hey for all of you who carry around your drums a lot for gigs, tours, whatever, how do you guys do it? I know that cases and bags and stuff are pretty expensive so I would like some input on that.. also, where do you put your hardware and how do you organize your drum gear? would like some recs.. thanks

if you're carrying your drums around a lot, I definitely suggest getting some cases to protect your investments

i dont carry my drums around a lot bu i do have a set of cheap 5 piece soft bag cases.. i got these on ebay but if you lug your drums around a lot i dont suggest these for the long run

soft bags will prevent minor bumps and scratches and stuff but they wont protect in the long term against the abuse the drums take when traveling and touring. I think that you save more money in the long run if you invest in some nice hard shell cases. you wont regret it

SKB has some nice hard shelled cases that are pretty stable.. if you're looking for soft bag cases then Gator is really nice.

[IBENEZCX160]

Go To One Of Those Giant Sporting Goods Stores And Look At Bags For Carrying Your Softball Equipment Around. I Found A Hugh One On E Bay For $25. I Can Fit All My Cymbal Stands,high Hat,throne And Pedals In It. You Have To Break The Stuff Down Of Course,and It Can Get Heavy,but You Can Bring All Your Hardware In From The Car In Just One Trip ! Some Kind Of Bags For The Drums Themselves Are A Must. Not Just For Protection But I Can Bring In My Bass Drum And 2 Small Toms At One Time.

[skinslapper]

I've got a set of rittor soft cases for my tubs. A thick, particle- board cymbal case with a rod in the middle for my can lids and I gig about once a month. I bought a $20 large suit case to carry my hardware and I keep my dr-80 rack out, coz it's bloody huge.

[Sean Francis]

Last month I bought some Beato soft cases from musicians friend for about $80. Those have been working really well for me; they're not bulletproof, but as long as you're careful with them, they get the job done.

My cymbals go in a soft Zildjian cymbal case for now and my hardware goes into a large, rolling duffle bag. The bag, the toms and snare for my kit, the cymbals and the rug fit nicely in my trunk and the bass drum rides in the back seat of my car. I try to gig about 2-3 times a month, and this works well for me.

I have to be honest though; that Yamaha Hipgig is looking pretty inviting- 16" bass drum, the toms and snare pack into it, the hardware goes in the thrown... mmm.

So yeah... the soft cases are working well, but if you've got the money definitely go with the hard cases. They're a lot more expensive, but it's worth it just like any investment.

	Yamaha Drums Shop for Yamaha Drums at Musician's Friend

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend