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Any experience-based recommendations for a gig bag for a Gibson Johnny Smith?
I’m aware of the Cronkhite GJS option, but have not had one in hand, and likewise Probag for possible custom order. A Gator GL Series Acoustic Jumbo works for my L-5 CES, but the additional GJS depth (despite the slimmer body) due to the volume knob on the pickguard appears to make the fit potentially problematically tight.
Thanks!
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03-29-2019 02:12 PM
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I have used a Probag for many years.
It was made to accomidate my Super 400 and GJS
Works well for me.
cheers
Mike
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Thanks, Mike: that's particularly interesting to me because I contacted Probag a few months ago with exactly that possibility in mind (a Super 400 bag that could also accommodate my GJS), but I did not receive any reply from them. If you could by PM or in this thread detail any special instructions you conveyed to them, it would be much appreciated.
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Was back in 2011 when I ordered mine
Contact was JohnnyChavez [mailto: [email protected]]
He asked for overall measurements of the guitars and I provided the following
The super 400 is
Overall length 45 inches
Width at the widest point 18.25 inches
Width at upper section of body 13.125 inches
Body length 22.3 inches
Depth at Bridge 5.25 inches
Headstock width (including tuners) 4.6 inches
JohnnySmith
Overall length 43 inches
Width at the widest point 17 inches
Width at upper section of body 12,125 inches
Body length 21 inches
Depthat Bridge 5.25 inches
Headstock width (including tuners) 4.6 inches
Bag has worked well over the years only issues so far (in eight years )
Had to add a new leather padding internally over the tuners where the cut end of the strings had created some holes where the bag touched them and last week had to resew part of the main zipper that had become detached (both minor wear problems).
Service was excellent and shipped in great condition all the way to Australia.
All the best
Mike
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This is very helpful, Mike: thank you. I wonder if the extra width of the bag (to accommodate the Super 400) helps make up for the height (depth) of the GJS pickguard assembly so that there is no undue pressure on the guard (and top) via the protruding knob when closing the bag. That would be in addition to the fact that the Gator GL Series Acoustic Jumbo (problematic for the GJS, but not for the L-5 CES) is a rigid polyfoam structure overall more compact in its dimensions than your Probag.
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I've had both Cronkhite's and Probagg; both work well, although the Cronkhite is in another league altogether.
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Is that the new Cronkhite for the GJS that you have had?
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I've had two of Glenn's bags. I spoke with him when he was selling/transitioning to the new company, and he was pretty confident these guys know what they're doing, and they have all (most?) of his patterns.
Last edited by marcwhy; 03-30-2019 at 11:40 AM.
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A guy I know uses a Reunion Blues Continental for his Johnny Smith. They're great cases (I have for my semi-hollow). Very sturdy, and comfortable to carry, but heavy.
Originally Posted by Geechnyc
John
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thanks: do you know which model? I’m only finding RB specs for a 17” instrument that appear to feature insufficient interior length (42”) for a GJS. Originally Posted by John A.
Last edited by Geechnyc; 03-30-2019 at 01:48 PM.
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Sorry, but no, I don't know the model. I can try to find out, but it might take a while. Originally Posted by Geechnyc
John
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Any information would be appreciated; I’m not rushing my decision. Current options seem to be Cronkhite GJS-specific for +$700 (leather) +$460 (Cordura) or 18” bags (Probag, Levy’s) (leather) for +$450/490.
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I have a Levy’s Jumbo gig bag that I carry my L5’s in. One of my L5’s has a Johnny Smith pickup with the tall knob and it’s not a problem with my Levy’s bag. Originally Posted by Geechnyc
Keith
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Very helpful to know, thank you!
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$700 for a Cronkhite huh? Originally Posted by Geechnyc
I bought 2 leather L5 bags from him about 10 yrs ago for $650. Not sure how much he was charging right before he retired but it sounds like the new owners had a pretty steep increase. But if they're the same quality probably still worth it, they're the best.
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Let me know should you decide that you have one too many of those L-5 bags. Originally Posted by wintermoon
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Not for sale, but won't work for a Smith due to the longer headstock. A friend and I bought new leather bags for L5's at the same time but he never used his so I bought it. Glenn always insisted that a gig bag should be snug all over, personally I don't think a slightly longer bag in the headstock is compromising, but he has his theories and has certainly seen more than me. Originally Posted by Geechnyc
Great old school cat btw, they don't make em like him anymore, he'll he missed in the trade.
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Again, thanks. Specs that I find listed for the Levy’s Jumbo (LM20J) feature a depth of only 4.5 inches, which I would have thought insufficient for those instruments, even with the listed 19.5 inches of width. The LM20, however, shows as 5.5 or 6 inches deep, but not as long (44.5 or 45 vs. 46 inches listed). Originally Posted by floatingpickup
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That is very strange. I am pretty sure mine is an LM20J. Unfortunately, I am away right now and can’t check the model/dimensions. You could contact Levy’s in Canada and ask them about the difference in the specs of those two models. I have dealt with them in the past and they were very responsive and helpful. The bag I have for my L5 is made for a “Jumbo” guitar such as a J-200 or Super 400 and it is deep enough for the Johnny Smith pickguard and knob. I also have a very similar Levy’s bag for a dreadnaught, and I don’t believe it is any deeper than my Jumbo bag. The dreadnaught bag, however, is too short for a Johnny Smith. Originally Posted by Geechnyc
Keith
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If a JS fits then I’d certainly recommend it. I have one for my L5 and absolutely love the Continental. Feels like it will last forever and I feel very safe with my guitar in there. Originally Posted by John A.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Please see posts #10 and 11 above. Originally Posted by rio
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I have 2 Gator Pro-Go cases. The classical size (works great for my 15" archtops & semis), and the dual acoustic-electric. I really like them, especially at the price-point. Had them for several years now, no complaints. Durable, well-padded, and lots of well-thought-out storage. (Ex, the main pocket IS big enough for a standard music binder.)
I believe the Pro-Go series all have a couple more interior length inches than most comparable bags.
Series: Pro-Go Guitar - Gator Cases
The acoustic bag appears to have a 45-1/2" interior length:
Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag-G-PG ACOUSTIC - Gator Cases
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Thank you for the reference to this series. The Pro-Go Acousric specs, however, feature only a 16-inch lower bout accommodation.
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Perhaps you have a Levy’s LM51J (Jazz), which is 46 ½” L x 19” W at lower bout x 5” deep, as the company kindly just informed me in response to my inquiry, while adding: “The bad news is we have suspended all of our Leather gig bag manufacture till the new year as we are completely redesigning the line.” Originally Posted by floatingpickup
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In my experience a 17" archtop that is on the narrower side (like the JS) fits very well into a 16" dreadnaught bag, as long as the bag's sides aren't rock-hard stiff, like a true hard case. If you think about it, a dread bag is quite deep, and you only need the bag to flex 1/2" around the body bindings. But you should definitely try it first. Contact a sales rep at Sweetwater, they may give you a return option if you ask. Originally Posted by Geechnyc
If I can find a colleague near me with a 17" archie, I'll see how it fits in the acoustic compartment of my dual bag.
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