Concertina "gig Bag" For Very Little Cabbage

[Jeff Stallard]

I could have bought an official concertina case, but that was too expensive. I could have built one (amateur builder), but I don't feel like it. So the hunt was on for a practical carrying device. I thought about a small duffle with custom-fitted foam (electric knives are GREAT for cutting foam), then maybe an overnight bag, then a toolbag, then a camera case, and then it hit me while I was walking around Target looking for my muse....a LUNCHBOX!! They're cheap, compact, and the insulation makes GREAT padding (in most). So I went through everything they had looking for something suitable, and I eventually found a nice tan, tweed, Eddie Bauer lunchbox that fits my concertina LIKE A GLOVE (yes, like a glove). So for $14 I got myself a nice looking gig bag that can double as a beer cozy.

 

Ahhhhhh, I love it when a plan comes together!!

Edited February 28, 2005 by Jeff Stallard

[JimLucas]

....a LUNCHBOX!!  They're cheap, compact, and the insulation makes GREAT padding...

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Insulation? In a lunchbox?!!

This generation has gotten more decadent and soft than I realized.

Now, when I was a kid...!!

[otsaku]

....a LUNCHBOX!!  They're cheap, compact, and the insulation makes GREAT padding...

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Insulation? In a lunchbox?!!

This generation has gotten more decadent and soft than I realized.

Now, when I was a kid...!!

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when he was a kid they still carried their lunches around in tin pails or they would have done if they could have afforded pail or lunch...

[Ken_Coles]

So tell us, where did you get your Eddie Bauer concertina case? And what part of the world are we referring to? Regards.

[Brian Humphrey]

Jeff,

 

I have carried my button accordions in insulated backpack coolers for ages. I've looked for concertina sized ones but never found any quite the right size.

 

If anyone is looking for a dual concertina case, here is an idea: SKB makes a great case designed originally for microphones and other small sound gear. I found mine at Sam Ash Music (a U.S. chain of stores) It's a rugged ABS plastic lockable case for about $125 that is watertight (claimed to be submersible!), ATA compliant( i.e. it is said to survive airline baggage handlers), fits in an airline overhead compartment; and it has two rollerblade wheels and a retractable handle. It is sold full of foam blocks that adhere together. I removed enough foam to make two " concertina nests", and then I upholstered the inside of the case with a thin but strong blanket material. It has worked great.

 

I took the dual case to a gig for the first time in January, and I parked it at the head of the hall for a few minutes. Soon I heard the caller of the evening from across the room:

 

"Brian, is this great case yours? Can I stand on it?" He had one foot on the case, with microphone and dance cards in hand.

 

I hastily responded, "That's an instrument case! My concertinas are still in there!"

 

His reply: "Yes, but can I stand on it?"

 

I made it crystal clear that I did not intend to find out if a case full of concertinas-- or empty of them -- could survive a bouncing caller for two or three hours.

 

Don't let a caller stand on your Eddie Bauer insulated concertina case.

 

Brian

[Jeff Stallard]

I'll take a picture of it tonight and post it. I got it at Target, and I live in Ohio.

 

I like the "multiple instruments in one case" idea. I'll have to look into that if I ever get a second concertina.

 

Insulation? In a lunchbox?!!

This generation has gotten more decadent and soft than I realized.

 

I'm with you on this one. I don't like lunchboxes used as lunchboxes. If I'm going to be carrying food around, I get stuff that will fit in a coat pocket. However, using a lunchbox as something else doesn't bother me one bit.

[Sandy Winters]

Insulated six-pack-lunchbox/cooler. I know just what you're talking about. I bought one to use as a concertina case for my beat up shop concertina and then bought another one for my digital camera. One of them has even been used for lunch on one occasion.

 

But no "Eddie Bauer" for me. They were $5.99 at my local grocery store. No name, just a six-pack cooler.

[RELCOLLECT]

I have often used a Coleman "Little Oscar" hard-side cooler as a tackle box, bait bucket, berry-picking pail, etc. Not all on the same trip, of course!! (Blackberry flavored worms! EEW!)

 

Greg

[Jeff Stallard]

Here's a picture of the setup.

[Tim Hall]

My Tedrow anglo came to me in a padded Tamrac camera bag that fits it very nicely indeed, and has a front pocket for incidentals, and enough room for a small music book as well. It's the nicest non-hardshell case I've seen. Now, for the ultimate in theft deterrence, you could follow the advice of a friend of mine - use diaper bags for your valuables (assuming you have a small child to make the ruse believable).

 

Tim

[d.elliott]

The picture shows the concertina stood on its end, not a good idea! Store the concertina with its axis horizontal to avoid valve drooping problems. Also with the bellows blocked to to have the folds as fully compressed as possible.

 

Dave

[Jeff Stallard]

The picture shows the concertina stood on its end, not a good idea!  Store the concertina with its axis horizontal to avoid valve drooping problems. Also with the bellows blocked to to have the folds as fully compressed as possible.

 

Dave

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Good to know, thanks. Luckily, it also fits perfectly horizontally.