads/stands/cabs/etc. It's heavily padded and it looks durable. We'll have to see how well it fares. I wanted an Incase but people are charging crazy prices for either old ones or ones separated from John Mayer Stratocasters. Protec Contegos and Mono cases are too expensive as well.

 

[Promit]

I like the hard foam cases a lot myself, but I am not a regular gigging musician.

 

[slider]

Indeed, easier to carry. I play strats mostly, so probably don't even need a case, relicing along the way.

 

[JPF]

I use both a Mono M80 dual bag and a Vertigo to lug my guitars about by car or motorbike. All of my gigs are local, so I have no need to rely on airlines.

 

[William Braddell]

Not gigging but am mainly a Gibson person so need hardcases really.

 

[ksandvik]

The MusicMan hard cases are so light so no difference weigh-wise which one to take to a gig, that one or a soft gig bag.

 

[Lucidology]

Gig bag is so practical … a good padded one is invaluable.
To use a case is just cumbersome to carry … takes up too much space… and often just gets in the way.

 

[neoprimitive]

It you don't care about damage, a gig bag works great. If you do care about unneccssary damage, use a hardcase. My guitars live in hard cases. And I'm not a gigging musician anymore, I jusy play at home, and treat my instruments with great care.. gig bags lead to mystery dings and chips, which i'm not a fan of.

 

[Dewey Decibel]

I have the Protec, think I paid about $75 for it, thought it was a pretty good deal.

It you don't care about damage, a gig bag works great. If you do care about unneccssary damage, use a hardcase. My guitars live in hard cases. And I'm not a gigging musician anymore, I jusy play at home, and treat my instruments with great care.. gig bags lead to mystery dings and chips, which i'm not a fan of.

Padded gig bags have come a long way...

 

[jazzrat]

I have an M-80 for each of my guitars. (archtop, 335, EJ Strat). Yes they are expensive but I waited for sales or when I had a coupon and then the cost was reasonable.
I like their stuff so well I got a pedalboard and cover combo for my birthday.

The reality in my opinion is a guitar can be damaged in any case. In fact there are some events I'd trust a gig bag more, like, for instance if I put my 335 in it's hard case, stood it up on end and just let it fall to the floor. The way the headstock is suspended over the accessory pocket creates a shear point. I think my Mono cases would be better protection from that kind of damage.
Now if I was putting the guitar in a band trailer or under a buss for a road trip with a bunch of PA gear sliding around then I'm going with the hard case.
I like the convenience of a gig bag but only if it's a better one like the Mono or Reunion Blues and I'm selective when and where I use them.

 

[UMT]

I switched to gig bags quite some time ago when I figured out that having a guitar in a hard case gave me a false sense of security: loading and unloading etc... I found that with a gig bag, I am much more careful with my guitars.

 

[Dale]

If I am working local I usually use a gig bag with bolt necks. If I am taking my Hamer, Les Paul, or similar usually some sort of hard case.

 

[dirk_benedict]

Mono gig bags all the way. I only wish I would have bought them sooner. $$, but worth every penny if you gig, fine for Gibbys too!

 

[neastguy]

gig all the time with gigbags.. never have had mystery dings or damage from a gigbag.. in over 20 years.. I hate HATE hard cases.. ... put the gigbags in safe spot in the car and they are fine.. only one I have to use a hardcase on is my LP custom.. I'll even toss my hamers in a gigbag w/o issues....

not sure why you would need a hardcase if you don't gig....although.. I hang mine on the walls

 

[neastguy]

Mono gig bags all the way. I only wish I would have bought them sooner. $$, but worth every penny if you gig, fine for Gibbys too!

really want one of those double mono case.. so much money though

 

[C-4]

I tried gigbags and my guitars still got dinged up using them. I work 3+ nights per week, and carry my guitars in a Calton case, which I also use for a guitar stand. I have seen too many accidents occur using regular and even the high-teck guitar stands.

You cannot prevent drunks from falling into your gear unless you are constantly on stage, and even then sometimes it cannot be prevented. Also, prying hands from nosey people, who want to touch your gear while you are on break.

I feel safer this way, and the slight inconvenience is worth the peace of mind, rather then a piece of guitar.

 

[neastguy]

I tried gigbags and my guitars still got dinked up using them. I work 3+ nights per week, and carry my guitars in a Calton case, which I also use for a guitar stand. I have seen too many accidents occur using regular and even the high-teck guitar stands.

You cannot prevent drunks from falling into your gear unless you are constantly on stage, and even then sometimes it cannot be prevented. Also, prying hands from nosey people, who want to touch your gear while you are on break.

I feel safer this way, and the slight inconvenience is worth the peace of mind, rather then a piece of guitar.

I don't understand how a guitar gets dinged up in a gigbag?

 

[Seegs]

I haven't used a hard case...except to ship a guitar...in years...

My solid bodies get a Mono M80 and my hollow 330 gets a Harvest...


Chow,
Seegs

 

[buddyboy69]

When i gig i want one trip in one trip out. 2 guitars in gig bags over 1 shoulder, hot rod deville dragged on wheels with right hand and effect/cable bag over other shoulder. Done. Hard cases add too many trips.

 

[Average Joe]

Gigbags for the fender styles, but hardcase for the semi acoustics. I haven't found a bag that I trust for the latter.