Klarinet Archive - Posting 000593.txt from 1996/02

From: David Bourque <bassethn@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Travel with Bass Clarinet
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 1996 18:41:11 -0500

Some time ago, I hade a custom case made for my bass and b flat/a pair. It
is designed so that it fits in ovehead bins, even on a DC-9. The larger
bins on larger airplanes present no problem.

I usually have to go to the agent-in-charge on the floor for the airline.
They check the flight for number of passengers, and usually give me the OK
with the proviso that the final say is up to the flight attendants. I
pre-board the aircraft with the small children/need assistance people, so I
get an empty bin near my seat. I have rarely had trouble, especially with
Air Canada.

The case is of a very clever design and is sturdily protective. It is made
from photo equipment packing foam (that real dense fibrous gray stuff).
The shapes are cut out of this foam and then lined with suede. The
outsides of the foam are covered with a thin layer of high impact plastic.
The outside cover is leather. I have had to check it as baggage a few of
times, and although a little nerve racking, the case and the instruments
come through with flying colours. The instrument sections are trays that
are removable and interchangeable. So, for example, I can remove the
clarinet tray and insert a bassethorn tray so I can carry the bass and the
bassethorn, all you need when playing Der Rosenkavalier. The case is a bit
heavy, but better than carrying two cases in my opinion.

The case maker's name is Walter Klassen. I think that he is LA now making
props and masks for the studios (been there for some time now), but I'm not
sure.

There are a couple of other compact case makers out there. The French
company BAM makes a terrific light case with knapsack straps so you can
carry it in your back -- this is the same shell as their fiddle cases only
with different innerds. Could't check this one though -- not nearly enough
protection. Harold Wiseman (081-460-6587) in Kent England makes a very
small BCL case, smaller than my custom case, so except for the length, it
draws little attention at airports. He makes both a hard shell and semi
hard shell case.

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David Bourque
bassethn@-----.com
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