Sheathe thy ax in a satchel most excellent. [Insert Bill and Ted style guitar flourish here.] If you were a teenage guitar hero like me, you probably bought a standard-issue gig bag at Guitar Center in high school and thought nothing of it. Mine was nylon with plastic hardware and pretty much started falling apart immediately. I have long since learned the error of my ways, because your guitar is one of your most prized possessions. When leaving the safety of your home, it belongs in a sturdy and reliable soft case like the Guitar Satchel.
Founded by world-traveling musician and photographer Jason Walsmith, Guitar Satchel makes gig bags that are more on par with Filson than Ernie Ball. As the brand mission statement explains, inspiration came from a circa 1960s gun case that was passed down as a family heirloom. Dry waxed duck canvas with hearty leather trim. The handles are folded leather with solid brass stud reinforcements, which match the solid brass zippers. A quilted cotton felt interior will pamper your six-string on all of your travels. Each bag is made in Iowa by a maker who has been producing quality guitar bags for decades.
Guitar Satchel stands by every bag with absolute certainty, as demonstrated by an “unconditional repair or replace guarantee.” If you are fortunate enough to pick up one from the first batch of 300, it will feature an individually numbered marking.
Available for $639 from Guitar Satchel.
