 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-07-18 09:21
has anybody forked out the megabucks for a Wiseman A or B case for bass to low C plus 1 or 2 soprano clarinets? Or the very latest release made from carbon fibre with half the weight and even more slender than the usual plywood and leather cases?
Are they really worth the huge outlay? I know it's relative to whether you can afford it and what you're trying to protect but I like the idea of having fewer bags slung over my shoulder or in my hands when going off to gigs.
Cheers, Danny
a family doctor in Castlemaine, rural Victoria, Australia for the past 30+ years, also a plucked string musician (mandolin, classical guitar) for far too long before discovering the clarinet - what a missed opportunity!
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Author: gwie
Date: 2011-07-19 06:22
I owned the double for a number of years, and a good friend and colleague had the big one for bass + soprano instruments. If you want absolute protection at any cost, they are unbeatable.
On the downside, it can be quite heavy, and there's no "quiet" way to open the velcro that holds the case closed.
G.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-07-19 10:06
I'm not sure what you mean by the newer one. I don't think mine is the newer one but I don't know. I have the Wiseman bass clarinet case. I think it was worth, but it is much more expensive now. I would probably get one now too, after I have it and know what it's like. The main advantages for me is the size and that I don't need two cases. I almost always take Bb and bass clarinets, so I only need one case. I almost never need sheet music more than what fits into the detachable side "bag". If I don't need any sheet music I don't even take that. I don't consider the Wiseman cases so much more protective than the stock case of my bass clarinet, but I don't know since I've never had a serious accident with either case. I agree about the velcro, being almost always late, it's sometimes annoying but I prefer it over zipper definitely. Some people don't like that it's round, the feel on your back when you carry. I don't mind it.
What's this newer and lighter one you mentioned? I can't find anything different on Wiseman's website.
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-07-19 13:27
Hi clarnibass
I sent an enquiry about prices directly to Wiseman cases and was sent some beautiful pictures which included a picture of the new carbon fibre case which is the same size as the A-case for base but, because the wall material is dramatically stronger and lighter than plywood, has a far thinner wall than the standard plywood, aluminium and leather case and has the capacity for bass to low C Plus 3 soprano clarinets! Also mentioned was the weight of the carbon fibre case - 5lbs - ie. half that of a standard A case!
Along with the pictures I was sent a separate file in Word which listed all the current prices and while the price for a standard B-case is currently 570 pounds sterling, the early-bird price for the new carbon fibre is..... are you sitting down (you'll need to)....1000 pounds sterling. After 31 December the price for this model climbs even higher to 1200 pounds sterling!
This must surely be the most expensive case this side of the galaxy and out of the price range of most people!
Cheers, Danny
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-07-19 16:57
I've had mine for over ten years now so I don't know if it's the one you mean but it's made to carry one clarinet and a bass clarinet. I carry a custom made folding bass clarinet stand in it instead of a clarinet since I have to carry my double case with me so often anyway. I love the case, it's strong, not to heavy, and very easy to sling over my shoulder. It's a great case to protect your instrument and carry it.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-19 19:16
Here is what the Wiseman rep sent me: "Many thanks for your enquiry.Our new ultra light case is now in production. It is the Carbon Fibre Bass Clarinet Model “A”: Introductory Special price: £1000.00 available until December 20th 2011. No further discounts available on this price. Normal price applicable from 21st December 2011 - £1200.00
Same size as Model “A” above, but will carry Bass to Low C plus Bb, Eb and A plus storage.
Length: 85 cm (34") x 18 cm (7") Weight: 5 lbs or 2.25 kg. Unbelievably strong, beautiful and small. This case features all the accessories associated with our other cases (shoulder straps, music pockets, etc.) Please find attached photos of the carbon fibre case."
The one thing I noticed and did not necessarily like, was that the soprano clarinets must be carried pretty much assembled--bell plus lower and upper joints.
btw--that "introductory" price tag is $1612 US dollars.
Post Edited (2011-07-19 19:22)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-07-19 20:53
Wow, that is big bucks. I'm not sure it makes sense to have a case that carries a bass, and Eb, a Bb and an A, I think that's a bit much. First of all, how often will someone have to carry all their instruments at the same time, only when we play Mahler 1st for me. That means always carrying them all around all the time or constantly taking one or two out and putting them back when needed. I just think it's not practical for the vast majority of bass clarinet players. We rarely play Eb as well as bass, though I am this week in John Williams music, but no A clarinet. Anyway, that's my thought, a very niche market, and that's a lot of money for a case. I thought mine was expensive at about $600 10-12 years ago. ESP
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2011-07-20 12:06
Hi Danny,
would you be able to share the pictures and blurb you got from Wiseman?
David.
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2011-07-21 09:01
Thank you Danny.
Maybe I'm getting old-fashioned, but I fancy the look of the leather more.
Just noticed prices are ex-VAT!
David.
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Author: dansil
Date: 2011-07-21 14:51
Hi David
If I understand it correctly, prices exclude VAT as VAT only applies to sales to UK residents.
Cheers, Danny
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Author: Fishamble
Date: 2011-07-21 15:29
Danny,
Not quite - the VAT applies to sales to all EU resident.
David.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2011-07-22 06:10
Thanks for those photos. I don't like how the clarinets are assembled in the lighter case but maybe that wouldn't be an issue with just one soprano. I also prefer the look of the leather case but that pales in comaprison with the weight difference. However, I'm not sure losing about 2kg is worth double the price... it's a hard choice. I usually try to get every bit of weight off if possible but considering the weight of the entire thing (with soprano and accessories) I'm not sure it would be worth it, it's not a clear decision here. I also wouldn't get the B model, only the shorter A model, unless I needed two sopranos and then I'd look into it.
Re the VAT, when I asked (some years ago) there was no VAT anywhere when buying from Wiseman. Something about them being a type of business that doesn't need to charge VAT. So better ask about it first.
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