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Damm that blue interior from the Reunion Blues bag , it’s like looking at a Playboy Magazine bunny of the year !😅😂 It steals all the attention from the other competitors!😂😂
Great review! For what it's worth, I'll throw in that I've been using a Mono Vertigo case with my Veritas Portlander (with Bigsby) for over 5 years, and the inner lining over the bridge has held up very well. I just checked it, and while it has dulled in color a bit, it doesn't show so much as a loose thread.
That's good to know! I wonder how much "extra" room there is on the regular vertigo with more traditional sized guitars. I've never held a non-semi hollow version of their case. As I showed in this video I have to put a good amount of pressure to get my ES330 in there and this one does show scratches from bridges rubbing against it already.
"This was a REAL review.....beautifully done. You actually made me realize which case to get for my semi-hollow (w/ Bigsby). I already have a RB for my Telecaster and a Mono for my Lakland Bass, but it looks like it's time for another Reunion Blues !" 👍🙏
I kinda like the tight fit on the mono on entry, almost removes the risk of the guitar ending up on the deck as you’re putting it or when you open the case to take it out (say for example if the Velcro came unattached on the other case) in opposed to if it opened fully PS that Velcro will fail far before the abrasion pad in the mono
I like mono because of the quick access to open the case from the top, to grab my guitar without to lay down the gig bag. I hope there's some other brand make the same zip design.
Currently using a hard case for my Taylor Dreadnought, which is too heavy and bulky at small gigs and at home. I only recently became aware that you could buy gig bags that aren't the usual cheap rubbish - so this is very useful and detailed, thanks!
Thank you so much! I feel like there just aren't enough videos about those cases out here that are very HONEST and really obsessed (in a good way) with the features. So finding and watching your video felt like a blessing to me. I was indecisive about which to choose from those two, although I kind of liked the Reunion Blues a little better from the beginning because I didn't like the top loading method of the mono. Your video and your really valid points helped me with making my final decision and I want to thank for putting in the time to do this for us! Cheers!
Love to hear that, thank you for watching! I'd like to do more of these, there are very few actually objective reviews of items out there. Mostly just demo's, hard part is I have to buy the stuff myself but it's not impossible :)
@@YeatzeeGuitar Yeah, that's definitely not cheap, but the good thing is, if it's not sponsered, you can be as honest as you like. And I thnk I speak for a lot of the other guys when I tell you how much we appreciate your critism and honesty! Keep doing what you're doing :)
Was looking for some great and highly detailed review like this. Now I am 100% confident about my case of choice for my precious axe. Thanks a lot, good job.
Nice review.having had the Continental first gen, I can attest that it lasts FOREVER(had it for 10 years now). I just had to replace the main zipper pulls(the zippers themselves are the best in the business). Re the Mono..they are really nice and many of my coworkers have it. However, the RB Continental easily outlives the Vertigo and the M80 when comes to durability of straps, stitches, interior and zippers.The Mono has a better compartments, possibly more lighter and comfortable, but that doesn’t justify the steep price of it. +1 to the voyager-BIG Time, and i know it is even lighter than the first gen Continental.
I guess it all depends on the type , size , shape and value of the guitar as well as if you’re just going on foot to a local jam vs flying or driving to a bigger gig! It also depends on whether you carry more accessories or not and what type. So to conclude both bags are great but different gig bags for different strokes !😂😂😂 Nice video and thanks ! 👍🏼🎸🙏🏻
I would like to add you can order extra padding from reunion blues to make the fit more snug as was the concern in the review. I will also mention the mono pocket is wider but the pocket on the RB pushes out much further so it has a lot more depth to it. I can fit a thick binder in my RB but it won’t completely fit in my mono, can’t zip it all the way closed.
Ive got both, and gigged both and over the last 10 years the Mono case, while still fully functional has one flaw, the rubber piping around the case has deteriorated. The Reunion Blues case could have veen bought yesterday, it still looks brand new. They both do a great job of protecting both hollow body and semi hollow body guitars.
the other advantage of traditional design is that it is easier to customize. for example, the issue of the case being too big for the guitar, you can just cut some foam to size, wrap them in some microfiber cloth, a bit of stitching and velco them to the case. you can't do that with a Mono. another issue with the Mono is that the neck clamp kinda rely on your guitar neck as a structural component, and the case top will have to squeeze down on the neck for the clamp to work. on those with velcro strap you can strap the guitar however tightly you want and if you do not want the case top to ever come into contact with the neck, you can, once again, easily mod it with adding taller styrofoam.
Cool review. I have a Mono M80 Dual electric since almost two years. I take it out a few days a week regularly carrying a Fender Nocaster in the back and a Duesenberg Starplayer TV in the front. I'm taking the vibrato bar out but the entire ensamble of the vibrato (and the part where the bar is going in, which btw is pretty pointy) pushes against the case and that protective material at the bridge area pretty strong. I didn't have any problems with it yet. So that material just might hold up a longer period of time in my opinion. The only issue I had with it, there are a few spots on one of the sides where the stitching of the exterior material broke. It's just for the outside material. The structural part is perfect. Perhaps it was because I was forcing it a bit with the Duesenberg. The guitar is really thick because of the vibrato, so after closing the zippers, it was a bit tensioned on the sides. (even though I spoke with other people that have Duesenbergs and put them in the same case and they didn't have any problems). The nice part was that these cases have lifetime warranty, and Mono were kind enough to send me a new replacement which to be honest, looks better than my first M80. Idk if they changed something about the production but the materials feel different (in a better way) and it doesn't get so tensioned around the zippers when I put the guitars inside. I also have The Tick which is awesome for extra storage, and I just got a Vertigo also. I highly recommend their products!
I have this same Mono Vertigo for my ES335. It’s a bummer that the regular solid-body version of the Vertigo doesn’t have the top zipper compartment. That’s really the main compartment I use.
Great review and very helpful! I've got the dual case of both incoming to compare and shoot a similar video of. Went with the Mono first, because I thought that was the only reasonable option, until I heard about Blues Reunion. From your video I suspect I'd like the Blues Reunion more as well, but I'm going to check how both of their dual cases compare 😊
@@YeatzeeGuitar that's what I've read as well. I mostly play Gibsons, so I prefer a sturdier case and a floating headstock design. The height is a problem for me anyway, as I almost slam my head against the doorpost without a guitar on my back 😅 But you did a very good and thorough demonstration and review of both of these, so you set a good example for me for what I'm about to embark on. I will link to your video in mine if that's okay with you? Anyway, keep up the good work man, I'm going to subscribe now 🙂
What a comparison! Thanks a lot. I really like reunion blues one. But as you said, the problem is that high profile. I don’t wanna bang the head of my guitar to the top of doorframe!
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear about the weight difference. Mono is 1kg less. Roughly 3kg vs 4kg. To me, thats a key factor. Thanks for the review!
Glad it was helpful! I don't recall the weight difference being anything that stood out, either are going to weigh a lot less than a hardshell case and ultimately the deciding factor on the weight is going to be the guitar you have in it. 10-15 pounds on your shoulders is pretty minor for me, but if that is a concern add a point to the mono column! 😀
I have one RB and two Mono bags. One shortcoming on RU for me (that Mono does have) is the lack of the cross strap between the two backpack straps. When I am carrying my acoustic guitar as a backpack, the two straps seem to slide away from me off my shoulders, requiring me to continually readjust the straps, which is particularly a pain when both my hands are carrying other stuff. I wish the RU had that snap-together cross strap (that Mono has) to keep the backpack straps in place when I am carrying the guitar. I hear what you're saying about the tight slide-in fit on the Mono. One possible advantage of the Mono there is that there is no zipper around the bottom of the case. The RU zipper looks sturdy, but if the zipper ever came off its track or if you forget to zipper up the RU case, the guitar could possibly fall through the bottom. None of my three high quality gig bags have a neck accessory pocket (which my less expensive and less protective Guitar Research bag does have - I like that up-top accessory pocket). Thanks for the review.
I’m looking for a new case for my bass. I already have two Mono Cases (M80 Classic) for electric guitars. For this reason I’ll probably get a Mono for my bass also. I can use the Mono Tick 2.0 and attach it to all my Mono Cases for additional storage space. I guess I’m locked in the Mono Cases ecosystem now. For my solid body electric guitars I’ve been very pleased with the quality of my two Mono Cases M80 Classics. The Reunion Bluec CV seems great as well. Probably can’t go wrong with either. The price of a Reunion and a Mono in Europe are almost the same. Thank you for an excellent and very informative review. I really liked you mentioned that the Mono Vertigo is lower when carrying it in your back. I find this kind of information extremely useful. I’m quite tall (191cm - 6’3”). I’ve heard that the Vertigo sits lower than the Mono Classic model. Have you compared these?
M80 classic is a good bag, I've got a regular one and a dual electric case. Not nearly as sturdy as the RB but still a decent bag. Haven't compared them to a vertigo tho since this video, and I didn't have the regular m80 back then just the electric dual
Thank you for your response. And again thank you for this review / comparison. These are extremely valuable since some of us - or at least me - have to do our purchasing decisions through reviews like these and order online. There are no dealers in my country for the Reunion gig bags so I’m not able to try those in person. Mono Cases are available locally. Thomann sells Reunion and Mono bags and ships them free of charge. In the end I ended up ordering the Vertigo for my bass. I’ve had good experiences with Mono (Classic M80) and I’m able to use the same Mono Tick for my electric and bass bags. For my use the extra storage the Tick provides is a huge plus. I can always send it back if it doesn’t meet my expectations and order a Reunion bag.
Oh I'm sure, but it's a terrible design that's hard to use. Way harder to control the bag that way vs just holding exterior with your hands if that's the case 🙂
Great review. I was not aware that the Mono vertigo electric guitar bag was top loading. And as it rubs it gives me pause. I have a Reunion Blues bag for my Ukulele and it truly is a substantial bag. Nothing is going to hurt my Uke. As the weight and size is considerably different I assume for the guitar , I’m wondering as you described will the handle carry drive me nuts. Well now I have more to consider. But I’m leaning towards the RB for my telecaster.
The body of my 335 335 is 15" wide and my offset, double cut and Les Paul are far narrower. This may well be just a case of a poor fitting Mono case for a 335.
very informative and helpful! I'm shopping for a reliable soft shell case for Gibson L4-CES and originally leaning towards Mono case, but since you mentioned the headstock space issue, I'll just hold my decision for now! If you, or anybody reading this, have a best case for ES-175/L-4, please let me know!
@@YeatzeeGuitar wow thank you for the quick reply!! Yeah, I'm sure RB case will fit length and width. L4 has about 5 1/2 inch depth on the bridge area. I see catalogs say 3 6/8 inch but it's at the very rim and it'll give pressure on the body if it's shallow. It would be interesting what they would respond! Thank you so much!!
They make a smaller version that's perfect for a strat but won't fit a 335. I use the big 335 case to transport other guitars on occasion and it's fine, just has room to slide around a bit. As mentioned in the video, I prefer the voyager overall
Your issue with the tightness of the Vertigo bag stems from the fact that you’re using it for semi-hollowbody guitars (even with a Bigsby), which it’s not really designed for. It’s actually made for solidbody gutars like Strats and SGs.
@@YeatzeeGuitar Ah - must have missed that. I wasn't aware that this model existed. It must be a fairly new addition to the lineup, but I also noticed that it had some features not available on the other Vertigo models, such as the top pocket and the large one at the back. Thanks for clearing that up.
Maybe... but does that invalidate the potential wear from the case? What if you're easy on your instruments? What if you don't actively gig? No reason not to mention it imo, even if it's not totally relevant to everyone watching :)
Hi there! I loved the review; it was very helpful as I am considering both bags. I find myself in a unique predicament: I need a bag that can hold both a Tele and my D'Angelico Excel SS (15-inch bout). The D'Angelico is noticeably smaller than an actual 335 but is still larger than a Tele, Strat, or SG. Do you think that either of these would fit that rather odd pair of guitars? Thank you!
@@YeatzeeGuitar Indeed, you had me double check it, and not only that is missing, but also does the compartment for back straps, you can't hide them anymore on mine!
@@YeatzeeGuitar Ohhh, that's it then! Yes, I have the electric guitar version, which I am using for my headless bass ☺️ Also just bought one for a standard bass, love them! And great review!
Great review, thank you! I'm curious, do you think the vertigo would fit an Ibanez GB10? The specs seem to suggest it would be roomy enough, but it looks like a squeeze for the 335! Reunion looks like it has a bit of extra space to accommodate a wider semihollow. Thanks again! FYI the GB10 has a max width of 14.75'' and a max depth of ~3.5''.
Thanks! I'm not familiar with that model guitar, I'd honestly just go off of their web site's listed dimensions. I had to email reunion blues about it fitting a jazzmaster for example, turns out they're too long!
I love my reunion blues bass bag but the one thing I hate is how high it sits when you wear it on your back. Im 6'1 and I can't walk though any doorways without ducking.
Great review.Thanks for the video! Question, is your Mono vertigo new? I have an old one I got a few years ago that doesn't have a pocket at the top. Is that a new thing or am I missing something? Lol
Did a little more research. I believe you have the Mono Vertigo Ultra which retails for $350. Is that correct? Also, the RB continental Voyager retails for $250 now. Seems like prices have gone up
@@EstebanOnGuitar Hey so apparently only the semi-hollow versions of the mono vertigo get the top pocket. I wasn't aware of that at the time when I made this, but someone mentioned it to me later on. I've never heard of an vertigo ultra, that must be a newer thing. This was a regular one, just the semi-hollow guitar version. I've noticed prices on just about everything have increased, at the time it was the price I mentioned but that's how it goes. I just checked amazon and the regular version is $200 while the semi-hollow is $250 for whatever reason. Odd! I bet if you watched them they probably fluctuate a good bit.
@@YeatzeeGuitar aaah I see! Gotcha. The ultra does seem to be new. It’s not on most stores, but is on the mono website. Looks like I’ll wait until they drop. Hopefully they don’t increase! Thanks
I noticed that you have a White Falcon in the back. I personally have one and would like to know if it would fit in the mono case cause it's ment for semi-hollow style guitars
What is that blue ES semi-hollow body guitar you have? Is that an Epiphone or a Gibson? That boot on the Mono is Lower Broadway, Nashville gigging approved. That's the kind of shit that counts. It's durable AF!!!
I have the Mono Vertigo for my "Big Lou" (wide neck 335 clone) and have the same dislike that you have regarding the instrument rubbing on the way in and out. I am 6'6" and the RB will ride FAR to high in the air for me! I'm looking for a case for my 8 > 6 string Strat clone conversion, which is heavy and has an 8 string neck & headstock (long, pointy). What about the Mono 80 ("traditional," lays flat)? I'm also thinking the neck cradle might not be wide enough.... Great review, BTW!
Oh ya, if you're 6'6" you're already ducking in doors as it is so definitely couldn't consider the RB a backpack at all, just a regular hand held case like a hard case. I've never had any time with an 8 string so I couldn't say if the neck cradle in the m80 could fit it. I bet mono would know though 🙂
@@YeatzeeGuitar Well, THERE'S a quick response! I (usually) don't have to duck for normal doors (which are 6'9"). "No go" on a hard shell case; I play (mainly) saxophone, piano and guitar, so I need the backpack style (tenor sax goes in right hand or on right shoulder; keys in left hand). Have you tried the Mono 80 ("traditional") case?
I try to be quick, I hate when I comment a question on YT and never get a response so I try to not do that as best as I can. I have an m80 dual, so two of the m80s stacked together. It's a good case, still not as sturdy as the RB or anywhere close but its a good option. Their piping on the outside does disintegrate over time, but the inside stays nice.
Agreed on EVERY point! I have the Mono dual bag which feel VERY cheap and the Vertigo with I feel better about but still with that brand, my gut tells me they care more about marketing and way less about real touring musicians. Quality is lacking a bit and like you said, their "innovation" is great in theory, not so much in reality. Reunion blues has clearly been thought through for the gigging musician.
Will a Gretsch 5422TDC Fit in the Vertigo or the RB Continental Voyager? I'm looking for a good case for it that's not hardshell but still not just a normal gigbag and I can't find much good branded gretsch cases
Hey I'm not familiar with that model, but if the bout size (body width) is the same or a hair larger than a 335 it'll fit fine. Those are slimmer like a 335 too right? Just make sure you get the semi-hollow version
I am unsure what to think of a review when the presenter really goes to such extremes to find fault. Is this some sort of unreasonable expectation that the viewer should simply discount as being obsessive? Thanks for the review.
I just got the reunion blues semi hollow like yours for my 345 but I hate how far up the guitar slides in there. Does not feel nearly as secure as the hard shell case even though the continental voyager does have an excellent protective shell. Too bad! I am going to look around and see if I can find something that fits better. Wish me luck!
How far up the guitar slides in there? Not sure I follow.... Like the neck strap not holding the guitar from sliding vertically in the case? Can't say I've experienced that, maybe make sure it's set tight?
Timestamps: 0:00 Why I did this video 1:04 Mono Vertigo Design Overview 3:22 Reunion Blues Design Overview 4:16 RB Features 5:13 Mono Features 6:25 Mono Build Quality 6:50 RB Build Quality 7:33 What I Like - Mono Vertigo 10:15 What I Dislike - Mono Vertigo 16:08 What I Like - Reunion Blues 19:59 What I Dislike - Reunion Blues 23:50 Which Case Should You Buy? 24:47 Subscribe For More
Did this video help save you money or make the right purchase decision? Did you just appreciate the unbiased honest review? If you feel so inclined consider sponsoring a coffee on my behalf. It's much appreciated and lets me know you want more of this sort of thing 🙂 www.buymeacoffee.com/YeatzeeGuitar
The most comprehensive and obsessive review I think I’ve ever seen! So helpful. Thanks!
Damm that blue interior from the Reunion Blues bag , it’s like looking at a Playboy Magazine bunny of the year !😅😂 It steals all the attention from the other competitors!😂😂
Absolutely excellent review, very thorough yet concise. Thank you so much
Great review! For what it's worth, I'll throw in that I've been using a Mono Vertigo case with my Veritas Portlander (with Bigsby) for over 5 years, and the inner lining over the bridge has held up very well. I just checked it, and while it has dulled in color a bit, it doesn't show so much as a loose thread.
That's good to know! I wonder how much "extra" room there is on the regular vertigo with more traditional sized guitars. I've never held a non-semi hollow version of their case. As I showed in this video I have to put a good amount of pressure to get my ES330 in there and this one does show scratches from bridges rubbing against it already.
"This was a REAL review.....beautifully done. You actually made me realize which case to get for my semi-hollow (w/ Bigsby). I already have a RB for my Telecaster and a Mono for my Lakland Bass, but it looks like it's time for another Reunion Blues !" 👍🙏
I kinda like the tight fit on the mono on entry, almost removes the risk of the guitar ending up on the deck as you’re putting it or when you open the case to take it out (say for example if the Velcro came unattached on the other case) in opposed to if it opened fully
PS that Velcro will fail far before the abrasion pad in the mono
I like mono because of the quick access to open the case from the top, to grab my guitar without to lay down the gig bag. I hope there's some other brand make the same zip design.
Currently using a hard case for my Taylor Dreadnought, which is too heavy and bulky at small gigs and at home. I only recently became aware that you could buy gig bags that aren't the usual cheap rubbish - so this is very useful and detailed, thanks!
Thank you so much! I feel like there just aren't enough videos about those cases out here that are very HONEST and really obsessed (in a good way) with the features. So finding and watching your video felt like a blessing to me. I was indecisive about which to choose from those two, although I kind of liked the Reunion Blues a little better from the beginning because I didn't like the top loading method of the mono.
Your video and your really valid points helped me with making my final decision and I want to thank for putting in the time to do this for us! Cheers!
Love to hear that, thank you for watching! I'd like to do more of these, there are very few actually objective reviews of items out there. Mostly just demo's, hard part is I have to buy the stuff myself but it's not impossible :)
@@YeatzeeGuitar Yeah, that's definitely not cheap, but the good thing is, if it's not sponsered, you can be as honest as you like. And I thnk I speak for a lot of the other guys when I tell you how much we appreciate your critism and honesty! Keep doing what you're doing :)
Was looking for some great and highly detailed review like this. Now I am 100% confident about my case of choice for my precious axe. Thanks a lot, good job.
Great review. Full of useful information, complete and objective delivered with panache. Excellent and very helpful. Thanks, Ky
Thank you, and glad it was helpful!
Nice review.having had the Continental first gen, I can attest that it lasts FOREVER(had it for 10 years now). I just had to replace the main zipper pulls(the zippers themselves are the best in the business). Re the Mono..they are really nice and many of my coworkers have it. However, the RB Continental easily outlives the Vertigo and the M80 when comes to durability of straps, stitches, interior and zippers.The Mono has a better compartments, possibly more lighter and comfortable, but that doesn’t justify the steep price of it. +1 to the voyager-BIG Time, and i know it is even lighter than the first gen Continental.
I guess it all depends on the type , size , shape and value of the guitar as well as if you’re just going on foot to a local jam vs flying or driving to a bigger gig! It also depends on whether you carry more accessories or not and what type. So to conclude both bags are great but different gig bags for different strokes !😂😂😂 Nice video and thanks ! 👍🏼🎸🙏🏻
I would like to add you can order extra padding from reunion blues to make the fit more snug as was the concern in the review. I will also mention the mono pocket is wider but the pocket on the RB pushes out much further so it has a lot more depth to it. I can fit a thick binder in my RB but it won’t completely fit in my mono, can’t zip it all the way closed.
Ive got both, and gigged both and over the last 10 years the Mono case, while still fully functional has one flaw, the rubber piping around the case has deteriorated. The Reunion Blues case could have veen bought yesterday, it still looks brand new. They both do a great job of protecting both hollow body and semi hollow body guitars.
Appreciate hearing your long term experience with both!
the other advantage of traditional design is that it is easier to customize. for example, the issue of the case being too big for the guitar, you can just cut some foam to size, wrap them in some microfiber cloth, a bit of stitching and velco them to the case. you can't do that with a Mono.
another issue with the Mono is that the neck clamp kinda rely on your guitar neck as a structural component, and the case top will have to squeeze down on the neck for the clamp to work. on those with velcro strap you can strap the guitar however tightly you want and if you do not want the case top to ever come into contact with the neck, you can, once again, easily mod it with adding taller styrofoam.
Cool review. I have a Mono M80 Dual electric since almost two years. I take it out a few days a week regularly carrying a Fender Nocaster in the back and a Duesenberg Starplayer TV in the front. I'm taking the vibrato bar out but the entire ensamble of the vibrato (and the part where the bar is going in, which btw is pretty pointy) pushes against the case and that protective material at the bridge area pretty strong.
I didn't have any problems with it yet. So that material just might hold up a longer period of time in my opinion.
The only issue I had with it, there are a few spots on one of the sides where the stitching of the exterior material broke. It's just for the outside material. The structural part is perfect. Perhaps it was because I was forcing it a bit with the Duesenberg. The guitar is really thick because of the vibrato, so after closing the zippers, it was a bit tensioned on the sides. (even though I spoke with other people that have Duesenbergs and put them in the same case and they didn't have any problems).
The nice part was that these cases have lifetime warranty, and Mono were kind enough to send me a new replacement which to be honest, looks better than my first M80. Idk if they changed something about the production but the materials feel different (in a better way) and it doesn't get so tensioned around the zippers when I put the guitars inside.
I also have The Tick which is awesome for extra storage, and I just got a Vertigo also.
I highly recommend their products!
Yea I also have an m80 dual and use it a decent amount. Much of the issues the vertigo has imo the m80 avoids
This is the way to do a review. Thank you!!
Appreciate it
I have this same Mono Vertigo for my ES335. It’s a bummer that the regular solid-body version of the Vertigo doesn’t have the top zipper compartment. That’s really the main compartment I use.
Great review and very helpful! I've got the dual case of both incoming to compare and shoot a similar video of. Went with the Mono first, because I thought that was the only reasonable option, until I heard about Blues Reunion. From your video I suspect I'd like the Blues Reunion more as well, but I'm going to check how both of their dual cases compare 😊
Nice! Never tried the dual RB bag. I do have the mono m80 dual and it's pretty good but still not as sturdy as the RB single
@@YeatzeeGuitar that's what I've read as well. I mostly play Gibsons, so I prefer a sturdier case and a floating headstock design. The height is a problem for me anyway, as I almost slam my head against the doorpost without a guitar on my back 😅 But you did a very good and thorough demonstration and review of both of these, so you set a good example for me for what I'm about to embark on. I will link to your video in mine if that's okay with you?
Anyway, keep up the good work man, I'm going to subscribe now 🙂
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar 🙏
What a comparison! Thanks a lot. I really like reunion blues one. But as you said, the problem is that high profile. I don’t wanna bang the head of my guitar to the top of doorframe!
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear about the weight difference. Mono is 1kg less. Roughly 3kg vs 4kg. To me, thats a key factor. Thanks for the review!
Glad it was helpful! I don't recall the weight difference being anything that stood out, either are going to weigh a lot less than a hardshell case and ultimately the deciding factor on the weight is going to be the guitar you have in it. 10-15 pounds on your shoulders is pretty minor for me, but if that is a concern add a point to the mono column! 😀
I have one RB and two Mono bags. One shortcoming on RU for me (that Mono does have) is the lack of the cross strap between the two backpack straps. When I am carrying my acoustic guitar as a backpack, the two straps seem to slide away from me off my shoulders, requiring me to continually readjust the straps, which is particularly a pain when both my hands are carrying other stuff. I wish the RU had that snap-together cross strap (that Mono has) to keep the backpack straps in place when I am carrying the guitar. I hear what you're saying about the tight slide-in fit on the Mono. One possible advantage of the Mono there is that there is no zipper around the bottom of the case. The RU zipper looks sturdy, but if the zipper ever came off its track or if you forget to zipper up the RU case, the guitar could possibly fall through the bottom. None of my three high quality gig bags have a neck accessory pocket (which my less expensive and less protective Guitar Research bag does have - I like that up-top accessory pocket). Thanks for the review.
I have two Reunion Blues bags and they are awesome. I have no issues with any of its features. They are beasts in how they protect my guitars.
I’m looking for a new case for my bass.
I already have two Mono Cases (M80 Classic) for electric guitars.
For this reason I’ll probably get a Mono for my bass also.
I can use the Mono Tick 2.0 and attach it to all my Mono Cases for additional storage space.
I guess I’m locked in the Mono Cases ecosystem now.
For my solid body electric guitars I’ve been very pleased with the quality of my two Mono Cases M80 Classics.
The Reunion Bluec CV seems great as well. Probably can’t go wrong with either. The price of a Reunion and a Mono in Europe are almost the same.
Thank you for an excellent and very informative review.
I really liked you mentioned that the Mono Vertigo is lower when carrying it in your back. I find this kind of information extremely useful. I’m quite tall (191cm - 6’3”).
I’ve heard that the Vertigo sits lower than the Mono Classic model. Have you compared these?
M80 classic is a good bag, I've got a regular one and a dual electric case. Not nearly as sturdy as the RB but still a decent bag. Haven't compared them to a vertigo tho since this video, and I didn't have the regular m80 back then just the electric dual
Thank you for your response. And again thank you for this review / comparison.
These are extremely valuable since some of us - or at least me - have to do our purchasing decisions through reviews like these and order online.
There are no dealers in my country for the Reunion gig bags so I’m not able to try those in person. Mono Cases are available locally. Thomann sells Reunion and Mono bags and ships them free of charge.
In the end I ended up ordering the Vertigo for my bass. I’ve had good experiences with Mono (Classic M80) and I’m able to use the same Mono Tick for my electric and bass bags. For my use the extra storage the Tick provides is a huge plus.
I can always send it back if it doesn’t meet my expectations and order a Reunion bag.
Great reviews. Thank you. I need storage, so the Mono might be better, especially with the attachment for the tick. But the RB does seem tougher.
Just wanted to post an update.
I ended up buying a Fushion gig bag.
Worth checking out.
I prefer the gator bags . The front pockets have a more useful design . Quality appears to be right on par with Mono and the price is a little lower
Thanks for the video! Your way of speaking and physically you are similar to Manu Ginobili. Cheers
😂
The handle on the back of the Blues bag is so you can stand it up in front of you on bus or subway and you can control the bag. Imho
Oh I'm sure, but it's a terrible design that's hard to use. Way harder to control the bag that way vs just holding exterior with your hands if that's the case 🙂
Great review thank you!
Great review. I was not aware that the Mono vertigo electric guitar bag was top loading. And as it rubs it gives me pause. I have a Reunion Blues bag for my Ukulele and it truly is a substantial bag. Nothing is going to hurt my Uke. As the weight and size is considerably different I assume for the guitar , I’m wondering as you described will the handle carry drive me nuts. Well now I have more to consider. But I’m leaning towards the RB for my telecaster.
The body of my 335 335 is 15" wide and my offset, double cut and Les Paul are far narrower. This may well be just a case of a poor fitting Mono case for a 335.
very informative and helpful! I'm shopping for a reliable soft shell case for Gibson L4-CES and originally leaning towards Mono case, but since you mentioned the headstock space issue, I'll just hold my decision for now!
If you, or anybody reading this, have a best case for ES-175/L-4, please let me know!
Big / deep guitar the L4! I'd reach out to them to confirm it'll fit
@@YeatzeeGuitar wow thank you for the quick reply!! Yeah, I'm sure RB case will fit length and width. L4 has about 5 1/2 inch depth on the bridge area. I see catalogs say 3 6/8 inch but it's at the very rim and it'll give pressure on the body if it's shallow.
It would be interesting what they would respond!
Thank you so much!!
Thank you for great comparison!
Hope it was helpful!
Are these bags good to use with an fender strat mostly and occasionally es335 ? If so which would you buy? Thanks
They make a smaller version that's perfect for a strat but won't fit a 335. I use the big 335 case to transport other guitars on occasion and it's fine, just has room to slide around a bit. As mentioned in the video, I prefer the voyager overall
Your issue with the tightness of the Vertigo bag stems from the fact that you’re using it for semi-hollowbody guitars (even with a Bigsby), which it’s not really designed for. It’s actually made for solidbody gutars like Strats and SGs.
As mentioned in the video, this is their semi hollow version in the video. Both are
@@YeatzeeGuitar Ah - must have missed that. I wasn't aware that this model existed. It must be a fairly new addition to the lineup, but I also noticed that it had some features not available on the other Vertigo models, such as the top pocket and the large one at the back. Thanks for clearing that up.
Strapping on a guitar and then gigging with it for just a month will cause at least ten times more wear than this case could do in a decade.
Maybe... but does that invalidate the potential wear from the case? What if you're easy on your instruments? What if you don't actively gig? No reason not to mention it imo, even if it's not totally relevant to everyone watching :)
Hello, great vid. Are you still using the RB? Are you happy with your decision?
Every week! Yes
Hi there! I loved the review; it was very helpful as I am considering both bags. I find myself in a unique predicament: I need a bag that can hold both a Tele and my D'Angelico Excel SS (15-inch bout). The D'Angelico is noticeably smaller than an actual 335 but is still larger than a Tele, Strat, or SG. Do you think that either of these would fit that rather odd pair of guitars? Thank you!
I have the same Mono Vertigo in this review, i.e., the semi-hollow model. I carry my solid body guitars in the same bag without a problem.
Do you think a 43" long short scale bass would fit in that RB bag?
It's weird, I don't have that extra pocket at the top! Got mine quite recently
On the vertigo??
@@YeatzeeGuitar Indeed, you had me double check it, and not only that is missing, but also does the compartment for back straps, you can't hide them anymore on mine!
@@Libanass Oooh I bet you have the normal version not the semi-hollow version like I had here. I think those are slightly different
@@YeatzeeGuitar Ohhh, that's it then! Yes, I have the electric guitar version, which I am using for my headless bass ☺️ Also just bought one for a standard bass, love them! And great review!
Great review, thank you! I'm curious, do you think the vertigo would fit an Ibanez GB10? The specs seem to suggest it would be roomy enough, but it looks like a squeeze for the 335! Reunion looks like it has a bit of extra space to accommodate a wider semihollow. Thanks again! FYI the GB10 has a max width of 14.75'' and a max depth of ~3.5''.
Thanks! I'm not familiar with that model guitar, I'd honestly just go off of their web site's listed dimensions. I had to email reunion blues about it fitting a jazzmaster for example, turns out they're too long!
I love my reunion blues bass bag but the one thing I hate is how high it sits when you wear it on your back. Im 6'1 and I can't walk though any doorways without ducking.
Agreed
Cool great review. awwww you only kept one??
Great review.Thanks for the video! Question, is your Mono vertigo new? I have an old one I got a few years ago that doesn't have a pocket at the top. Is that a new thing or am I missing something? Lol
Did a little more research. I believe you have the Mono Vertigo Ultra which retails for $350. Is that correct? Also, the RB continental Voyager retails for $250 now. Seems like prices have gone up
@@EstebanOnGuitar Hey so apparently only the semi-hollow versions of the mono vertigo get the top pocket. I wasn't aware of that at the time when I made this, but someone mentioned it to me later on. I've never heard of an vertigo ultra, that must be a newer thing. This was a regular one, just the semi-hollow guitar version.
I've noticed prices on just about everything have increased, at the time it was the price I mentioned but that's how it goes. I just checked amazon and the regular version is $200 while the semi-hollow is $250 for whatever reason. Odd! I bet if you watched them they probably fluctuate a good bit.
@@YeatzeeGuitar aaah I see! Gotcha. The ultra does seem to be new. It’s not on most stores, but is on the mono website.
Looks like I’ll wait until they drop. Hopefully they don’t increase! Thanks
I noticed that you have a White Falcon in the back. I personally have one and would like to know if it would fit in the mono case cause it's ment for semi-hollow style guitars
It won't. The Falcon is both too wide and too deep. The 335 is super tight as is. The RB may, but I'd have to check since I haven't tried it before.
What is that blue ES semi-hollow body guitar you have? Is that an Epiphone or a Gibson? That boot on the Mono is Lower Broadway, Nashville gigging approved. That's the kind of shit that counts. It's durable AF!!!
Gibson 64 reissue
The Reunion Blue seems similar to the Mono M80 Classic. Have you tried that case?
I have a m80 dual, which is just two on top of each other. I still prefer the RB personally
Can you leave the guitar strap on inserting the guitar in the mono bag,?
Sure, I do pretty often on the RB
I have the Mono Vertigo for my "Big Lou" (wide neck 335 clone) and have the same dislike that you have regarding the instrument rubbing on the way in and out. I am 6'6" and the RB will ride FAR to high in the air for me! I'm looking for a case for my 8 > 6 string Strat clone conversion, which is heavy and has an 8 string neck & headstock (long, pointy). What about the Mono 80 ("traditional," lays flat)? I'm also thinking the neck cradle might not be wide enough.... Great review, BTW!
Oh ya, if you're 6'6" you're already ducking in doors as it is so definitely couldn't consider the RB a backpack at all, just a regular hand held case like a hard case. I've never had any time with an 8 string so I couldn't say if the neck cradle in the m80 could fit it. I bet mono would know though 🙂
@@YeatzeeGuitar Well, THERE'S a quick response! I (usually) don't have to duck for normal doors (which are 6'9"). "No go" on a hard shell case; I play (mainly) saxophone, piano and guitar, so I need the backpack style (tenor sax goes in right hand or on right shoulder; keys in left hand). Have you tried the Mono 80 ("traditional") case?
I try to be quick, I hate when I comment a question on YT and never get a response so I try to not do that as best as I can. I have an m80 dual, so two of the m80s stacked together. It's a good case, still not as sturdy as the RB or anywhere close but its a good option. Their piping on the outside does disintegrate over time, but the inside stays nice.
@@YeatzeeGuitar RB & M should watch your video and combine the best of both bags and eliminate the worst!
Agreed 😏
Agreed on EVERY point! I have the Mono dual bag which feel VERY cheap and the Vertigo with I feel better about but still with that brand, my gut tells me they care more about marketing and way less about real touring musicians. Quality is lacking a bit and like you said, their "innovation" is great in theory, not so much in reality. Reunion blues has clearly been thought through for the gigging musician.
Has anyone put a Sheraton in one of these bags? The Mono specifically.
A sheraton should be the same size as a 335, no?
Will a Gretsch 5422TDC Fit in the Vertigo or the RB Continental Voyager? I'm looking for a good case for it that's not hardshell but still not just a normal gigbag and I can't find much good branded gretsch cases
Hey I'm not familiar with that model, but if the bout size (body width) is the same or a hair larger than a 335 it'll fit fine. Those are slimmer like a 335 too right? Just make sure you get the semi-hollow version
@@YeatzeeGuitar Nope, it’s about two inches wider, will have to keep looking, thanks for the reply!
@@YeatzeeGuitar Does the White Falcon you own fit in the RB Continental Voyager?
No it's a full size falcon which is much thicker of a guitar
I am unsure what to think of a review when the presenter really goes to such extremes to find fault. Is this some sort of unreasonable expectation that the viewer should simply discount as being obsessive? Thanks for the review.
🤣
Will airlines allow either one as a carry on?
Yeah, but as with all cases be the first to board so you get the space on the plane
Can the blue one fit es335?
The semi-hollow version is designed for exactly that :)
For Epiphone Sheraton II Pro? Thnks!
Either would fit it, I preferred the reunion blues slightly as mentioned in the video
I just got the reunion blues semi hollow like yours for my 345 but I hate how far up the guitar slides in there. Does not feel nearly as secure as the hard shell case even though the continental voyager does have an excellent protective shell. Too bad! I am going to look around and see if I can find something that fits better. Wish me luck!
How far up the guitar slides in there? Not sure I follow.... Like the neck strap not holding the guitar from sliding vertically in the case? Can't say I've experienced that, maybe make sure it's set tight?
Can it fit es335?
An es335 and an es345 shown here are the same size :)
Timestamps:
0:00 Why I did this video
1:04 Mono Vertigo Design Overview
3:22 Reunion Blues Design Overview
4:16 RB Features
5:13 Mono Features
6:25 Mono Build Quality
6:50 RB Build Quality
7:33 What I Like - Mono Vertigo
10:15 What I Dislike - Mono Vertigo
16:08 What I Like - Reunion Blues
19:59 What I Dislike - Reunion Blues
23:50 Which Case Should You Buy?
24:47 Subscribe For More
15:15 and thats why mono makes cases specifically for hollow bodies
Both cases are their hollowbody cases