Klarinet Archive - Posting 000151.txt from 2004/02

From: ormondtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: Re: [kl] Double case recommendations
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 16:59:19 -0500

Anne=A0Lenoir wrote:

> I wish somebody would design one.

I guess my point is that it's already designed, Anne.

You just select the most compact hard case (which is usually also the
least expensive) that holds the instruments you want to carry. Forget
about the extra pockets and compartments, which cost the big bucks and
often waste space and never seem to match exactly what you personally
want to carry anyway.... it's always a compromise.

My hard case holds a couple of reeds and a tube of cork grease, and
that's all. Then you go to Office Depot or Staples or a thrift store
and buy a briefcase with whatever assortment of dividers and/or pockets
that fits your other needs, including personal travel items. There's a
much wider assortment of 'doo-dad' pockets available in briefcases than
there is in musical instrument cases

And since you enjoy quilting.... When you arrive at the hotel or
whatever, if you're embarrassed by the personal belongings that were in
your briefcase, you replace them with a towel or cloth (or mini-quilt?)
embroidered with clarinets or perhaps a few measures of your favorite
composition. This way, your set-up will be one step **more** dedicated
to the musical spirit than the other people who travel with hi-tech but
'soul-less' cases. ;-)

Who was it who said that an instrument doesn't have a soul until it's
been in the pawn shop for awhile? A battered old briefcase is ideal
for this attitude, as well as being functional. Just kidding of
course..... but if image is a 'plus'.... well, anyone can spend money on
nylon and zippers and titanium reinforcement, but it's the bruises and
dents that come only with history and hard knocks that (imo) add to the
impression.

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