 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Fortuna33
Date: 2015-08-05 06:51
Hello everyone!
I bought an A clarinet last summer, and have been hauling it around in the crappy Yamaha case that it was given to me in since then. It's a pretty nice A, and I should probably put it in something that is a little less flimsy (it's seriously in a cloth square with a velvety covered clarinet holding shaped square inside haha). I've looked around a bit online for cases that can hold both a B flat and an A, but figured maybe some of you would have real live opinions and thoughts on cases you liked or hated. For background, I'm a college student so I don't really have an easy time parting with a whole lot of money, but will do so if the quality is amazing and you all say so. I really like shoulder straps for multitasking purposes (ok mostly easier coffee drinking) and I would prefer a case that's not big enough to smuggle a toddler in, and if the case has an interior pouch or bag area for extra things like reeds and music that'd be awesome too. I have a Protec single case right now for my B flat and am fairly in love with it still (hence the A still being in a crappy case). SO, if anyone has any preferences or suggestions, please throw them my way. I would really appreciate it!!
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Author: qualitycontrol
Date: 2015-08-05 06:58
The Bam double cases aren't cheap, but they are worth it. I'm a student as well, and it's got a nice amount of room for your clarinets and their accessories (I keep two mouthpieces, 4 barrels and three reed cases in there.) The front pouch can hold quite a bit, and there's an expandable inside pouch in which I keep a half dozen books of études and a binder full of music. The shoulder straps are comfortable enough, but are maybe spaced a bit on the narrow side. Built really tough to last.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2015-08-05 07:16
I've been using the ProTec Double Case, and it is rather good. Nice room for everything, all the pieces have their own secure place. I really despise most cases, and don't get why most cases keep the bell attached to the lower joint. The ProTec was pretty modestly priced, too.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2015-08-05 07:29
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Student as well (high school). I really like the Protec "Pro-Pac" double case. It's built very well, there's barely any wear on mine after a few years. It's pretty light and small as far as double cases go, but it still protects the instruments well. The outer pocket has lots of room for accessories, and there's space on the inside for four barrels, two mouthpieces, and other small items. You can use it with either a shoulder strap or backpack straps, they're interchangeable.
My only complaint is that the music pocket isn't quite big enough to hold my large music folder (a regular-sized binder would probably fit), but usually I use the backpack straps and carry my folder by hand.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2015-08-05 08:01
The WW&BW double case with the Allora name on it is quite good and only about $45.
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2015-08-05 12:41
I second any of the Bam cases.
I use one of the Trekking cases and its near indestructible.
Leonard Bernstein: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-08-05 15:06
Hi,
I bought the Allora case from WWBW for $45 and it is great. I do not own an A clarinet but carry two Bb clarinets to my gigs. The case is light, has handles on the end and the front. The zipper is not as good as a Protec but I am a careful person.
This may sound strange but I play with a concert band that rehearses and performs a long way from my home and I have this worry about a problem with my main clarinet (a terrific Yamaha CS Custom). One never knows when a pad might fall out or a spring might break. So, I carry my backup, with a barrel on the upper section in the A clarinet slot and I have room for extra MPs and barrels.
Yes, I am a bit anal about problems when far from home but for $45, I have great peace-of-mind. Will this case last 10 years? Perfect for a starving student? I believe so. It is a great value.
HRL
Post Edited (2015-08-05 19:56)
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-08-05 16:57
"I'm a college student so I don't really have an easy time parting with a whole lot of money, but will do so if the quality is amazing and you all say so."
Stacia:
In the spirit with which the above expresses two extremes, i.e. to spend for the best, but prefer the best value, let me suggest the extremes--especially since prior posters have done a good job covering the "middle ground."
On the "money is no object" extreme side lies, IMHO, Wiseman cases:
http://wisemancases.com/
At the other extreme, let me suggest use of a double sided gun case: using one side for your Bb instrument, and the other side of your "A."
http://www.casesgalore.com/doublesidedhandgunpistolcase.aspx
Good deals on the above can be found on ebay. In my case (double entendre intended) I removed the cardboard center, and this small footprint case safely carries both instruments.
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Author: bbillings
Date: 2015-08-05 17:51
I'm going to second the Protec case as the best value I've run across. I owned a "lux case" and it was very good. Room for music, pencils, water resistant and most importantly the instrument was well cushioned. Only let down was lack of room for an extra barrel. Includes backpack straps etc... I understand they come standard with Backun clarinets so they get that "stamp of approval" as well.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-08-06 18:46
If you no longer want your Yamaha double case then I'll gladly take it off your hands.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2015-08-06 22:41
Just one thought: most of us clarinetists tend to carry too much stuff, especially if we have cases that allow that. You don't need to carry an entire repair facility and the kitchen sink to every rehearsal and gig, even reed adjustment equipment may be left at home where most reed prep work should be done. Try to remember, all you really need to carry are your instruments and a few reeds, not everything you own and the larger the case, the more temptation there is. FWIW, a few years ago I bought a perfectly adequate double clarinet case off that other site for about $45 that was protective, light and roomy enough for all that I needed for my work. As I now remember, it had room for extra mouthpieces, four barrels and stored the bells separated from the lower joint. This case was every bit as good as my collegues Bam double case, but easier on my shoulder--smaller and lighter.
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Author: MSK
Date: 2015-08-07 05:18
I used the Allora case for 7 years, before the zipper wore out (got stuck repeatedly from fraying not broken). I replaced it with another Allora case. The case is not as well made as the Protec, but I like the features better, and for the price it's easily replaced. What I like is that the interior storage compartment is large enough for my Korg tuner, reeds, etc and that it holds four barrels rather than two. The outer pocket is flat - and is only good for flat sheet music.
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Author: bill28099
Date: 2015-08-07 22:34
I've been using the same Allora case for at least 4 years now. I paid $40 for mine with free shipping. Guess a cover might be nice at $29.99 but likely won't bother. My zipper is still fine.
A great teacher gives you answers to questions
you don't even know you should ask.
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Author: 2cekce ★2017
Date: 2015-08-10 05:16
I gave up on already made double cases and starting making my own. the craft stores carry everything I need to make them in just a couple of hours if that long. in my marching band I play both clarinet and flute and in my concert band I play both Bb and Eb clarinets so rather than hauling two cases I have just one and still room for just needed accessories. There may be others just as crafty who you may know that can design one for you. just a thought.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2015-08-10 06:33
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Attachment: allora_double_case 002.JPG (704k)
Allora cases are absolute crap. Don't waste your money on them as they are badly made and won't last very long at all.
The insides aren't all that well formed so the joints will shift around in them which can cause bent keywork. The fabric covering can fray around the edges leaving the thin plywood showing.
The one in the photos is only around three years old and it was bought new and used full time, but hasn't done very well. Fortunately the handle webbing is stitched over the entire front and back otherwise the handles wouldn't have lasted if they were stitched straight onto the covering.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: The_Clarinetist
Date: 2018-10-22 20:15
Could someone please provide the diameter of the holes for the barrels in the protec double clarinet case (blue interior)? Some modern barrels can be quite wide...
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