Re: Hardware bag alternative
Hmmmm interesting.. I will look into that for sure, thanks for the review.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
That is an interesting idea thanks
Re: Hardware bag alternative
We’ll see how long it lasts. Mic stands are pretty light in general, so it’s not designed for a ton of weight. Keep in mind that I use all DW 6000 lightweight stands. Some Larger and heavier stands may not even fit in the compartments, but even my double braced heavy duty Mapex stand fits.
I bought it on clearance for around $40 at a local store. I think regular price is only around $60-$70. I intended to use it for our mic stands, but then decided to give it a try. Obviously, it’s probably not for those of us with big kits that gig constantly. But, those of us with small, simple setups that gig a couple times per month...it could be a nice option.
The overall design works excellent. The individual compartments and self-supporting design are fantastic.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Nice review. Looks pretty sturdy!
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drummerjay56
Great suggestion! I picked up the Gator bag for $39.00. Lite, built very well and has 6 sections. Holds 3 cymbal stands, hh stand, snare stand and floor tom legs with no need to take any apart. I also use the DW light weight cymbal stands so the bag loaded up is easy to carry. Thanks for recommending it.
That’s awesome. Mine is still fairly heavy, since my Gibraltar throne base and snare stand are very heavy. Those 2 alone weigh as much or more than my 3 DW cymbal stands and DW hi-hat stand put together. So far, the Gator mic stand bag has held up, but it’s only been 3 or 4 gigs. I really love it...it’s immensely easier to pack than a regular hardware bag and the individual compartments offer outstanding protection. Not having to bend over or get down on my knees to pack a hardware bag is a huge plus as well.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
yeah I couldn't get away with that. But it is annoying for sure
Re: Hardware bag alternative
The individual compartments sounds good to me, I like the idea of the stands being protected from each other. I have tried several different types of cases for hardware. I started with the old trap case I used over 35 years ago, but it was extremely heavy, and I had to completely collapse and in some cases separate the sections of stands, which made setup and tear down take longer. Then I tried a duffel type hardware bag, but it was still heavy, and without wheels, very unwieldy. From there I got an SKB golf bag hard case, which was good because I could keep all stands fully extended, and had wheels, but had to be laid flat to open, which took up a lot of floor space when setting up. It was also very big and heavy. After that I got a Gator hardware cart, which can be loaded while upright and was easy to wheel around, but was surprisingly heavy when loaded. The latest thing, which I found for $18 dollars in a thrift store, is a slightly smaller golf bag hard case. What's good about this is the top half of it comes off, so when I open it, all my hardware is easily accessible and it stands up vertically. It's still heavy, but I'm using the bare minimum amount of hardware so there's nothing I can do about that. It has wheels as well, and it takes up a little less space. I've used it several times, and it's working well, but I'm always on the look out for a better solution. I'm keeping the Gator cart in case I decide to go back to it, but I've listed the SKB Golf case for sale.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nubdrummer
The individual compartments sounds good to me, I like the idea of the stands being protected from each other. I have tried several different types of cases for hardware. I started with the old trap case I used over 35 years ago, but it was extremely heavy, and I had to completely collapse and in some cases separate the sections of stands, which made setup and tear down take longer. Then I tried a duffel type hardware bag, but it was still heavy, and without wheels, very unwieldy. From there I got an SKB golf bag hard case, which was good because I could keep all stands fully extended, and had wheels, but had to be laid flat to open, which took up a lot of floor space when setting up. It was also very big and heavy. After that I got a Gator hardware cart, which can be loaded while upright and was easy to wheel around, but was surprisingly heavy when loaded. The latest thing, which I found for $18 dollars in a thrift store, is a slightly smaller golf bag hard case. What's good about this is the top half of it comes off, so when I open it, all my hardware is easily accessible and it stands up vertically. It's still heavy, but I'm using the bare minimum amount of hardware so there's nothing I can do about that. It has wheels as well, and it takes up a little less space. I've used it several times, and it's working well, but I'm always on the look out for a better solution. I'm keeping the Gator cart in case I decide to go back to it, but I've listed the SKB Golf case for sale.
I found the same issues you listed in your post about wanting individual compartments to protect the stands from each other.
I invested in 2 SKB hardware cases but after a few gigs, I noticed dents in the cymbal stands tubes.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/a...psoisfyefl.jpg
The big utility box can hold a ton of gear but it's too heavy to lift comfortably without needing some help.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/a...pszy5mu9ca.jpg
The thinner TSA "approved" case has straps but are totally useless to keep the stands from shifting.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/a...psnfjgjbxp.jpg
Both can fit rather snug in the trunk of a small 4 door import.
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1etepihc.jpg
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
late8
I tried wrapping my stands in small blankets, but that turned out to be so teadious and time consuming it drove me crazy. The last thing I want to do after a 4hr gig is get down on my knees on the floor and roll up stands like a burrito and stuff them in a bag. LOL. Now, I literally stand beside the case, unzip the top, pick up a stand, fold the legs in and drop it down into the case. Done in 90 seconds and no damage to the stands. Set-up is just as easy. No more finding broken handles, metal shavings or loose setscrews. It took 90% of the anxiety out of tear-down.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N2Bluz
I tried wrapping my stands in small blankets, but that turned out to be so teadious and time consuming it drove me crazy. The last thing I want to do after a 4hr gig is get down on my knees on the floor and roll up stands like a burrito and stuff them in a bag. LOL. Now, I literally stand beside the case, unzip the top, pick up a stand, fold the legs in and drop it down into the case. Done in 90 seconds and no damage to the stands. Set-up is just as easy. No more finding broken handles, metal shavings or loose setscrews. It took 90% of the anxiety out of tear-down.
Going off of your review, I'm going to invest in a few of those cases before I start gigging again. Thanks for taking the time to post your findings.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Re: Hardware bag alternative
I'm loving the Gator bag. I'm in serious need of a new hardware bag/case. My Protection Racket 1st gen hardware bag (the "body bag") I have now is just awful. It's massive but has no solid bottom or wheels so it is a bigger to move alone.
Will the Gator mic case take a standard 3 leg hi hat stand?
Re: Hardware bag alternative
I'm surprised it'll hold a fully erect hi-hat stand. That's been my nemesis all these years having to disassemble it.
I've been using the SKB like in the Late8 picture, on the right. I have found a way to isolate the stands from each other. I have a very large wool blanket, (almost looks Army) that I have on the bottom of the case when laid flat. I put in a couple stands then fold it back over the top, lay a couple more stands, fold the blanket back and repeat until I'm out of hardware. I do have to bend over though....grrrr.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ProjeKtWEREWOLF
I'm loving the Gator bag. I'm in serious need of a new hardware bag/case. My Protection Racket 1st gen hardware bag (the "body bag") I have now is just awful. It's massive but has no solid bottom or wheels so it is a bigger to move alone.
Will the Gator mic case take a standard 3 leg hi hat stand?
Yes...but kinda depends on the stand. I have a DW 6000 hi-hat stand, and it easily holds it. BUT, it’s possible that a real bulky/heavy-duty stand may not fit....I’ve never tried it with anything but my DW lightweight stuff. Keep in mind, it’s not designed to hold a lot of weight, so a full assortment of heavy hardware stands may pose an issue. For 2 lightweight cymbal stands, 1 lightweight hi-hat, 1 regular snare stand and 1 heavy (Gibraltar) throne base, it’s been doing fine for me. It’s still more weight than I care to lug around, so I’m planning on switching to a DW Ultralight snare stand and moving the throne to it’s own case.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bish
I'm surprised it'll hold a fully erect hi-hat stand. That's been my nemesis all these years having to disassemble it.
I've been using the SKB like in the Late8 picture, on the right. I have found a way to isolate the stands from each other. I have a very large wool blanket, (almost looks Army) that I have on the bottom of the case when laid flat. I put in a couple stands then fold it back over the top, lay a couple more stands, fold the blanket back and repeat until I'm out of hardware. I do have to bend over though....grrrr.
That’s exactly what I used to do with my H&B rolling bag (the blanket thing). It worked, but I hated getting down on my knees after a gig to pack it. Also the time it took. That said, it would have been easier with a hard shell case.
As far as the hi-hat, it won’t quite hold it I assembled. Technically it WILL, but the center rod makes the lid poke out about 1/2”. I don’t want to risk poking a hole in the bag during transport, so I unscrew and remove the center pull rod, but it’s super easy to do on my DW 6000. No other dis-assembly is required.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
Quote:
Originally Posted by
N2Bluz
Yes...but kinda depends on the stand. I have a DW 6000 hi-hat stand, and it easily holds it. BUT, it’s possible that a real bulky/heavy-duty stand may not fit....I’ve never tried it with anything but my DW lightweight stuff. Keep in mind, it’s not designed to hold a lot of weight, so a full assortment of heavy hardware stands may pose an issue. For 2 lightweight cymbal stands, 1 lightweight hi-hat, 1 regular snare stand and 1 heavy (Gibraltar) throne base, it’s been doing fine for me. It’s still more weight than I care to lug around, so I’m planning on switching to a DW Ultralight snare stand and moving the throne to it’s own case.
It's a Yamaha hi hat stand.
However, it's a bit of a moot point. I can't find any of these online in the UK. �� Surely there are alternatives?!
Gravity makes a similar product, and the 3 stand version of the Gator is readily available in the UK. Thomann also has other versions such as the Millennium brand.
Re: Hardware bag alternative
I guess now that this has become a thing, why aren't more drum case makers accounting for fully extended hi-hat capable carry cases?
Your thoughts and
GO
Re: Hardware bag alternative
I have 2 x Hardcase 36" for all of my stands for both kits. I also use a Millennium version of the above cylindrical one for my DW rack. Never thought of using it for stands. May give it a try when I am using them :)