Ragtimejoe - Posted - 03/26/2026:  15:56:39

I need a good gig back for a couple of weeks for old time classes this summer. I'm considering the following:

Access 1
Access 3
Gold Tone HPBO
Protec
Deering Vintage Eagle

I don't expect anything to happen, but I don't want to lug around a HSC and I also want something that will hold up better in the rain.

I hate to spend the money on the access 3 when one of the others might be just as good for my needs at significantly less $.

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

tomd7 - Posted - 03/26/2026:  16:02:29

I just bought an Access Stage 1 for my resonator banjo and I'm not thrilled with it. The images online make the padding, especially around the pot, appear thicker than it is. It seems like maybe it was made thinner in newer versions. And there is no neck rest at all, though you can buy an insert from Access. I will probably make one. The general quality does appear to be very good, and the price was good. I ride my bike with it, so the backpack straps are great and that's the main reason I got this model. It's just that if I had to do it again, I'd probably buy something more protective.

Edited by - tomd7 on 03/26/2026 16:03:12

Ragtimejoe - Posted - 03/26/2026:  16:23:06

I just did some more research and think I've narrowed it down to the access 3 or the Gold Tone. Just trying to decide it the difference is worth the money for the little use it will get.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 03/27/2026:  06:17:02

Access 3. I've seen too many Goldtone gig bags with broken zippers.

danh - Posted - 03/27/2026:  07:17:39

accessbagsandcases.com/product...-gig-bag/ says the Stage 3 weighs 7.5 lbs. The Stage one rigid case is 8.6 pounds. A Stage One bag is 3.0 pounds.

You might consider a Gator polyfoam case: gatorco.com/product/banjo-case...banjo-xl/, which is 5.4 pounds. I have not seen one of these in person but I had an acoustic guitar case in the same line and it was great: much more protective than a gig bag and still quite lightweight.

Ragtimejoe - Posted - 03/27/2026:  08:38:19

I looked at that. Isn't that for a resonator banjo?

clarinetagogo - Posted - 03/27/2026:  13:52:42

A banjo I bought secondhand (and have since sold) came in the Gator polyfoam case mentioned above. I really didn't like it using it for an ~11" openback because of the gaping space around the rim; the whole instrument would audibly slide around when I moved it in the case. I ended up putting almost as much bubble wrap inside the case as outside so I could ship in good conscience!

The listing for that banjo still exists here: banjohangout.org/classified/107829

^ there's a picture which clearly shows how much extra space around the rim there is.

Ragtimejoe - Posted - 03/27/2026:  13:56:53

Access has the access 3 for 11" open backs 25.5" scale on sale for $197. I picked one up this morning.

Now I won't be worrying about did I make the right choice.

danh - Posted - 03/29/2026:  16:04:51

clarinetagogo , thanks for the experience on that bag. I missed that the Access 3 has an openback version. I did figure you might have to add some extra padding around the pot, but I see that it's way too roomy.

Ragtimejoe - Posted - 03/29/2026:  16:45:08

The one I got is made for an an 11” open back