 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hy-Dex
Date: 2026-09-17 07:05
I seek a small, lightweight single Bb clarinet case of good quality (that would fit inside an airline carry-on under-seat luggage bag). Does anyone have any recommendations?
I received one today (think "micro zip") via delivery that did not work for me because the lid would not close flush, and I refused to force it closed and potentially crush my clarinet keys. The problem was with the upper joint. The cut-out for the upper joint in the lid was about two inches too short lengthwise, thereby prohibiting case closure. Again, I am firm about not forcing a case to close that does not want to close - and I don't want to argue with anyone about this issue.
Thank you for any friendly suggestions concerning a good quality, small, lightweight, single, Bb clarinet case.
Hy-Dex
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2026-09-17 10:24
>> think "micro zip" <<
This implies it is some kind of case similar to the Protec Micro Zip but not the Micro Zip itself...
Locally a lot of people use and really like the Micro Zip and I've seen enough of them to recommend them.
If it was an actual Micro Zip...
>> The cut-out for the upper joint in the lid was about two inches too short lengthwise <<
That's a huge amount. I've never seen such a difference except for an upper section with a non-detachable "barrel" (i.e. one of the very old clarinets with no barrel).
How soft or firm was that upper foam in your case? Some cases are a bit firm to close, they have a soft(ish) foam that is meant to press and conform to the instrument shape and this is fine. Some cases have much firmer foam (or some cardboard material) that really isn't good when it's pressing on the instrument.
Winter has a couple of small cases worth checking. One is the same as the case Buffet clarinets used to come in, thin with that "swell" at the bell side. I'm not crazy about this one because the latches are not as reliable as many other cases which is why many use a case cover with these.
Reed & Squeak makes a small case. I'm not crazy about not having all the parts disassembled in a case but I guess some don't mind it. Some claim it's about the same as a gig bag which is no where near true, it's far better than a gig bag, but it's not as protective as some other cases. I'd say the Protec Micro Zip is a little more protective.
Thomann makes a case that isn't as small as the ones mentioned above, but still relatively small. I've only seen one and it was... fine I guess. It was pretty new so I have no idea about durability. It seemed better than the random-name Chinese cases I've seen.
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Author: Hy-Dex
Date: 2026-09-17 14:57
Thank you for your thoughtful response. Yes, the case that I received yesterday - and am returning today is a P.T. Micro Zip, just as you have described. However, the interior is not soft, foamy, and plush, but, rather, it is quite hard and firm with no flexibility whatsoever.
In fact, if you look on this site in Equipment ---> Classifieds, you will find a LeBlanc Millennium Opus Bb clarinet for sale in a P.T. Micro Zip case and in picture no. 1 you can see what I describe, the cut-out in the lid for the upper joint appears to be about two inches too short lengthwise, which is why the velvet appears to be smashed down very flat from the case lid being forced down to be closed. Not the ideal situation for the upper joint, in my personal and professional opinion.
Thanks, again.
Hy-Dex
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Author: Hy-Dex
Date: 2026-09-17 15:43
Does anyone have any experience with the Marcus Bonna Ultra Compact Bb Clarinet Case [earspasm edition]? My main concern is does the lid close flush without being forced closed before the latch is engaged? Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.
Hy-Dex
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Author: donald
Date: 2026-09-17 15:54
The Buffet single case by "Clariknight" is about as small and light (the weight of an apple) as it is possible to be. Very popular in China over the past few years, and it would seem not marketed in the west until recently....
< https://www.thewindsection.com/products/buffet-crampon-tiny-bb-clarinet-case-designed-by-clariknight?srsltid=AU7gw4WRRUpNjrc1IquwpD_96BNsKe58r7xq9t0_dEVj3JpTPGn16cwU >
We've had several (as hard as this may be to believe, we've been gifted 4 over the last few years and never actually bought one) and they're very useful for when travelling.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-09-17 16:27
Have you looed at the Protec micro cases?
I recently bought a compact single Bb case off eBay similar in style to the Protec case and that was only £30 and fitted a Buffet BC20 no problem. These ones have leather covering and either black or dark blue with a shoulder strap.
Also consider a Yamaha 600 or Custom single case as they're really compact and have space for two barrels.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2026-09-17 21:02
I use a Protec, but I don't know if it's a "Micro-zip" model. It's about as small as I can imagine a case could be, and there's no issues of fit for any of the parts. It fits into a backpack or a carry-on just fine.
There are a couple problems with the case that I've been living with. The connecting cloth strap between the lid and the body could be just slightly longer, because the lid keeps wanting to fall closed if it isn't perfectly flat. Then the body is so light that if you reposition it so the lid won't fall closed the whole thing wants to roll back and over, especially if there's stuff in the pocket.
I've been wondering what kind of repair person could a) put a slightly longer connecting strap in, and b) add some weight inside the base. There used to be a furniture repair person near me, and he could do amazing things, and I think he could have taken the case apart and done what I want and then have gotten it back together nicely. However, he's gone and I suspect most of his profession is too.
Back to the thread, there are people who could modify the case to fit the instrument better. Finding them is the thing.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2026-09-17 21:27
There is a Protec case that was made ten years ago or so that does not fall closed on your lap AND has good accessory storage. I don't know why they stopped making this case but there are some old ones available (only in the blue color) for about $114 US dollars. A great value!
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: David H. Kinder
Date: 2026-09-18 00:49
This is my video reviewing the MicroZip clarinet case and case cover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCsl8ea00mo
Ridenour AureA Bb clarinet
Ridenour Artist MT36 mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum black ligature (plate 1)
Vandoren Traditional #3.5 reeds
Brad Behn HR adjustable barrel
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Author: MrDanny
Date: 2026-09-18 02:59
I like this Reed and Squeak case a lot: https://reedandsqueakcases.com/shop/single-clarinet-case-suitable-for-bb-a-c-eb-expnt
It's well made, compact, and light, yet feels sturdy. The clarinet is completely disassembled and sits securely in the case. Although it's small there's quite a lot of room for accessories. I carry it comfortably in one compartment of a not-very-big backpack I use as hand luggage when traveling.
I paid a little extra for the solid color "eco-leather" covering, because I thought it looked nicer, but imagine the other options are fine too.
Post Edited (2026-09-18 03:04)
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