Posted by Craig on September 05, 2000 at 08:39:46:
In Reply to: which bag? posted by Tim Jackson on September 04, 2000 at 22:14:47:
Check out:
http://www.indianamusic.com/db/dollybag.htm
Top loading vs. side loading is primarily a matter of personal preference. With top loading you generally have to hold the bag up and lower the horn into it, bottom bow first. I have also seen people stand the horn on its bell and slide the bag over the top, but this always makes me nervous.
A side loading bag generally has a zipper which opens along one side. You then place the horn in the bag sideways and zip it up. If the zipper opens/breaks on a side open bag, your horn could fall out. This can't happen on a top loading bag. But, for BATs I find the side loading much more convenient to use.
The DollyBag plastic inserts can prevent some dents would can occur from things banging into a normal gig bag. Just realize that no gig bag will protect as well as a good hard case.