 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-01-22 07:30
I do not believe that this topic has been specifically addressed yet.
I recently was told that my clarinet repair problems were created by my case not properly fitting my instrument.
The case came with the instrument and is made by the same company.
I'm getting my clarinet realigned now, and if the repairman can not bash the case into the right shape, I will probably need to buy another one.
The damage my clarinet sustained was fairly minor, but very annoying:
- Bent auxiliary Eb lever (ended up touching other keys)
- Sticking pads (Especially the R.H/L.H C key)
- A slightly misaligned bride mechanism (I used a layer of sticky tape to raise the mechanism, and make the instrument playable)
Can anyone direct me to a cheap case that is likely to fit the below clarinet?
- Selmer Signature
- Key of Bb
While on topic, does anyone know of this happening to them? Or friends? What specific damage was caused to these instruments? (I would like to know for sure that the problems were caused by a dodgey case, as opposed to "built in obsolescence")
Thanks guys,
- Liam
Post Edited (2022-05-27 09:29)
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Author: Darktide
Date: 2008-01-22 09:50
I have indeed had this happen. On two different clarinets no less. I switched to a protec case and after 5 years the corner broke and is pushing on the keys again. I'm trying to do research on a new case but can't find one that I find acceptable (trying not to spend an arm and a leg but if I have to I will).
Jay
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Author: srattle
Date: 2008-01-22 15:35
Hi guys,
Let me recommend the MB (Brazil) clarinet case. It's not cheap, but it suspends the clarinets by only the tenons, which means nothing really can get bend or damaged. It's pretty secure, lightweight and very small for a double case. I think it's pretty ideal. It also has the parts inside made to be slightly flexible, and movable, so it should fit any instrument. Just an idea
Sacha
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-01-22 15:49
Srattle I've seen one MB case and it looked really great and quality built but they are only made in September-November(Maybe only until October I'm not sure). So he would have to contact them now and order one to get in the fall.
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Author: srattle
Date: 2008-01-22 16:46
I don't know about that, they have a small supply of them here in my local woodwind store. It must be possible to find them
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2008-01-22 17:10
I personally don't think there is a better case to prevent bumping your clarinet around than the BAM line. I have not used the "back pack" looking thingy but the foam padding in these guys makes your clarinet virtually indistructable.
I would suggest though that the rattling necessary to bend Bb mechanisms should be avoided (and can be avoided) at all costs.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-01-22 22:12
Perhaps that particular Selmer case was not the one intended for your clarinet.
I'd check with the seller.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-01-22 23:59
Bob and others,
Actually when I was talking with my repairman, he said that the lower joint compartment looked as though it belonged to an A clarinet. However the rest of the clarinet parts fitted quite securely.
Specifically, the thumbrest was forced to seat itself about an inch and a half to the left from where the actual depression of the case was. this also made the entire lower joint "tilt" on almost a 30 degree angle and put pressure on the auxiliary Eb lever.
I did not follow up what I thought to be a case problem because when the clarinet was inside it seemed to be quite stable, if not a little squished up.
Thanks for all of your replies,
- Liam
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-01-23 00:18
whats with the kkk in the title.
my friend too suffered from the same problem of the signature case falling apart. just get a nylon case like protec and your good.
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: sfalexi
Date: 2008-01-23 00:18
On lots of cases I've seen, if you don't mind a little project, you can completely gut the case of the foam and velvet. It sometimes pops right out and sometimes is held only with a little glue. Then just get some foam, cut out a spot for your clarinet (trace around it with a marker and cut it out top and bottom), glue some velvet to the foam leaving it loose enough to support your clarinet, and put that foam in the case. VOILA, 'custom' clarinet case. And while you're at it, feel free to cut any other depressions you'd like for anything else (extra barrels, mouthpieces, etc). I haven't done it (yet) but I do have an aluminum camera case at dear 'ol momma's house with foam in it just WAITING for me to get around to it.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-01-23 03:41
C2,
Purely a phonetically alliterative title, wanted to catch a few eyes in order to get more replies.
No racist allusion intended.
Thank you for your suggestion.
- Liam
Post Edited (2008-01-23 03:46)
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Author: ajhogan
Date: 2008-01-23 03:56
The Marcus Bonna (MB) cases may only be made in the fall for a few months, but that does not mean they do not have cases in stock. I emailed them in July of this past year and they sent me a double case. If you are looking at these cases it certainly wouldn't hurt to contact them. When I emailed them I received a reply within a few days.
Austin
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Author: brycon
Date: 2008-01-23 04:29
I've cut out a few pieces of foam and inserted them underneath the problem keys in my case. If you're looking to save money, this way is the cheapest.
Post Edited (2008-01-23 05:23)
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-01-23 06:03
No harm no foul, just caught my eye for some reason.
So basically you have two choices: shell out some for a really nice light case which you will end up thanking you did as you walk around, or you can save a lot of money by buying a "gun case" and leaving your instruments fully assembled so you dont even have to bother with anything else. just pull it out and go!
i remember a clarinet bboarder in the past did that with his Eb, A, and Bb clarinet which he used a gun case. cost? $45. thats a slick hack.
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: BobD
Date: 2008-01-23 12:50
If and when one raises the position of the thumb rest the bottom section does not seat properly in the case compartment. Sometimes you can force the underlying foam into proper depression shape but if the underlying support is wood it takes more work. But, it sounds to me like your seller simply grabbed a case he had and plopped your horn in it.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-01-24 01:16
Thanks for everyone's help.
After a few hours of internet surfing, the following brands seem to be popping up the most often.
Could anyone express their opinions, warnings and success stories for some of them?
1) Pro Tec "Carry All"
2) Pro Tec "Travel Light"
3) Pro Tec "Deluxe"
4) Pro Tec "Classic"
5) Bam "Trekking"
6) Bam "Light"
7) Gigliotti "Deluxe"
8) Gigliotti "BC4"
8) Gator "Lightweight"
9) Zeta
Thanks again Everyone
- Liam
Post Edited (2008-01-24 02:25)
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Author: EJ
Date: 2008-01-24 01:51
I've had a Pro Tech Classic for over 6 years and have had very good service from it. The interior is extremely well-padded and the zipper and velcro closures help prevent accidental spills. The side pocket is roomy enough for all those accessories we have to carry. I have a silk swap, a tuner, a metronome, a cleaning cloth, 2 reed cases, cork grease and an emergency repair kit and could probably fit something else in there. It fits nicely under/beside a chair at reheasals. I do wish it were big enough that it would hold sheet music. The price is very reasonable - less than $60 or so.
Hope this helps!
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Author: Liam Murphy
Date: 2008-01-24 06:38
Closure:
Thanks BBoard for your help.
I've decided on, and paid for, a Pro Tec "Carry-all" case.
- Liam
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