Klarinet Archive - Posting 000552.txt from 2001/10

From: Tom.Henson@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] BAM vs. FEL Cases?
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 12:42:44 -0400

Jon said: <<Looking to purchase a double case and have narrowed it down to
the BAM
"Trekking"or a FEL.
Any info would be appreciated.>>

Jon,

I have a single FEL case that came with my Peter Eaton Bb International
clarinet. I have looked into buying an FEL double case also, but decided
instead on a Wiseman custom made case. Not because I do not like the FEL,
but because I wanted a case for two Bb clarinets instead of the standard Bb
and A double case.

My impression of the single case is that they are very well made. They open
and close with a double zipper only, not latches or combination locks as
some. The case could be locked using a small padlock of sorts on the two
zipper handles if you desired or needed.

The outside of the case has a single zippered pocket large enough to hold
some music, but I would not want to put anything real bulky in there. The
covering used in a very nice darker blue nylon woven fabric. It looks like a
very durable fabric and may be somewhat waterproof. Looks like the cordura
nylon used in some luggage.

There is no actual handle on the single case, but it uses a shoulder strap
with a rubber pad to go over the shoulder. I believe the double case does
have some sort of handle as well as the strap. I do wish the single case had
a traditional handle, but it may be designed for students who tend to carry
a lot of things at the same time.

The inside of the case I feel is excellent. There is a very durable looking
blue corduroy type fabric (similar to a velvet corduroy). This fabric covers
the shaped insert which I feel is better than most cases. Parts of the
insert are hard (where the tenons rest) and parts are of a resilient foam
which gives a little when pushed in. This gives the case a little shock
protection when jostled about.

My Buffet case that came with my Festival Green Line has an insert that
appears to be some sort of Styrofoam material that is molded. The clarinet
generally is a loose fit when compared to the FEL case. The FEL case seems
to fit the clarinet tighter and hold it in place without any wiggling.

The only downside of the single case is there is no extra storage room of
any sort. Just the clarinet, two barrels, and a mouthpiece. This case might
have been custom made for the Eaton clarinet, so it may not be typical of
the other single cases that they make.

I have not seen the double case in person, but based upon my research, it
does appear to have some storage room in it. I also asked Lisa Argiris at
IMS and she said she thought it had some storage room as well.

Like I said though, I ended up ordering a custom made Wiseman case instead,
but the FEL was at the top of the list for an off the shelf double case for
me. I also took into consideration the double case that Buffet makes and
balked at the price of the one with the combination locks. I also think that
the Buffet case requires that bell to be on the horn when put in the case,
which is a big "no no" for me. I have been advised by several people to stay
away from a double case that leaves the bell on as not good for the
instrument. It can lead to premature wear on the lower tenon cork and if not
completely dried before putting back in the case can lead to damage of the
lower tenon and wooden socket of the bell.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Cheers,

Tom Henson

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