Looking for a music bag.

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-03-07 12:30 a.m.

Specifically, an o-t-s bag big enough to carry an orchestral music folder (approx. 14” x 14”), reasonably water resistant, with a flap to keep the rain out. Just about everything I’ve found tends to be too small (usually not wide enough) or too bulky, eg backpacks and rucksacks.

FullPedalTrombonist · by **FullPedalTrombonist** » 2020-03-07 12:51 a.m.

I like Carhartt’s hybrid backpack tote

I almost bought one as city weekend bag. It should fit a 14” folder easy

walldaja · by **walldaja** » 2020-03-08 8:21 p.m.

Gator mixer bag (1212) would work, keep your computer in it too.

TriJim · by **TriJim** » 2020-03-09 7:55 a.m.

Timbuk2 makes a variety of bike messenger bags that are water repellant and easily accept large folios and other outsize objects; would work well for this application.

MTbassbone · by **MTbassbone** » 2020-03-11 1:27 a.m.

I use this one: <LINK_TEXT text="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079B ... UTF8&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079B7NQBC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1</LINK_TEXT>. I get a music stand, trombone stand, seat cushion, water bottle, music folder, mutes, and writing implements into it at the same time. Plus it has wheels.

jbeatenbough · by **jbeatenbough** » 2020-03-11 10:25 a.m.

I use a laptop backpack for my music, chromebook, mutes, ... that leaves my hands free for whatever else

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-03-11 10:48 a.m.

Let’s review the specs shall we? Big enough to carry an orchestra music folder, ie. about 14” x 14”. Water resistant (it rains all winter here) with a flap.

I’m in Canada, eh. If I wanted a carry-all, I’d head down to the sporting goods store and buy a goalie bag.

FullPedalTrombonist · by **FullPedalTrombonist** » 2020-03-11 11:05 a.m.

[quote="Bach5G"]Let’s review the specs shall we? Big enough to carry an orchestra music folder, ie. about 14” x 14”. Water resistant (it rains all winter here) with a flap.

I’m in Canada, eh. If I wanted a carry-all, I’d head down to the sporting goods store and buy a goalie bag.[/quote]

This is from Carhartt’s site page of the bag I suggested

1200-denier heavy-duty polyester

Dimensions: 17" x 14.5" x 3.5"

Rain Defender® durable water repellent (DWR) keeps your gear dry in light rain

Shoulder straps and carry straps for versatile use

Large main compartment

Padded laptop compartment

Two slash pockets

Outer zip pocket

AndrewMeronek · by **AndrewMeronek** » 2020-03-11 11:09 a.m.

I have a Samsonite leather briefcase that looks sharp that I use for lesson materials, but the one I have only reasonably holds 8.5x11 or similar sized paper. I looked around their store, and they do have what they call a "Quadrion Messenger Bag" that fits your dimensions. All the Samsonite stuff is expensive, though - but the term "messenger bag" may be worth checking out in other manufacturers.

<LINK_TEXT text="https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks-ba ... briefcases">https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks-bags/laptop-bags-briefcases/quadrion-messenger-bag/131702XXXX.html?dwvar_131702XXXX_color=1317021041&cgidmaster=laptop-bags-briefcases</LINK_TEXT>

Bach5G · by **Bach5G** » 2020-03-11 1:03 p.m.

I see Protec has a portfolio case that seems to be built exactly for the purpose.

LeTromboniste · by **LeTromboniste** » 2020-06-29 2:45 p.m.

Roots makes some really nice classic leather briefcases/messenger bags. They're not exactly cheap, but very well made and durable (and made in Canada) and if something breaks you can have Roots fix it. They have a couple models that fit 15" laptops (mine actuallyfits my Acer 15.6" with a bit of room to spare), and will also fit pretty much any size music in them (I carry 9x12, 10x13, Legal, B4 no problem; Tabloid is pushing it a bit, it will go in but the edges or corners might suffer, as the bags are 17"). Over the shoulder, so easy to carry while also carrying a trombone with backpack straps.

Won't fit a 14x14 music folder without damaging the folder handle (I assume 14x14 are those extra wide folders with a handle?), but frankly there are very few satisfactory bag options that will take those folders, and getting better folders is probably an easier and better solution. I use hardcover folders, which are available in various sizes slightly larger than most paper sizes (or which you can easily DIY) and which protect the music well during carriage. They're also very useful when playing from portable music stands.

bassboy · by **bassboy** » 2020-07-07 12:22 p.m.

Some great stuff in this thread. I understand it's not an over-the-shoulder option (or over-the-anything really), but I'd like to include an addition from biggiesmalls from the mouthpiece storage thread.

[quote="biggiesmalls"]Recently I've been buying up these old heavy duty Super 8 projector cases that hold up to eight cartons, or 48 mouthpieces. Great for carrying music as well![/quote]

izMadman · 2025-02-04 3:50 a.m.

Most standard totes just don’t have the width, and backpacks can be overkill. You might want to look at messenger bags, especially ones with a structured shape and a secure flap to keep everything dry. Leather or coated canvas options tend to be the most water-resistant without looking too bulky.

I recently came across some well-sized bags at ~~[url=https://coach-bags.co.uk/]~~https://coach-bags.co.uk/, and a few of them might work for what you need. They’re stylish but also practical, and some have a good balance of space without being too large. Hope you find something that fits your music folder perfectly!

BigBadandBass · by **BigBadandBass** » 2025-02-04 11:28 a.m.

I recommend Timbuk2, Manhattan Portage, “my mute bag” and, Protec. They all do messenger style bags that can fit everything you’re after, “my mute bag” and protec have options catered to musicians. My other spending hobby besides trombone is bags and personally, a large zip tote or messenger bag is probably what you’re after. You can easily just get a large or X-large Manhattan Portage bag and that will comfortably everything.

ghmerrill · by **ghmerrill** » 2025-02-04 1:31 p.m.

[quote="walldaja"]Gator mixer bag (1212) would work, keep your computer in it too.[/quote]
I'm a huge fan of the Gator bags. I have one now that holds music, my digital tablet, my bass mutes, stand, seat cushion, and mute stands. That would be too big for your needs, but Gator has a good variety of possibilities, and they're tough as nails.

AtomicClock · by **AtomicClock** » 2025-02-04 5:07 p.m.

[quote="ghmerrill"]That would be too big for your needs[/quote]

Who are you talking to? Bach5G from 5 years ago?

ghmerrill · by **ghmerrill** » 2025-02-04 6:21 p.m.

[quote="AtomicClock"]Who are you talking to? Bach5G from 5 years ago?[/quote]
My comments transcend the ages.

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Looking for a music bag.