pjmuck wrote:
Just my two cents, but I think you're asking for trouble putting a T-Bird in a gig bag. They (as well as LPs and most Gibsons) are notorious for snapping necks due to the angled headstock. If that gig bag topples you could find your bass in two pieces.
HI PJ MUCK! Thanks for the heads up- NO ONE, is more of a headstock repair preventing warrior, than me. I'm also a luthier. I have repaired literally hundreds of headstocks. One Firebird I have done twice, same guitar, different break. (See pics)
I'm all too familiar with Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, and other makers inherent design flaw in pitching back their headstocks, putting them at risk. My gig bags are always with me, in my care. I will not break this bass. I see people actually standing valuable guitars, with the neck AGAINST AN AMP, while they fumble for a pedal, a cable or something else at a jam or gig. One guy I know did that with a lefty early 70-'s ES335, in mint condition right in front of me. I told him, if he continues to do that, he'd be bringing it to me to fix.
Another note, for all those out there that think their Gibsons are any safer in a hardshell case. They're not! I've seen Gibsons fall over in the case, and the headstock will break. If anything, a hardshell case gives people a false sense of security, and they get careless. NEVER stand up a Gibson, or any other guitar or bass with a pitched back headstock, in its case.