Saturday, May 1, 2010

C.F. Martin's Gig Bag


Get your kicks on Route 66! C.F. Martin's 52BGB Dreadnought Gig Bag hits the road in this classic 1964 Mercury Caliente. Western Concho Hat by Dorfman Pacific.

Review of C.F. Martin's 52BGB Dreadnought Gig Bag. List $85.00, Street $69.00
Now that the weather is warmer, you'll be taking more road trips with your favorite acoustic guitar. The Dreadnought shape and design was actually invented by C.F. Martin & Co. Guitars and it is still a staple of many folk, country and western artists. The obvious reason why "dreads" are so popular is that they are loud enough not to require amplification. This makes them the best "unplugged" travel companions for picnics, beach parties and barbecues.

Depending on your travel arrangements, you might choose to pack your guitar in a lighter, easier to carry gig bag as shown above. The plus in using such a bag is the large outer zippered pocket that allows taking along sheet music and other larger items too big for a hardshell's storage compartment. These bags are good for traveling in a car or where you will be in control of your instrument.

Not all gig bags are alike though. I would recommend a Levy's heavy denim or leather gig bag for any solid body electric such as a Fender Strat or Gibson Les Paul. I have found Levy's to be extremely well made and richly padded.

Likewise the C.F. Martin 52BGB Logo Gig Bag is very well made. This gig bag is constructed of a tough nylon ballistics cloth exterior which resembles black denim with thick foam padding inside to protect your Dreadnought. I especially like the heavy double zipper pulls but wish they had put them on the outer pouch as well. All the same, this is a superior gig bag in style and features, worthy of your C.F. Martin or other beloved acoustic. The classic C.F. Martin logo is embroidered across the outside pocket in gold thread and the bag is reinforced at all the major stress points for extra strength. While it may not be a replacement for the safety of a hardshell case, it offers quite a bit more protection than the average gig bag being sold for acoustics.

Gig bags also give you more freedom to carry other items such as a stool or even an extra instrument. This is due to the backpack type straps. Slip the straps on your shoulders and your hands remain free or turn it on its side and tote it by the leather reinforced carrying handles. The bag is finished off with slip resistant resin feet. With a gig bag like this, you'll appreciate the lighter, breezier way to travel with your guitar this summer! For more gig bag & guitar case options, check out Eclectic Sound's BEST Gig Bags & Cases

PHOTO: C.F. Martin Special Edition Sustainable Series Dreadnought in Cherry, SWDGT. Handmade Guitar strap by Sully's Leather Straps.

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