 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clariberto
Date: 2020-11-29 15:49
Hello,
I am looking to buy a case that allows me to fit my bass clarinet and a Bb clarinet and ideally also the A clarinet.
I checked many options (of course, the Wiseman cases seem like the best way to go, but I have a limited budget) and I came across the Reed and Squeak triple case, which apparently would cover all my expectations on a nice budget, and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this brand or any of their cases.
I read some reviews about them and I also watched the video where Michael Lowenstern talked a bit about one of their cases, but still, I don't know if anyone had any extra thoughts about them!!
Thanks in advance
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Author: JTJC
Date: 2020-11-29 18:49
I bought the standard triple case (A,Bb, Eb/C) in the eco leather version. It has generally been a good case with plenty of room. However, I found I couldn’t get my C in the case together with the Bb and A. That was its primary purpose I bought that case so I’m disappointed in that. I think it would be ok for Eb as the third instrument (don’t know for certain as I don’t play Eb).
Also, I had as issue with the eco leather parting company with the zip along one side. Unfortunately, that was just outside the guarantee. It looked to me as if they’d used a bare minimum of the leather material to make the joint. I hadn’t been over straining that section either but had it repaired and it’s all been fine since.
I did go onto their website to put a review of the case covering these points but found there was nowhere I could do that. There are plenty of good reviews by named professional on the website though. Last time a looked I didn’t see a single review that said anything bad about their cases. Bit unusual I’d say.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2020-11-30 03:21
I can’t comment on the specific case, but over the last few years I’ve accumulated 3 Reed and Squeak cases: a compact double, which I use for a Bb/Eb combination, and cases for an alto clarinet and a basset horn. They don’t have the usual moulded slots for individual sections of the instruments. Instead, they have padded channels and a variety of movable padded inserts, which means you can arrange the sections in different configurations, so they are quite versatile. Pouches are available for mouthpieces etc. There’s plenty of space for accessories and music.
I’ve found them to be well-made, and my double case has stood up to frequent use. They offer decent protection for the instruments. As you’d expect the materials and construction probably aren’t quite as robust as for cases twice the price, but for the money my own view is that they’re hard to beat.
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Author: HarryBiscuit
Date: 2020-11-30 18:40
I have one of their bass/Bb/A triple cases - it's very useful to have everything in the one case, but it does make that case rather heavy! The case itself is pretty light, it's just the combined weight of the instruments more than anything else. Fits everything in nice and snugly, plenty of space for mouthpieces, oversized music, reeds etc; even my standing-up spike for the bass fits in without much trouble, it just has to be done a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle going in between the music pouch and outer cover.
The case is naturally pretty big, but not too big considering what it fits inside - it's only an inch or two larger in each dimension than, say, a standard Buffet or Selmer bass case. It's still sufficiently practical that I don't tend to use my Selmer bass case anymore at all, since without the Bb and A in, it's no heavier than that original case is.
I haven't dropped it to test how well protected the clarinets are (and nor do I intend to), but there is a lot of foam/padding in the construction and some wood sheets for a bit of extra rigidity too. Yes, they're probably not *quite* as robust in a car crash as the Wiseman or other very expensive options are, but I reckon that unless you're in the habit of dropping your instruments down staircases, the Reed and Squeak will serve you just fine. In terms of value for money, in my opinion they beat the competition hands down.
The one (minor) issue I do occasionally find is that because the Bb and A are stored with the barrel on the upper joint, and the bell on the lower joint, sometimes the barrel and bell can become a bit stiff to take off if they get put away still slightly damp. I swap them back into my double case whenever I don't need the bass for my next rehearsal, and this seems to prevent them ever actually seizing up. I think many of the triple cases out there store the Bb and A in the same way though, so this may well apply to any triple case you end up buying.
Hope that's helpful!
Harry
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Author: clariberto
Date: 2020-11-30 21:03
Thank you for the answers!
And what about travelling with the case? Have you tried to take it on a plane as carry on luggage? That right now is my biggest concern... I know that the Wisemans even if they exceed the "legal" dimensions, usually manage to sneak inside the planes without too much trouble, but I don't know if the same applies with the Reed and Squeak or instead they are too "bulky".
Again, thank you all for your replies!
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Author: jasonalder
Date: 2020-12-01 18:43
I've had a few R&S cases... 3 single cases (one for when I just need a B♭, one for my E♭, and one for a Full Boehm B♭), had one for a paperclip contra which I sold after getting a modification so that I could fit the instrument into a bassoon gig bag, and just had a custom one made for my Selmer E♭ contra. They're great cases and Mark the owner is a great person to work with. If there's a problem, he'll set it right. Very light and well built and flexible.
As for getting the triple bass case on an airplane... not sure, as it is bulkier. For that I always use my Wiseman. If having the absolute lightest and most compact case is the priority, Wiseman is the way to go, but you pay for it. If you're looking for a lightweight, backpackable case with custom configurations at a cheaper price, Reed and Squeak is a good option.
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