Judging from its rigid frame, thick padding, and waterproof ABS polymer clothing (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, if you must know), the M80 is built to take a beating on behalf of your beloved. A padded neck brace keeps the bag’s contents safely stowed within the soft plush interior, and finishing touches like a rubber sole, ergonomic zipper fobs, and tough rubber edging push the M80 toward the head of the gig-bag pack.
The bag has handles handled—the padded side handle is easy to grasp and is well positioned for horizontal balance, and the shoulder-strap grip strip makes vertical transport a cinch. The 2w"-wide shoulder straps clip together across the chest for a snug fit, and they stow neatly in the bag’s back pocket when not in use. Even with the straps slackened to the max, the bag rested high on my back, forcing me to duck under doorways and be otherwise mindful of my bass’s elevation. Clipping a few carabiners to the strap ends added inches (which eased that walking-with-a-wedgie sensation), but I’d rather have additional strap slack.
Inside, the MONO has ample space; 14w" at its widest point, the M80 easily encased Gibson Grabber and Lakland Hollowbody basses, bodies that have proven too wide for some other bags. It also has height to spare (48”), fitting 35"-scale 5-strings with no problem. The padded storage compartment’s capacity is somewhat more modest, with just enough room for necessities—a cable, a strap, a tuner, and a few issues of Bass Player. It can fit a fat fake book, but little else. The zippered pouch near the headstock was perfect for my wallet, cell phone, iPod, and similarly slim stowage.
At $189—more than many hardshell cases—the M80’s price tag has potential stopping power. But the MONO’s rugged build and stylish look make it a worthy tote in the eyes of this bag buff; I just hope it doesn’t clash with the Prada man-purse I have on order.
List $239
Street $190
B5.5 lbs
Warranty Three years
Pros Superior protection for a gig bag
Cons Rides high on the back
Bottom line This stylish gig bag’s materials and construction make it an excellent bass holster.
Contact www.monocase.com