ProTec Banjo Gig Bag - Gold Series, Model CF204 Black 25 mm

I'm really happy with this banjo gig bag, but I'm a little confused. The one I got is not the same one shown in the pictures. However, it appears to be better than the one shown, so I'm not complaining. I'll explain the differences:The first thing I noticed is the external pockets. There is one round one on the front of the bag in the pictures. Mine has that one, plus a second round one on the front of that. Another thing mine has that the one shown here doesn't is an external pocket on the front of the neck, just below the peg head. It measures approx. 4" x 7" and is large enough to hold an electronic tuner and some other small widgets. Regarding the carrying handles, mine has a wrap-around cover to increase the comfort of carrying it. The one shown in the pictures doesn't appear to have this.Another difference is the shoulder strap on the back. In the pictures, the whole strap is a nylon web type and there is a small rubber thing used to make the strap more comfortable on your shoulder. Mine is a nylon web type (with the adjustable buckle) for only the bottom 1/3 of the strap. The upper 2/3 is a wide, padded strap. Also, in the pictures there are two points you can connect the bottom of the shoulder strap to. Mine has only one connection point in the center. Mine also has a sturdy loop on the back, attached where the top of the shoulder strap is attached, so you can hang the bag on a hook. There is no such loop on the bag in the pictures.The final difference is the price. When I ordered mine a few days ago, the price was $38.68, not including shipping. I checked today and the price is now $29.99. I verified the model number (CF204) to make sure I was looking at the right bag. It's the same one, but the one I got has all these extras and the price has dropped a few dollars since. The only thing I can think of is maybe the model's features changed (less features for a lower price) and I got the last of the more expensive ones. Not really sure.Anyway, I'm still happy with the bag. The construction seems very sturdy. Thick padding all over for good protection (twice as thick as compared to some other brands). My banjo is a Gold Tone Cripple Creek model, and it fits perfectly in this bag.The zippers are large and sturdy and function well, they don't bind up easily like smaller zippers do. They have large pulls attached to make them easy to get hold of. The zipper goes all the way around so you can open the cover and lay it open flat (you don't have to keep holding the cover open to put the banjo in/take it out).On the inside of the front cover are two protective nylon patches, one at the peg head and another lower down where the bridge is (I just realized this patch is also not on the bag in the pictures). These are to prevent the pegs and bridge from wearing holes in the padding.The carrying handles are correctly positioned so the bano is perfectly balanced for comfortable carrying. The adjustable shoulder strap can be used to carry the banjo across your back with the strap across your chest, or simply slung over one shoulder. It works well both ways.Other reviewers have mentioned the external circular pocket is difficult to get sheet music into. I wasn't concerned about that when I bought mine because I didn't buy it for carrying sheet music. I just wanted a bag I could carry the banjo around in comfortably that provides good protection. This bag does that. Sturdy contruction and thick padding make it a good choice. (If you don't use the round pocket on the front, you could always put a folded towel in there to provide a little extra padding over the bridge/head.)If you're concerned about all the differences, you might want to contact Amazon and be sure what features you're getting before you order. With the sudden reduction in the price, I would assume it's as shown in the pictures, with less features than the one I got. But who knows? Model features change sometimes.If you don't care about the extra pockets and stuff and you just want a good quality bag that will protect your banjo, I recommend this one. It appears to be built very tough and has good padding for a soft case. The only thing better would be a hard case. Overall, a great bag for the price.

This is a surprisingly well built and robust gig bag for the price. It does run slightly short in length and my banjo is snug at the top but it does safely fit. Just takes some attention and care when zipping it up. The padding is sufficient for a gig bag and arguably much more protective than most banjo gig bags I have seen... again, especially for the price. The front pockets are great with sufficient room for storage. It fits comfortably on my back and looks pretty slick to boot.I was skeptical when ordering and now could not be happier. I'd buy another for a second banjo for sure.

IT'S TOO SHORT. I have a Dean 5 string resonator banjo with 23 frets and a 39" total length. I had to take out the extra padding to squeeze the banjo in. There is absolutely no room left inside and the closure zippers meet at the top where the the point of the headstock still pokes thru less than an inch. However, I am NOT returning the case because it is so well made with ample padding and multi storage areas. I just have to take it slow to get the banjo in the case.

Fantastic quality for the price. Needed something quick and in a hurry to transport my banjo since the bag it came with broke. It's sturdy and well made. Lots of padding, smooth zipper, multiple handles, nice pockets and it fits the resonator with ease. No complaints.

Great case for price.Bought this for my 12inch open back and it fits perfectly - just enough space all around to keep it from moving without being difficult to get in.The padding is great for a light weight case. Has support padding for rim and neckZippers are very high quality. Seems goofy to mention zippers, but i tend to find they are the point of failure on cheap things (not just banjo cases) and the type of zipper used os indicative of overall quality. these are the extra thick and robust kind.It also has a lot of storage if you need than.

This review is long overdue, since I bought the bag 2 years ago! I was looking at gig bags that cost way more, when I came upon this one and decided to go for it. Glad I did, it's perfect. Very sturdy, well padded, the extra pockets hold my tablet, tuner and picks with plenty of room left over, and being able to sling it over the shoulder is saving my hands. In fact, I have used this for my (rather heavy) Deering Maple Blossom exclusively since I bought it, the hard case is in a closet somewhere. A great find.