 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-03 22:59
I recently acquired a very nice vintage clarinet for which I will need to buy a new case. The original case is in somewhat rough shape with tears in both the internal fabric as well as the external covering. It also has an odor coming off of it that would gag a buzzard.
It's been a while since I've had to buy a new clarinet case and I'm not particularly familiar with what is currently on the market. I wish I could look at cases in person but none of the local music shops seem to have cases in stock. I was thinking about buying the Protec slimline case as I have Protec cases for all of my saxophones as well as my bass clarinet and have generally been happy with them. I've never seen or tried one of their Bb clarinet cases however.
Can anyone relate their experiences with this case? Alternatively, if anyone has other recommendations for a good quality single clarinet case I'd be happy to hear them.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-10-03 23:59
Protecs are good, no question. I have two for my basses, and you really can't go wrong with them, if you like cordura cases.
However, for clarinets, the "compact" Yamaha style cases are best IMO. Not because they are especially roomy (they certainly aren't) but because they provide the best and smallest "bare necessities" re clarinet protection and leave enough room in a backpack/tote etc for all other stuff.
Some "generic" versions occasionally appear on online auctions.
--
Ben
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-10-04 02:38
Older Protec cases have the wells made wide and long to accommodate any clarinet. Unfortunately, they let the joints rattle around. In my Protec double case, the upper and lower joints even turn over. If so, you need to cut pieces of non-rubber (silicon) foam to make a snug fit (foam rubber deteriorates quickly).
I've read that the newer Protec cases fit better, but you should check. If you order by mail, be sure to get the option to return it, preferably without a restocking fee if you do it quickly.
Ken Shaw
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-10-04 04:59
tictactux wrote:
> However, for clarinets, the "compact" Yamaha style cases are
> best IMO. Not because they are especially roomy (they certainly
> aren't) but because they provide the best and smallest "bare
> necessities" re clarinet protection and leave enough room in a
> backpack/tote etc for all other stuff.
I actually have one of those already although it is currently occupied by an old YCL-20. It seems to work okay although the bell pocket is looser than I would like. I suppose I could add a few strips of foam to tighten that up however.
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Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2011-10-05 16:49
Several months ago after looking at countless cases (online), I replaced my old clarinet case with a Gator GW. I am very happy with it. It is a little larger than the standard cases, but that allows for a little more room in the side compartment for peripherals. Here I keep two spare mouthpieces, (one with extra ligature), a half dozen reeds, two swabs, cork greases, and a few other small items. It could easily accommodate a barrel or two placed in the upright position. It is probably a little thicker than it needs to be, but this allows for extra cushioning if needed in the event of an accidental drop, etc. Here's the product info on it.
http://www.gatorcases.com/Default.aspx?Section=Products&Page=Details&CategoryID=4473&CatalogID=9220#
The dimensions on the website aren't accurate, it is actually 15 7/8" x 8 1/4" x 4 1/8". (I reported this to Gator, but they didn't correct their error).
If you buy any Gator case save all the tags, you'll need the info on them to register the warranty online.
My only minor complaint is I don't like the layout for the sections, I have to turn around nearly every section when I take them out of the case, my older case was more logical, the parts lay in the direction they are put together. But I am now used to it, so I don't usually notice it anymore.
NOTE: The fit was a little tight at first until the case broke in.
***More importantly*** with this, or any new generic clarinet (etc.) case, make sure that no keys are binding when the lid is closed, that is, that the the top of the case is not trying to push open a key that the bottom of the case prevents the valve from opening at the other end. (This could bend keys and cause leaks.) It's simply a matter of checking that there is space for keys to open where this is likely to happen, and then making a key opening space (divot) where needed. Do this by gently pushing with the thumb at the appropriate places in the bottom of the case until a large enough space is formed. Check the clearance by pressing the key. I had to do this at two places for the lower section, YMMV. I checked with the local woodwind shop and they said they do this all the time whenever they put an older instrument in a new generic case.
More info available on request.
Laurie
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