 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SK
Date: 2000-03-20 22:21
Are all clarinet cases about the same as far as protecting the instrument. Also does anyone know any retailers of decently protective cases.I am hoping that I can find a good case for under 50 dollars or so I would appreaciate any info. on cases Thank you!
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 2000-03-20 23:42
To answer your first question, no, not all cases protect the instrument as well as others. While pretty well all hard cases will protect the instrument from damage, fewer will protect it from temperature extremes, which can be as much of a problem. Unfortunately, the better the case is at protecting the instrument, the more it's likely to cost. I don't know the prices, but both Orley and Protec make good cases that resist temperature well. Hope this helps!
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-03-21 16:07
Katherine Pincock wrote:
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To answer your first question, no, not all cases protect the instrument as well as others. While pretty well all hard cases will protect the instrument from damage, fewer will protect it from temperature extremes, which can be as much of a problem. Unfortunately, the better the case is at protecting the instrument, the more it's likely to cost. I don't know the prices, but both Orley and Protec make good cases that resist temperature well. Hope this helps!
Katherine -
I got a Protec double case because it looked well insulated and was more compact than the standard Buffet double case. While I like it, I've found that neither the insulation nor the protection is as good as I would like.
The insulation problem is that the case has a "self cover" - i.e., the case and insulated cover are glued together. Thus, all that protects the gap between the top and bottom halves of the case is the zipper. I took it outside during some moderately cold weather (maybe 20 degrees) for a half hour and found the instruments quite cold.
Also, the interior fitting is not very good, particularly for the upper joint of the A clarinet, which often twists around.
On the other hand, the case is light, pretty strong, has a nice outside pocket for music and a larger than usual inside storage area and is quite inexpensive.
Best regards,
Ken Shaw
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Author: steve
Date: 2000-03-21 17:02
I have an old buffet suitcase style double case....large, square, heavy, reinfored edges stitched with leather, engraved plate with buffet logo rivited on, space for 2 mp 4 barrels, has an accessory area, heavy padding inside the lid (royal blue) with the "sweetest clarinet" swatch, sections are suspended on plush cut-outs,...and comes with an insulated naugahyde case cover that has the gold buffet crest on it. Has 2 locking latches. It dates from the mid 1960's...also has an engraved plate on it that says "S.G. Senderoff, Fairview High School, Fairview Park, Ohio".....never found a better one
s.
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-03-21 17:32
As for "stock" cases, or what you usually get with a new horn, I think the Yamaha intermediate horns come with very good cases that should serve you well for decades of light to medium use (and the inevitable nicks, scratches, temperature swings, etc.). The Buffet cases for intermediate and pro grade horns are apparently very good, too. The student grade horn stock cases range from what amounts to fancy cardboard to extremely tough hard plastic. From what I've seen of the Buffet and Selmer student to low intermediate grade horn cases, I'd say they are about the strongest looking stock cases you can get with a new horn. As for third party cases, I believe that you should make sure that your horn stays pinned down with the inserts and the upper covering, so the pieces don't move around during transport. Also, if you have a horn with different keys or unique modifications (extra bulky thumrest, etc.), make sure your own horn will fit snug but safe in the case before you buy it. For this reason alone, I'm trying very hard to make sure my original Buffet case lasts as long as possible. My 18th key is accounted for in the original case, but there may not be a suitable notch for it in a third party's case.
I personally have found that a mediocre to good gig bag does wonders for protecting the horn's original case, adding another insulating layer, providing handy pockets for music and goodies, and making it easier to carry with a shoulder strap. I personally have a Protec gig bag. It probably isn't the best gig bag on the market, but it was reasonable in price, and it does what I need it to do. I've even seen some postings on this BBS that talked about using laptop computer cases, which are typically made out of nearly indestructable ballistic nylon. The concept intrigues me, because a clarinet in its case is roughly about the same size as a large laptop computer. If this kind of case can protect a very expensive ($2000 to $4000) and finely machined (very small fraction of a millimeter for hard disk drive head clearance, for example) laptop, it's seems very likely that it can easily protect an equivalently expensive and finely crafted clarinet inside its case.
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Author: Joslyn
Date: 2000-03-21 20:53
This case is way more expensive than fifty bucks, but DO NOT buy the Buffet pochette double case. I have had three in the last five months. They are simply made very poorly and fall apart in many ways. Trust me on this.
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Author: Joslyn
Date: 2000-03-21 20:53
This case is way more expensive than fifty bucks, but DO NOT buy the Buffet pochette double case. I have had three in the last five months. They are simply made very poorly and fall apart in many ways. Trust me on this.
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Author: Joslyn
Date: 2000-03-21 20:54
This case is way more expensive than fifty bucks, but DO NOT buy the Buffet pochette double case. I have had three in the last five months. They are simply made very poorly and fall apart in many ways. Trust me on this.
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Author: Joslyn
Date: 2000-03-21 20:54
This case is way more expensive than fifty bucks, but DO NOT buy the Buffet pochette double case. I have had three in the last five months. They are simply made very poorly and fall apart in many ways. Trust me on this.
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Author: Meredith H
Date: 2000-03-21 23:22
You could try to get a local upholsterer to make you a custom made cover for your clarinet case out of whatever material you like. I had one made for an instrument of mine out of a 'leather-look' vinyl, extra padding on the inside and it zipps up. It is now water proof, extra insulated and if the case ever accidently pops open in transit the case cover will still hold it together so the instrument isn't damaged. You could even get a couple of D-clips attached so you could attach a shoulder strap for ease of carrying. If it get dirty I just have to wipe it off with a damp cloth and the actual case looks as good as it did the day I bought it. It shouldn't cost you more than $50.00, mine was $65.00 but it was for a much bigger instrument then a clarinet.
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Author: connie
Date: 2000-03-23 21:36
paul wrote:
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...I personally have found that a mediocre to good gig bag does wonders for protecting the horn's original case, adding another insulating layer, providing handy pockets for music and goodies, and making it easier to carry with a shoulder strap. I personally have a Protec gig bag. It probably isn't the best gig bag on the market, but it was reasonable in price, and it does what I need it to do. I've even seen some postings on this BBS that talked about using laptop computer cases, which are typically made out of nearly indestructable ballistic nylon. The concept intrigues me, because a clarinet in its case is roughly about the same size as a large laptop computer. If this kind of case can protect a very expensive ($2000 to $4000) and finely machined (very small fraction of a millimeter for hard disk drive head clearance, for example) laptop, it's seems very likely that it can easily protect an equivalently expensive and finely crafted clarinet inside its case.
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When the latches on my ancient Leblanc case gave up, I bought a black canvas attache-type bag with compartments at Target for under $25. It has a back zippered compartment that holds my folder, the main body holds the case, with pockets for my swab and loose papers, and an outside pocket for my reed kit and music clothespins. And one more zipper pocket that I forget to use. It wouldn't substitute for a hard case, but for me it surpasses the Protec Gig bag, is a lot more useful and way cheaper. It's been going for a couple of years now with no visible wear (except dirt!)
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