MusicRadar Verdict
A superbly designed gigbag - we can't fault it: your guitar will love you.
Pros
- +
Absolutely top notch build. Rugged materials. Well thought-out design features.
Cons
- -
Just the expense.
MusicRadar's got your back
Not all gigbags are created equal. At a basic level they can be little more than a soft cover, offering no protection for your instrument. At Mono level, however, you have arguably the best money can buy.
That doesn't mean cheap, though; Mono's standard range - including the Vertigo gigbags at £149 - can seem costly, which is where the Sleeve comes in, around 40 per cent cheaper.
Designed for solidbodies only, the black or grey (ash) outer material is both rugged and water-resistant with dual padded shoulder straps, steel riveted side carry handle and that all-important rear carry handle placed midway up the case, as well as an airline suspension hook.
The main zip feels really tough and the case is designed to open from the top. Both front and back are padded and the Headlock feature, moulded from shock- absorbing EVA rubber, supports the neck, offering excellent protection.
Where the Sleeve really scores is with its messenger-style storage pouch, designed for laptops or tablets, and also the likes of pedals, leads and mains adaptors. Its fold-over cover is secured by seatbelt webbing and a steel buckle. Yup, it looks cool too.
In Use
Packed with a Stratocaster, laptop, a couple of pedals and leads for a good stroll, a couple of crowded buses then London's Underground at rush hour we can't fault the comfort.
In fact, our Strat had a much better journey than we did. If you're a travelling musician, just buy one.
Dave Burrluck is one of the world’s most experienced guitar journalists, who started writing back in the '80s for International Musician and Recording World, co-founded The Guitar Magazine and has been the Gear Reviews Editor of Guitarist magazine for the past two decades. Along the way, Dave has been the sole author of The PRS Guitar Book and The Player's Guide to Guitar Maintenance as well as contributing to numerous other books on the electric guitar. Dave is an active gigging and recording musician and still finds time to make, repair and mod guitars, not least for Guitarist’s The Mod Squad.
“We’re scared of the media asking us intrusive questions and trying to pick holes in our relationship”: Liam Gallagher on why there’ll be no Oasis reunion interviews
“We know people want to hear the best-of... we don’t want to be a legacy band that just plays its greatest hits and then that’s it”: James Hetfield on why Metallica will always play new songs
Watch breakout UK artist Yunè Pinku flip a piano sample and build a beat from scratch