 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2012-07-31 21:22
For my latest clarinet I've been experiencing some of the annoyances of the newer soft bodied clarinet cases. The case my latest came with is large with lots of space for lots of things, lots of zippers and seems very safe. But one of the horrors of this case is that as you take some of the parts out while you're assembling the instrument, the bottom of the case suddenly has less weight than the open top. At that moment the whole case can tip and possibly the remaining sections can topple off onto the floor. With the wooden case it always remains stable. There are less goody pockets in a wooden case but ultimately, I feel the instrument is in less danger.
The only problem with cheaper wooden cases is that if the latches fail, the instrument can fall from a distance onto the floor. With the traditional French case there is no handle and the case is placed in a canvas bag for transport (very safe). I would like a wooden case with a handle but I see the new versions may not be very well made. There are some available for sale on the internet, but I can't see how reliable the latches are. Most of the new wooden cases (short of the big Buffet carry all) cost about $50 to $65 discounted new. Does anyone know which of these larger wooden carry-all single clarinet cases has a good dependable latch system? Perhaps I should look for something older than I can restore. Ideas?
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-07-31 21:51
I use Yamaha box cases with a zip-up case cover and an old Selmer single case (the case covers have a pocket on the lid to keep stuff in them), so doubly safe!
I've never had any latches fail on me, but I've seen Leblanc cases where the latch springs have weakened so the latches can fall open under their own weight.
On ones with the spring catch/release mechanisms, it's usually the flap things that lose their spring tension but that makes them more trouble to open as they don't spring up when released, but will be secured when pressed closed.
I'm not a fan of lightweight zip-up cases at all - zips can fail and there's always the danger of picking it up when it's not zipped up and the contents clatter to the ground.
And like you mentioned, the balance or weight issues when you take most of the instrument out and the case tips up. Some lightweight cases have lids that just won't stay open.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: sowilson
Date: 2012-08-01 18:11
Anvil is closing out their clarinet road case for $30. Those latches and handles will not fail.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2012-08-02 13:20
When I buy an instrument with untrustworthy case latches, I use a safety strap: a web belt. Military surplus stores, such as Ranger Surplus, sell these. The web belt goes all the way around the case under the handle and adjusts to fit. The secure latch, made like a car seat belt latch but smaller, will hold until you release it. I carry one of these belts in the tote I take to flea markets.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: annev
Date: 2012-08-03 15:17
I have one of the soft bodied newer clarinet cases, and yes, it tips as the parts of the clarinet are removed. My routine is to open it on the floor, in front of my chair, and step on the handle loop that attaches to the bottom of the case as I assemble the clarinet. That keeps the case from tipping and allows good access. Otherwise I find the case is great - lightweight, good quality zipper and shoulder strap for carrying when I have places to go.
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