 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: classicbass49
Date: 2011-09-26 16:15
Hi folks,
I've been looking through this board for a while, but this is my first post! Looking forward to getting some feedback from experienced clarinetists.
Here's my (very elaborated) situation: I recently joined a regional ensemble as a bass clarinetist. The rehearsal space is a decent walk, but given that my elderly (1970s-era) Selmer low C bass is currently housed in a heavy wooden DEG case, it's pretty tough on the arms to walk there and back. I've been wanting to get a backpack case for a while, and the available Altieri case covers (which I have for my Buffet double case) simply won't work with the DEG case. So, fine, new bass case is in order.
In a perfect world, of course, I'd be able to afford a Wiseman case, and I've seen them rated very highly on these fora. Unfortunately, the absolute maximum I can shell out is the $500 it'd take to get a BAM Trekking low C case (http://www.bamcases.com/new/english/wind/clarinet.php?recordID=17). I've seen some mixed reviews on this site involving zipper durability (primarily in older BAM case models?), but I can't seem to find anything else comparable that would keep my bass as safe during my commute to and from rehearsal, nor that would be as easy to get around with (the ProTec cases I've seen seem to lack backpack straps, which is one reason why the BAM case is so attractive); the fact that the BAM case appears to come with a rain cover is a bonus. I'm also a little nervous about throwing down that much money on a soft-shell case, since I know that soft-shell cases necessarily offer less protection to an instrument as finicky as an older low C bass--a trumpet player I know recently sustained some major horn damage in a soft-shell (though not by BAM, I think).
Can any of you who have this case tell me anything about case durability, protection, shock absorbance, and temperature sensitivity? I love my bass and want to keep it as safe as possible while still commuting with it easily. The BAM case seems like my best option given that the Wiseman's NOT an option, but I'd like to be prepared for the case's quirks based on your experience. I don't anticipate needing to travel much with the bass except on odd occasions, but train/plane stories and whether or not it fits in the overhead bins would also be helpful.
Whew. Long question. But thanks in advance!
Post Edited (2011-09-26 16:36)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-09-26 17:30
I apologize because I can't respond to your specific questions except to say that I don't trust any of my instruments to soft-sided cases. But here are a couple other ideas that you may or may not find helpful.
You've probably already considered and rejected something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/IIT-91500-Folding-Aluminum-Luggage/dp/B0046088CM
though perhaps with larger wheels. But, just in case you haven't, I'll mention it.
Another possibility might be to check out tenor sax case covers to see if anything fits your bass clarinet case. Awhile back, I was looking for a case cover to protect the case for my low C Buffet. I found a really nice tenor sax case cover for less than half the cost of most bass clarinet covers. The cover I bought doesn't take straps so it wouldn't fit your needs. But there are many other tenor sax case covers out there and while they may not fit perfectly, you can probably find some that are pretty close.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Wes
Date: 2011-09-27 03:50
Ralphs Grocery was selling carts that could carry a bass clarinet case for $8 a while back. They were meant for grocery bags but one fine bass clarinet player used one for his BC!
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-09-27 11:06
Hi classicbass47
if you also need to cart around one to three more soprano/Eb/A/C clarinets consider the Quad case made by BassBags (http://www.bassbags.co.uk). Good solid but lightweight bag. I ordered one to be made 5cm taller as I was concerned that the standard case measurements might put undue pressure on the lower joint keys for the left pinky of my Buffet low C and while that cost me a bit more as BassBags had to make up a new template and build a slightly larger case they now presumably have kept this larger template for fussy customers ;-)
Great case and certainly lighter and more convenient than carting a bass clarinet plus multiple soprano clarinets all in separate cases. Comes with backpack straps as well and nice well-padded bags for MPs, reeds, etc.
Cheers, Danny
a family doctor in Castlemaine, rural Victoria, Australia for the past 30+ years, also a plucked string musician (mandolin, classical guitar) for far too long before discovering the clarinet - what a missed opportunity!
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2011-10-02 20:34
Attachment: 100_1203.JPG (231k)
I added a bracket and some removable wheels. Most times hand carrying is easiest, but the last time through Philly airport, I'm not sure I would have made the connecting flight with out them. Just some replacement in-line skate wheels, couple of 5/16 bolts & clips, and custom bracket. They go on/come off in about 30 seconds.
Post Edited (2011-10-02 20:35)
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Author: Michelle
Date: 2011-11-28 07:42
Hopefully it isn't too late to chime in on the BAM case. They are bomber! I love it - very sturdy. There is a lot of padding in it so I believe the instrument would withstand a mild drop without damage. I know someone who said he checked his as luggage many times and it came out OK. I imagine it would have to be run over with a car or bent in half to seriously damage the bass inside.
My experience is with the BAM Trekking with a Low-C and the BAM Original with a Low-Eb.
Michelle
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-11-28 08:21
Don't know if you can buy them separate, but the cases that come with the new Selmer Privilege basses are pretty nice. Soft shell, backpack. I've taken mine on a bunch of trips, and it's just small enough to fit in overhead compartments on airplanes.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2011-11-28 12:47
EEBaum, while it is true that they are smaller and fit, I have had an airline give me complaints about it and tell me to never bring it on a plane again.
I even called ahead and asked and they said they allow guitar cases to such and such dimensions and mine was under it so I should be okay. Unfortunately they didn't give me a letter stating such.
Post Edited (2011-11-28 12:48)
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2011-11-28 22:08
I second Michelle's kudos to the BAM case. Ive had mine for over 20 years and experienced no problems at all with durability or protection. Travelled to Europe, Asia and South America, not to mention coast-to-coast USA --including Alaska--with it. Had it in overhead luggage compartments; had kind cabin attendants stow it in a coat closet or behind the back row of seats, no problem.
Disclaimer: almost all of this travel was pre-9/11; I'm not sure I would get this level of cooperation these days!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-11-28 23:17
Bummer, DNBoone. Alaska, Swiss, United (or was it American?), and JetBlue have all been very cordial in my experience. Alaska even offered to put it in the coat closet up front.
It's been enough of a non-issue that I don't even ask ahead any more (my first trip with the bass, which was with Alaska, I looked into carryon and gate-check policies, asked the crew, etc.). Lately, I just waltz onto the plane with it, and have not been given any trouble. I do make a point of having no other carryon luggage (or only a very small bag that fits under the seat).
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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