Treat Your Musical Instruments Right

The first and most affordable case is a gig bag. This is a soft sided bag, often padded and zippered, that is most commonly used to transport your instrument. You want to choose a padded gig bag over an unpadded one. It does not offer any protection against humidity and the instrument can still get damaged (dented, dinged or broken!) while in the gig bag. It does provide a handy way of carrying your instrument as backpack style straps are often included. If you have a very expensive instrument, a gig bag is not recommended for storage, only for travel and even then only if you can be very careful and avoid collisions.

Next is a semi-hard shell case. This type of case can include shock-absorbent foam or plastic molding to protect the instrument from damage and usually features a fabric covering with zippered closures, such as the Guardian Featherweight Cases. The semi-hard cases does not protect against humidity, but does usually prove resistant to dents, dings and actual breakage of the instrument. This can be a good option for longer term storage of your instrument, and for travel where you are in control of your instrument's handling. They are a good lightweight option.

Hardshell cases provide very good protection and they can range from affordable to high end. One example of high end hardshell cases is the Ameritage line. This line provides humidity controls and temperture controls! There are arch top and flattop cases available. Archtop cases provide superior protection but a flattop can offer limited protection against crushing. Hardshell cases often feature plush interior lining to cushion your instrument. One of the downsides is that hardshell cases are often heavy - which can be a hassle to carry around. This is an excellent long term storage solution for your instrument, to ensure mint condition.

How do you know what case is the best fit for your instrument? It is highly suggested that you purchase the manufacturer's recommended case for your instrument if possible. The manufacturer will often have a recommended case but, if that is not available and your instrument is a common shape, then other brands or especially custom after-market cases (such as the Ameritage line) will be a good choice. Ameritage even has an online measuring tool if you are interested in purchasing one of their cases and want to be sure to get the proper fit. Be sure that the retailer is an authorized dealer of Ameritage cases.

A few other important points:

* One of the most important thing about cases is that you want it to fit your instrument snugly!
* If you purchase a hardshell case, ensure that the instrument is not jiggling around inside the case.
* If you are unsure, take your instrument down to a local music store to test out different fits of the cases.
* It is recommended to store your instrument in a place that is not exposed to extreme temperatures. This is especially important if you have a wooden instrument as the wood can warp and change the tone and sound!
* Keep your instrument stored in a cool, dry area
* Store your instrument where it is safe from falling objects or falling down.

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360 Degree Sailcloth Bags - One of the Most Unique Bags Available

For anyone that is looking for a strong bag, that is also unique, the sailcloth bags may be just what you want. The 360 degree bags are designed to last because they are made from recycled sails. This is really strong material that was once on ships that navigated the seas.

Each bag will have a tag included on it that tells you exactly what sea it sailed on, the type of boat that the sail is from, and what type of sail it once was. Having a bag made from strong recycled sails means it will last, but having this information included gives it a more unique quality.

For each of the bags that have been made they are all cleaned really well and were even bleached. Everyone knows that sails are made to be tough and water resistant and that is why these bags will last for a long time.

You do not have to worry about them wearing out easily and dumping your things on the ground because with this particular bag that just will not happen. These bags are perfect for taking just about anywhere you go, but especially to the beach where they are likely to get wet.

With the material they are made from water will not be a problem for them. Another advantage to these great bags is they are machine washable so no matter where you take them you can be sure it will be easy to get them looking like new again.

The way they have been designed they are made for carrying any of your belongings like your laptop or books while protecting them from Mother Nature. There are even inside zippered pockets that ensure your small things such as your phone or sunscreen will not be lost or damaged.

What ensures these bags are made to last, and that they will protect any belonging you place in them, is the triple stitching along with the edges and thick nylon straps. There are two different styles that you can choose from:

1. The tender bag. This bag is around 14 inches x 18 inches and unfolded it is 18 inches x 18 inches. For smaller belongings it also has 4 zipper pouches on the inside of the bag. These bags are great for everyday use or anywhere you need to take them.

2. The beach bag. This bag is just what it sounds like. It is designed to make taking your belongings to the beach much easier without ruining any of them. You can use them for other things such as shopping if you do not live by a beach because the dimensions are 22 inches wide and 25 inches tall.

Now that you know about these sailcloth bags you can see why they are unique and are great for anyone to use daily. If you are looking for a bag that is different than others you have seen then the 360 degree bag is one you definitely need to check out more for yourself.

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