For all guitarists, having a gig bag you can rely on can be an invaluable asset. Over the years, many of us have gone through a few of them, and with the economy the way it is, it’s not always feasible to purchase a good quality one. But, there is a way you can fake bags it – without breaking the bank.
First of all, you’ll need some basic supplies. A large piece of canvas, thread, scissors, tape measure, needles, and a few hours depending on the size. You’ll also need a bit of creativity and some musical motifs, like buttons, guitar pick shapes, and ribbon. For the inner lining of the bag, choose something soft and thick, such as a piece of tweed or a fur fabric.
Once you have all the supplies you need and you’re ready to get started, the first step is to determine the size of the bag you’re going to make. Measure the length and width of your guitar, in order to start emphasizing the design and shape of the bag you need. Keep in mind any accessories your guitar might need, such as strings, straps, and even effects pedals. These will play a role when it comes to balancing out the measurements for the bag.
After you make your measurements, cut out two pieces of canvas and one piece of lining material. Pin them together and begin sewing. Make sure you use double stitching for extra strength. Depending on the complexity of your design, you may decide to do some extra decorating. Fortunately, you can be as creative as you like and incorporate as many musical symbols/motifs as you like.
The next step is to work on the straps for the bag. Measure the width of your guitar and then give yourself a few extra inches for width. Cut out two straps of canvas, in the same colour of your guitar. Pin and sew them to the sides of the bag and try to make them as even as possible.
Once you have everything ready, all you need to do is close the bag and tie the straps. Then you can add the finishing touches, like buttons and pockets for accessories. Now you can take pride in your handy work, and rock out with a one-of-a-kind, handmade gig bag for guitar.
Moving beyond decorations, prepare for opening up the second half of the main compartment by creating a pouch. Create a division in the middle where you can tuck away accessories like a slide, additional strings, capo, small tools, and any other items you may need on stage. To keep everything secure, add a few pockets on the inside and create a flap to close it.
The next step is to make sure that the bag is sturdy enough to carry the weight of the guitar and all the accessories. Make sure the straps are securely sewn, and replica bags reinforce the seams if necessary. To make things even more convenient, add a padded handle on one end and extra pockets for carrying portable batteries, cables, and other supplies. Plus, this will also help with balancing the bag.
Finally, to ensure your bag stays in good shape over the long term, you can add metal feet on the bottom of the bag. This will help protect the bottom and keep your guitar safe even during a rough concert gig. Not to mention it looks very stylish.
Now that you have the basics down, you can customize your bag as much as you can. Start sewing different musical symbols onto the bag, or cutting out pieces of guitar-shaped material and attaching it to the sides. You can even add a few pockets on either end to keep things organized.
With a little creativity and a few hours of crafting, you can create a unique and reliable gig bag without spending a fortune. Not only will you be the envy of your fellow musicians, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you did it all yourself.