The double bass case I use is the Carlo Giordano BSC-300.
Here’s a rundown of how it holds up in daily use, plus what I always carry along with it.
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The Carlo Giordano BSC-300 Double Bass Case
If you search for “double bass case” or “upright bass gig bag,” this one tends to show up near the top of the results pretty consistently.
It sits in the mid-price range for a padded bass case — not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive either.
Here’s the single biggest pro and the single biggest con, in plain terms:
Incredibly sturdy! (Pro)
Seriously heavy!! (Con)
Let’s go through the details.
The Upside of the BSC-300
It’s Sturdy
The padding inside the case is just thick, period. The area around the bridge and bottom of the bass especially feels solidly held in place, which is reassuring. It also holds up fine in light rain — water doesn’t soak through to the inside.
Plenty of Handles
Going from the head down to the end pin, there are four handles along the front, three on the side, and a shoulder strap with a carabiner clip is also included. Since the case is heavy, having a lot of places to grab it really helps.
Big Pockets
There are two back pockets, one above the other. They’re roomy enough to fit around four A4-sized sheet music binders. There’s also storage up front.
A small pocket near the bottom front fits about the bottom half of a water bottle.
There’s a bow pocket too.
The Downside of the BSC-300
It’s Heavy
Plain and simple, it’s heavy.
In summer, just getting to a gig with it leaves you as drenched in sweat as if you’d already played the set. It’s tough going for a lot of players, frankly.
It’s Bulky
At train station ticket gates, you can only fit through the wider lanes, and for narrower gates you have to turn the case sideways to get through.
How I Transport It
I use a dedicated set of wheels called a bass buggy.
It’s a real investment on its own, and you might balk at paying that much just for a set of wheels. But the cheaper carts sold at general hardware stores tend to be wobbly and break quickly, so in the long run a dedicated bass buggy isn’t actually expensive — it just pays for itself over time.
Tips for Choosing a Double Bass Case
Lightness vs. Durability
The lighter the case, the easier it is to carry, but you give up some durability. The heavier it is, the harder things like stairs become.
If You Use It Often
If you’re hauling your bass around a lot, I’d lean toward durability even if it costs you some weight. You never know what might happen while you’re out and about — it’s a bit like driving: accidents tend to happen right when you’ve let your guard down, often not long after you’ve gotten comfortable with something new.
That said, it really is heavy, so it’s a real tradeoff. (laughs)
Buy In Person If You Can
Same idea as trying out an amp or an instrument before buying — if at all possible, bring your own bass to the shop and actually test how it fits and handles in the case. You can also get advice from the staff on the spot.
Want Personalized Feedback on Your Playing?
This is exactly the kind of thing that’s hard to fix alone — and where having a teacher makes all the difference.
At Line on Bass, I offer an online lesson service where you send me a video of your playing, and I give you specific, detailed feedback — every single day if you want.
Students from around the world are using this to fix exactly these kinds of issues and steadily improve their jazz bass skills.