As part of my weekly trumpet kit reviews I am looking at my faithful Reunion Blues gig bag.

I’ve heard and seen a lot of horror stories with trumpeters and their cases. My friend who bent his lead pipe, others who have crushed and disfigured bells and more.

I’ve always been protective over my trumpet and naturally I was wary of using a soft case to start with. It wasn’t until I was at the Conservatoire and walking a couple of miles to college everyday that I really started using the gig bag and I’ve never used a hard case since.

My gig bag is small, light and uncumbersome yet padded enough to protect my trumpet in travel. In my 5 years of using it daily I haven’t had as much as a scratch on my trumpet.

I apologise for the pour picture quality. My camera is currently in Liverpool. I thought however I should illustrate the size and shape of the gig bag in relation to the trumpet.

A larger case doesn’t necessarily protect better. Providing that you find a quality make of gig bag you will be laughing. I also advise that a gig bag is for your trumpet and mouth pieces ONLY and not for books, mutes, oil etc. Having too much in a bag is a primary cause of instrument damage so consider putting the rest of your kit in a separate bag.