What material is used for the exterior of the Gewa SPS bag?

The exterior is made from CORDURA 1680 Denier nylon fabric. This is a tough synthetic material known for its high resistance to tearing and abrasion, similar to materials used in military body armour.

What are the specific dimensions of this drum bag?

This bag is designed to fit a bass drum that is 18 inches in diameter and 14 inches in depth. It is important to measure your drum shell including the hoops to ensure a proper fit.

How thick is the internal padding?

The bag features 20mm thick foam padding. This layer provides a significant cushion against impacts and movement during transit in a van or car.

What type of lining does the bag have?

The interior is lined with soft fleece. This material is chosen to protect the finish of the bass drum from scratches and abrasions while inside the bag.

What does 'SPS' stand for in the product name?

SPS stands for Side Protection System. This refers to the reinforced construction of the bag, providing extra structural integrity and protection for the sides of the drum.

Does the bag include a shoulder strap?

Yes, it comes with an adjustable carry strap. It also includes a shoulder pad to make carrying the bass drum more comfortable over longer distances.

Is there a handle for manual carrying?

The bag is equipped with a soft carry handle. This is designed to be gentle on the hands for shorter journeys or when lifting the drum into a vehicle.

Is the fabric water-resistant?

While the 1680 Denier CORDURA is highly durable and synthetic, providing good weather resistance, it is primarily designed for abrasion and tear resistance. It will protect against light splashes but is not fully waterproof.

How does this compare to a standard drum bag?

Standard bags often use lower-grade nylon and thinner padding (typically 5-10mm). The Gewa SPS uses military-grade fabric and 20mm padding for significantly higher protection.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Gewa 18" x 14" SPS Bass Drum Bag typically retails for approximately GBP 140. This reflects its status as a premium professional accessory.

Can this bag fit a 18x16 inch bass drum?

No, this specific model is tailored for a 14-inch depth. A drum with a 16-inch depth would be too tall for the zip to close properly.

Is the bag suitable for touring?

Yes, it is designed for the rigours of the road, specifically for drummers who load their own gear into vans. The reinforced fabric and 20mm padding are built for frequent transport.

Gear article

Gewa 18" x 14" SPS Bass Drum Bag

The Gewa 18" x 14" SPS Bass Drum Bag is a professional-grade protective case designed for compact kick drums. Utilising the Side Protection System (SPS), it combines high-denier synthetic fabric with internal reinforcement to safeguard instruments during transit.

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Overview and Materials

The Gewa 18" x 14" SPS Bass Drum Bag is part of the brand's Side Protection System (SPS) range, designed to provide the security of a hard case with the portability of a soft bag. The exterior is constructed from CORDURA 1680 Denier nylon fabric. This specific material was originally developed for military-grade body armour and is highly regarded in the music industry for its resistance to tearing and abrasion.

The bag is tailored specifically for bass drums measuring 18 inches in diameter and 14 inches in depth, a common size for jazz or compact fusion drum kits. The construction focuses on high-stress areas, ensuring the drum is protected from both sharp impacts and environmental wear.

Internal Protection and Hardware

Internally, the bag features 20mm thick foam padding, which acts as a shock absorber against vibrations and minor drops. The interior is finished with a soft fleece lining, which helps prevent surface scratches or 'swirling' on the drum's lacquer or wrap finish.

The SPS designation refers to the integrated fibreglass inserts or reinforced zones that provide structural rigidity, ensuring the bag maintains its shape and offers extra resistance against crushing when stored alongside other heavy hardware in a vehicle.

Ergonomics and Portability

Despite its rugged build, the bag is designed for ease of transport. It features an adjustable carry strap equipped with a shoulder pad to distribute weight during longer walks between venues. For quick movements, the bag includes a soft-grip carry handle that reduces strain on the hands. These features are intended to make the logistics of gigging less physically demanding for the working drummer.

Suitability and Comparison

This bag is primarily suited for professional drummers and frequent performers who require more protection than a standard unlined gig bag but do not wish to use heavy plastic flight cases. While more affordable options like the Gear4music Rock Fusion Drum Bag Set provide basic coverage, the Gewa SPS series offers significantly higher denier fabric and thicker internal padding.

Compared to alternative instrument cases, such as the BAM Conservatoire or Artisto violin cases which use rigid shells, the Gewa SPS remains flexible while offering military-grade outer fabric. It sits in a premium price bracket, typically around GBP 140, reflecting its specialized construction and durability.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the exterior of the Gewa SPS bag?: The exterior is made from CORDURA 1680 Denier nylon fabric. This is a tough synthetic material known for its high resistance to tearing and abrasion, similar to materials used in military body armour.
What are the specific dimensions of this drum bag?: This bag is designed to fit a bass drum that is 18 inches in diameter and 14 inches in depth. It is important to measure your drum shell including the hoops to ensure a proper fit.
How thick is the internal padding?: The bag features 20mm thick foam padding. This layer provides a significant cushion against impacts and movement during transit in a van or car.
What type of lining does the bag have?: The interior is lined with soft fleece. This material is chosen to protect the finish of the bass drum from scratches and abrasions while inside the bag.
What does 'SPS' stand for in the product name?: SPS stands for Side Protection System. This refers to the reinforced construction of the bag, providing extra structural integrity and protection for the sides of the drum.
Does the bag include a shoulder strap?: Yes, it comes with an adjustable carry strap. It also includes a shoulder pad to make carrying the bass drum more comfortable over longer distances.
Is there a handle for manual carrying?: The bag is equipped with a soft carry handle. This is designed to be gentle on the hands for shorter journeys or when lifting the drum into a vehicle.
Is the fabric water-resistant?: While the 1680 Denier CORDURA is highly durable and synthetic, providing good weather resistance, it is primarily designed for abrasion and tear resistance. It will protect against light splashes but is not fully waterproof.
How does this compare to a standard drum bag?: Standard bags often use lower-grade nylon and thinner padding (typically 5-10mm). The Gewa SPS uses military-grade fabric and 20mm padding for significantly higher protection.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Gewa 18" x 14" SPS Bass Drum Bag typically retails for approximately GBP 140. This reflects its status as a premium professional accessory.
Can this bag fit a 18x16 inch bass drum?: No, this specific model is tailored for a 14-inch depth. A drum with a 16-inch depth would be too tall for the zip to close properly.
Is the bag suitable for touring?: Yes, it is designed for the rigours of the road, specifically for drummers who load their own gear into vans. The reinforced fabric and 20mm padding are built for frequent transport.