 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: MondeLuna
Date: 2011-07-04 22:14
I'm currently in the marked for a new double case for my Bb Prestige and a vintage R-13. I know there are many threads about double cases, after reading I have a few more questions.
1) Does a Buffet Pochette case fit nicely w/in a Attache Cover? - I'd like some room for my music etc. but I like the attache cover rather than the pochette.
2) Is the (http://www.wwbw.com/J-Winter.wwbw?src=clarinet+case) J. Winter case identical to the Pochette case?
3) I read a lot about the Pochette case failing to close properly. I'm curious to wether or not an adult has had any problems w/ the Pochette case.
I'm not 100% sold on buying a Buffet case I just want something realitively lightweight that will protect my clarinets. The current case I have is about 50 years old so it's time to replace it since the latches are getting ready to fail.
Thank you all for your time!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-07-04 22:40
I wouldn't go for a Buffet double case for the simple reason the bells remain on while in the case which causes the tenon corks to compressm or at worst, the tenons to bind in the sockets making them almost impossible to remove without a lot of force. There is some allowance for the bells to be partly undone to give half the tenon corks the chance to recover, but it's still not an ideal solution considering the size of Buffet double cases.
An excellent double case is a Yamaha one as it's a more compact design where all the joints are separated and housed in well shaped and fitted sections, there's space for four barrels standing upright and two mouthpieces laid down, a compartment large enough for a tuner and all manner of bits (reeds, pullthroughs, pencils, etc.) and a music compartment in behind the lid cushion. This case should easily fit in any of the double case covers on the market and probably will leave enough room for bottles, stands and other things.
Often these cases are left behind if someone has opted to go for a lightweight or soft case and don't need the box case, so you can probably get them at a good price from any woodwind specialist that just wants to declutter.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinettist1104
Date: 2011-07-05 00:17
I love my J Winter double (like the Buffet Pochette double.) I haven't had any problems with it... I like it because it's small, it fits in backpacks, I put it in my suitcase when we went to california a month ago, and I also bought the Buffet brand case cover for it. It works well!
Chris, I take take them fully apart each day to cork grease them and to clean out the tenon sockets, and I haven't had any problems. I've been using the buffet double cases for over a year now. It could be just my personal experience.
But I highly recommend the Buffet Pochette (or the J Winter 722!) LOVE mine!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-05 00:51
The Winter/Buffet case "issues" with the bell being attached to the lower half of the clarinet notwithstanding, assuming you would go with either of these pochette designs, might you consider the Buffet Pochette Double Case cover over the Buffet Attache case cover?
I want to say that Winter made the Buffet cases--but I'm not certain of this.
The Pochette cover, at least by picture, seems to have more pockets, and from research I came up with looking into this weeks ago, it comes in double and single pochette case varieties.
Since, I think, you already named this vendor, I'll include a picture from their website but I am not endorsing any dealer.
http://www.wwbw.com/Buffet-Crampon-Pochette-Clarinet-Case-Covers-468474-i1419949.wwbw?&source=TWFRWXX&CAWELAID=455190430
Two more thoughts--the Ridenour double case seems quite practical, and doesn't appear to require the bell to be ever-connected to the bottom half of the instrument--featuring should strap, handle, and outer pocket. Like all of Tom's products, I suspect it's well made.
Second, Buffet has a not so secret showroom in the heart, near me, of the musical instrument district in Manhattan, NY on 47th St.
Their facebook page is at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffet-Crampon-USA-New-York-Showroom/103996739642722
Consider contacting them answer to some of your questions. They've been very nice whenever I've called to ask questions.
My experience gettting answers from USA corporate in Jacksonville, FL has been less than lackluster. Nevertheless, they are at marketing@buffetcrampon.us
If you need leads on other vendors of cases and case covers, particularly dealers, please contact me outside the bboard. I don't want to name a particular dealer and risk violating the spirit and intent of this board's rules.
Good luck...I'd be curious to your findings...
Post Edited (2011-07-05 01:17)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2011-07-05 00:57
I have used the pochette case for at least 25 years and have had no problems or issues with the case or latches. I have had the same instruments in it for much of this time and have had no issues with the instruments or joints.
I have carried the case in a Lands End attache which has an amazing amount of room for supplies and music. It wears like iron.
I think that the Winter makes the cases for Buffet.
Post Edited (2011-07-05 00:58)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-07-05 01:24
2 more seconds--Ed raises a good point. Some of the best clarinet case covers were never designed to be clarinet case covers, but rather shoulder bags. Mine's from a well known suitcase company, used by those in the airline industry, and is made of bullistic fabric.
It doesn't say Buffet on it, but in no way should anyone sit in judgement of you if that's what you want yours to say.
I have a Buffet Pochette from the 1960's I think, where bells have their own place in the case to sit. I never had a problem with the latches--only they with me when I didn't put the pieces in correctly--which isn't rocket science.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Katrina
Date: 2011-07-05 02:14
I've used the Buffet Pochette for nearly 25 years too. Started out with a Land's End attache too, but it wore pretty quickly in music school, what with sliding it in & out of my locker, stored vertically with the narrow end up.
In the late 90s I bought an Altieri bag for it and it works great. Lots of room in there for music, etc. Big outside pocket that actually fits my flute case when I need to double!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2011-07-05 21:38
I just recently bought a Leblanc labeled Bam Terkking off of auction. They are out there from multiple dealers for some reason. I happened to pick mine up for 100.00 shipped but there range from 100 to about 130. Just another option if you are wanting somthing lightweight.
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: NBeaty
Date: 2011-07-05 23:28
My A clarinet came with the black pouchette case. Within a year the leather began to rip off at EVERY seam. I used it with an altieri cover. Generally liked the size of the case and had no problems with the tenons. I did not ( and still don't) prefer having a case and a case cover...just a hastle.
In my experience, there are good options at several pricepoints:
1) $120-140- Protec double case
2) $275-300- BAM trekking double case
If price is no object and you want the best
3). $350-500 (depending on where you find one)- Marcus Bonna double (actually triple) case. Capable of carrying Bb,A, and Eb or Bb,A, and C along with a small laptop, music, reeds, and even a Dr. Beat.
Even "fully loaded" it is still comfortable on the back for extended periods.
Also holds the joints of the instruments by the tenons, reducing pressure on keywork.
I've owned at least 4 double cases before the Marcus Bonna, and I doubt I will ever find a better one!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2011-07-06 02:00
My complaint with the Protec case is that I wish that the pocket was the full size of the case. I have colleagues who have them and complain that it is not big enough to carry orchestral parts.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RJShaw0
Date: 2011-07-06 02:31
The Protec is a very nice case, however the small pocket is a bit annoying. It's built sturdy and is waterproof. One problem I had with it was that if you have an alternate Eb lever, you're going to have to modify the interior slightly, but other than that it's a great case.
If you buy it make sure you get the backpack straps.
RJS
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MondeLuna
Date: 2011-07-25 20:51
Everyone thank you for your advice. After reading your advice and talking w/ a few clarinet teachers I opted for the buffet/winter attache case. I did some searching for the Yamaha case but I couldn't find anything in stock anywhere.
I wanted to make sure I had something w/o zippers so the protec cases where a no go for me. If I had more money to spend I think I might have opted for the Wiseman cases they looked very nice and durable.
Thanks again!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: salsacookies
Date: 2011-07-25 21:29
I have the protec case and I love it. I do wish the pocket was bigger so it could fit my music folder, but it's not that big of a deal.
My setup
Leblanc Legacy Bb with grenadilla barrel and bell, B45 w/Optimum lig.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Joanna
Date: 2011-07-26 03:27
If you're willing to spend a bit more money, I would go with a Marcus Bonna case. It's super light-weight and there's lots of room for accessories and over-sized music. The parts of the clarinet are suspended and don't touch each other, which protects the clarinets if you drop the case. It's worth the money if you're planning on traveling a lot, it will save your back!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
