TubaForum.net

Hi all,

I am looking into a new gig bag and have narrowed it down to two brands. What are your thoughts on the new Cronkhite bags and Messina Covers? Any pros/cons with either choice?

I love the look of the leather GC bags (online), but not sure if that is a great choice in a super humid environment.

Thanks
Pauvog1

I went with a new Cronkhite… I took advantage of their first-time customer discount and got a nice price on it. I’m told their lead time is about 12 weeks. You’d probably have the Messina bag in a shorter amount of time, fwiw.

Just be aware the leather bag is going to be several pounds heavier, and significantly more expensive, if that’s important to you. Otherwise, there’s nothing better, imo.

Both bags are good. Two of my section mates have Messina bags, I have a Cronkhite. I bought it mainly because of the detachable music pouch, small equipment pouch, and storage space in the back. I like the Messina backpack straps better, though.

I've owned several Cronkhite's and keep buying them because they are excellent. I just got a leather one for my Getzen and it's beautiful (all black). While I prefer top loaders, with Superfine no longer a thing Cronkhite is what I go to now. I've never owned a Messina but I've been hands on with several and have not been impressed once. Everyone has difference standards, but I between these two makes there really is no comparison for me.

My 2341-5 from Lee Stofer came with a gorgeous two tone dark chocolate/caramel leather bag from Cronkhite, and I love it. Really need to post a pic sometime. The bag itself is sturdy and fitted well to the tuba, and the rear storage and front detachable storage are head and shoulders above others I've owned. The backpack straps are very comfortable for me. My fellow section mate bought the same in green cordura for his 2341 and he really likes it as well. I'd recommend you contact Lee Stofer directly to see what he has in stock.
Good luck with your purchase!
Tim

I have owned two Glenn Cronkhite bags in the past and they then went with the tubas that I sold. Everything that has been said about the quality of production is true. The only qualifier is the weight of the bag. I now have three Messina Covers gig bags and am very happy with all of them. The bags do a great job of protecting the horn and NO bag will replace a hard case. David Messina has provided terrific customer service and produced a custom made bag for my 1916 Holton "Mammoth" BBb tuba. I recommend their work!

Thank you everyone!

In case anyone was wondering, I went with the leather Cronkhite. The 25% off coupon was too much to pass up. They have two different coupons running now, one is a 25% for signing up for the newsletter and the other is a 20% listed at the top of the webpage.

Congratulations! You'll really enjoy that new bag. They are the gold standard. My tubas do not travel further than to the band hall twice a week and then to our concerts. The Messina Covers bags are perfect for what I need.

prairieboy1 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 4:29 pm I have owned two Glenn Cronkhite bags in the past and they then went with the tubas that I sold. Everything that has been said about the quality of production is true. The only qualifier is the weight of the bag. I now have three Messina Covers gig bags and am very happy with all of them. The bags do a great job of protecting the horn and NO bag will replace a hard case. David Messina has provided terrific customer service and produced a custom made bag for my 1916 Holton "Mammoth" BBb tuba. I recommend their work!

Can you post a picture or two of your Messina bags? I'm likely to order one of these because they said I can tell them where I want the backpack straps attached, and that is really important for me. And from what you've said, they will do just as good a job as my Altieri. Like you, my tuba only goes between here and rehearsal / concert venues, and I've never had occasion to worry about adverse conditions.

I will try.

You'll enjoy that.

Since original Glenn C.-made bags are so durable (yet costly), I've always went with "used/nylon Cronkhite bags...until I quit using bags.