Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: amy71 on May 01, 2016, 11:48:21 AM
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I was curious if anyone used a gig bag for their full size Taylor's? I really am worried about scratching or messing up this guitar, but taking the case to lessons is so cumbersome. I miss my big baby gig bag! Can anyone recommend a gig bag or is it just not a good idea? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never had a guitar before, let alone one this nice. That case is heavy!!
Thanks!
Amy
Taylor 810 2015
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Taylor actually sells gig bags for all of their models. I would just be a little more careful using one.....like don't throw it in the back seat. As long as you are diligent in using it, you shouldn't have any problems.
Here's the link: https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/bags/gig-bag-tan
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The basic gig bag linked above is fine, but I prefer the "hard bag" here: https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/bags/taylor-hard-bag
It costs more than the basic bag, but is very protective and includes a neck support. As I understand it this gig bag is made for Taylor by Access, and the comparable Stage 3 bag is available at the same price from Elderly Instruments. http://www.elderly.com/accessories/cases-gigbags/guitar-cases-gigbags/access-stage-three-hb-guitar-gigbag-94730.htm
I'm also a fan of the TRIC cases, with the nylon outer cover (adds backpack straps and accessory pockets). http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/godin-tric-multiac-steel-ambiance-spectrum-deluxe-guitar-case
Just yesterday I used an old but thickly padded gig bag for my GS koa for a jam session, instead of the heavy brown alligator factory case. I got it from Musician's Friend as a store brand bag years ago, but don't know if they still have a comparable one anymore. I have not tried it, but I'm not sure if the GS will fit into the standard Taylor hard bag. Guess I'd better go try it and see for sure.
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I was curious if anyone used a gig bag for their full size Taylor's? I really am worried about scratching or messing up this guitar, but taking the case to lessons is so cumbersome. I miss my big baby gig bag! Can anyone recommend a gig bag or is it just not a good idea? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never had a guitar before, let alone one this nice. That case is heavy!!
Thanks!
Amy
Taylor 810 2015
I'm a huge fan of Mono Cases, and take one every summer to guitar camp in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, I'd say about 15 people have bought them after seeing mine at camp. They provide much more padding than typical gig bags and give you storage for portable stands, tuners, music, and other tchotchkes. You can find them here: http://monocreators.com Yes, they're pricy, but when you're hauling around a multi-thousand-dollar guitar, it's worth every penny to have piece of mind.
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Yikes! They are expensive. I think the best thing would be to to get the taylor with the neck support...or buy a used big baby taylor that comes with a bag! Lol. Thanks for the advice. :)
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OK, I took a few minutes and dropped my GS (16-1/4" lower bout width) into the Taylor hard bag, which is officially listed for GA's and dreadnoughts with 16" lower bouts. It worked fine, but there was just a slight extra bit of resistance as the zipper passed the widest part of the guitar. It did not seem like anything to really worry about.
One advantage is most Taylor dealers should have one in stock to examine and try out. They are also cheaper than the Mono, Boulder Creek, Reunion Blues, and Blue Heron bags -- all excellent gig bags, but pricey. One other thing to note: the zipper lets out a lot of moisture (but the foam doesn't) so if you are storing the guitar for longer periods and also humidifying, the original hard case will be superior. I have to re-wet the sponges in the gig bag at least twice as often as compared to hard cases. I tend to use the hard cases for storage at home and the gig bags for transport to festivals, jams, around guitar camps, etc.
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Hi Amy,
Plus one on the Taylor hardbag here. I have had it about a year and used it primarily for my 314ce and it works great for your intended purpose of heading to lessons. Should fit your 810 great as it is designed for it.
I wouldn't be crazy about checking it on an airline in that bag, but to carry around in cars/trains/buses etc...it is a nice and cost effective choice.
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I found the Access Stage One gig bag to be of the same quality and protection as the Taylor hard gig bag. It was just a little more than half the price. Lots of local music stores in my area were listed as dealers so the same might be true for you. I found the bag for a dreadnaught fit my GS8 just fine. It doesn't have a neck support in it, but I contacted the company (http://www.carryaccess.com/) and I was able to buy one for around ten bucks. The neck support velcros in place and is from the Stage Three bag which is a little sturdier, has more zippered pockets, and costs more. I have an older Stage Three for my 712. I use both bags whenever I travel by car. I have had no problems with protecting my guitars.
Just my experience,
Greg
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I will echo that the Taylor "hard bag" is a good choice for light protection and careful getting around. I would never, ever consider a cheaper "gig bag" for an acoustic as it's just far too easy to damage an acoustic. And you do, indeed, have a very nice one! But these Taylor hard bags are pretty good.
Another very cost-effective option is a Gator hard bag (which I own and really like) that has truly stiff sides, top and back. It is likewise very light (it's still a nylon bag with seriously rigid inserts), and offers much better protection than the Taylor bag, IMHO ...though the backpack straps aren't as nice as the Taylor's. Check this out:
http://www.gatorcases.com/p/16117-1562/gl-dread-12
I own the 6-string version, which I think they dropped for the 12-string version. Personally, I think the 12 is better as the top of my headstock goes right to the top of the case, which I think Gator figured out so they retained the 12 version to give you that space cushion. And these Gators have the best neck protection (in its price range) for an acoustic gigbag I have ever seen.
But if/when you want to get serious about gig-bag and protection, you cannot beat Mono (or Reunion Blues which I have no personal experience with but only hear universal praise for). My mono bags (for electric, as I have the Gator for the acoustic) are seriously tough bags ...a hem, with a pricetag to prove it. But for light use, I will be the first to admit the Mono may be overkill for what many need. BTW, not at all a dumb question! Glad to have you aboard! :D
Edward
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Amy, I should mention that I use the Access stage 1 for my Rainsong and the quality is great, but I think maybe not quite as thick of foam protection as the Taylor? I think the stage 3 has the same foam protection but lots more pockets. I too got the neck support from Access to add to the stage 1. I think the stage 1 is also adequate for the trip to a lesson.
Quick history, Access built the "Tayor" bags until Taylor took it in house. My GS Mini hard bag has a Access label as does my hard case for my 2004 314ce. I think you would find the build quality great on whichever one you went with. I called Access directly as there were none near me and they were great, but I was able to grab the Taylor bag at my favorite Taylor dealer with no shipping.
I didn't see you were new hear, welcome
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My understanding is that the standard Taylor gig bag and Big Baby gig bag are basically the Access Stage 1, and the hard bag is the Access Stage 3 - thicker padding, a semi-hard shell liner on the front / back, plus the neck support. Stage 3 / hard bag also has better pockets that zip shut, rather than the Velcro flap style in the basic bag. I lost of lot of picks and several capos with that unsealed Velcro pocket, which is why I upgraded to the hard bag and zippered pockets. The original Taylor bag from my 114ce went with a sold Blueridge guitar and my 114 got a the Saga Superior, because of the improved pouches and pockets.
The GS Mini bag is basically a Stage 3 bag, IIRC. Our Mini sold last weekend, so I cannot go look at the bag anymore.
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Just a reply to Earl's comment: I have the GSmini hard gig bag and also the Access Stage One bag. The two bags have the same quality and thickness of padding. The two bags are virtually the same in construction. The pocket of the Access One does have a zipper just like the GSmini bag. It just needs the neck support. I also have a Stage 3 bag, and it seems to have a little heavier padding and does have more pockets. I like both Access bags and think they give more than enough protection for transporting your guitar around town.
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Taylor bags are pretty darn good. My GS-Mini has traveled for four years in one. Camping trips, flights from Az. to Florida, N.C., Hawaii, and Texas. Not a dent, ding, or scratch on it. Zipper still works perfect after more than a 1000 openings. Actually looks great too, for everything it's been through.
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Amy,
Probably all the bags mentioned here would do. For some background my oldest GS Mini hard bag has over a million air miles on it. It was made by Access and has a tag in it to that affect. My news Mini bag is less traveled, made by Taylor and has held up equally well. I also took the 314ce and a couple times my 414ce on trips in the Taylor hard bag and it worked well too.
Now, being a pilot my guitar usually rides in the cockpit, so it doesn't get handled by anyone but me and should be similar to your intended use.
I really like the stage 3 by access as well, and would seriously consider that for an 810. Not too expensive for the extra protection and pockets.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
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WolfPak bags are also very well constructed, even have a built in humidity gauge.
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All this talk about gig bags has driven me to order an Access Stage 3 - this forum is dangerous!
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SF-great choice on the stage 3. I went stage 1 for my Rainsong only to keep weight down as I walk with it on one shoulder a lot, and I figured being carbon fiber it didn't need the extra protection. I really like the stage 3 bag design though.
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Can anyone recommend a gig bag or is it just not a good idea?
Gig bags are NOT a bad idea. Two of the better bags I've seen are the Reunion Blues Continental and the WolfPak Polyfoam Case.
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another option worth considering, imho, is a 'soft case'
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=221&o=&offset=&c=75&s=75 (http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=221&o=&offset=&c=75&s=75)
1skb-sc18
http://www.spectrumaudio.com/skb-cases-1skb-sc18-soft-case-for-dreadnought-acoustic-guitar/?dfw_tracker=7775-18360&gclid=CJyY7azaoc0CFYqPfgodMakLQQ (http://www.spectrumaudio.com/skb-cases-1skb-sc18-soft-case-for-dreadnought-acoustic-guitar/?dfw_tracker=7775-18360&gclid=CJyY7azaoc0CFYqPfgodMakLQQ)
it's similar to the one that's made for a GS mini
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GSMiniCase?adpos=1o4&creative=55397627521&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CK_S6dzZoc0CFZFufgodl5EIXQ (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GSMiniCase?adpos=1o4&creative=55397627521&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CK_S6dzZoc0CFZFufgodl5EIXQ)
thanks, amy, for sharing your meeting with KT Tunstall
very 8)
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For all those who are looking for a well padded gig bag, I just bought a Gator G-PG ACOUSTIC for my 716, it has a semi-rigid structure (as mono m80), lots of pocket, nice neck holder, etc. etc. Not so expensive as the Mono, but equally well made bag (I've also had a Mono and RB for my acoustics).
This gig bag fits well the Grand Symphony shape (as listed in a compatibility reference list on gator website), less tighter on the widest part of the guitar than the taylor hard bag (I had the chance to compare them side by side in the store).
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Personally I would not put a guitar worth more than $500 dollars into a bag. Hard cases are inexpensive - especially used - and though they weight a bit more the bags just don't provide the protection for a nice guitar.
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Personally I would not put a guitar worth more than $500 dollars into a bag. Hard cases are inexpensive - especially used - and though they weight a bit more the bags just don't provide the protection for a nice guitar.
jbcrotty - my gut reaction is to go along with you. While the heavier case may be sometimes difficult to handle, the thought of damaging the guitar and the hassle of not having it while it is repaired or replaced is just not worth the advantage of less weight. Like yourself -- just imho
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It really depends on your situation: travel conditions, playing venue environment, etc. I always store my guitars in their hardshell cases (not on display), but use an Access Stage 3 hard bag to transport my guitars to gigs. It's important to recognize that all gig bags are not equal. Most hard bags have a rigid infrastructure that protects much better than a standard soft bag. You owe it to yourself to do some research. I did.