The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2014-12-22 23:53
Attachment: IMG_1157.JPG (522k)
Here’s the final product of using a 6.25” Depth double gun case, whose area to hold any single clarinet, on one of its sides, is X 12.5” W X 10” L. My “A” and “Bb” clarinets, along with some accessories (extra barrels, cork grease, reeds) fit fine. In my situation it’s intended for this case to in turn go in a larger bag on wheels, where any addition items like music and a portable stand can go.
Notice how one clarinet’s barrel is, by design, further from the camera and the other closer. This is because each barrel is wider at its base than half of the case’s thickness, pushing itself slightly into the other clarinet’s compartment.
It was necessary and easy to remove the unattached egg crate foam on either side of the center of the case, rip out a cardboard mid-section divider, and place that foam back when done. This is so the barrels could fit.
Neither case side is hard nor lose to close, even with both or 1 clarinet inside. The clarinet’s sections and accessories, even the relatively small cork grease, don’t move with the case is closed, and even lightly shaken, and even when only 1 clarinet is stored in one side of the case. In fairness, I might be inclined to put some object of height in the empty compartment, if using only one side, now that the partition is gone.
I have no idea if an Efer would fit in one side of the case in lieu of an “A” or “Bb.” I did though measure the open case on the diagonal and found it around 13.5” long, accounting roughly for the Efer’s bore size. Others will have to comment on whether that’s too short for their/an Efer, sans barrel, bell, and mouthpiece: all obviously disconnectable, and capable of going in other open areas of the same side.
Empty, the (aluminum) case is lighter than either my single or double case, themselves pretty light. I don’t fly much with my clarinets as a carry on, but couldn’t help but notice that the case bears just as much resemblance to my daughter’s cosmetic case, as it does a firearms case. I suspect the TSA would want to examine it under x-ray, and maybe have me open it, but otherwise consider it unremarkable before I open it, rather than first call the "SWAT team."
It’s probably easier to take one clarinet out at a time, only opening one side at a time, but I opened both for the picture. One should open the second case side slowly and carefully as the hinges do not let one side of the case open 180 degrees with respect to the center and other side of the case.
The case won’t hold an Efer in addition, but a slightly larger case might be able to hold all 3 clarinets.
The case was around $29.98 on that auction site whose name “I can’t recall at this moment, “ including priority to/from US shipping.
This works for me. It might not work for you; so I won’t take criticism personally.
Post Edited (2014-12-22 23:59)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-12-24 22:02
I'd rather use a Lomax Case, as they have a heater, and you can put Humidity packs which are separated from the instruments - and are gorgeous.
When that egg foam packing starts to break down, you will have an issue with it sticking to your Clarinet.
An idea would be to get material to cover the egg crate - I also used a Gun case for my Mouthpiece Collection, which I bought material and covered the egg crate material with. Mine locks, and looks nice (cost $60).
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2014-12-25 06:30
I used a Platt case from specialized Prodcucts, tossed the diced foam, and got a mattress place to cut multiple layers of foam, into which I then cut holes for all the pieces. But the cost was $88 for the case and another $7 for the replacment foam, a doen years ago. The foam is all still fine.
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2014-12-25 07:16
Thank you for the suggestions to watch/cover/replace the egg crate/diced foam.
I had no idea it can degrade, let alone stick to the instrument when it does.
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Author: Clarineteer
Date: 2014-12-25 12:57
We are living in violent times and it would be a shame if some copper recognized a gun case and assumed that there were guns in it. Could be a tradegy in the making at worse and a hassle at the least.
Post Edited (2014-12-25 12:59)
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