Is there an affordable alto trombone gig bag out there?

[harrisonreed]

I am interested in a gig bag that could hold a Conn 36H. Not a tenor bag or a double bag. And not the Cronkhit bag -- waay too expensive. Is anyone aware of a basic alto sized gig bag?

[Matt K]

:O Wow I'm glad I got my Cronkhite before he retired. I think I paid $220 for mine. I think the best option that will fit an alto (which is to say, does not satisfy the requirements specifically) is the protec "explorer series" gig bag. I picked up one of the larger platinum series recently and I really dig it, actually. We'll see how long it holds up. But it's way too big for me to want to use it for an alto. The explorer seems compact enough that it would at least be functional (and is like 25% the price of the current Cronkhite!)

I'd be interested to hear if someone knows of something else for sure though.

[harrisonreed]

Apparently somebody is still making Cronkhite bags because Hickeys just got a new shipment in. I currently use a Ritter bag from 17 years ago for the very rare occasion that I need one for my tenor, and I have no complaints. I would love something cheap like that that could hold an alto, be slung on a shoulder, and keep the instrument from moving and hurting itself while I am on foot. Honestly, the only time I use a gig bag is when I've flown with my horns in The Tank case. That thing is too big to use as a case once I've arrived, and a gig bag can be checked full of clothes like a duffle bag, and thus pull double duty.

People talk about protection like that is what gig bags are for, but no, that's what a case is for. I could care less about a gig bags ability to withstand a fall, and that is why they are often so dang expensive. Totally not what I need, when I'd rather use a case 99% of the time.

[Matt K]

Glenn sold the rights to... Torpedo! (Corrected), who now operates the lines independently from what I can tell.

I will say that I absolutely love the Cronkhite case for that reason. It's super convenient. Although in hindsight, I half wish I would have gotten the small tenor gig bag because it isn't that much larger and I could use it for tenor too since I really like it as a "get the horn from point a to point b" if I'm not carrying anything else.

[harrisonreed]

Also I am aware of the Gard alto bag... but it's $200. Nope!

[BGuttman]

At one time Quinn the Eskimo had an alto trombone gig bag on Ebay for $70. I suspect it was a one-off.

Meanwhile I have mine in one of those awful $20 bags that have no protection whatsoever. Not good for Matt because the shoulder straps are awful as well. I improved the protection by putting some corrugated board in the slide section and found a cheap bag for mouthpieces. Not a great solution but it works for me.

[jthomas105]

Cronkhite bag rights and designs were sold to and now made by Torpedo bags.

https://torpedobags.com/product-categor ... bone-bags/

[Mrgrzesk]

Protec propac bag for mine. 279- on Amazon. Quality is great.

[harrisonreed]

Yikes. 279....

Gucci should get into this business. I just got the "mute bag from hell" and that is more of what I'm talking about for price vs. functionality.

it's really too bad Ritter only has tenor and bass cases.

[bcschipper]

I think I paid EUR 120 for a Gard Alto gig bag. Pretty good. Putting in the trombone could be easier but I don't really have a comparison to other gig backs. They are well made.

[CalgaryTbone]

Is the Woodwind & Brasswind still in business? I had an inexpensive alto gig bag from them that was pretty well-made and protective. I used it with a Conn 34H, so I'm pretty sure that it would work with the 36H (the difference is no B flat attachment vs. with one).

Jim Scott

[MTbassbone]

I had a 36H for quite a while. I put a handle on the side of the case so I could carry in a vertical orientation. I felt that was easiest, and cheapest. If you have a pop rivet tool you probably could just add the handle yourself. If you don't then either buy one or have a tech do it. Yes the Cronkhite bag is a bit of money, but consider what you get compared to other trombone gig bags. On Facebook they seem to advertise a sale very frequently. Personally, if you want a gig bag I wouldn't consider anything else.

[doctortrombone]

There's an AMR on eBay right now that looks nice.

[Schlitz]

.

[harrisonreed]

Messina covers? Anyone? Bueller?

何?

[doctortrombone]

Messina covers? Anyone? Bueller?

He did a pretty good cover of "Wake up Little Suzy" when he was singing with Loggins.

[Schlitz]

.

[DougHulme]

Gewa make a nice bag heres one on ebay now (or am I not supposed to paste links?)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gewa-Custodi ... 2510779473

Doug

[BGuttman]

...(or am I not supposed to paste links?)

,,,

Of course you can paste links. Looks really nice. Wonder how expensive it would be shipped to the US.

[sungfw]

...(or am I not supposed to paste links?)

,,,

Of course you can paste links. Looks really nice. Wonder how expensive it would be shipped to the US.

€50.

[harrisonreed]

Are there any US Gewa dealers?

[sungfw]

Looks like they sell directly through Amazon, though the alto case isn't listed.

Maybe an email info(at)gewamusic.com to ask about US distributors/dealers?

[pedrombon]

I own a Precieux alto gig bag in black leather and it's great. Protective, well built, compact, also beautiful and elegant. I think I bought it at Thomann Germany, but it seems that it is not available.