The Clarinet BBoard

double case dilemma

Author: Claireinet  Date:   2008-08-03 22:25 Hello everyone, I am a long time reader and first time poster on the board . Sorry this is so long! What finally compelled me to post is that I am considering double case options (Bb/A). I hope my question isn't too much of a nuisance as I have already researched on the board (and the Internet) ad nauseam and do realize various models of cases have already been discussed extensively in the past. I think the easiest way to do this would be in list form, so here it goes. My dilemma is that I need/want; 1. something well insulated with enough space inside the insulated area to store my reeds (in a Pro-tec case)/small water canister/swab/corkgrease etc. 2. lots of exterior storage (not flat pockets like are on the Cavallaro bags) to store music/miscellaneous other items(metronome,water bottle, wallet/small purse etc.)/and occasionally another small instrument, such as a flute/piccolo and/or folding stand. To further complicate matters – I like to keep my sheet music in a pocket separate from the other items so it does not become torn or dirty (but I sometimes will carry the folding stand in the same pocket). 3. It is also important to me that the bells be stored separate from the lower joints 4. and, if I opt for a new case instead of buying an insulated bag and trying to alter the interior of my Buffet attache (or living with the bells partially attached), that the case not be so heavy that it hurts my shoulder (if on a shoulder strap – or for that matter my hand, if I'm carrying it) before I even try to put anything in the storage pockets. 5. Would asking that a prospective new case be small enough to fly with as a carry-on without any troubles be the straw on the camel's back? 6. Backpack straps would be nice but not essential if the case was very light 7. I don't have $900-$1000 to spend on a Wiseman. What I used/use with my single case is an Altieri bag with double pockets, which I really like. I never worry about temperature changes and have always had enough room for whatever I wanted to carry. It does get heavy sometimes, but I would rather have everything in one heavy place than try to carry it separately. My only possible regret is that I did not get the backpack straps – which might be very handy for traveling situations. So, my questions are -- 1. Does the pocket on the top of the BAM Trekking case expand, or is that only the back pocket? I would want to carry music in the back pocket and non-flat items in the front. It seems like maybe the front pocket is just a flat pocket with not much room. 2. Has anyone had trouble with the plastic backpack strap clips on the BAM breaking from bumping into things, or staying clasped when the case is heavy? (Has anyone ever had an instrument in these cases damaged due to carrying too much or odd shaped items in the pockets?) 3. Is the back pocket on the Altieri deluxe model actually practical for storing music or other items? It looks like it would be a hassle to move the straps out of the opening in order to use to the pocket – and can the pocket be zipped to hold in items while the backpack straps are out? 4. The new Yamaha soft sided double case is basically a Pro-tec case and not like the old light/compact cases so many people seem to love? -Does anyone have the external measurements or weight of the new Yamaha? I looked all over and couldn't find any specifications. 5. What happened to Orly cases?? Are they no longer available in the US? What I'm considering is 1. purchasing a double Altieri bag (my single is too small) and keeping the Buffet attache - either giving up on separating the bells from the lower joints or trying to alter the case. I do like that there is quite a bit of internal storage space, but worry that the case might end up being too heavy (before loading down pockets and whatnot) and wishing I had just gotten a BAM 2. buying a BAM case (or other similar well insulated case – though I have not yet found others that have convinced me that they are actually well insulated in an of themselves) 3. getting a small light case (bells detached) and an Altieri cover? (maybe even using my single cover which is about 15 inches wide and 12 inches high?) I almost think I might prefer getting a cover since I would probably need to remove heavy items from the top pocket before opening a BAM, or other similar case, to avoid tipping the open case and my instruments. Then again, maybe it would be worth limiting the weight I put in front pockets for a simpler and lighter solution (though I would probably have to carry any other small instruments or a folding stand separately when needed). Thanks for your help! : ) Claire

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