lightweight case for Mosrites and clones?

[jfine]

So I've got my Hallmark 60 Custom, and in the case it's around 17 pounds--a pretty hefty thing to lug around! I'll use it for out-of-town gigs where it has to travel in the back of someone's van or camper, but for everyday schlepping in and out of the music stores I teach at, I need something lighter. Does anybody know if there's a lightweight case available that will fit? I have a TKL hardshell bass case that I keep my Dano baritone in--it fits (with some extra length), but it's about as heavy as the Hallmark case, so no advantage there. A Strat/Tele case won't fit--it's a little too small. I'd rather have a molded-plastic case, but one of those Cordura-covered foam ones would work too. I'll use a gig bag only as a last resort--I'd prefer a little more protection than most gig bags offer.

[eltuce]

I have a MKII in a Pro-Tech hard foam Tele case and it fits with a little extra room. I can check later and see if my other Mosrites fit in it.

[jfine]

Thanks, eltuce. It looks like the Mark II is a little smaller than the Mark I/Ventures/60 Custom style. I've ordered a Mosrite gig bag from Front Porch Music--it looks like that'll be my best bet. The Hallmark case is really nice--it's built like a tank, and weighs about as much as one!

[eltuce]

Oops, sorry, forgot all about checking that out. Anyway, yeah, doesn't fit, the body makes it but the neck is about 1 inch too long, oh well.
-Tommy

[jtr654]

I have a Danelectro gig bag that fits my 60 Custom but I don't know what model its for?I got it on a GC clearance sale for $10 years ago. It's a cream color and has burgandy piping.

[JimPage]

Hey, Jon--

I was lucky enough to snag a Modulus bass gig bag several years ago, and it is the most protective gig bag I've ever seen. It isn't small or lightweight, but it does fit the Hallmark H60C.

I looked for one on eBay just now with no luck, but here is a Website offering them for $169:
http://www.basscentral.com/modulus/accessories.shtml

That's kind of pricey for a gig bag, but the thing is quite nice; looks like black leather and thickly padded. It had a wide padded strap for carrying over your shoulder.

I just don't like using gig bags, so I was happy when Bob Shade got those new cases in.

--Jim

[jfine]

JimPage--I'm not crazy about using a gig bag either, but the Hallmark case is just so darn heavy! It's real solid--seems like it would withstand about anything short of a nuclear blast--but it's tough to carry any distance. On my day job teaching guitar, I carry my guitar case in one hand and a briefcase in the other, and when I have to open the door, a heavy case throws my balance off. I walk with a limp--I had polio at a very early age, and it's taken its toll on my knee. Back in my road days, I could carry a guitar case in one hand, a pedalboard in the other, and make multiple trips to and from the vehicle without blinking an eye, but those days are gone! I'm hoping that with the gig bag, I can get my teaching materials in the pocket and maybe not have to carry the briefcase at all. Guitar Center carries those Road Runner Cordura-covered foam cases, but the guitar ones are too small and the bass ones are too long. Most of my other guitars are in molded SKB-type cases, and they're a lot lighter, maybe not as solid as the Hallmark case. Or--I suppose I could always make two trips from the car...

[JimPage]

Hey, Jon--

>>Or--I suppose I could always make two trips from the car...

My wife always remarks on my refusal to make two trips from a car when I carry things. Must be a guy thing, but I refuse to do it unless there is just too much stuff!

There is a woman at my office who had a foldable hand cart that looks like a two-wheeled dolly married to a milk crate, and I have considered getting one of those things.

--Jim

[oipunkguy]

I kinda like heavy cases, it keeps the instrument well protected, and keeps ya in shape when on the road. lol. of course I use to lug around marshall stacks, an ampeg, and our drummer had fifty million drums to his kit. lol by the time we set it all up to play, practice was over.

[MWaldorf]

Maybe you should get one of those back-pack harnesses that are used for cello and double bass cases. You could probably rig it up for a guitar case without too much trouble.



Details:
http://www.karuracase.com/accessories.html