This lunchtime I had a gig at the café in Queen’s Park with a couple of friends: me on double bass, Simon on guitar and vocals and Kev on cajon percussion. I had a bit of a challenge getting there though because, when I was putting the bass in its gig bag, the remaining zipper exploded. The other one went a few months ago and I had replaced it with a bit of strapping. This was the same metal fatigue cause, with the cheap alloy shearing off under the pressure of simply pulling it along the regular path.

As this is the zip which runs about 2m on the long side of the case, I’m not sure a single additional strap would do the job. As a stand in, I wrapped it around with several bungee cords but that won’t do as a longer term solution. Perhaps I can just get a replacement zip fastener? A very similar bag would cost about £150 but, even though it has lasted through ten years of moderate use I’d rather not throw the old one away as it is mainly in good condition.

Apart from that set back, which didn’t stop me arriving on time, the gig went well. We might be back for a repeat showing next Tuesday lunchtime although that is still to be confirmed.