TOP-QUALITY GIGBAGS
Six hard-working, hard-wearing gigbags to take on the road
REUNION BLUES CONTINENTAL VOYAGER ELECTRIC (£189)
Between the shock-absorbing, impactresistant Flexoskeleton, the internal bracing system, the reinforced locking neck block and the endpin protector pads, the bulletproof design of the Continental Voyager should foil even the most negligent baggage handler. Just as important, the hard-wearing Quadraweave exterior looks ice-cool, while there’s a Zero G handle that distributes the weight of your heftiest solidbody electric. www.reunionblues.co.uk
MONO M80 ELECTRIC VERTIGO (£189)
Despite its name, the Vertigo has nothing to fear when it comes to heights. Throw it from the van and the Headlock neck suspension system will cushion even the most waferthin SG neck join. Drop it vertically from on high and the insole/outsole protection absorbs and deflects the impact – it literally bounces off concrete. Just as appealing, while the Vertigo protects on a par with a hard case, it’s about 75 per cent lighter. It also has a cool diagonal hinge, which means you don’t need to squat to unzip it. www.monocreators.com
WOLFMEISTER LEO ($550/£435)
Expensive, yes. But the Wolfmeister Leo isn’t just another workaday gigbag: this canvas-and-leather combo is a talking point and objet d’art in its own right, backed up by serious protection. Five distinct layers of foam and rubber enclose your Stratstyle electric, acting like a car’s suspension and giving huge rigidity and strength. But don’t take our word for it – head to the Wolfmeister website and watch the firm’s founder attacking his creations with an actual hammer. www.thewolfmeister.com
GATOR G-PG ACOUSTIC PRO-GO (£99)
Acoustics are even more prone to breaks than their solid-bodied brethren, and while it’s not as sci-fi as some in this group, Gator’s G-PG bag has an exemplary record among its long-time users. You’ll find a padded interior with micro-fleece lining, plus an internal body block and adjustable neck cradle to soak up impacts. The nylon exterior is hard-wearing in its own right, but the bundle also includes a lightweight protective rain cover, ideal for busking over the winter months. www.gatorcases.com
EPIPHONE PREMIUM ELECTRIC GIGBAG (£39)
Don’t expect pro-level protection at this price point, but for rehearsals, one-off gigs and short tours in orderly vans, Epiphone’s no-nonsense case should keep your electric safe. The ballistic nylon outer feels roadtough, the heavy-duty carry handle balances the load nicely, and there’s a decent wad of protective foam within. Meanwhile, the generous dimensions are ideal for most Epiphone solidbodies – although you might want to fork out if you have a Gibson. www.epiphone.com
SCHECTER PRO SERIES DOUBLE GUITAR GIGBAG (£225)
A gigbag in each hand is no way to travel, but Schecter’s Double Gigbag could be the solution, fitting two electrics without skimping on protection. The rough stuff is handled by a heavy-duty nylon exterior, thick padded sidewalls plus neck and body support blocks, while the micro-fleece interior gives both your electrics a quick buff on the move. Plus, if you have to stand your case upright, the non-slip rubber feet stop damage to the guitar’s bottom edge. www.schecterguitars.com