The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-05-21 18:12
I'm going to be taking a trip overseas in a few weeks and will be taking my clarinet onboard. I'm trying to make my clarinet case my only carryon item for the plane and for many bus rides. As it stands, I have the standard R-13 case, but it doesn't leave much room for "stuff" (books, paper, camera, cards, etc.).
I've had a look at Woodwind/Brasswind, and they have a lot of choices... maybe too many. I'd like to travel light, and I only need to fit a Bb R-13 into it (either fit my whole case into a bag, or buy a new case).
Anyone have any recommendations from WWBW or otherwise? I've procrastinated it a bit, so I'll need something that can ship quickly.
Thanks!
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
Post Edited (2003-05-21 18:12)
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Author: rbell96
Date: 2003-05-21 18:22
I have the BAM Trekking Double Case. They do a single.
I love mine it is a wonderful case and so robust.
Rob
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2003-05-21 20:30
My 10-year-old Protech Pro Pac Double case has been very durable and extremely light weight. They also make several styles of single cases with storage.
I also have a home-brew triple case for B-flat, A, & C because I couldn't find a commercial case for this combination.
Do you want a handle? Shoulder strap? Backpack style straps?
Choices, choices.
|-(8^)
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Author: William
Date: 2003-05-21 21:19
I would recomend packing most of your "stuff" in your checked luggage--especially any reed knives, screw drivers or other necessary tools (anything sharp or pointy) that may be considered weapons. They will be confinscated and not returned. On my last flight, I even packed my reed case in my checked bag because during one clumsy inspection, a few of my "choosen" reeds were dropped on the floor as the inspector opened it for examination. I also check music, music stand, tuner (with batteries removed), and cigarette lighter (for occassional loose pads).
So, in choosing a case, room for your stuff should not be a concern, but rather carrying weight. During those long walks between gates and long lay overs, they can get heavy on your shoulder. I have a double case put out by Yamaha that is light as a feather and has plenty of room for "stuff"after arrival. Good luck!!!!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-05-21 21:19
Probably a handle or shoulder strap. The thought of carrying my clarinet as a backpack still weirds me out a bit. But as long as it has some decent pockets, I should be fine. LAX to London is a long flight
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-05-21 21:24
William, yes, I'm planning on checking most of my clarinet "stuff". The "stuff" I'd want in my case is mostly "oh goodness, what shall I do on a 12-hour flight" stuff, because I'm hoping to not have any other items of carryon besides the clarinet case. After the flight, this stuff can be replaced with important clarinet stuff (metronome, tuner, etc.) from my checked bag.
Didn't think of the danger to the reeds. Maybe I'll keep half and check half...
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2003-05-21 23:39
I travel a lot and use a couple of options. The easiest and cheapest is a student's bookbag backpack (they have a grab handle and backpack straps)with my case inside with the absolute essentials - in the event that checked luggage does not meet up with me. It fits under the seat or in a back corner of the overhead (someone may want to jam their last minute luggage in the overhead so choose a corner). Another option is the aluminum tool cases which are sold at hardware discount stores. Another option is a medium Haliburton case with your case and essentials with some foam padding - almost indestructable but pricey. A final good choice is a Boblbee Swedish hardshell backpack which is easy to load and has backpack straps - almost indestructable. With all of these I use a retractable cable - combination lock to hook to chairs, poles, etc. in airports and eating places. Theft is a big problem in some countries and cities and they are quick and very crafty - the good thing is that they probably are not out to kill you!
The Doctor
Post Edited (2003-05-21 23:43)
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Author: Kes
Date: 2003-05-22 03:59
I recently travelled overseas with my Buffet, and I just took it as my carry on. I kept it under the seat in front of me. It's just in a standard buffet case. I doubt that turbulence would be so bad as to harm it. As for the stress it puts on the wood, I'm not sure. I just know that it was fine with just taking it briefcase-style. lol.
Just don't put it in the carry on compartments. They have a habit of falling open and dropping things on the floor. Just keep it under the seat in front of you. When you get to big cities, "The Doctor" has some great ideas. Just hang onto your instrument at all times!
And most of all...
Have fun!
____________________
"I speak reedish. Long live the language of the clarinetist!"
_________________
-kes
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-05-23 23:55
When I went to Europe two years ago, and needed to bring both my clarinet AND 6 weeks worth of diabetic supplies BOTH as carryons, my choice was to get a BAM XLight (not trekking, without pocket) and stuff it into my huge backpack with all the other stuff I had to carryon. I still use the BAM as my primary case because it is VERY light....barely more than the weight of the clarinet itself when it's in there...
The real challenge was to have only one carryon...UGH!
Katrina
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Author: Kes
Date: 2003-05-24 00:11
Oh! I just remembered. When I went overseas, they let us take our clarinets AND a carryon AND a purse/small bag. Just for reference.
____________________
"I speak reedish. Long live the language of the clarinetist!"
_________________
-kes
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2003-05-24 11:04
Get yourself something like this:
http://www.wwbw.com/Item/?itemno=80932
Than get yourself a backpack/sholderstrap sports bag. Fit the clarinet case in the larger space and other items in the rest.
I've investigated this problem during years of touring and these kind of solutions always work the best for me. I do have a lot of bags and cases at home. It's always nice to travel light and tight.
Always remember to store any knives and other pointed objects with the checked luggage.
Alphie
Post Edited (2003-05-24 11:07)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-05-24 13:47
I agree that using the standard Buffet case and putting it in a back pack is the way to go. There is a reason why thousands of students use back packs and it is that it is unbeatable. You can even find them with wheels and a retractable handle. I like Doc's idea of the cable lock too.
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