The History of Bag End loudspeakers began in 1976. We started in a small shop, dedicated to the pursuit of making high quality loudspeaker systems. Over the decades Bag End has employed the very best construction techniques and innovative acoustical designs into their products. The ground breaking introductions of Time-Align and ELF Technologies was hugely important to sound reinforcement and studio monitor loudspeakers in the 1980’s. After that, the Minima One self-powered systems were introduced, followed by the highly unique E-Trap electronic bass trap. Most recently the Neptune series of ultra performance high power systems were added. Over the decades Bag End has been a leader in providing uniquely good sounding products and extraordinary service to our customers world wide.

  • 2017

    The Nebula Series

    Bag End Single 15 inch Light Bass Musical Instrument Loudspeaker with Coax AX-Hi Driver

    Acoustical, functional and cosmetic designs from the earliest models to the current models are compatible with the Nebula series Musical Instrument Loudspeakers. Many models are similar to our long standing designs and some are entirely new. The Nebula finish is a super durable very dark purple, almost black under stage light. They’re lighter and stronger and optionally self powered. Nebula combines all we have learned over the years into a most powerful, durable and beautiful package manufactured for a lifetime.

  • 2015

    Neptune

    After years of research and development Bag End announces the Neptune super high powered loudspeaker system. Utilizing the most advanced and powerful components possible, the Neptune sets a new standard for fidelity and output.

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  • 2003

    Electronic Bass Trap

    In 2003 Bag End introduced another ground breaking technology, based upon the patent of Dr. Reza Kashani, an electronic bass trap. The Electronic bass trap known as the E-trap is an acoustical device independent from, and not connected to, a sound system. It is a very powerful tunable low frequency acoustic absorber making it an extremely useful tool in small room acoustics.

  • 1991

    ELF

    A decade later Bag End introduced the first widely available Extended Low Frequency (ELF) system based upon the Long/Wickersham ELF technology. This bass technology, in wide spread use today, revolutionized the way we think about high fidelity bass systems.

    Elf

  • 1981

    Time-Aligned PA

    In 1981 Bag End introduced the first Time-Aligned PA and stage monitor loudspeaker system, based upon the EM Long Time-Align technology. A fundamental breakthrough in loudspeaker design that Bag End continues to incorporate in its systems today.

    TA-12 Inside

  • 1976

    Bag End was formed

    Bag End officially formed in 1976 in the basement of 134 West Slade in Palatine Illinois. This was Bill Schwingel’s house, a third partner at the time. The house is now preserved as a historical building (although not because Bag End was founded there). Over the next few years the company built a national reputation for high quality speaker systems. The company expanded to include a second basement and garage. In 1979 Bag End moved into an industrial building in Barrington, Illinois. The company headquarters remained in Barrington for the next 35 years. In 2014 the company moved into a larger facility in Algonquin, Illinois

    Throughout the next 30 years musicians, recording engineers, churches, theaters, nightclubs, museums and more found Bag End loudspeakers to be the most excellent available.  Our photo gallery highlights some of the products, users and applications over time.

  • 1968

    The beginning

    Bag End officially began in 1976 but the roots go back to 1968 when Jim and Henry first met in their high school theater department. In the early 70’s interest in live theater, music and rock bands intensified, of special interest was sound equipment. Throughout the early 70’s they constantly built and rebuilt speaker systems for their band. By the mid seventies other bands were asking them to build sound systems and, mostly by accident, a company was formed to build sound systems.

    jw and hh 2001