New Generation gig bags

Philip Morris, trumpet, cornet and soprano player test drives Tom and Will's 'New Generation' trumpet gig bag, whilst Helen Williams - Cory band flugel horn soloist takes a closer look at its flugel counterpart.

The first thing I look for when buying a gig bag is the protection of the instruments, bearing in mind that a double trumpet/cornet gig bag holds instruments valued at over £5,000.

In grey canvas with a striking red interior and a three-sided heavy duty zip opening, the new tomandwill 26DTP combination trumpet bag has several new features including top loading, full access, a heavy-duty over-sized zip opening, high density padding, two external pockets, plus a separate internal pouch for mouthpieces. This gig bag is, therefore, very strong and accommodates a combination of instruments fitting firmly, and the external pockets for mouthpieces, etc. prevent them from falling onto the instruments when in transit. The bag has also been designed to accommodate different combinations of trumpet and cornet, and/or mutes and other accessories, and the malleable and thickly padded ‘S’ shaped divider will adapt to your chosen ‘combo’, as well as prevent the instruments from knocking each other. For added protection, a removable padded topper holds everything in place.

The bag I was given to review also has a well thought out hideaway backpack and shoulder strap carrying system, meaning that you can carry it as a backpack, although you would need to be quite tall for it to be comfortable.

At £119.00 including VAT, the tomandwill New Generation model trumpet/cornet gig has a great price point and offers good protection. PHILIP MORRIS 

Supplied to me in blue with plush blue soft touch lining, the first thing I noticed was how compact the flugel gig bag is. It’s neat, tidy and light, given the substantial protective padding. I was particularly impressed with the protection for my flugel bell inside and the plastic feet also on the bell end of the bag prevent it from tipping over when standing. My Courtois Flugel is a very snug fit.

The rucksack style straps are well-padded, ensuring comfort when carrying and what a sensible idea to be able to tuck them away without having to completely detach them.

The pockets on the exterior of the bag are more than adequate to hold various instrument paraphernalia (in fact a matching plush mouthpiece pouch is also included). However as with most flugel bags/cases, there is no space to carry any mutes and there isn't a pocket large enough to hold music, but at £99.00 including VAT, it’s an option well worth considering. HELEN WILLIAMS 

Available to purchase here: www.tomandwill.com