Where to Find a Gig Bag for a Gibson Johnny Smith in 2024

[BebopFan]

Any current recommendations on a gig bag for a Gibson Johnny Smith? I just purchased a Mono M80-JA bag and discovered the same problem reported in a thread from five years ago. Specifically the additional depth of a Johnny Smith (e.g., as compared to an L-5 CES) due to the volume knob on the pickguard results in a very tight fit that could be problematic. The Levy's LM-20 bag that was suggested back then is nowhere to be found on the Internet.

Thanks!

[Cunamara]

I have a Reunion Blues Continental that fits my ES-175 with a little room to spare; my 17" carved archtop guitar is tight to the point that I wasn't uncomfortable zipping the bag. Most of these things are designed for dreadnought guitars and I think archtop guitars are a small enough market that nobody really builds gig bags for them

[Hammertone]

Any current recommendations on a gig bag for a Gibson Johnny Smith? I just purchased a Mono M80-JA bag and discovered the same problem reported in a thread from five years ago. Specifically the additional depth of a Johnny Smith (e.g., as compared to an L-5 CES) due to the volume knob on the pickguard results in a very tight fit that could be problematic. The Levy's LM-20 bag that was suggested back then is nowhere to be found on the Internet.Thanks!

I have a few soft bags that fit. Where are you located?

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

They’re a bit more money, but Glen Cronkhite makes a wonderful custom bag for the JS. With a “new customer” 25% off coupon that should pop up when you access his website, I think the cordura version is about $50 more than a new M80 Vertigo. There’s usually one in stock for a JS, so you might even be able to get a slightly bigger discount.

[arnie65]

There's a company called Studioslips that will make one for you, just give them the measurements of the guitar and it will fit like a glove. They can also personalize the bag with your name etc. I've used them in the past for a custom pedalboard case, guitar case etc, and their stuff is high quality stuff. I highly recommend them. Here's their info (Susan Bendinelli 707-568-7780)

Studio Slips | Clamshell Gig Bags and Slip Covers | US Made | since 1992


Cheers,
Arnie..

[Woody Sound]

Any current recommendations on a gig bag for a Gibson Johnny Smith? I just purchased a Mono M80-JA bag and discovered the same problem reported in a thread from five years ago. Specifically the additional depth of a Johnny Smith (e.g., as compared to an L-5 CES) due to the volume knob on the pickguard results in a very tight fit that could be problematic. The Levy's LM-20 bag that was suggested back then is nowhere to be found on the Internet.

Thanks!

Swap in a smaller knob?

[jads57]

I bought a Reunion Blues Continental gig bag some years back for Elferink Tonemaster. Well padded and constructed highly recommended!

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

There's a company called Studioslips that will make one for you, just give them the measurements of the guitar and it will fit like a glove. They can also personalize the bag with your name etc. I've used them in the past for a custom pedalboard case, guitar case etc, and their stuff is high quality stuff. I highly recommend them. Here's their info (Susan Bendinelli 707-568-7780)

Studio Slips | Clamshell Gig Bags and Slip Covers | US Made | since 1992


Cheers,
Arnie..

I've been using StudioSlips bags for my amps and speakers except Toobs since Susan and her husband started the business many years ago. They're great people who provide top quality bags and service at reasonable prices. But I didn't know they make guitar bags - there's no evidence of that on their website. If they use a neck support system as good as Mono's, I'd gladly switch to their bags for my guitars too. But unless they can match the stellar protection of the top Mono or Cronkhite bags, I'm sticking with Mono.

I've always loved leather gig bags, and I had a beautiful Levy's for my solid bodies until I switched to 7 strings. My favorite bag was about an inch too short to hold my 7 string Tele, ESP and LP - so I sold it. Unfortunately, leather gig bags don't have the protective sides and neck support of the Monos for archtops. If they did, I'd be using Cronkhite leather bags for all my guitars today.

I carry my Toobs in inexpensive insulated "lunch bags" and lighting gear bags because Toobs are almost indestructible and the bags I use for them cost less than half the price of a custom SS bag. If I were still gigging several times a week, StudioSlips would be worth every penny for durability, protection, and ease of carry (because their handles are bigger and more comfortable to carry and their padding is more comfortable against my back and legs).

[arnie65]

I've been using StudioSlips bags for my amps and speakers except Toobs since Susan and her husband started the business many years ago. They're great people who provide top quality bags and service at reasonable prices. But I didn't know they make guitar bags - there's no evidence of that on their website. If they use a neck support system as good as Mono's, I'd gladly switch to their bags for my guitars too. But unless they can match the stellar protection of the top Mono or Cronkhite bags, I'm sticking with Mono.

I've always loved leather gig bags, and I had a beautiful Levy's for my solid bodies until I switched to 7 strings. My favorite bag was about an inch too short to hold my 7 string Tele, ESP and LP - so I sold it. Unfortunately, leather gig bags don't have the protective sides and neck support of the Monos for archtops. If they did, I'd be using Cronkhite leather bags for all my guitars today.

I carry my Toobs in inexpensive insulated "lunch bags" and lighting gear bags because Toobs are almost indestructible and the bags I use for them cost less than half the price of a custom SS bag. If I were still gigging several times a week, StudioSlips would be worth every penny for durability, protection, and ease of carry (because their handles are bigger and more comfortable to carry and their padding is more comfortable against my back and legs).

Glen's product is really second to none, and it should be according to the price. Studio Slips makes custom stuff, and if you want more neck support, or anything else, they will make it for you. The huge difference won't be on the quality, or craftsmanship, it will be on the price...

Cheers,
Arnie

[wintermoon]

Just a note, Glenn was a co founder of Reunion Blues in SF then went out on his own before selling the company that's using his name. I have no idea of the quality of the current Cronkhite bags.
I've had 2 leather bags he custom made for about 15 yrs that I've used exclusively. They're so well made and heavy they don't need any extra protection like neck supports etc unless you plan on checking them at an airport which I wouldn't recommend doing w any case other than a Calton.
I paid $300 each then but now they're around $900 w shipping minus the 25% first time buyer code.

[Jabberwocky]

Products | Blue Heron Softshell Cases

[wintermoon]

Products | Blue Heron Softshell Cases

Jabs!