Music Man Hardshell Cases

[Big Poppa]

OK Stop the BS...this is the stuff that pisses me off.

Boris Thanks for your comments Some of them.....Let me tell you that we evaluated the new chinese skbs with plastic latches and they failed our tests....we beat them up drop them have gorillas throw them at the accountants and the latches were groovy looking but not ready for us. Im glad Robo bass points out the failures in the field from his perspective.

I love SKB they are personal friends and great guys and one of the best companies we have in this narrow minded industry. Do I think we will change our case? Yes when it is better.


Now your bringing the Fender bashing is inflamatory and only ignites a stupid subject that is not the norm here. There are hundreds of threads and thousands and some of you hypersensitive only focus on the few. Guess what you are on a MM board. If Fender gets bashed for QC maybe there is a shred of truth to it. toughen up. Hutton there have been two threads in the last week talking about Fender. Guess what most people like and support them TO say that it is a pastime is a little exageration to say the least. I love Fender basses I love the designs. Love them, how many times can I say that?

DO I think it is mature to call basses and gjuitars from any maker crap? No. We should be a tad more refined. Because ONE person says something about your beloved Fender dont paint the entire forum with your response. This is a collection of people with a passion for our stuff. Thats why I pay for the bandwidth. I would like to be able to be open and honest but it just gets crazy with the misquoting and taking out of context comments relayed on other fan forums.

If I say that Fenders quality is pretty wierd or tell you that some of your boutique fender copies that many are willing to pay through the nose arent even made by the company that has the name on the headstock...I get bashed...Guess what? From my seat that is the truth. I still think that Fender creates the opportunity for asemblers to sell p and j's for a fortune because the perception is that is how you get a good p or j. I didnt say reality I said perception.

Back to the cases. i love suggestions I love getting tipped on new stuff....I have learned a lot of stuff here. WE do however have 7 engineers now working on all aspects of self improvement including regular contact with all of our vendors and every source we have to reach our goals of giving you cats as good as we can for the best prce possible

 

[Dr Stankface]

After 2 of my cases being loaded in and out of the back of a trailer for near 2 months and not a crack or dent in any of them, I'm completely content with them.

 

[RocketRalf]

My only tip for case upgrade would be a leather grip instead of the plastic one, but I can foresee that one being less durable and more expensive. The guitar case is also a bit oversized but if I wanted a compact solution I'd just get a soft case and be careful with it, like putting it on the back seat instead of the trunk. In any case my case (pun unintended) fits quite well anywhere on my 1987 Land Cruiser, except on my lap while driving, which I haven't really had the mood to try.

 

[boristhespider7]

Ahhh, we're finally getting back on point. Here are my suggestions for improvements to the MM HSC: (1) a rubberized, soft-grip, well-secured handle (maybe even flush grab locations on the ends of the case); (2) 1-2 compartments inside the case which have lids that fasten; (3) a slightly more compact design, especially for the Sterling; (4) sturdy corner guards; (5) a serious lock; (6) a flush "luggage tag" or ID plate of some sort; and (7) a prop mechanism to hold the top of the case open if desired while looking for things in the case or making adjustments to the instrument.

I don't think any of these ideas create a major price point issue during a design update.

What are your ideas?

 

[mynan]

Ahhh, we're finally getting back on point. Here are my suggestions for improvements to the MM HSC: (1) a rubberized, soft-grip, well-secured handle (maybe even flush grab locations on the ends of the case); (2) 1-2 compartments inside the case which have lids that fasten; (3) a slightly more compact design, especially for the Sterling; (4) sturdy corner guards; (5) a serious lock; (6) a flush "luggage tag" or ID plate of some sort; and (7) a prop mechanism to hold the top of the case open if desired while looking for things in the case or making adjustments to the instrument.

I don't think any of these ideas create a major price point issue during a design update.

What are your ideas?

I don't disagree with your suggestions...they are definite improvements. However, in my book these are upgrades...upgrades that I don't particularly need and definitely don't want to be forced to pay for when I buy a new EBMM.

 

[bovinehost]

I don't disagree with your suggestions...they are definite improvements. However, in my book these are upgrades...upgrades that I don't particularly need and definitely don't want to be forced to pay for when I buy a new EBMM.

I've been happy with my MM cases. They do what they do without any major problems, and God knows I've shipped a few hither and yon in addition to just banging them around for gigs and whatnot.

What Boris is talking about would be upgrades and those always cost money. Let's remember it's not a democratic voting process, just a discussion, but from my point of view, it ain't broke and I don't want to pay more to not fix it.

 

[slow roasted]

I would like to be able to be open and honest but it just gets crazy with the misquoting and taking out of context comments relayed on other fan forums.

If I say that Fenders quality is pretty wierd or tell you that some of your boutique fender copies that many are willing to pay through the nose arent even made by the company that has the name on the headstock...I get bashed...Guess what? From my seat that is the truth. I still think that Fender creates the opportunity for asemblers to sell p and j's for a fortune because the perception is that is how you get a good p or j. I didnt say reality I said perception.

You know I'm new here, but maybe that's a good thing. I can bring a fresher perspective to things, perhaps.

BP, you are probably more open and honest ( more of a traditional straight shooter in my book.. ) than most working in your industry. That said, you set yourself up for criticism from within and without by taking that tact.

I think it's refreshing.

The reality as I see it is this:

The Fender cases are new. Just like anything else that gets introduced to the market, let it shake out. We are going to gig with this stuff, so the beta testing has already started. In a few months we'll know if these cases are great or not. Then we can start demanding upgrades, or offering apologies.

In the American market ( and a whole host of others), perception is reality. I know where all of the parts on my boutique basses come from. I have a pretty good idea of how much they cost. I like the way they behave, and I like the fact that they are easy to maintain. I bought them used.....

What I don't like is the implication that some of the boutique builders are either dishonest, or somehow misleading in their marketing.

For all I know, you are correct, but when you criticize these builders in a thinly veiled way you are setting the tone here, and implying yourself that it's OK to bash other builders here.

Which makes it hard to understand when you act upset because folks are bashing another builder.

Like I said, perception is reality.....

 

[timmy5strings]

All I can say is that I've had a few MM basses shipped to me here on the east coast from the west and and they suvived shipment in their current case. I'm almost positive it may not take a beating like it took from from UPS again , but I'll put my money on it protecting right now as it is. Granted, upgrades may be nice, but not necessary, but whatever. I also have a jazz bass w/case and I'd put my money on that one as well. Of course the only thing it's protecting lately is dust from the basement

 

[Old_Guy]

My two Iraqi Dinars worth (which ain't much sportsfans). Having packed a few zillion things for underwater and air drop - you can only truly protect against certain types of shock, and certain parameters for temperature/humidty/pressure differentials. Now, I know some smart engineers who could build a bass case that withstood airline baggage handling, but none of you would want it; it'd be huge (the baffled padding, etc.) - there's a formula for the foam density, thickness, etc. So within reason, latches that are tested for say, 25,000 cycles mean before failure (maybe that's excessive? open/close 1/day for 25 years?), etc. Personally, I think the current cases are fine. Good cost/benefit/size/weight. Anecdotally..my first bass (1971...), a Hofner, came in some gawd awful cheap plywood with two latches. and a skinny leather handle, but it still works. Sadly, the bass does too!

 

[bovinehost]

What I don't like is the implication that some of the boutique builders are either dishonest, or somehow misleading in their marketing.

Having had long conversations with many people, including BP, about "boutique" builders, I think I can say that there's no implication that anyone on the manufacturing side is being either dishonest or misleading.

What was said about people willing to pay top dollar for an instrument that isn't built by the company with the name on the headstock says more about the market (and perhaps Fender's QC, or the perception of it) than it does about the company in question.

If Fender's build quality and QC (perception or reality, it hardly matters) were sky high, would the Quality Clones have a backorder?

I don't know. Maybe, but my take is maybe not.

I know very well that Roger S and Dan L put out a good product. That is NOT the question. No one doubts that. The question, if there is one, might be, "Why will people pay four thousand dollars for what is essentially a Jazz bass?"

Perceived value, of course. Always the answer, I suppose. But part of that perceived value comes from believing (right or wrong) that the original instrument is simply not up to par for whatever reason.

(By original, I mean Fender.)

"I didn't say reality, I said perception." - BP

For all I know, you are correct, but when you criticize these builders in a thinly veiled way you are setting the tone here, and implying yourself that it's OK to bash other builders here.

Correct about which part? And it's not - read it again - a criticism of the BUILDERS. These are comments on the market, specifically the high-dollar Fender clones.

(I'm not using 'clone' in a derogatory way - just trying to be clear about what we're talking about.)

Jack

 

[Oldtoe]

I have found that the strategic use of a terry cloth towel or two can largely alleviate any perceived inconveniences in any hardshell case. Plus, you always have a towel.

 

[carpedebass]

Hmmmm. When I buy a case, I don't buy the prettiest case or the case that will hold an entire toolbox full of junk. I buy a case because I want it to take the beating rather than the contents...which SHOULD be an instrument. I have had my MM case for about a month and a half now and, as usual, have beat the living stuffing out of it. It's still in excellent shape. So is the bass it is designed to protect. Trust me folks, I am HARD on cases! I have gone through so-called "quality" cases in weeks. I'm not sure about Fe**er's new case, because I do not own a Fe**er. I am sure it is a good quality case but honestly, I do not see why EBMM would want to mess with what they have.

 

[boristhespider7]

Back to the cases...

I don't know why it matters whether you call them "upgrades," "updates," "improvements," or whatever. They are ideas to improve the cases, especially when the "competition" is coming out with upgraded, updated, improved, or whatever cases and not raising the cost of the package significantly. Yea, if ain't broke don't fix it... I don't agree. Things that are good or good enough can be made great or superior. Don't rest on your laurels. And yes, I'd definitely be willing to pay a few bucks more. Considering the spending habits of people in the forum on gear, I suspect others would pay a bit more as well. I actually don't think it would raise the cost significantly anyway. So, perhaps there are other suggested design improvements? I bet people have some good ideas around here (or did I think of them all?!?).

 

[Moondog]

If I owned the company I'd offer more variety and options with cases.
Cases featuring brazilian rosewood or tiger maple, sapele or burlwood
accents and/or corinthian leather w/14k gold latches and diamond studded
handle... bargain cases featuring bright pink accent lights w/green glow in dark handles...

 

[MK Bass Weed]

Well, in any CASE, I just want the Bongo 'Build An Instrument' feature on the EB site..That's all I want, so I can customize my bass porn.

 

[robobass13]

Back to the cases...

I don't know why it matters whether you call them "upgrades," "updates," "improvements," or whatever. They are ideas to improve the cases, especially when the "competition" is coming out with upgraded, updated, improved, or whatever cases and not raising the cost of the package significantly. Yea, if ain't broke don't fix it... I don't agree. Things that are good or good enough can be made great or superior. Don't rest on your laurels. And yes, I'd definitely be willing to pay a few bucks more. Considering the spending habits of people in the forum on gear, I suspect others would pay a bit more as well. I actually don't think it would raise the cost significantly anyway. So, perhaps there are other suggested design improvements? I bet people have some good ideas around here (or did I think of them all?!?).

I think BP said yes to the fact that someday if there is a better case he would use it, but the Chinese made SKB case that you are referring to as an upgraded case to me is not an upgrade, like I said I have seen them fail and BP has stated that they did not meet the EBMM standard as well. I do believe this company (EBMM) is mindful to new product developments that would be a benefit the the Musicman instruments and the users of the instruments, but as I said before the SKB case that EBMM is using right now as far as I'm concerned, and obviously many others on this forum is the current case works and works well.

Now lets get back to Talking about Basses.

 

[maddog]

Back to the cases...

I don't know why it matters whether you call them "upgrades," "updates," "improvements," or whatever. They are ideas to improve the cases, especially when the "competition" is coming out with upgraded, updated, improved, or whatever cases and not raising the cost of the package significantly.

so far, there is one person in the field saying they aren't an upgrade.

Yea, if ain't broke don't fix it... I don't agree. Things that are good or good enough can be made great or superior. Don't rest on your laurels.

what is your measure of better?

And yes, I'd definitely be willing to pay a few bucks more.

I would not. I can't even afford a decent amp at the moment.

Considering the spending habits of people in the forum on gear, I suspect others would pay a bit more as well.

This forum is not representative of your typical buyers. You can suspect all you want but won't know until they hit the street. Then you hold your breath and hope.

I actually don't think it would raise the cost significantly anyway.

Call up SKB and ask. Better to know than guess.

So, perhaps there are other suggested design improvements? I bet people have some good ideas around here (or did I think of them all?!?).

you've obviously thought out what it would take to improve the case in your opinion. And if this discussion leads to some changes to the case that make me say "I like that," I'll send you a thanks. But the possibility of staring at 1000 units sitting on the warehouse floor collecting dust makes one a bit cautious in decisions.

BP, I draw the line at a wenge laminate case with mammoth ivory binding.

 

[Old_Guy]

Something like this Herr Frankenstien?
This is what we pack sniper rifles in:

1750 P*****n Case
Interior Dimensions: 50.50" x 13.50" x 5.25"
Exterior Dimensions: 53.00" x 16.00" x 6.12"
Weight with foam: 25.57 Lbs. In Stock-Ready to Ship!
Style: Weapons case
Watertight, crushproof, and dust proof
Stainless steel hardware
Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence
Diced base foam with convoluted eggshell lid foam
Hasps for combination/key locks

Still, BP's testing team could probably knock the neck action out in a "throw at the accountants" test.

$266 w/diced foam

 

[RobertB]

Case closed?

 

[boristhespider7]

All very strange to me. I have had a number of MM cases and I don't have any very significant complaints, just suggestions for improvements. Aside from some cracking in the corners, they have all held up fine. However, I do think they can be improved and see that EB is always looking at this too. While time will tell about the new Fender cases -- and one guy's opinion from GC is not the gospel (nor is my opinion that they are really nice conclusive) -- it's certainly worth considering whether a variation of those improvements could be incorporated one day into MM cases. While the bass is the most important component of the purchase, I certainly feel even better when I walk out of the store with a case I am completely happy with. I am a bit surprised to the mildly hostile reaction above to the idea -- gasp -- that there are ways the MM cases can be updated and improved.

That's all I can say to make my case....ugh.