Gear article

Hartwood Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag

The Hartwood Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag is a lightweight soft-shell protective case designed for full-sized acoustic instruments. Featuring 20mm of internal padding and multiple transport options, it provides a balance between portability and instrument safety for gigging musicians and students.

See live prices

Overview

The Hartwood Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag serves as a functional solution for transporting full-sized acoustic guitars. Positioned within the mid-range of the soft-case market, it focuses on providing essential protection through high-density padding while maintaining a low overall weight. It is intended for musicians who require a more robust solution than a standard dust cover but prefer the ergonomics of a backpack-style bag over a heavy flight case.

Design and Construction

The bag is constructed with a focus on shielding the instrument from common environmental hazards such as scratches, dust, and minor impacts.

Key structural features include: * 20mm Padding: This layer acts as a buffer against knocks and light collisions during transit. * Dual Carrying Options: The bag includes a pair of adjustable shoulder straps for backpack-style transport and a reinforced side carry handle for hand-carrying. * Storage Pockets: Large external compartments are integrated into the design, specifically sized to accommodate accessories such as strings, tuners, capos, and sheet music.

Protection and Utility

Designed specifically for full-size acoustic guitars, the internal dimensions ensure a snug fit that prevents the instrument from shifting excessively during travel. The 20mm padding is significantly thicker than the 5mm or 10mm padding found on budget alternatives, offering enhanced peace of mind for users attending music lessons or local gigs.

Market Context

At a retail price point of approximately £40, the Hartwood Gig Bag competes with generic soft cases and entry-level branded bags. While it does not offer the rigid structural integrity of hardshell cases like those produced by BAM for violins and cellos, it provides superior mobility for urban travel. It serves as a dedicated acoustic alternative to specialized percussion bags, such as those from Latin Percussion or Gear4music, by tailoring the internal cavity to the specific geometry of the acoustic guitar.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What level of protection does this gig bag provide?
The bag features 20mm of padding. This thickness is designed to protect against scratches and minor knocks encountered during routine transport to lessons or rehearsals.
Does the bag have shoulder straps?
Yes, it is equipped with a pair of comfortable shoulder straps. These allow for hands-free, backpack-style carrying.
Can I carry the bag by hand?
Yes, the design includes a traditional side carry handle. This provides an alternative to the shoulder straps for quick movements.
What size guitar is this bag designed for?
It is designed specifically for full-size acoustic guitars. It may be too large for 3/4 size or parlour-style instruments without additional padding.
Is there storage for accessories?
Yes, the bag features spacious external pockets. These are intended for items such as tuners, capos, spare strings, and other small essentials.
How does the padding compare to budget gig bags?
At 20mm, the padding is thicker than many entry-level bags which often use 5mm or 10mm foam. This provides a higher degree of impact resistance.
Is this bag suitable for air travel?
While it is excellent for local travel, it is a soft-shell gig bag and not a hardshell flight case. It is generally not recommended for aircraft hold luggage.
Can I fit sheet music in the pockets?
The manufacturer describes the pockets as spacious. They are designed to accommodate common accessories and documents required for gigs or lessons.
Is the Hartwood Gig Bag heavy?
No, it is designed to be lightweight. The use of foam padding and fabric rather than a wooden shell makes it easy to carry over long distances.
Does the bag protect against scratches?
Yes, the internal lining and 20mm padding are specifically intended to prevent surface scratches and finish damage during transport.
What is the typical price for this model?
The Hartwood Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag typically retails for approximately £40.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is this bag compatible with electric guitars?
While an electric guitar may fit inside, the bag is shaped for the deeper body of a full-size acoustic guitar. Using it for electric instruments may result in an loose fit.