I think the key to using a gig bag is to not trust it. Once you get past trusting it to protect the instrument, they can be quite handy.
I really wish the body glove bag would fit my bass, but it's something like 51 inches from point to point and almost 15 inches wide, if memory serves. I would measure it again to confirm, but it's safely parked in the case right now..
My Hofner rides in a gig bag, on my back and/or on the rack of the KLR, but it weighs something like 4 pounds, is small and can be replaced.
John