TubaForum.net

bloke wrote: ↑Sat Apr 16, 2022 3:18 pm I see people putting their bells on the floor, dropping their top-loading bags over them, flipping the bag-and-tuba over (requiring particular care, but - then again - what doesn't require being careful?), and then fastening the top...

I tried this a couple of times with the Hagen, and it's more of a PIA than simply lifting the beast and putting it into the upright bag. A side-loader might be much easier to get into the bag, but I would have to bend over with the tuba to load it, and at this age and circumference, I'd rather lift straight up than bend over to the ground.

So... I have top-loaders. Hey, I like my Miraphone bags just fine, I have owned a number of them, and I like their design, construction, and performance, but most of all, I like the PRICE, especially when compared to the others that are 3X-4X the cost. I can't imagine the Rudy being any more of a b*tch to lift up and top load than the Hagen, so if you like top-loaders, and you're not too much of a wuss to lift 25-30lbs that high, get the top-loader. You're a young guy - you'll be able to lift the Rudy for as long as you own it. You already want a top-loader, so quit being wishy-washy and get it. If the $800-1500 price tag on a new high quality bag doesn't scare you off, then you need to get exactly what you want. If you like cordura, get it. If you like leather, get it. Get some wild-assed colors, or get a safe, unassuming color (nod to bloke). And if you really like Gotz, call Bob Tucci and order one.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

not a snoot-poot post, because all of the orchestras - which hire me to work with them - are only $XXXX/yr. orchestras:
(ie. I'm quite aware that I'm rank-and-file, NOT a Holton Artiste, and - being a tuba player - encounter the lowest requirements (of anyone in the orchestra) regarding properly executing musical passages.

There is an advantage, isn't there...??, to rehearsing on a stage, whereby there are sturdy tables sitting backstage - on which to open-and-close cases/bags (as - virtually all other musicians' cases are "clam-shell" style).

I do like @greenbean’s design wherein I can load it either way and I still have a solid bottom that mitigates my fear of broken (or more likely - forgetfulness of closing) zippers.

bloke wrote: ↑Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:27 am not a snoot-poot post, because all of the orchestras - which hire me to work with them - are only $XXXX/yr. orchestras:
(ie. I'm quite aware that I'm rank-and-file, NOT a Holton Artiste, and - being a tuba player - encounter the lowest requirements (of anyone in the orchestra) regarding properly executing musical passages.

There is an advantage, isn't there...??, to rehearsing on a stage, whereby there are sturdy tables sitting backstage - on which to open-and-close cases/bags (as - virtually all other musicians' cases are "clam-shell" style).

When one is afforded tables, of course.

Doc (not even rank-and-file these says)

Is the Altieri in good shape? If it's in serviceable condition, use that.

I have both a cordura Cronkite and an Altieri for my 5/4 RM CC. I like both, but prefer the Altieri. I go through phases where I use one or the other. The Cronkite is a better case, but the Altieri has significantly better straps, handles, and pockets.

cjk wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 10:32 am Is the Altieri in good shape? If it's in serviceable condition, use that.

It's in great shape, no concerns there. I agree that it's just fine to use for now... but I find the design awkward (drawstring gets caught on everything) and the open-bell design isn't my favorite. I have the cap, but as I have before, I just tossed it into storage. Better than no gig bag, that's for sure!

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:49 pm

cjk wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 10:32 am Is the Altieri in good shape? If it's in serviceable condition, use that.

It's in great shape, no concerns there. I agree that it's just fine to use for now... but I find the design awkward (drawstring gets caught on everything) and the open-bell design isn't my favorite. I have the cap, but as I have before, I just tossed it into storage. Better than no gig bag, that's for sure!

Large Cronkites appear to me to just be scaled up versions of small Cronkites. When they scaled up the design to make a 6/4 tuba bag, that meant that the bottom bow is so low that it bonks you in the back of the thighs when using the backpack straps. Altieri bags didn't have this problem.

cjk wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 1:35 pm

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 12:49 pm

cjk wrote: ↑Wed Apr 20, 2022 10:32 am Is the Altieri in good shape? If it's in serviceable condition, use that.

It's in great shape, no concerns there. I agree that it's just fine to use for now... but I find the design awkward (drawstring gets caught on everything) and the open-bell design isn't my favorite. I have the cap, but as I have before, I just tossed it into storage. Better than no gig bag, that's for sure!

Large Cronkites appear to me to just be scaled up versions of small Cronkites. When they scaled up the design to make a 6/4 tuba bag, that meant that the bottom bow is so low that it bonks you in the back of the thighs when using the backpack straps. Altieri bags didn't have this problem.

So you've just reminded me of the Marzan tuba that I had, for which I bought a Cronkite bag -- not a 6/4, but a big-enough tuba. Walking through NYC with that bag was an absolute chore, for the exact reasons you mentioned.

Alteiri is more comfortable in that regard. I've had a few before, and agree that is kinda nice.

I do like Gotz the best overall, and frankly, that Superfine top-loader prototype that I bought from Tom was a VERY nice bag, and I wish they would have made more of them. But, I also understand how inefficient and difficult it was to make, so it didn't make sense to scale up production that way.

Dragging my feet intentionally for a few reasons ($ needs to be spent elsewhere for non-tuba stuff ATM...) but I'll be ready to buy soon. That FMB bag could definitely be an option too, and considering it... but the svelte Gotz just keeps bringing me back.

@bort2.0

A chair assistant makes for an easy top loading of the beast:

^^^
I flip my top over the back of the chair.

The maneuver is OK with my Mack 422 but was BRUTAL with the 210.

.

tofu wrote: ↑Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:04 pm

Doc wrote: ↑Fri Apr 22, 2022 12:46 pm @bort2.0

A chair assistant makes for an easy top loading of the beast:


6310CB28-4984-4B1D-A8CB-D0E66F84C291.jpeg

How much give would you say is in the top of a new Miraphone bag? Or put another way - how much taller than the stated Miraphone length could one reasonably expect?

The bag for the Hagen is a snug fit - not much room to stretch out. Maybe an inch? I don’t know if Miraphone makes bags tall enough for the Rudy. How tall is it again?

I love the 'Soundline' branded bag I have for my B&F kaiser! (distributed by FMB)
I'm biking to band rehearsals with the BBb kaisertuba on my back and it is excellent for that purpose.
It is a top loader which I need to keep in mind with a tall tuba and low ceilings...