Klarinet Archive - Posting 000551.txt from 1996/02

From: Richard Spittel <ContraReed@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Travel with bass clarinet
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 1996 09:46:45 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-17 22:33:17 EST, you write:

>Does anyone have any practical advice for travel with a bass clarinet,
>particulalry air travel. The normal case is rather large and of one has
>onother instrument, it could all get a little out of hand. I have never
>seen any smaller travekl cases for sale so I was curious what others do.

I don't know what kind of bass clar. you have, but it may be possible for you
to try to obtain the bass clarinet case which Yamaha makes. It is truly a
compact case, about the size of the old Bundy Alto Clarinet cases, if not a
little bit smaller. I know a bass clarinetist who flies with hers a lot, and
never has any problems. As far as the other instruments, (I guess you mean
A/B-flat) if you can put that case into a backpack, then most airlines
wouldn't even consider that a carry on piece, rather more like in the
attache case/purse catagory.

I have also found when flying with either a bassoon or a viola (both of which
just large enough to sometimes attract the eye of the ticket or loading gate
people) to carry the case with a shoulder strap or backpack straps, and not
to make it seem as it is a bulky (i.e. large) case. If it looks like you're
having trouble with it, they are more likely to suggest (i.e.- demand) that
you place it in the luggage hold.

They are also making very compact, backpack type cases for bassoons now that
are only about 2 feet long and about 8 inches square...perhaps you could find
who is making them and inquire about a similar case for your horn - with
pockets for B-Flat.

Good luck

Richard Spittel Baltimore, MD