review
Studio Slips Clamshell Gig Bag
Most people wouldn’t think of carrying their guitar around without it being in a case or gig bag. Yet many guitar players lug their amps around unprotected. You probably paid a lot of money for your amp, so why not take care of it? Most manufactures offer inexpensive vinyl covers, which are better than nothing. At least they will deflect some of the accidental dings that can really beat up your amp. If you tour on a regular basis, a flight case may be your best bet, but they are expensive and heavy. Another option is a soft case, or gig bag, for your amp. Soft cases for amps are not massed produced and not many companies make them, but they are a great way to protect your amp when going to one-night gigs or jam sessions. Or anytime you need to take your amp with you.
The Gig
Every year about 400 teens and 100 or so adults from my church pile onto several charter buses and head off to summer camp. For the last three years I have gone as part of the praise and worship band. I try to travel as light as possible, so this year I decided to take my Traynor YVC20 amp instead of my Mesa/Boogie Mark II. I knew we would be miking the amp so its 15 watts wasn’t a problem. The problem was, I had no cover or case for the amp. Traynor doesn’t offer covers for its amps, so I had to start investigating other options.
Studio Slips
After checking around, I came across a small company called Studio Slips, which was started by Susan Bendinelli, a former Mesa/Boogie employee. Studio Slips offers a padded “Clamshell Gig Bag” that covers the entire amp (with an opening for your amp’s handle) and zips closed. This looked like just the thing I needed so I ordered one.
Dig That Clamshell
The Clamshell gig bag unzips and opens flat, which makes it easy to put your amp into it. It is made of black 1000 Denier Nylon Cordura (a canvas material) on the outside and thick quilted padding on the inside, so it is both durable and protective while being lightweight. It also features heavy-duty zippers that glide easily. The construction is first-rate, the stitching is neat both inside and out, and the bag looks great. There are many options available including outside pockets, inside power cord pockets, leather feet, and specialty fabrics. Prices vary based on amp size and options chosen.
Each Studio Slips cover is made to order to assure a great fit. In order to get that great fit, you need to measure your amp, fill out a measurement chart, and send it in along with your order. It doesn’t take long and is worth the effort. My gig bag fits my amp like a glove.
I chose the Clamshell Gig Bag for my Traynor Custom Valve 20 combo ($75), with leather feet on the bottom ($20) and an outside pocket ($15), for a total of $105 (plus shipping.) That may sound like a lot, but when you consider you are getting a high quality, custom-made cover, it is quite reasonable.
In Use
I loaded my amp into the Clamshell and off it went into the belly of a Charter bus — twice. It was also piled on the back of a pickup truck filled with loads of sound equipment. The amp survived without a scratch, and so did the gig bag. There were a few scuffs on the leather feet of the bag, so I consider them a wise investment also. I take my amp to guitar lessons and play a regular weekly gig, so my Clamshell will get plenty of use. Judging by what I’ve experienced so far, it should be more than up to the task.
Final Thoughts
If you frequently take your amp out, but don’t need (or want) the expense and weight of a flight case, the Studio Slips Clamshell Gig Bag is a great alternative. It is tough, lightweight, and will save your amp from that accidental abuse that is bound to happen when your amp goes unprotected.
Reader Comments
Better Guitar encourages your input. Agree with this review? Think I’m crazy? If you have used a Studio Slips Clamshell Gig Bag, email me your comments and I’ll post them below. The more opinions we have available, the better our buying decisions will be.
stats
- • Tough 1000 Denier Nylon canvas on the outside
- • Thick quilted padding on the inside
- • Heavy duty top quality zippers
Positives
- Tough and lightweight. Excellent construction.
Negatives
- None.
Rating
- Performance: 10
- Sound Quality: n/a
- Construction: 10
- Overall: 10
Ratings Key
- 0 = Worthless
- 10 = Excellent
Approximate Street Price
- Varies.
Company
- Studio Slips