Bass Buggie Click on the image for more views

Bass Buggie

What is a Bass Buggie?

The Bass Buggie is an easy to use lightweight trolley-type transport system.

Where was it designed?

It was designed in the USA with the input and thoughts of working bass players especially for bass players.

I have to say it looks nicely made. What does it consist of?

It consists of a pair of webbing straps that run through the body of a two wheel chassis or "cart". At the front end of the Bass Buggie is a moulded plastic loop which fits over the endpin unit of your bass. At the other end - the straps run through a spacer bracket and up towards a length adjuster buckle. A bungee cord with end stops is then used to secure the system in place.

So the bungee cord just goes around the neck of my bass and clips into the hook on the side of the adjuster buckle bracket.

Yes - that’s all there is to it. The system is incredibly easy and quick to use.

I can see that the straps are made from industrial strength webbing. Can you tell me what the chassis of the Bass Buggie is made from?

The chassis is made from high impact moulded plastic.

So it is very durable?

Yes indeed.

Does the Bass Buggie incorporate any shock absorption features?

Yes it does. A flexible chassis coupled with superb quality wheels and tires all help absorb shock from the sort of lumps, bumps and fissures that are commonly found in most pavement surfaces. For any surfaces that are less than smooth the manufacture has come up with the "Buggie Cushion". The high density foam cushion can quickly and easily be affixed to the body of the Buggie by means of a pair of Velcro strips that are attached to the back of the cushion.

Tell me more about the wheels. Do you know if they incorporate ball bearings for an ultra smooth ride?

Yes indeed. Quality steel roller bearings at the centre of the wheel hub reduce wear and friction and allow the wheel to turn incredibly smoothly even under high loads. The tyres too help to provide the Bass Buggie with an ultra smooth ride.

Bass Buggie Setup Click on the image for more views

I have to say - the tyres do look pretty high-tech. Do you know what they are made from?

They are made from a "non-marking" durable elastomeric compound - very similar to that found in high performance inline skates.

With my bass on the Bass Buggie - is it easy to push?

Yes indeed. The Bass Buggies has a super smooth rolling action and is virtually tireless to use.

With my bass on the Bass Buggie - is it easy to manoeuvre?

Yes. The Bass Buggie has a very small turning circle. Once you start using it - you'll find that it is quick and easy to change direction.

If my bass has its cover on - can I still use the Bass Buggie?

Yes. You can attach it to a bass with or without its cover on.

What size instruments can the Bass Buggie accommodate?

It can be used with any instrument from 1/10th size to 4/4 size.

Wow - it seems that the Bass Buggie is versatile in so many respects. I'm really impressed.

Yes - it certainly is a cleaver invention.

How much room does the Bass Buggie take up and how much does it weigh?

In total length the chassis of the Bass Buggie is only 38cm long. In width and height it only measures 16cm x 16cm. For travel or storage the straps can conveniently be wrapped around the chassis. This will only add approximately a centimetre or so to the width. In terms of weight the Bass Buggie without the Buggie Cushion weighs a mere 1.4kg.

Can I balance my bass on The Bass Buggie?

Yes. A correctly adjusted front strap will allow your bass to stand upright on its own.

That sounds great. So I can open doors, buy tickets at train stations or buy a drink at a vending machine without the need to put my double bass down on the ground?

Yes you can. However a word of warning. Do not leave your bass unattended in the standing position. The Bass Buggie is not intended to be used as a stand.

What advantages does the Bass Buggie have over and above buying a bass wheel?

The main advantage apart from its stability, manoeuvrability and superior ride ability is that the Bass Buggie doesn’t put any sort of pressure or twisting force on the lower block of the double bass.

So using the Bass Buggie is much safer for my instrument than using a wheel?

Yes indeed. A secondary advantage is that you don't need to remove the endpin or find somewhere to store it.

What sort of players are buying the Bass Buggie?

Whether you are young in years, middle aged or getting on in your playing career the Bass Buggie can easily be used by every type of player from students to teachers and from amateurs to professionals.

Has the Bass Buggie been well received so far?

Yes indeed. In the USA - the Bass Buggie really has taken the market by storm. Nearly every bass player you see seems to be using one. Shoppe Director Tony Houska comments - "The Bass Buggie really is a very well thought out invention. Now that it has finally arrived here in the UK, there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be as equally successful this side of the Atlantic."

What sort of surfaces is the Bass Buggie designed for?

The Bass Buggie works exceptionally well on smooth surfaces and pavements such as those found at college or university campuses, hotel lobbies, station concourses and of course airport lounges. On the rougher type of pavements and streets the Bass Buggie out-performs most other products on the market.

Time for a summary:

The Bass Buggie has been designed to make life much easier for the travelling bass player. The product is light in weight and simple to use. Its quick to put on, its quick to take off. It can be used by every size and stature of player on nearly all sizes of instrument. Furthermore it is easy on your back and it just works so wonderfully well.

Stats:

Description: Trolley transport system for double bass
Design Usage: Instruments from 1/10th – 4/4th size
Manufacturer: K.C Strings Violin Shop, Merriam, Kansas, USA
Chassis and wheel construction: High impact moulded plastic
Tyre material: Elastomeric
Weight: 1.4kg (ave)
Dimensions of chassis: 38.0 x 16.0 x 16.0cm (ave)
Length of platform (between wheel arches): 29.0cm (ave)
Diameter of wheels with tyre: 14.5cm (ave)
Width of tyre: 30mm (ave)

Buggie Cushion:
Material: High density foam
Weight: 32.0gm (ave)
Dimensions: 28.0 x 12.4 x 1.4cm (ave)

Bass Buggie Price UK£ 120.00

Bass Buggie Cushion Price UK£ 12.00