 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ed03
Date: 2007-08-07 02:15
Hi,
Does anyone else ever feel like they are not satisfied with their cases?
I am interested in making my own case.. has anyone attempted or actually made a case that worked?
If so.. what materials did you use and all the details!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2007-08-07 02:30
Do a search for Terry Horlick on this BB. He is the master although Susie Ray has done some things as well. Lots of info and making the case can be really cheap and a whole lot more functional.
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Author: ed03
Date: 2007-08-07 02:50
All the links in Terry Horlicks posts don't work. It seems like he is the guy to talk to or to learn from but I can't access his sites
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Author: b.roke
Date: 2007-08-07 05:14
do a search here - there are a few with descriptions and pics. one from last year spurred me into action and i bought a briefcase for $2, some foam rubber for $5 and some stretch velvet for $5 and have a great case that holds 2 clarinets and 3 mpc's. but any arrangement is possible.
.
steadfastness stands higher than any success
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2007-08-07 10:04
Hi,
Terry Horlick is an DMD in CA (specialty is Pediatric Dentistry as I recall). Maybe call his office and leave a message?
HRL
Post Edited (2007-08-07 10:07)
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2007-08-12 22:07
I attempted but was not successful.. I have made makeshift reed cases though!
I once used a Samsung phone usedr manual to hold my bass clarinet reeds. hah... worked for a whort while in dire circumstances.
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2007-08-13 14:57
I once made a rugged but extremely heavy case out of plywood for a low-Eb (5-piece) bass clarinet. I bought all the hardware (hinges, latches, handle) from Ferree's Tools. I believe poor Steve Froehlich of Texas is the unlucky current owner of that case, having bought the Kohlert bass clarinet that came with it.
Too much work, and too much weight!
I frequently build custom case interiors for my own instruments, though, using thick (3"-6") foam blocks purchased from companies which supply industrial packing materials (found via Internet search).
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Author: eefer ★2017
Date: 2007-08-13 15:01
I have made cases for clarinets and flutes. You can use briefcases or some other receptacle of choice (I like PVC pipe that is halved and hinged). I use expanding foam for the filler. To keep it from sticking to your outer case material, line the outer case with plastic wrap. After the foam hardens, you can remove the plastic wrap and place the foam insert back in the new case when you have covered the insert. Then cover the part of the instrument body that will lay in the foam with plastic wrap. Fill the container with the foam and quickly smooth it out. Press covered instrument into the foam to depth of choice and lift out (immediately remove wrap from instrument). Let foam fully harden and cover the foam with whatever covering you choose using hot-melt glue or rubber cement. In the case of PVC piping, you will need to do the top, as well as the bottom, with the foam. Affix latches to the front of the case. If using a brief case, you can either use a blanket cover or fill the top with soft poly-foam and cover it. My experience with soft poly-foam in the lower part of the case usually results in compression of material after a few months, to the extent that the instrument becomes loose in the case.
Nancy Buckman
AACC Symphony Orchestra
Opera AACC
Early Music Society of Northern MD
(and a lot of other ensembles, too)
nebuckman@gmail.com
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Author: Ken Mills
Date: 2007-08-13 23:22
I think that the clarinet bell should stay on the instrument all the time to avoid twisting on the body with its mechanism. This is why I customized the case that comes with the Selmer Signature clarinet because I like so much its trim very light weight and size that I can slip into my shoulder bag.
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Author: Neil
Date: 2007-08-14 00:00
I made a case from a briefcase I got at Big Lots, a piece a styrofoam from a craft store, a yard of fuzzy black cloth from Wal-Mart, and two pieces of plywood I swiped from work. I gouged out indentions in the foam with a knife little by little to form-fit. I cut out sections of cloth and glued them in the indentions first, using a glue gun, then I glued cloth all over it cutting holes over the indentions, leaving enough to overlap the already glued-in pieces, then I covered the two pieces of wood with cloth and set them in to hold the foam in one corner, leaving a space in front and to the side for carrying stuff. Also there is a flap under the lid of the briefcase for carrying papers and such, I put cloth on the flap. If you go to an auto parts store you can get spray adhesive for upholstery for about $16 if you want, it will be a lot faster than using a glue gun.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-08-14 02:19
I remember somebody used a gun case as a triple case for his A, Bb, Eb, and his accessories. You practically don't have to take the instruments off, just throw them in with after swabbing and your done. probably one of the best ideas for a cheap but effective clarinet case.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2007-08-14 06:15
Hank was kind enough to contact me and let me know that there was some interest in seeing my old case information. My case for my full Boehm Bb and A horns is still doing very well... NO PROBLEMS. It is made from a violin case I bought from Shar music supply as a clearance item as it had a missing or broken bow holder or something like that.
I have just reloaded the two pages of case building instructions for you.
They can be found at the following web addresses:
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/thorlick/case/index.htm
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/thorlick/case/index2.htm
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
One neat thing about using a violin case is when you go to a rehearsal with a new orchestra where no one knows you and you get there early. The string players waiting around chatting about the orchestra sometimes discuss the wind sections not realizing you have a stealth clarinet case! ... fun!
Now that I have reloaded my pages the clarinet bboard links to my photos are active again!
Sincerely, Terry Horlick
P.S. Hank has an incredible memory!
Post Edited (2007-08-14 07:05)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2007-08-14 11:41
Hi Terry,
It's great to see your name on a post again. Welcome back! How could anyone ever forget things like the stealth violin case-type stories.
HRL
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Author: Chelle
Date: 2008-02-07 05:16
I made a case to hold both my bass clarinet and my Bb clarinet. I wanted something that held both (since I often play both in pit orchestra) and was small enough that I could fit it under my chair rather than having to find a place in the wings of the theater to stash it. (When I bought my bass, it came with one of those awful, 3-foot long, 3-piece bass cases - I absolutely hated it).
The only ones I found online that came anywhere close to what I was looking for is this:
http://www.wisemancases.com/bassclarinet_pics/l_a_1.jpg
But at $700, I figured I could build something that was almost as good for a heck of a lot cheaper. I came up with this:
http://chelle.mine.nu/instruments/case01.jpg
http://chelle.mine.nu/instruments/case03.jpg
One of these days, if I can ever find some large enough PVC tubing, I might trying making a closer replica to the wiseman case, but for now, this one works good for my needs.
Post Edited (2008-02-07 15:54)
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Author: LonDear
Date: 2008-02-07 12:48
I've been using gun cases almost exclusively for over a year now. It is easy to carve up the (included) foam to protect the instruments quite well. If you want to get a bit fancy you can line the foam with a light fabric of your choice. I suppose that if you wanted to carry the gun theme to the extreme you would want a camouflage patterned fabric, but I use a plain pillow case. My current favorite is a compact quad case for Eb/C/Bb/A.
I have a larger case that has wheels and holds a nice mic, cable, stand, music, repair kit, etc. as well as the clarinets, but since I turned 47 last year I'm too old to play rock, so I don't need the mic anymore!
To use the space the most efficiently, I alternate like this:
Eb - bell to the right
A - bell to the left
Bb - bell to the right
C - bell to the left
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-02-07 17:14
lon, was it you that had the gun case that i was talking about? i've been trying to find the picture with your clarinets in that case, but it's lost in the archives. could you repost the picture of your case?
if i remember correctly, you had backun bells on your instruments =)
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-02-12 06:01
Hi Folks,
I'm not so new to the BBoard but this is my first time replying to any threads. Anyway, I recently made my own case for my Bb and A combo. I just got my A few months ago and was unhappy with the case it came in. It's a nice Buffet attache style case with combination locks. I don't like how the bottom joint and bell must stay connected. And a couple of weeks ago the combination locks got screwed up. While it was sent back to be replaced, I decided to try my hand at building my own case. Everything I've seen is too expensive, too cheap, or just not too impressive.
At first, I thought I'd build from an existing case (electricians tool box, briefcase, etc.). I came across a website on steamer trunks and saw some interesting cases. I'm not much of wood worker at all and didn't know exactly where to go beyond Home Depot. This was also, going to require some wood working tools and such. Not in the budget, sorry.
Then this last Monday, school holiday for me, I went to one of my repair guys and asked if he had any empty cases I could take off his hands. He offered me an old schreiber bassoon case for free! I took the case to a foam and fabric store and they cut out 3 pieces of foam rubber (3", 2", and 1" thicknesses). I didn't use the 1", btw. It took me the better part of the day to cut out the appropriate chunks and shape it just right. Early in the evening, I went and picked up some red velvet at a local fabric store. I ended up just wrapping the 3" (the bed for my horns) and 2" (the lid area) with a single piece of velvet. I configured the pieces so that the mouthpieces were end to end along the left wall, space for four barrels next to them going lengthwise with the case, the Bb and A upper and lower joints next to each other also going lengthwise with the case, and the bells are perpendicular to the joints. Between the bells and the right wall is a space to store a reed case, tuner and other stuff. I was considering using a spray adhesive for the lid portion of the foam and velvet but I kind of like the loose look of it. I did cut chunks out of the lid portion to allow the case to close and not press too hard against the clarinets.
For anyone that is at least a little handy (or not) I think it would be a fun project. My wife was even proud of me and impressed by the case, even if I did forget to do a couple of chores around the house.
Joe
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2009-02-12 14:30
Joe,
That is great, you should post some photos for the folks on this board!
I thought I would give a little update. My Brother-in-law is a professor of music at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. About a year ago he was doing a concert which called for A clarinets. He called me to get a lead on where his college could get some A's in a hurry. He was really surprised that I had two.
I proceeded to loan Westmont both of my A clarinets. The 100 year old Buffet is a full Boehm and I only have the double case I made for it, also I like to play matching clarinets when I switch back and forth on the A and Bb. So I sent both full Boehm horns. Both students who got the loans were ecstatic. My family and I were able to go to hear the orchestra when they were on tour.
This semester, durring an orchestra rehersal, a fire in Santa Barbara raced through the campus destroying several buildings and dorms, but injuring no one. The students all evacuated to the main gym and eventually to volunteer host homes. My brother-in-law had about 17 students joining his family for several days, in a 3 bedroom house.
Unfortunately, the pieces being rehearsed that day did not require an A clarinet. So the student with my A in a single case left it in his dorm which burnt down. The other student needed the full Boehm Buffet Bb which was in it's double case so she took both horns with her to the rehersal.
I used to have two A clarinets, now I only have one (out on loan). The double case not only still works, but it has saved my treasured clarinets from the flames!
Terry Horlick
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-02-12 17:13
Attachment: Double Clarinet Case.JPG (160k)
Terry,
Sorry about the clarinet but at least no one was hurt. Anyway, here's a photo.
Joe
PS You can see how there is four slots for four barrels. I unfortunately only have three. I loaned one out and never got it back. My fault for forgetting who I lent it to. It works for my thumb rest, though. I've got one of those Ton Kooiman thumb rests since I'm double jointed. Helps alot! I may get a Backun barrel or two for both clarinets, one of these days. I may make modifications as I get used to this case and think of other additions, like a cover with pockets for music and stuff. Suggestions?
Post Edited (2009-02-12 17:20)
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2009-02-13 01:11
Joe,
Nice job. Wouldn't you say this should be relatively easy for anyone to do?
Terry
Joe's case:
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Author: DixieSax
Date: 2009-02-13 01:27
I made one out of a briefcase for my Eb and C clarinets - carved high density styrofoam for the lower portion, and a medium density foam chair cushion for inside the lid, both wrapped with stretch velvet and craft tacky glue to secure the velvet inside the carved wells and tight around the edges of the foam before fitting them into the case. Finished with an Altieri bag sized appropriately for the briefcase. It looks extremely professional, and everyone wonders where I found the custom case for the C - Eb combination. My A and Bb are in another double case with matching Altieri cover, and it works out pretty well when I have to schlep them all around somewhere, because I can sling one on my back and carry the other.
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-02-13 06:21
Terry,
Thanks. Yes, I'd say its easy. If you can envision it, do a little homework, and get up and do it, it may actually come out better than you thought it would. I now have this itch to do combo cases for my other horns (1938 Chu Berry Alto, and 1950-60 Naked Lady Tenor) or just customize better cases for them individually. I don't gig as much with them anymore but you never know.
Joe
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Author: LonDear
Date: 2009-02-14 17:46
Attachment: 02142009003.jpg (490k)
I finally remembered to send a picture. The C & Bb are removed so you can see where the foam is cut for the bells. I have a larger one that also holds a mic and stands. This one is a 37x13x4.5 (inches) gun case.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2009-02-15 05:07
Yeah! that's the case I was referring to. Quickest, simplest way to set up and tear down. no muss, no fuss, just swab and place back in the case.
thanks for finally remembering to post the picture.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2009-02-15 16:31
LonDear, I've often wondered what the reaction of security screeners would be when you show up at an airport carrying a rifle case (with your clarinets inside). Should perk up their morning, eh?
Cheers, Terry
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Author: LonDear
Date: 2009-02-15 18:45
I haven't had to take my 'custom' cases through security screening since they are rugged enough to check. Four heavy duty latches and tight foam keeps everything safe. I carry it to upscale clubs and restaurants and never had any comments on it. The very first time I ever got any ribbing was two nghts ago in an orchestra pit. One of the other WW players asked if I refer to my pitch or caliber.
It is also a good idea NOT to put NRA stickers on cases!
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2009-02-15 23:02
...if I refer to my pitch or caliber.
wow, that was pretty clever. your case also appears like a DJ case with turntables and such.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: LonDear
Date: 2009-02-16 01:17
I would probably have had a good laugh at his comment if I knew anything about guns. I mistook caliber as a synonym for competence and was in the dark until I looked it up during the next long rest (a lot of those in this show). But technically, it turns out that caliber is not only the measure of the diameter of a gun bore, but any tube, so it could apply to a clarinet.
The case is as rugged as a DJ case, but the hinges are fixed like a regular briefcase.
Ironically, I entered the orch pit this afternoon and heard some gasps and comments about only bringing a double case instead of my normal quad. I had spent my rest time in the pit transposing parts to get the horn count down. I feel a little less like a circus freak now.
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Author: DixieSax
Date: 2009-02-21 22:53
Mentioned earlier in this thread, but I finished up the case this afternoon.
The requirements were.
An extra briefcase that I picked up on e-something last year, and a trip to the craft store for some supplies, and I was off. I think that it turned out pretty darn good for my first attempt at casemaking.
And here's the evidence.
http://207.44.194.112/users/WeR/jpg/case/P1210036.JPG
http://207.44.194.112/users/WeR/jpg/case/P1210037.JPG
http://207.44.194.112/users/WeR/jpg/case/P1210038.JPG
Total cost, $37.98.
Build Time, 3 hours, 48 minutes.
The clarinets are (obviously) a Noblet eefer, and the other is 1930s ish Conn in C.
To answer the other questions that are coming, the plush material is a stretch velvet in royal blue from JoAnn Fabrics. The lower portion of the case is carved from a 2 inch thick block of high density craft styrofoam. Spoons are good for digging out the trenches, and you can do fine work amazingly well with heavy paper clip wire bent into the shape of the styrofoam piece you want to carve out.
The padding inside of the case lid is a 3/4 inch piece of high density foam that is sold in craft stores as chair cushions - cut to size and covered with the velvet.
By the way, for you historical clarinet lovers, the boxwood clarinet visible in the pictures is a John Parker six-keyed clarinet in C, circa 1807ish that I'm working on restoring (little by little)
Post Edited (2009-02-22 02:13)
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Author: jsc
Date: 2009-02-22 01:59
Dixie,
Nice! Mine took a bit longer only because I was still deciding which direction to go. I spent an hour at Home Depot thinking I would build a case from scratch but I have no woodworking tools and not knowledgeable enough about the different woods to use. I think from start to end I'd say I spent 8 hours but some of that is driving time to the various stores I picked up the material from. It also, got me in a little trouble for not doing certain chores around the house. Suffice it to say, even my wife was proud of how I got the whole project done and of the finished product. I'm looking at getting a cover for it, as well. Since it's originally a bassoon case, I can at least get a standard cover for about $70 from my local shop. One of the guys there said that since I made the case, I should go with my idea of just making a cover, as well. I'm thinking denim with a sheep or imitation sheep interior. One of my violin student's mom has an industrial type of sewing machine if I go with that idea or something more sturdy. We'll see.
Total Cost: $33
Time: 8 hours
Post Edited (2009-02-22 02:20)
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