 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: gsurosey
Date: 2012-01-12 04:09
Has anyone out there used the Allora Double Case? The low price makes me wonder. From pictures I've seen, it looks like it wouldn't take much to snap the backpack straps off (I have an alto sax case that has similar connections for straps and they snapped the 2nd time I carried the case).
Due to recent budgetary changes, I won't be getting a new case anytime soon, but I like to keep things in mind since I'd like to be in a position to be able to give my teacher back the case he's letting me use (I don't even know if he wants it back, but between the Bam trekking double case and the Fobes CWF mouthpiece I'm borrowing, I feel guilty).
On another note, I would love a case that I can use as a triple since I can't keep my eefer mouthpiece in its current case (slot won't hold the cap and ligature, so that stuff is in my double case; it's generic no-name replacement case). I know a triple won't come cheaply. I was trying for an Airways triple on the auction site, but it didn't work out. I know Marcus Bonna cases can be used as triples, but that's very much outside of my budget.
EDIT: When I said "the low price makes me wonder", I meant to convey my curiosity of the product, especially since it's affordable. I didn't mean low price = crappy product, and I hope no one took it that way. My apologies if I offended anyone, especially since I don't know if anyone here if affiliated with that product.
----------
Rachel
Clarinet Stash:
Bb/A: Buffet R13
Eb: Bundy
Bass: Royal Global Max
Post Edited (2012-01-12 04:20)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2012-01-12 06:04
As far as I know the Allora double case is the same one that has been sold under several different brand names over the past few years. I picked one up last summer when Woodwind Brasswind had them on sale for ~$25. Mine has "Vienna" printed on it but it looks identical to the Allora model.
It's actually pretty nice for such an inexpensive case. The construction is relatively rugged. Construction is similar to the more expensive ProTec cases except that lighter duty materials are used. It would still take a pretty good tug to rip the backpack straps off so it should be fine for normal use. To be honest though I only use this case for storage so I can't give you a really detailed review of durability.
The downside to this case is that it doesn't have very effective padding and may have a loose fit depending on your specific instruments. The bottom of the case is basically just a thin piece of velour cloth over a stiff styrofoam form. There is no padding at all.
The lid of the case is another layer of fabric over a relatively dense piece of foam. Unfortunately the foam in the lid really isn't as thick as it should be and doesn't really hold the joints in place very well. I just got another piece of 1/2" thick foam to sandwich between the lid and the bottom and that seems to keep everything from moving around. Not pretty but it works.
In my opinion this is a serviceable double case if you absolutely need to have a double case for as cheap as possible. I think the ProTec double case that usually sells for ~$90 is probably worth the extra expense based on the ones I've seen.
Another option if you are willing to work a bit is to make a custom case. I've made a couple of of cheap pistol cases. These are generally available in many sizes and come lined with thick foam. Once cutouts have been made in the foam to accept the clarinet pieces they make pretty good cases.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
