 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: catina
Date: 2001-12-30 00:15
Does anybody know if BAM offers a warranty or will repair their cases? I've had a double "trekking" case for three years. The zippers are completely broken and the inside strap is no longer attatched to the top of the case. The case is totally dangerous to use since it won't shut, and has absolutely NO resale value. Considering how much money I spent on the case, I'm extremely frustrated. Can I still go to the dealer I bought it from without a receipt?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Catina
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2001-12-30 00:33
As far as I know they only have a one year warranty. I just got mine a few weeks ago and had to have the outside material glued back to the inside of the case... I am already regretting buying it.
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-12-30 14:27
catina"
there is no harm in trying to get the company to make good. They sure charge enough for the case.
happy new year.
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Author: Lori
Date: 2003-06-07 15:58
Hello-
Has anyone else had this problem recently and/or any ideas of what to do about it? I've had by BAM double Trekking case for 2 years and the accessory pocket zipper broke. I called Woodwind/Brasswind, from whom I bought it, they called BAM, and the end result is that there's nothing anyone will do to fix it. The warranty is just for one year and WW/BW had no ideas regarding fixing it. So, I took it to a friend who does some professional sewing. He said that he can't remove the zipper already there for some reason that I didn't really get- it had to do with it being attached to the part of the case with the foam- but that he could put another zipper over it. It would be functional but look terrible.
Am I missing something here? I told the guy at WW/BW that I'd read about other people having the same problem with BAM cases and he said that this was the 1st time he'd heard of that! I'm surprised.
Anyway, your ideas/help are appreciated.
Thanks,
Lori
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-06-07 17:49
Lori wrote:
> So, I took it to a friend who does some
> professional sewing. He said that he can't remove the zipper
> already there for some reason that I didn't really get- it had
> to do with it being attached to the part of the case with the
> foam- but that he could put another zipper over it. It would
> be functional but look terrible.
If you want it repaired then a luggage repair shop will be your best bet - they're used to disassembling/re-assembling expensive cases.
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Author: vin
Date: 2003-06-07 19:14
I had a similar problem with my BAM case. A luggage repair shop is a great idea, Mark. I was fed up though, so I no longer use my BAM case.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-06-07 19:24
Wow...I've had my XLight single case for 2 years and no problems...
Is it just the Trekking ones that are causing problems?
Katrina
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Author: Lori
Date: 2003-06-07 20:08
Thanks for the advice, Mark.
cyso, don't be scared!  I would, however, suggest that you not try to stuff too many things into the accessory pocket. Other than the zipper issue, I love my case.
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Author: Katie
Date: 2003-06-07 20:47
I had a similar problem where the strap that connects the two halves of the case together (on the inside) totally broke off one half, thus making it very difficult to use. I took it to a shoe repair person, and he fixed it really quickly by sewing it very securely back together. I would imagine a luggage repair person could do the same thing and fix zippers as well.
These cases are so much better than other cases (as far as your back and shoulders go) if you have to actually "trek" around with it, so in my opinion it is worth taking it to a repair person for the quick fix.
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Author: Brandon
Date: 2003-06-07 23:13
I have had the BAM trekking for about 4 or 5 years. It has been all over the world, and no problems thus far.
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-06-08 03:01
I had the same problems with my BAM trekking case. It just came unglued. I would never recommend it.
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Author: Mohammeddisto
Date: 2003-06-09 03:52
Hmmm...I guess i won't get one! and I'll tell everyone i know NOT to get a BAM case
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Author: graham
Date: 2003-06-09 08:01
This is turning into a witch hunt. What is needed is data as to percentage of failures in early years and how these compare to other cases on the market.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2003-06-09 14:58
I've had the cover separation problem since nearly the beginning - I've hot glue-gunned it back several times, but it never holds. Aside from aesthetics, though, I don't think there is any threat to the clarinets. Once zipped, the cover isn't going anywhere.
A more serious problem, and one that gives me great pause about BAM: the little strap that connects the two case halves together on the upper left hand corner of the inside tends to hook under the left pinky B/E key of my A clarinet. When opening the case, there is great potential to cause damage to the integrity of that key. I think storing the clarinet with an elastic band around the key to hold it down helps. I've thought of simply cutting the strap, which might solve another problem: the case never stays open.
Any advise about pros and cons of cutting/removing that little strap
Post Edited (2003-06-09 15:00)
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Author: theNarrator
Date: 2003-06-09 20:25
Since everyone is badmouthing the BAM trekking case, are there any double clarinet cases that anyone recommends? please leave detail regarding price, brand, model, experience with the case, and anything you feel like saying. I'm currently in the market for an A clarinet, and would like to know which double case to buy when i do.
thanks,
Terence
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-06-09 22:35
theNarrator,
I have a BAM X-Light double case. It was 219 dollars from Woodwind/Brasswind. I haven't had it for very long, but so far I've been very pleased with it. I've never even seen a trekking case (other than pictures), but from the descriptions, it doesn't sound like the X-Light couldn't possibly have any of those problems. There isn't really anything to come unglued or for the clarinet keys to get caught on. The only downside I might forsee is that since the case is so light, I imagine it might not protect the clarinet under massive amounts of stress (like falling on it or something or getting run over by a car)... but I don't really see that happening to me in the near future... besides, it's foolish to assume that just because something is bigger that it's stronger... so the X-Light may be just as protective as other cases....
anyway... I love the case. It's light, looks really cool, and holds a decent amount of accessories (inside there are 2 small compartments. In mine I have about 5 reeds (in Vandoren little plastic cases), a large key oil bottle, and cork grease). In the outisde compartment I keep a rather full folder of music and a reedcase. I could fit more on the outside, but if you put too much stuff it the front, it looks bumpy and looses the "sleek, contoured" look of the case (which, shamefully, was one of the main reasoned I bought it!). It was 2 backpack straps which are adjustable and make carrying it really easy. You should definitely give it a look. www.bamcases.com
Don Hite
theclarinetist@yahoo.com (email me if you have any other questions or want me to email you pictures of the case)
Other cases I've heard are nice (but have no personal experience with) are:
Pro-Tec
Buffet Pouchette (the attache is nice, but it's huge)
Wiseman (insanely expensive)
Good Luck!
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Author: Mohammeddisto
Date: 2003-06-09 22:51
hmm...i wonder what Bam thinks of these problems.
One of you must e-mail them this thread...or atleast quotes from it. And then, ask permission to post their reply! or have them reply themselves here!
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-06-10 01:56
I don't think even the Buffet Pochette case would prevent harm if run over by a car! 
Now, falling on the XLight vs. falling on the Pochette is a different story!
I do have both a single XLight and a double Pochette. I like them both just fine. If I had an extra $220 sitting around I'd get a double XLight. They're just so light, I love 'em! And I'm careful with mine too. I wouldn't recommend the XLight for a 10-year-old beginner, for example!
Katrina
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Author: bamcases
Date: 2003-06-10 14:27
This web site was brought to my attention and I am sorry to hear about the problems that some of you have come accross. Bam has a one year warranty for manufacturing defects and after that time, we are always willing to repair and fix any problems. It has always been Bam's policy to satisfy customers and do the best we can even after the warranty period. If I am not aware of problems, I cannot fix them. Should you have any questions or problems, the best is to have your dealer contact me.
We are always working on improving and innovating and your comments are very helpful.
Sincerely,
Carole Boutry
Bamcases@aol.com
1-800-757-4226
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-10 14:40
Reassuring to know that BAM cares. Personally I don't understand why anyone would purchase a special "trekkiing" backpack type case just for a clarinet. Regular backpacks like Jansport for example are so moderately priced, are "real" backpacks and will hold your clarinet(s) in their cases plus anything else. Carrying cases with pseudo backpack straps just never did it for me.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2003-06-10 17:48
Pro-Tec has just come out with a cheaper, light weight, strong, thinner, rounded design, and cordura nylon covered version of a case for a single horn in a couple of configurations. I looked one over at the NAMM show but have not seen them in stores as yet - perhaps the mailorder houses have them by now. The floor sales manager indicated that it was designed to fit into the new rounded "cubby" pigeon hole storage systems in schools - my thoughts are that it looks very much like a Bam case. My other thoughts are that it may make good rectangular cases go at fire sale prices if you are not into rounded. http://www.ptcases.com/items-cat.asp?ProductID=256&InstrumentGroupID=8&SubCategoryID=7 (Disclaimer - I do not sell or get any financial consideration from Pro-Tec)
The Doctor
Post Edited (2003-06-10 17:52)
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Author: Klarinette
Date: 2003-06-10 19:03
I've had the same problems that many of you are having. I think the Bam trecking is junk. I only got about two years of use out of mine. The material has long ago separtated from the sides and when one of the zippers broke, it was rendered unusable. I seriously doubt if I'll buy another one again. The search for the perfect case continues, I guess.
JCO
A Radio Station for Us!
http://homepage.mac.com/clarinetquintet/Menu8.html
Post Edited (2003-06-10 19:14)
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-06-11 13:21
Hi all,
Sorry to hear about your difficulties /disappointments. With so many problems mentioned here, and as this is probably only the tip of the iceberg, it would probably be in the best interest of the company to act ASAP. Maybe a recall is in order. (This would definitely help their reputation /public relations)
The reason for this post however is to find out if anyone has experience with GIG bags. Are they any good?
Best Regards
Mark
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-11 13:47
I think the term "gig bag" tends to be confusing since some consider any soft sided instrument case to be such and others interpret it as meaning any soft bag that can contain a cased instrument and other playing accessories including umbrellas etc. BAM would fall into the first category while Olathe in the last.
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2003-06-11 14:18
Larryb said "I think storing the clarinet with an elastic band around the key to hold it down helps."
I once bought a silver soprano sax which had some "elastic bands" placed on to it to "repair" some unservicable springs. They remained in place for years and destroyed the horn's plating. Not only the plating was ruined, the underlying brass was severely etched away leaving marks which were deep enough to be non-removable. What was removable was most of the value of the horn. I don't know if the sulfides in the elastic will damage nickle plating... but wouldn't want to be the person to test it out on my clarinet.
If you have a problem with a case which is fixable by placing a rubber band ("elastic band" for our UK buddies) on your clarinet you will be worsening your problems by doing so. I suggest you find another solution.
For the folks who try and repair a case with hot glue guns, I would suggest the use of contact cement. It is about the only material which is up to the job. It is also sold as "weatherstrip cement" in the auto parts store. It will reliably stick fabric to most surfaces. It does out-gas a considerable ammount of fumes, so I would only attempt it's use on the outside of the case. I would also suggest removing the clarinets (and spare barrels, ligatures and other metal parts) from the case for a few days while the majority of the volitale chemicals waft off and into your lungs.
Respectfully submitted, Terry Horlick
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Author: beejay
Date: 2003-06-11 14:21
Re the point raised by Terry, the same goes for rubber pencil erasers in the case.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2003-06-11 15:52
Terry:
thanks for the advice on contact/weather strip cement.
re: elastic/rubber bands - I actually use my daughter's hair bands, which are fabric covered elastics. Hopefully, that won't ruin the plating on the key. This was actually recommended by my repairman as a technique for maintaining the seal on the lower pads by storing the instrument with keys gently closed. Been doing it for several years and seems to work.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-06-11 16:19
BobD: I think Mark might mean the BRAND "GIG" that has several cases in snazzy color combos.
Mark: I have no experience with the GIG brand cases but would be interested to hear from others who have at least seen them in person!
Katrina
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-06-11 17:07
Katrina,
You are correct. I did mean the Brand "GIG". Anybody have one? Opinions?
Best Regards
Mark
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2003-06-11 20:27
I've never owned a GIG case. I did look at some at the Texas All state exhibition... to me, they seemed exactly like pro-tec cases, only with a more colorful outside. The inside was molded (foam, I guess). I don't know about the quality of them or how long the last, but from what I observed they appear to be just like any other case (structure-wise). I could be wrong though... anybody who owns one, chime in!
Don
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2003-06-12 06:03
Larryb,
Re: hair bands. These (at least the ones my daughter has) are nothing more than a cord or fabric wrapped elastic band. The elastic doesn't come in contact with the key. I still think it is a bad idea. The problem, as I understand it, is the sulfates which leach out of the latex. The chemicals will still outgas and will be in close proximity to the keys. The damage will take longer to occur so if you are lucky you will be able to spot it while the marring of the finish is still small. If it were my horn I would rather avoid damaging the keys than just watching and hoping to catch it before it gets too obvious.
If you look at saxophone sites on the web or even on e-Bay you will run across little spring sets which snap onto the keys of the horn to keep the pads closed. The idea is to keep an indentation of the hole lip in the pad so that they will seal better. I would be surprised if these cute cheap trinkets are not available for the clarinet... I have seen them for flute and sax.
I seem to remember some time ago on this board that these little clamps for the keys were provided. In fact, I just did a search and found out they are now called (by us) Buffet Gizmos. They are aparently available from Buffet and will do the same thing as your rubber band, but safely.
Here is a link to the discussion about the Gizmo:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=100042&t=100026#reply_100042
Terry
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-06-13 12:01
Hi,
Looks like nobody has tried the "GIG" brand (backpack) style cases. Not a good sign.
Regards
Mark
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-06-13 23:44
Yeah, but Mark, they LOOK so FLASHY and COOL!
Appearance is everything, right?
Katrina
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-06-16 21:40
Katrina,
Flashy and cool is one thing but, protection and durability is equally, and /or more important.
Best regards
Mark
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-06-17 02:14
I know, Mark,
I was just funnin' ya!
Katrina
(whose sarcasm is normally more *audible*... )
Post Edited (2003-06-17 02:14)
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Author: Mark P. Jasuta
Date: 2003-06-17 22:44
Katrina,
I think it's funny that most everyone has heard or seen them but, nobody has any experience with them. Am I to believe that no one on this board owns one, or at the very least inspected one up close. (they are hard to overlook).
Best Regards
Mark
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