Road Runner Roadster Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag

I have a lot of guitars, and several hard cases for them, and a couple of these. I read some people complaining that the backstraps don't let you carry it on your back through a doorway. Neither do the backstraps on my Guild lightweight case that just came with my new thousand dollar Guild. They're for when you have to walk a long distance with it, like camping. When you get to a door you take it off, and it has this thing called a handle. If carrying it by the handle is too much for you, then you don't need a case, you need a cane. I've had my roadrunner gig bags about a year, and they are still as good as new. Then I hear complaints about the pocket not being quite big enough for their sheet music. Fold it, or put it inside, under the guitar, just like you would with a case. And as for the guy who said his guitar was hard to fit in the case, well, guitars vary in dimensions somewhat, but I have yet to stick one of mine in the bag an it not fit. But you should always measure your guitar for a bag, or try it, before you buy. Most people do that. I've been very happy with my Roadrunners. They are cheaper than a hardshell case by about $30, and a lot easier to carry. I only use the hardshells anymore when I think I need the extra protection from cold.

When I bought this Roadster Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag I was pleased with the design. My guitar fit well and I wanted something to carry and store my instrument for travel as well as gigs. The price was right. In the beginning I made the pockets work but had to squeeze my sheet music into them. The back pack straps were not set properly & I stopped using them as I hit the guitar neck on door frames far too often. I also was not pleased with the padding on the bottom edge of the bag; when ever I stood the case against the wall it had to be done slowly or I would hear the dreaded hollowed guitar sound as hit hit the floor. The final straw is the tearing of the seams; Planned obsolescence it seems. Get a different model. I am.

The gig bag protects my Ibanez acoustic guitar from dust, bumps and light rain in San Diego, and during car transport. But, the stitching has come apart at the bottom end. I put very little wear and tear on it, basically used for guitar storage. So, I think that quality control needs to be stepped up at the manufacturer's end.

I live in NYC and take my guitar on the subway often. This case, when worn on the back is very poorly balanced- the top of the straps are mounted too low on the case. As a result, no matter how adjusted, the case sits too high and has very poor balance so I worry about the guitar headstock hitting doorways/subway entrances/turnstiles. Additionally, the main front pocket is too small to fit 8.5x11 sheet music so whats the point?

Good gig bag. Fits my dreadnought with no issues and room to spare. My only suggestions on it would be this: the large front pocket needs to be a little larger, as it doesn't quite fit sheet music or a standard 8 1/2 x 11 page. I keep mine in a very thin folder that barely hold normal papers, but even so the pocket needs to be the same width at the top as the bottom to really be used properly. The other issue is that the shoulder straps on the back are placed too low. If adjusted all the way out to allow the bag to sit lower, the balance becomes awkward and if they're shortened up the headstock is easily a foot over the top of your head (or more). If you're going to carry your guitar "suitcase style" and there's room enough to keep your music inside the bag (like I do), this is a good deal.

This case is sturdy and durable. Heavy polyfoam protects the guitar very well and the craftsmanship is truly outstanding. The external pouches are a huge plus for extra strings/picks/anything. The backpack straps are also very convenient for when you want to carry and keep your hands free.