For Local Gigs: Cases or No Cases
- Thread starter Rattlin' Bones
- Start date
I use soft bags for both drums and hardware (+ 1 wheeled hardware bag). Rather than paying 5-600 for all new lightweight hardware like the Cross town.. I went into my basement and put together the lightest hardware combination I could.. so switched out double braced for single braced stands and switched to some skinny cymbal stands combined with high quality boom arms as the top attachment. Now my 2 hardware bags are light enough to not pull my back and solid enough to not tip over. Also I like having high quality attachment hardware at top.. nothing worse at a gig and trying to adjust cymbals or tearing them down and the thumb screws are creaky and hard to adjust.. my goal is 'swish' and done.
A long time ago I used to use a beater kit (old Rogers 'big R') for local gigs. No bags just throw them in the trunk. Never had a problem or dings to speak of.. but you have to be careful kick lugs get knocked, shirts get ripped, fingers get pinched etc. Bags (and slightly bigger bags) can be quick and provide protection as well make them easier to move around.
A long time ago I used to use a beater kit (old Rogers 'big R') for local gigs. No bags just throw them in the trunk. Never had a problem or dings to speak of.. but you have to be careful kick lugs get knocked, shirts get ripped, fingers get pinched etc. Bags (and slightly bigger bags) can be quick and provide protection as well make them easier to move around.
You have a good eye, the cart is indeed shortened to accommodate up to a 22" kick and 16" as the bottom layer. I measured twice, drilled once, so the spring lock finds the new hole at the desired length.
However, coincidentally & happily, that length fits perfectly in my Odyssey without collapsing it, so it's rare that I shorten the roller or fold the arms down.
SharkSandwich
Junior Member
Protection Racket bags for me. Easy to load into my small car, light, good protection for local gigging. 12 years, hundreds of gigs, no issue.
vyacheslav
Senior Member
As others have said, bags are easier to carry and you can throw them over your shoulder, or carry several in the same hand. I use soft bags and always have.
It is true that sometimes the drums can be a pain to take in or out. One thing I've found that really helps this (especially on bigger drums) is to set the drum down on your rug (or throne) and put the case on over the drum, rather than put the drum in the case (or pull the case off of the drum, rather than pulling the drum out of the case). Again, this works especially well for floor toms and bass drums. For set up, unzip the lid, open the lid and place the case upside down, then just pull it straight up off the drum. For packing up, place the drum on your rug or throne, and put the case on over the drum. Then flip the case right side up and zip. Pretty easy. You can also keep your drums stacked while loading in other gear or setting up hardware without having to worry about the heads being damaged or detuning from the additional weight being put on the head.
As far as the additional room bags occupy (when empty) is only minimal. You should be able to nest all of your tom bags inside each other (smallest to largest) and then put those bags inside the bass drum bag. Put your snare bag on top and zip up your bass drum case (you may need to squish the other bags down first). All the bags only take up the same room as the bass drum bag. There is generally a place off stage you can put it, or at the very worst just take it back out to your car.
It is true that sometimes the drums can be a pain to take in or out. One thing I've found that really helps this (especially on bigger drums) is to set the drum down on your rug (or throne) and put the case on over the drum, rather than put the drum in the case (or pull the case off of the drum, rather than pulling the drum out of the case). Again, this works especially well for floor toms and bass drums. For set up, unzip the lid, open the lid and place the case upside down, then just pull it straight up off the drum. For packing up, place the drum on your rug or throne, and put the case on over the drum. Then flip the case right side up and zip. Pretty easy. You can also keep your drums stacked while loading in other gear or setting up hardware without having to worry about the heads being damaged or detuning from the additional weight being put on the head.
As far as the additional room bags occupy (when empty) is only minimal. You should be able to nest all of your tom bags inside each other (smallest to largest) and then put those bags inside the bass drum bag. Put your snare bag on top and zip up your bass drum case (you may need to squish the other bags down first). All the bags only take up the same room as the bass drum bag. There is generally a place off stage you can put it, or at the very worst just take it back out to your car.
Rattlin' Bones
Gold Member
Lots of + here for bags. But to be honest I found bags a bit awkward and hard to carry. Especially the kick drum. That's why I went to hard cases they are IMHO easier to carry. But cases or bags both types, for me, are a pain to use. That's why I asked the question. I do see a significant number of players, though not the most (most = bags), using nothing at all.
Rattlin' Bones
Gold Member
Good lord how would I get that, when loaded, up out of my basement, down the back steps, and lift it into my car. That's like the total opposite of what I would be able to handle. I'm glad it works for you, though.
DrumDoug
Senior Member
I have a set of Grestch Catalina’s in a set of bags that I use for gigs where I have to hand carry my drums. For my other kits I prefer hard cases. They stack well on my roc-n-roller cart. They’re easier to get the drums in and out. I suppose architecture might be different in different places, but here in California, I can almost always roll my drums in on a cart. I don’t even take the cases off the cart when setting up. I have my hardware in a bag on a two wheel dolly. I usually make two trips, but I can do it in one in a pinch.
brady
Platinum Member
I carry my drums in cases (or bags) in that same configuration. My drums don't leave the house unless they are in a bag, at a minimum. I use a case for my hardware though. I've always been concerned about the lifespan of a soft bag for hardware....just too many things that could break over time; straps, zippers, rips, etc.
Caz
Senior Member
I'm trying to picture the reaction if a guitarist turned up at a gig carrying their instrument with no case... you'd probably turn a few heads and get a few comments. Although I heard Jaco turned up to a flight to Germany just carrying his bass with no case. So actually I think if you're going to do it (and you genuinely don't mind your drums getting destroyed) then fair play, go all in.. full confidence.. 
Jasta 11
Well-known Member
I have one and they work well, I no longer use it but I could get my floor, rack and snare in it without any problem, the tom mount and floor tom legs fit easily into the side pocket. Works well and can be pulled up and lowered down stairs too.
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jda
Diamond Member
more trouble than it's worth plus. In the odd event a screw or nut loosens before or after a gig, a bag or case will catch it. rather than losing it in the grass or sidewalk somewhere
Cases always, usually Pro Rackets because bags are easier to store while playing.
Aside from anything else, ( Protection of gear as well as car easier to carry, etc) I like to project a professional appearance - especially when I am depping or doing a session and IMO they help do that. Not judging anyone for not using them, everyone's situation is different ( I know a fairly famous pro who just slings his endorsement Masters in the back of his car, no cases, despite having a case deal as well, and his drums always look immaculate and he's got such a superb rep that no one cares ) but if you can convince people you are serious before you even set up, it can make your life easier when dealing with new folks.
Aside from anything else, ( Protection of gear as well as car easier to carry, etc) I like to project a professional appearance - especially when I am depping or doing a session and IMO they help do that. Not judging anyone for not using them, everyone's situation is different ( I know a fairly famous pro who just slings his endorsement Masters in the back of his car, no cases, despite having a case deal as well, and his drums always look immaculate and he's got such a superb rep that no one cares ) but if you can convince people you are serious before you even set up, it can make your life easier when dealing with new folks.
doggyd69b
Platinum Member
You know a true drummer when you see the above,
His car got totaled, he probably got hurt (maybe not too badly but still), and the only think he cared about was that the drums were ok....
2 hit wonder
Junior Member
You know a true drummer when you see the above,
His car got totaled, he probably got hurt (maybe not too badly but still), and the only think he cared about was that the drums were ok....
Lol, and I still made the gig 2.5 hours later. Went to the hospital the next day.
No Way Jose
Silver Member
I use bags that I bought at a resale store. They aren't specifically made for drums, but they protect the drums and car. And they were inexpensive.