The Reunion Blues bags are pretty great - the first version of what became the continental bag was a bit bulky but HUGELY protective. The latest version of the continental voyager bag is fantastic, I'm using for a vintage Gibson with total confidence. The neck area has a velco strap to keep the guitar in position, which can be a bit of a pain to use, but can't deny that the guitar is well protected with this system.
Couldn't agree more! I have one that I use for whatever custom shop Les Paul I'm using and another for my 335. So much more protection that the hardshell case.
There is places that repair suitcases, backpacks and leather goods. Sometimes the cobbler does this stuff. But you can take the cases and refresh the zippers, I have done this to an incase backpack from 2009 and I still use it today, the swapped zipper is going strong.
You're on to it. I got one with a John Mayer signature Strat, which I sold but kept the case to put my EJ Strat in. This was in 2008 and I still use it to this day. It's so good I gave a new Fender hard case away so I could keep it. It's starting to look a bit tattered in places but it's the best case I've ever owned.
Hey Justin. I have an “Access” brand case that is very similar to what you have. I bought this one for my jazz box and archtop because of the “hard” sides. Mine is very well made and nicely padded, really strong handles and sturdy zippers. I think I paid about 200 bucks formir several years ago from a local shop. E
Have you looked into Gator Bags? They're really sterdy with really thick, hard padding on the sides. I don't know if they are as sterdy as these, but they're also fairly cheap.
Your video with Brett Papa ("Creating Killer Guitar Parts") is one of the most informative vids on how to approach creating guitar parts for songs. Understanding the concepts you presented has opened up a whole new venue of playing for me. This is so much more valuable to learn than just note-for-note licks (though I have copied everything you did on that vid, LOL !!!) I recently purchased your new course "Tools for the Creative Guitarist" and it is just as informative. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
@@JustinOstrander I got different ones. The Reunion is the most slim and rigid one. Just feels great. Check it out, I think you will like it. But it needs to be the voyager 😀
Love the semi-ridgid cases, too. Another vote for Pro Go single and double. Also, I have a ProTec Contego case for one of my basses and it’s been fantastic for almost 20 years.
The Continental Voyager has hard plastic in it, including the sides. I use it for my dreadnought, it also fits a Guild x175 I have. Super protective, and less bulky than the mono bags.
I still have my Incase from the early 00's. It's beat and worn, and I lost the laptop bag (that slid in the "charts" pocket) a long time ago, but it's still a solid case. Nowadays, Reunion is a pretty comparable one, imho.
I use the Thomann Safe Case. Its made by a manufacturer called music area. After using the guitar softcase for a year or two i bought also the bass and acoustic case. They are heavy but really solid.
@@JustinOstrandermono actually replaced my 6 year old m80 double bag for free because the seams literally came apart. I’m glad they did that but like you say, cases should last longer.
I unfortunately was too late for the incase cases. I found a company that is called protec, they are pretty good and i love my protec guitar bag. Have been throwing it under the plane a couple of times and have used it every day for 6 years now. Great alternative in my opinion
I find a sturdy protective gig bag is essential. I never take a hard case to a gig anymore if I can help it. I can recommend the Gator Pro transport line of gig bags. Very similar to the Endcase (?) bags Justin describes. No affiliation with Gator. I just started using them a few years back and I like them.
i had one of those…it was awesome…i gave it to jazz guitar virtuoso carter arrington as a gift after we became friends in austin. He was gigging all the time and i wasnt and it just felt right for a real gigging musician to have it.
Reunion Blues Continental Voyager-- They advertised tossing these from roof-tops with the guitar safely inside(!) Been using a pair for the past 12 years for my basses-- and brother, they look much more stout than the "incase." They update them over the years... even have Les Paul specific models, dual-guitar models. They are worth your time checking out ;)
Finished your course and really enjoyed it. Even if you can't do a giveaway based on the course, it could be fun to review some of the parts people wrote for the backing tracks and give your feedback!
I’ve had a mono m80dual for years and years. Too many gigs and sessions to even count. I carried a R7 gold top in it for almost a decade along with either a tele or strat and that case is still as solid as the day I got it. I’ve never worried about my guitars in that case.
I remember many years ago a student had a John Mayer Strat and the incase. I was super impressed with the case. Guitar was ok. Closest I’ve found is the SKB (1SKB-SCFS6) which is a soft shell hard case, maybe of polystyrene or something with a gig bag outer. I have mono cases too and they’re good but the SKB is more solid and it’s cheap. But yeah, I wish Incase would make those - I’d be two straight away
Those cases remind me of Carvin/Kiesel guitar cases I've had before. Don't know who manufactures them for their guitars or if they do a double case. Cheers, Justin
The problem is that it is fairly well-known these are great cases and now that they are not made any longer - the price has gone through the roof. They are going from $300 - $500 on Reverb and they are over $400 for various types on eBay.
Man, I loved this phone, and could not agree more. Firstly - I HATE all the gear videos and tone chasing on TH-cam and the internet lol. I don't care what the latest variation on a tube screamer is, or if your modded Squier is as good as a custom shop - I would rather learn something that makes me a better guitar player or musician. That said, I have an inCase bag and it's amazing. It's held together over the years MUCH BETTER than the MONO case I own. I WISH I could find another one. I am jealousy you have three.
I have an Encase double electric bag. Ask the Encase folks what happened when Fender tried to get involved with them lol. That’s also a part of why they stopped the cases. Their first year at NAMM, everyone wanted their stuff!
Back when I was touring with McBryde I got an email from someone at Incase. This person was trying hard to revive it. Maybe there’s hope for the future? Or maybe Mono could make some improvements.
I've had a Mono dbl guitar bag for a while now. I sent the first one back for defects, now the second is blowing apart, and they basically said you're on your own! Should be better for the $!
Same exact story with me. They’ll replace it once when it fails prematurely, but when the replacement starts to go (also prematurely), you’re on your own.
@@JustinOstrander Thanks for bringing this to light. If you can find one that's 'worthy', please do a repeat video. I don't 'grab and go' near as much as you, but these things are tools that we need! Thx again!
Great review Justin! Any thoughts on what you would buy now that's currently produced? I have a MONO Vertigo for my bass. I think it's "OK", but have the same reservations as you. It's also heavy and $$$.
@@JustinOstrander Thanks! That looks like a great case. I live that they have a zippered cover that encloses the backpack straps. I don't always use those, and then they catch on things. The bulky thing is what bothers me as well. The Mono Steve rules on that count, but no protection...
Hey Justin - as always thanks for the content. I signed up for the course too, looking forward to diving into it. I have a side question - I was lucky enough to pick up a Sarge and I’m struggling with edge of breakup. It breaks up super easy. Did you change out tubes or anything with yours or is it still 100% factory? I want to live the amp - but it’s being stubborn.
I run it volume 10:30, Treble 1:30, Bass 9-10:00. It’s a low volume, low headroom amp. Like a 5E3. For what it’s worth, I don’t love the ones that I’ve noticed are running JJ EL84s. Mine has EHX.
@@JustinOstrander its got the EHX El84’s and 1 EHX 12ax7 - 1 Baldwin 12ax7 (kinda cool given the builder) I’ll play with it a little more. Thanks for the info - yours sounds killer on the tracks.
Ernie Ball MusicMan moved away from the big solid rectangular cases, to a moulded gig bag by mono. Take up a lot less room, and much more practical in my eyes.
My 2021 Shijie STE came in an awesome gig bag, just like the Incase. I know, it's Chinese, bring on the hate. But the guitar is amazing, and the bag also. Maybe look into them and see how good of an instrument they are. Hate the government, not the citizens.
I found that my brown paper bag is great, holds my guitar and my lunch! LOL, seems like someone would have picked up that ball and ran with it by now. Too bad, that’s an awesome case! Cases…
Justin, I have a mint condition Incase Tour bag that I am looking to sell. It has the rain shell and the hang strap. Let me know if you’re interested. Love your videos and your viewpoints.
I was coming from a jingle session here in NYC-they had just implemented the new double length busses w the accordion stretch middle,,(the bus took me right to my door), I'd leaned my rigid gigbag containing my 61 country western, the bus turned a corner, I heard a horrible creaking crushing sound-it was my case! I snatched it just in time! Case was fine, Gibson was fine! Had it been a soft gigbag, I'd be out $6k, so yeah, Justin! Absolutely!!!
The Reunion Blues bags are pretty great - the first version of what became the continental bag was a bit bulky but HUGELY protective. The latest version of the continental voyager bag is fantastic, I'm using for a vintage Gibson with total confidence. The neck area has a velco strap to keep the guitar in position, which can be a bit of a pain to use, but can't deny that the guitar is well protected with this system.
Couldn't agree more! I have one that I use for whatever custom shop Les Paul I'm using and another for my 335. So much more protection that the hardshell case.
There is places that repair suitcases, backpacks and leather goods. Sometimes the cobbler does this stuff. But you can take the cases and refresh the zippers, I have done this to an incase backpack from 2009 and I still use it today, the swapped zipper is going strong.
The Gator Pro-Go Series cases are very, very good. Worth a peep. 👀
You're on to it. I got one with a John Mayer signature Strat, which I sold but kept the case to put my EJ Strat in. This was in 2008 and I still use it to this day. It's so good I gave a new Fender hard case away so I could keep it. It's starting to look a bit tattered in places but it's the best case I've ever owned.
Hey Justin. I have an “Access” brand case that is very similar to what you have. I bought this one for my jazz box and archtop because of the “hard” sides. Mine is very well made and nicely padded, really strong handles and sturdy zippers. I think I paid about 200 bucks formir several years ago from a local shop. E
Hi Justin, Gator Pro-Go Series have worked for me, for electrics, acoustic and even classical guitars had travelled without issues.
Have you looked into Gator Bags? They're really sterdy with really thick, hard padding on the sides. I don't know if they are as sterdy as these, but they're also fairly cheap.
Your video with Brett Papa ("Creating Killer Guitar Parts") is one of the most informative vids on how to approach creating guitar parts for songs. Understanding the concepts you presented has opened up a whole new venue of playing for me. This is so much more valuable to learn than just note-for-note licks (though I have copied everything you did on that vid, LOL !!!) I recently purchased your new course "Tools for the Creative Guitarist" and it is just as informative. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.
Thanks a ton!
I would say that Reunion Blues Voyager click the boxes :-)
It is a soft shell case with straps. It’s probably pretty high quality. Seems a bit bulky though
I’d second that! Super sturdy cases.
I'm right there with you on the Reunion Blues stuff. They protect your guitar like no other, while still being light.
yes , the perfect case for a Gibson ... Mono cases work great for fender ....but I'm a big supporter on reunion
@@JustinOstrander I got different ones. The Reunion is the most slim and rigid one. Just feels great. Check it out, I think you will like it. But it needs to be the voyager 😀
Love the semi-ridgid cases, too. Another vote for Pro Go single and double. Also, I have a ProTec Contego case for one of my basses and it’s been fantastic for almost 20 years.
I had a 2007 incase double gig bag. Fantastic. I could fit a Les Paul and a Stratocaster. The best single gig bag I have now is a Gator Pro Go.
Am I the only one who prefers the standard hard cases? Keep in mind I’m not gigging every weekend.
I also prefer hard cases. Always have, probably always will.
For home use, I’m with ya for sure, but for traveling, nothing beats having a gig bag, that allows you to be hands free, and is far less fatiguing.
I have accepted the fact that I’m a “death before two trips” kind of guy whenever possible.
@@JustinOstrander Lol I hear ya
The Continental Voyager has hard plastic in it, including the sides. I use it for my dreadnought, it also fits a Guild x175 I have. Super protective, and less bulky than the mono bags.
I still have my Incase from the early 00's. It's beat and worn, and I lost the laptop bag (that slid in the "charts" pocket) a long time ago, but it's still a solid case. Nowadays, Reunion is a pretty comparable one, imho.
I use the Thomann Safe Case. Its made by a manufacturer called music area.
After using the guitar softcase for a year or two i bought also the bass and acoustic case.
They are heavy but really solid.
I have had pretty good luck with the mono cases.
My monos just don’t hold up over time. Granted, I use them every day. But these 20-year-old Incase bags are much more durable.
@@JustinOstrandermono actually replaced my 6 year old m80 double bag for free because the seams literally came apart. I’m glad they did that but like you say, cases should last longer.
Same here, i like the mono, looks great but the seams came apart very easily, and i hardly use mine.
I unfortunately was too late for the incase cases. I found a company that is called protec, they are pretty good and i love my protec guitar bag. Have been throwing it under the plane a couple of times and have used it every day for 6 years now. Great alternative in my opinion
My favorite cases….their semi cases are top tier. They charge premium prices, but worth it.
Fantastic. Could you do a video on how to do a fly date? Love this channel.
I find a sturdy protective gig bag is essential. I never take a hard case to a gig anymore if I can help it. I can recommend the Gator Pro transport line of gig bags. Very similar to the Endcase (?) bags Justin describes. No affiliation with Gator. I just started using them a few years back and I like them.
REunion Blues Voyager and Expedition...not the leather ones. They have an ABS flexoskeleton similar to your Incase.
I’ve got two! Got one back in the early 00’s and got my second from Reverb about 15 years ago. Indestructible!!!
Check out the Gator double it has that ridged thing your describing .also the inside is molded and has neck suppirt.
i had one of those…it was awesome…i gave it to jazz guitar virtuoso carter arrington as a gift after we became friends in austin. He was gigging all the time and i wasnt and it just felt right for a real gigging musician to have it.
Reunion Blues Continental Voyager-- They advertised tossing these from roof-tops with the guitar safely inside(!) Been using a pair for the past 12 years for my basses-- and brother, they look much more stout than the "incase." They update them over the years... even have Les Paul specific models, dual-guitar models. They are worth your time checking out ;)
Hello Justin ! You might want to checkout the Blues Reunion Expedition gig bags. Not cheap, but I think they’re pretty similar to these InCase bags…
Finished your course and really enjoyed it. Even if you can't do a giveaway based on the course, it could be fun to review some of the parts people wrote for the backing tracks and give your feedback!
Travelite had some nice model specific ones as well!
I’ve had a mono m80dual for years and years. Too many gigs and sessions to even count. I carried a R7 gold top in it for almost a decade along with either a tele or strat and that case is still as solid as the day I got it. I’ve never worried about my guitars in that case.
That Craigslist strategy is solid. Whenever I need something I always check CL first.
I remember many years ago a student had a John Mayer Strat and the incase. I was super impressed with the case. Guitar was ok.
Closest I’ve found is the SKB (1SKB-SCFS6) which is a soft shell hard case, maybe of polystyrene or something with a gig bag outer. I have mono cases too and they’re good but the SKB is more solid and it’s cheap. But yeah, I wish Incase would make those - I’d be two straight away
Have you had a chance to look at the Gator Icon series bag? I haven't, but understand it's a semi-rigid case.
I've been using the Gator G-PG for about five years, love that thing, enough place for big sheets of music.
I could be wrong but i think one of the Boss guitar cases is a semi rigid soft case. Only one guitar though. Boss CB EG 20.
Those cases remind me of Carvin/Kiesel guitar cases I've had before. Don't know who manufactures them for their guitars or if they do a double case. Cheers, Justin
My zippers are blown out too on my single bass Incase, but I have a double bass Incase that’s mint.
The problem is that it is fairly well-known these are great cases and now that they are not made any longer - the price has gone through the roof. They are going from $300 - $500 on Reverb and they are over $400 for various types on eBay.
Not sure about long term durability, but the Fender 1225 is pretty rigid for a soft case, and it's ok as a backback.
Man, I loved this phone, and could not agree more.
Firstly - I HATE all the gear videos and tone chasing on TH-cam and the internet lol. I don't care what the latest variation on a tube screamer is, or if your modded Squier is as good as a custom shop - I would rather learn something that makes me a better guitar player or musician.
That said, I have an inCase bag and it's amazing. It's held together over the years MUCH BETTER than the MONO case I own. I WISH I could find another one. I am jealousy you have three.
Protec makes a sleeper soft case, wish they made it in a double guitar format
Gator Transit Series isn’t too bad. Much bigger, denser foam padding, than other gig bags I’ve had
I have an Encase double electric bag. Ask the Encase folks what happened when Fender tried to get involved with them lol. That’s also a part of why they stopped the cases. Their first year at NAMM, everyone wanted their stuff!
I hear you - same problem here! Somebody PLEASE make a proper soft shell case! I'll keep looking...
I have four now. Two are still practically new, but I fear the day when they all fall apart.
Back when I was touring with McBryde I got an email from someone at Incase. This person was trying hard to revive it. Maybe there’s hope for the future? Or maybe Mono could make some improvements.
I bought a Sire Larry Carlton (L7) in Korea and this type of soft case was included
Yamaha acoustic soft cases are pretty good as well. Would like to know who's the manufacturer.
i got the course not through it all yet but I like it
I've had a Mono dbl guitar bag for a while now. I sent the first one back for defects, now the second is blowing apart, and they basically said you're on your own! Should be better for the $!
Same exact story with me. They’ll replace it once when it fails prematurely, but when the replacement starts to go (also prematurely), you’re on your own.
@@JustinOstrander Thanks for bringing this to light. If you can find one that's 'worthy', please do a repeat video. I don't 'grab and go' near as much as you, but these things are tools that we need! Thx again!
Yes,.. YEs,… YESSSS!!!! I have a jumbo acoustic! The very best! 👍🏼
Gator icon series is pretty nice I also like anthology leather bags
The gator Icon definitely has structure and they make a strat and les Paul version
Recommend HARVEST Gigbags. Not cheap but sturdy and excellent quality. Have one for archtops.
The Kiesel soft cases are really really good.
These are flat out the best. I have a double electric and a single electric that I bought 18 years ago. I wouldn’t sell them for anything.
Great review Justin! Any thoughts on what you would buy now that's currently produced? I have a MONO Vertigo for my bass. I think it's "OK", but have the same reservations as you. It's also heavy and $$$.
The Voyager from Reunion Blues is cool. They make quality stuff. Just seems a lot bigger and bulkier than the incase
@@JustinOstrander Thanks! That looks like a great case. I live that they have a zippered cover that encloses the backpack straps. I don't always use those, and then they catch on things. The bulky thing is what bothers me as well. The Mono Steve rules on that count, but no protection...
Bought the course...
Gator makes cases like that now
I like gator as well. I play bass and have just bought the double bass guitar case. Better value then mono
Those did not seem very high quality to me. Could be wrong!
@@JustinOstrandergator include a raincoat for your gig bag. Worth a look
Gator ProGo
@@JustinOstrander they have high quality models now, prefer it to any other gigbags these days
Hey Justin - as always thanks for the content. I signed up for the course too, looking forward to diving into it.
I have a side question - I was lucky enough to pick up a Sarge and I’m struggling with edge of breakup. It breaks up super easy. Did you change out tubes or anything with yours or is it still 100% factory?
I want to live the amp - but it’s being stubborn.
Also - I’m running a 1x12 cab - ET65
I run it volume 10:30, Treble 1:30, Bass 9-10:00. It’s a low volume, low headroom amp. Like a 5E3. For what it’s worth, I don’t love the ones that I’ve noticed are running JJ EL84s. Mine has EHX.
@@JustinOstrander its got the EHX El84’s and 1 EHX 12ax7 - 1 Baldwin 12ax7 (kinda cool given the builder)
I’ll play with it a little more.
Thanks for the info - yours sounds killer on the tracks.
Walker & Williams Premium cases are hard/soft gig bags. They’re great. Check them out too.
Sounds like you have an excellent business idea!
Give me a Mono case any day.
I have the tour bag that I have had for years....never sell it....best bag ever.
Ernie Ball MusicMan moved away from the big solid rectangular cases, to a moulded gig bag by mono. Take up a lot less room, and much more practical in my eyes.
My 2021 Shijie STE came in an awesome gig bag, just like the Incase. I know, it's Chinese, bring on the hate. But the guitar is amazing, and the bag also. Maybe look into them and see how good of an instrument they are. Hate the government, not the citizens.
Check out slickbags cases!
I found that my brown paper bag is great, holds my guitar and my lunch! LOL, seems like someone would have picked up that ball and ran with it by now. Too bad, that’s an awesome case! Cases…
Gibsons gig bags are pretty good now fwiw, but totally agree incase were top notch
Justin, I have a mint condition Incase Tour bag that I am looking to sell. It has the rain shell and the hang strap. Let me know if you’re interested. Love your videos and your viewpoints.
Mine has the rain shell as well. Put it on Reverb for $400. Bet it goes quick.
Justin could use cereal boxes as a guitar case because he simply respects the guitar as an instrument. Kudos
I would never! 😆
A seamstress can fix that zipper.
I was coming from a jingle session here in NYC-they had just implemented the new double length busses w the accordion stretch middle,,(the bus took me right to my door), I'd leaned my rigid gigbag containing my 61 country western, the bus turned a corner, I heard a horrible creaking crushing sound-it was my case! I snatched it just in time! Case was fine, Gibson was fine! Had it been a soft gigbag, I'd be out $6k, so yeah, Justin! Absolutely!!!
Anthology leather bag is expensive but the only thing I’ll put my 57 Strat in
SKB bags work well for me, but don’t gig
Gator Ikon. Closest thing out there today. And very reasonable money.
Agreed. Either that or the progo. But the Gator icon has the rigid frame in the gig bag.