Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: Mlazarus on July 22, 2022, 11:28:52 PM

Title: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 22, 2022, 11:28:52 PM
As you know the series 1 case is very heavy and unbalanced to carry, although it protects the bass well. I do want to get a solid/sturdy gig bag that fits the length of this bass (49in x 14 in x 21/2). Big bass needs a big case. The ROADRUNNER HIGHWAY PREMIUM case is well built, but the series 1 does not fit! The MONO case is too small as well. Perhaps, there is a custom shop that can build the case--Very expensive. I do want one because i can carry it like a backpack and walk for miles. Sure i can, in the Army(early 20s) i used to carry the Radio, batteries etc....that was at least 80lbs on my back!  LOL.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: senmen on July 23, 2022, 04:25:37 AM
Michael,


have a look at the Harvest Leather ones. 
One of the best around. 


http://www.harvest-guitar.com/en/home/ (http://www.harvest-guitar.com/en/home/)


Greetz
Oliver (Spyderman)

Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: edwardofhuncote on July 23, 2022, 04:28:06 AM
These came up a while back. https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=26537.msg270946#msg270946
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 24, 2022, 11:34:27 AM
All the bags I've seen online have dimensions that fall short of the series 1 length by over an inch. My 82' series 1 is about 48.75-49 inches in length. Every bag that was suggested is only 47in. Also, the bass with is about 14.25. that a huge bass.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: lbpesq on July 24, 2022, 11:50:51 AM
Body Glove used to make a hard-sided hybrid bass bag that measured, interior, 50" x 16.25".   I have one I use for my '77 Series 1 LSG 12 String.   A great bag if you can find one.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: edwardofhuncote on July 24, 2022, 12:38:32 PM
I have a gigbag made by Axcess my Alembics will fit in it lengthwise and width. I've had both Series I and my Custom fretless built on an 20th Anniversary Omega body in it. But it's such a terrible idea that I just don't do it. I can still lug a case from the house to the car to the gig. Much rather that, than the phone call of great sadness to the Head Elf.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 24, 2022, 03:14:44 PM
i hear you edwardofhuncote. The hard case is always the safest. Too bad Road runner/Highway hard case isn't large enough. It's really a sturdy case with shoulder straps. I want the shoulder straps.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: rv_bass on July 24, 2022, 04:07:35 PM


Reunion Blues makes a couple that are internal length 48.5”

https://reunionblues.com/collections/bass

You might be able to squeeze it in there
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: fivestringdan on July 24, 2022, 05:13:53 PM


Reunion Blues makes a couple that are internal length 48.5”

https://reunionblues.com/collections/bass

You might be able to squeeze it in there

My Series I fits in my RB Continental perfectly. DS-5, cable and all.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 24, 2022, 07:07:59 PM
wow the series 1 will just make the fit! snug 48.5 inches. The heavy hard shell is good for planes and underneath packing though.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: goran on July 25, 2022, 09:42:58 AM
For my series 1 I use Gigblade 2, but I think they don't make them anymore
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 03:27:39 PM
The RoadRunner Highway Premium Bag is sturdy. The Series 1 fits snug.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 03:38:53 PM
I don't know why the picture won't load. It's under 500kb. I loaded larger pics before.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 04:40:44 PM
Try again with picture. Only 176kb!
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: StephenR on July 26, 2022, 05:03:28 PM
Nice looking gig bag. Is the bottom reinforced in any way like the Mono bag is with the rubber boot?
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 06:30:50 PM
Yes, i believe the bottom is the rubber seal. Also, the middle layer has nice compartments
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 06:31:59 PM
yes, i believe it has the rubber boot.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 06:32:42 PM
yes, it has a rubber lining on bottom.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 26, 2022, 06:52:50 PM
yes, looks like it.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: StephenR on July 26, 2022, 07:06:07 PM
Thanks for posting the pictures, great that this one works for you! I like the way this gig bag opens better than my Mono Vertigo but the Mono has a really thick rubber piece reinforcing the bottom. That is the primary reason I am willing to use it for my Omega cut Series bass. Bass is 48" long and a snug fit in the Mono bag.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 27, 2022, 12:47:36 AM
Oh yeah, the Omega needs a cushion, since the tips can break. My bass has the point. Also, the RoadRunner has a nice thick cushion for the bottom. That should help protect the omega.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: goran on July 28, 2022, 02:45:24 PM
This is what I use as gigbag:

Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: goran on July 28, 2022, 02:47:36 PM
And this is the case if I get out of the city

Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 28, 2022, 03:39:10 PM
Goran, what are the names of the two cases?
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 28, 2022, 03:47:20 PM
The Gigblade for bass is unavailable right now at Amazon.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 28, 2022, 09:40:53 PM
What is the name of the case for out of the city(hard shell)?
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: jazzyvee on July 28, 2022, 11:09:36 PM
Here is the thread regarding Goran's hard shell case 
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24051.msg240759#msg240759
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: goran on July 28, 2022, 11:28:52 PM
Thanks Jazzy.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 29, 2022, 02:06:30 AM
https://www.calton-cases.com/shop/bass-guitar-cases/alembic-guitars-bass/

    Very expensive! $2000.00
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: StephenR on July 29, 2022, 10:22:55 AM
https://www.calton-cases.com/shop/bass-guitar-cases/alembic-guitars-bass/
    Very expensive! $2000.00

Just got off the phone with Calton. Was thinking of ordering a case as a gift to myself for my upcoming birthday. Unfortunately they don't currently make a case that will fit my Balance K Series bass. If anyone is considering a Calton for their Alembic the maximum length they can currently build is 46 1/2". This may have already been mentioned here but they are working on a rectangular style case to offer for Alembic instruments that don't fit the current style. Case will be more like a flight case and include wheels to help deal with the weight. That means this may not be a good case option for me. I already have a flight case with wheels and it is way too heavy for me to take out of the house and difficult to fit in my car. Living in an earthquake zone, though, I am glad my bass is securely stored when at home.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: lbpesq on July 29, 2022, 11:20:00 AM
I have two Calton cases, one custom made for my Further and one for my Martin D-28.  I bought them more than 10 years ago, when Calton was still in Canada.  If they are making them essentially the same way, I believe there are better options.  The Calton cases are quite heavy.  I have since obtained a Hoffee carbon fiber case.  It is supposed to be just as protective as the Caltons, but at far less weight.  I don't know if Hoffee will make one long enough for an Alembic bass, but it is worth checking out.  I believe there is another company or two out there that is doing carbon fiber cases.  I'd look there instead of fiberglass like Calton.

Bill,tgo
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: mica on July 29, 2022, 12:36:03 PM
Do you know if your Hoffee case is ATA approved? The Caltons are not.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: lbpesq on July 29, 2022, 01:53:23 PM
Interesting.  Given how strong my Catton cases are, I would suspect the lack of ATA approval stems from the lack of TSA locks.  If the airline apes are rough enough to damage a Calton case, they will be able to damage anything, so I assume it's the latches.    Hoffee allows you to upgrade to twist latches that allow you to use a separate TSA approved small padlock.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 29, 2022, 08:39:46 PM
Watch this!


Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 30, 2022, 10:45:36 AM
 Gator 76-Note Keyboard Case W/ Wheels

https://www.gatorcases.com/products/keyboard/tsa-ata-keyboard-cases/tsa-keyboard/76-note-keyboard-case-w-wheels-gtsa-key76/

the length is 51 in length and 18 wide.

This can be a great alternative. Has wheels.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on July 30, 2022, 12:13:58 PM
I just weighed my bass today with standard case. 31lbs. without DS5 and cables. The 82' series 1 weighed in at 9lbs. Wow I thought some series 1s are as heavy as 11lbs. Is that true?
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: adriaan on July 30, 2022, 01:38:14 PM
I just weighed my bass today with standard case. 31lbs. without DS5 and cables. The 82' series 1 weighed in at 9lbs. Wow I thought some series 1s are as heavy as 11lbs. Is that true?
Stuff adds up, so they tend not to be lightweight. The SII 6 string in my avatar is a little over 14 lbs. When I held the shipping box with the bass in the case inside it, it was actually less than I was expecting.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 02, 2022, 01:12:30 AM
So, I went to a hardware store and bought the heavy-duty Scotch 20ft Velcrow strips. Very strong and waterproof. Notice i made 6 strips and connected them to the Standard Series 1 bass case. All you do is pull the top strips over the top and press in place. I tested them by keeping the metal latches open while the Velcro straps are secured. Sturdy. That case will not open at all. Full security. Does not peel off. I made loops for the top strap to easily pull off or reconnect. Take a look at both pictures. Just a little ingenuity.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on August 04, 2022, 08:50:37 AM
Interesting.  Given how strong my Catton cases are, I would suspect the lack of ATA approval stems from the lack of TSA locks.  If the airline apes are rough enough to damage a Calton case, they will be able to damage anything, so I assume it's the latches.    Hoffee allows you to upgrade to twist latches that allow you to use a separate TSA approved small padlock.

Bill, tgo

When I went back to college in (well, a bit after...) mid-life, I drove weekends for a freight forwarder, hauling stuff in & out of O'Hare.  I once saw a pallet of band gear all shrink-wrapped together; one the of the pieces they chose to put on the side - outside the flight cases, amp racks, etc. - was an acoustic guitar in a Calton.  And it was incoming freight; it had already done a trans-Atlantic flight in one piece. I was impressed.


Peter (who will not bother with his usual gig-bag rants, as you all know how he feels by now......)
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: lbpesq on August 04, 2022, 10:42:24 AM
Here's an interesting guitar case I've never seen befoe. The acoustic version is today's Musician's Friend Stupid Deal of the Day.  It does look quite protective and unique.

Bill, tgo

https://enkiusa.com/products/enki-amg-2gc (https://enkiusa.com/products/enki-amg-2gc)
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on August 04, 2022, 01:38:02 PM
Here's an interesting guitar case I've never seen befoe. The acoustic version is today's Musician's Friend Stupid Deal of the Day.  It does look quite protective and unique.

Bill, tgo

https://enkiusa.com/products/enki-amg-2gc (https://enkiusa.com/products/enki-amg-2gc)

A few years ago I was seeing a lot of ads/press for a series of cases by SBK that looked kind of like that, but purported to be waterproof as well; they also had wheels & were stackable, so you could several instruments at once. I was afraid to check the price......

Peter
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: fivestringdan on August 05, 2022, 02:06:01 PM
Here are some pictures of my long scale series I in the reunion blues bag.

(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/img_20220805_154319872-jpg.4772976/)
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/img_20220805_154324177-jpg.4772975/)
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/img_20220805_154327703-jpg.4772974/)
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 05, 2022, 03:59:41 PM
fivestringdan, what year is your series 1? It looks identical to my 82' series 1.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: fivestringdan on August 06, 2022, 09:03:01 AM
fivestringdan, what year is your series 1? It looks identical to my 82' series 1.


It's a 77.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 06, 2022, 01:32:53 PM
Your truss rod plate is wider, and you have the Alembic logo on the pickup. My 82' does not.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 06, 2022, 05:51:24 PM
fivestringdan, what type of wood is on the front? Mine is Walnut.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: fivestringdan on August 06, 2022, 06:29:45 PM
Your truss rod plate is wider, and you have the Alembic logo on the pickup. My 82' does not.

The bridge pickup was replaced with a new one. Front and back are Shedua.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 06, 2022, 09:33:03 PM
Nicw wood selection. Back to the gig bags. I'm thinking of getting a hard-shell Gator 76 key keyboard TSA approved case for the series 1. I'll have someone cut the cusion shape for the interior.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on August 06, 2022, 09:56:46 PM
Nicw wood selection. Back to the gig bags. I'm thinking of getting a hard-shell Gator 76 key keyboard TSA approved case for the series 1. I'll have someone cut the cusion shape for the interior.

If it' worth playing, it's worth a high-quality, made-to-fit-it, honest-to-god hardcase!

Peter
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 15, 2022, 10:24:38 PM
That's right Cosmic-Cowboy. A hard shell fitted case is best for it. AND don't let any idiots talk you into borrowing your bass. Too much stress and many won't care.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: hankster on August 18, 2022, 06:28:03 PM
Calton makes Alembic series 1 cases to order. I don’t have one, as I don’t travel with my bass to any degree any more, but my brother routinely travels across Canada and to Nashville and Texas by air with his instruments - custom high-end resonators and the like - with no issues at all. They’re pricey but maybe preferable to the keyboard case option.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: StephenR on August 18, 2022, 07:43:20 PM
I called Calton at the end of July after reading this thread. They couldn’t make a case for my Balance K body Series bass at that time. Sounded like the cases are heavy and they were working to design an option for Alembic basses with wider bodies and longer necks that would address that issue. There may be options for some Alembic instruments. Worth calling and asking.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 18, 2022, 08:10:49 PM
I'll stay in touch with Calton. If there are enough Alembic series players interested, maybe they will make the cases. Special order of course.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: alloy70 on August 29, 2022, 11:01:49 AM
The original mono or dual mono gig bag will fit any Alembic like a glove.I currently have both my series 1 and series 2  basses in the mono dual bass gig bag and it's perfect.my series 2 is the large standard point body and both basses fit perfectly.The other mono bags are too small and your bass won't fit.It has to be the mono single bass gig bag or the dual bass gig bag.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: Mlazarus on August 29, 2022, 03:28:56 PM
the RoadRunner Highway bass case is a semi solid. The sides are very firm with a softer top, but it protects the bass well.
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: edwin on September 01, 2022, 07:11:30 PM

https://www.calton-cases.com/shop/bass-guitar-cases/alembic-guitars-bass/


    Very expensive! $2000.00


I have a custom Calton for my Starfire. It was only $550 when I got it in 2008. Fantastic case. Indestructible. Although the guy who did the initial measurements at the Olde Town Picking Parlor totally screwed it up. It was only because I remeasured it myself and intervened that it fit. Exactly perfectly.


Mostly it lives in a custom Glenn Cronkite gig bag (founder of Reunion Blues). He was making the best gig bags in the most diverse varieties before he retired. His name lives on with a company in Minnesota, but they don't do all the custom work he did.

Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: lbpesq on September 01, 2022, 10:16:11 PM
I love the way the Calton hugs the angle of the headstock.  I have the same feature on the Calton I had made for my Further.  It’s incredibly protective, but a bit hefty in the weight department.  I prefer my much lighter Hoffee carbon fiber case.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Gig bags
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 02, 2022, 05:26:51 AM
The Calton I had #78-1116 in was superb protection. Like Bill says though, hefty.