Cronkhite bags apparently back in full operation

[Rick Denney]

Posted on FB, but needs to be here, too. There was a complaint on another forum about the sliggishness of Torpedo Bags, who now make Glen Cronkhite bags in Minnesota. I ordered a bag for my new Eastman in February, but then the pandemic hit and as soon as they were coming back to work after that, the riots started just a block from their building. So, it was a slow start to get going again. I had corresponded from time to time with Steve and he was responsive.

Two days ago, my bag appeared. It's perfect, as expected. The only difference I can see from a vintage Cronhite bag is a much darker lining color (though I may have ordered it that way--I forget) and a deeper pocket on the strap side that will hold a music folder. All the other classic Cronkhite details are there, and the bag is excellent.

So, Cronhite bags are being made again, and Torpedo seems to be back up and running.

Rick "who prefers the hard case but it's so freaking heavy" Denney

[LeMark]

great news. I have three tuba bags. An original Reunion blues, a reunion blues after Glenn sold the company (I think) and a Cronkite. Not a problem with any of them

[bort2.0]

Good to know!

Their factory is about 1 or 2 blocks north of the epicenter of the Minneapolis riots back in May. A small miracle that their building didn't get destroyed.

I bailed on Cronkhite and went to Superfine (another excellent gig bag option). But I'm glad to know that Cronkhite, too, is up and running again.

[djwpe]

It's good to hear they're up and running again, as I hate to see a business destroyed by outside forces.

I do need to say that I'm not a fan of Torpedo's management of the their business and warranty issues.

I bought a bag from them for my Hagen right after they opened the "new" Cronkhite". Maybe 6 months later, the strap buckle let go when I was picking it up, and I narrowly avoided dropping the tuba.

I called them, and they said it was a known defect, and that they were sending out new buckles along with instructions and they would prioritize mine because mine had broken.

It took 4 weeks, but I finally got the replacement buckles and instructions, along with instructions to send them the bill and they would pay for the replacement labor up to $40. The shop I went to charged $65, but my living in NYC Metro is not their problem. I mailed and emailed the receipt, and never received acknowledgement or payment from torpedo.

Don Winston

[humBell]

I am generally pleased with my used Reunion Blues bag i got long ago. A strap was breaking at the time, and i brought it into a local luggage repair place and got it back with a less than ideal repair which i blame on internal miscommunication as the sales rep called me thinking it was done and it wasn't. So obviously i brought it back, and they did a much better job, and thanked me for returning the tool they'd left in it.

Sorry for the run-on thought.

But what i really wanted to ask was if they could take an old beaten up canvas tuba bag and use it as a template?

'Cause i got such a bag with a recent tuba, and would be interested in that.

Er, i suppose i should look up their contact info and ask them directly.

Anyway, very glad they are back in operation, and i definitely want an excuse to visit the land of lakes once travel is less discouraged than it is these day.

[KingTuba1241X]

Good to know!

Their factory is about 1 or 2 blocks north of the epicenter of the Minneapolis riots back in May. A small miracle that their building didn't get destroyed.

I bailed on Cronkhite and went to Superfine (another excellent gig bag option). But I'm glad to know that Cronkhite, too, is up and running again.

Has anyone invited Tom Rice here yet?