Gear article
Protection Racket 20 Gong Case
The Protection Racket 20 Gong Case is a specialised soft-shell gig bag designed for the secure transport of 20-inch gongs. It features a three-layer construction including a waterproof exterior, high-density foam padding, and a non-abrasive fleece lining to protect against weather and physical impact.
See live pricesOverview and Construction
The Protection Racket 20 Gong Case is engineered to provide a balance between heavy-duty protection and portability. The construction utilises a triple-layer system designed to mitigate the risks associated with transporting large, resonant metal instruments. The outermost layer is made from a robust, waterproof polyester, ensuring that the instrument remains dry during transit in inclement weather.
Internally, the case is lined with a non-abrasive synthetic fleece. This specific material is chosen to prevent surface scratches and swirling on the gong's face, which is critical for maintaining the instrument's aesthetic and acoustic integrity. Between these two layers lies a dual high-density foam core, which provides the necessary rigidity and impact resistance to shield the gong from bumps and drops.
Ergonomics and Portability
Transporting a gong can be physically demanding due to the instrument's weight and unwieldy shape. To address this, Protection Racket has equipped the 20-inch case with padded rucksack straps. These straps allow for hands-free carriage, distributing the weight across the shoulders for improved comfort during long commutes or walks to performance venues. The design focuses on keeping the overall weight of the case low without compromising the structural protection offered by the foam padding.
Target Users
This case is primarily aimed at percussionists, sound healers, and orchestral musicians who regularly move their equipment between rehearsals and performances. It is particularly suited for those who require a lightweight alternative to heavy flight cases but still need better protection than a standard unpadded dust cover. The 20-inch sizing is a standard dimension for many common gongs used in contemporary and traditional music settings.
Comparison with Alternatives
When compared to generic bags like the Gear4Music Rock Fusion Drum Bag Set or the Latin Percussion LP Cajon Bag, the Protection Racket Gong Case is highly specialised for the dimensions and fragility of a gong. While violin cases from manufacturers like BAM (such as the Artisto or Conservatoire series) offer rigid shell protection for smaller instruments, Protection Racket's approach uses high-density foam to offer similar impact resistance in a more flexible, circular format. For musicians seeking a balance of price—typically retailing around £70—and durability, it serves as a middle ground between basic nylon covers and expensive custom hard cases.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the maximum size gong this case will fit?
- The case is specifically designed to accommodate gongs with a diameter of up to 20 inches. It is important to measure the exact diameter of the instrument including any protruding edges before purchase.
- Is the exterior of the Protection Racket 20 Gong Case waterproof?
- Yes, the exterior is constructed from a waterproof polyester material. This ensures that the instrument is protected from rain and moisture during transport.
- What type of internal lining does the case use?
- The interior features a non-abrasive synthetic fleece lining. This material is designed to prevent scratches and marks on the gong's surface while it is inside the bag.
- How is the gong protected against physical impacts?
- The case uses a dual high-density foam layer sandwiched between the outer polyester and the inner fleece. This foam absorbs shocks and provides impact resistance while remaining lightweight.
- How can the case be carried?
- The case is equipped with padded rucksack straps. These allow the user to carry the gong on their back, providing a comfortable and hands-free transportation method.
- What is the typical price for this gong case?
- The Protection Racket 20 Gong Case typically retails for approximately £70. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
- Does this case have a rigid frame?
- No, this is a soft-shell case that relies on high-density foam for its structure. While it provides excellent impact resistance, it does not have a hard plastic or wooden shell like a flight case.
- Is the fleece lining prone to shedding?
- The synthetic fleece used by Protection Racket is designed to be durable and non-abrasive. It is engineered to stay intact and not leave lint or fibres on the instrument.
- Can this case be used for other instruments?
- While designed for a 20-inch gong, it could technically fit other circular instruments of similar diameter and depth, such as large cymbals. However, the padding and shape are optimised for a gong.
- How does the weight of this case compare to a hard case?
- This case is significantly lighter than a traditional hard flight case. The use of high-density foam instead of heavy wood or plastic makes it much easier to carry for mobile musicians.
- Are the zippers heavy-duty?
- Protection Racket typically uses high-quality, heavy-duty zippers on their instrument bags to ensure longevity and secure closure. The zippers are designed to withstand the stress of frequent opening and closing.
- Will the rucksack straps dig into my shoulders?
- The rucksack straps are padded to enhance comfort. This padding helps distribute the weight of the gong more evenly and prevents the straps from causing discomfort during transit.
