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 Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: WhitePlainsDave 
Date:   2014-12-11 17:04

Having checked the board’s archives on this topic, it appears that a now discontinued?? Yamaha case was very compact in its storage of an “A” and “Bb” clarinet, along with some basic accessories.

And while I’ve seen some remarkable designs from craftsman like Wiseman (cases), they are out of my price range.

Does anyone know of a remarkably small and currently available double case that won’t “break the bank?” Still further, I seek one where all clarinet sections are stored apart from each other (i.e. no Buffet Pochette "bell attached to lower joint" cases thank you.)

I’ve come to the realization that the typical number of things I need to bring to a performance, such as a portable stand, stand lights, and wind clips (for an outdoor performance), coupled with my age, find my bringing of a case (envision one that’s ½ the height of what fits under an airline seat) on wheels to a performance, that contains my clarinet case, in addition to the aforementioned accessories, the best way to go for me.

The alternative of a large clarinet case with cover to carry these things (over a shoulder), particularly when my car’s a distance from the performance site, appears to me to usually be more work (muddy grass notwithstanding.) I’m content to accept a clarinet case that hold’s not much more than the 2 clarinets and a mouthpiece, assigning things like backup mouthpieces, reeds, and barrels to the larger case.

If no such clarinet case fits the bill, I suppose I could always just opt for a larger (i.e. taller) outer case on wheels, or rethink my gig configuration.

I know this is hard, but ideal dimensions for the clarinet case would find me in the neighborhood of 15” X 12” X 4”.

Thanks.



Post Edited (2014-12-11 17:06)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Hank Lehrer 
Date:   2014-12-11 17:17
Attachment:  helmet bag.jpg (7k)

If you want to get away cheaply just keep your cases and get a military backpack in camo for about $25-30. There are also lot of extra pockets for small items. I use a USAF-style helmet bag for music and other stray accoutrements. Lots of cool colors and in the same price range.

Bottom line: what can you do with a backpack that you can not do with a double clarinet case.

HRL



Post Edited (2014-12-11 17:42)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: cyclopathic 
Date:   2014-12-11 18:49

do you have the size constraint or mostly weight constrain?

Allora double case is very light and cheap, but it is slightly bigger at 17.5x14x4.5. It has a shoulder strap and can be used as backpack. You can get these for <$40 on sale.

http://www.wwbw.com/Allora-Double-Clarinet-Case-585583-i1534398.wwbw
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/woodwinds/allora-double-clarinet-case

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2014-12-11 19:40

Contact any major woodwind specialist to see if they have any Yamaha cases that have been left behind when someone bought a set but swapped the stock box case for a lightweight back-pack style one. I've had some bargains on unwanted Yamaha double cases, so have a look into that. I had a case cover with a large pocket on the top made specially for it so I can keep stands and other larger accessories in there.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2014-12-11 19:41)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: WhitePlainsDave 
Date:   2014-12-11 21:01

Hank: sound advice

cyclopathic: clarinet case size matters more to me than weight, thanks though.

Chris P: so we're on the same page sir, are you referring to the YAC CLC-84 or YAC CLC-840 as you cited on this thread of the forum?

http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=404030&t=404029

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Hurstfarm 
Date:   2014-12-11 22:36

FWIW I recently bought a Protec double case for my daughter who wanted something less cumbersome than the standard "Buffet box". Very impressed with the versatility, compactness/lightness, space for accessories/music and build quality at a sensible price.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-12-11 23:59

I also use the Protec case. Very compact with lots of room for supplies, music, etc.
Edit: The dimensions are 12.50 in (height) x 16.00 in (width) x 4.00 in (depth), which is just about the size you had in mind.



Post Edited (2014-12-12 06:14)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: DavidBlumberg 
Date:   2014-12-12 00:26

Protec for sure

http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com


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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Barry Vincent 
Date:   2014-12-12 01:15

For Xmas , I"m dreaming of a double case for my two Amati full Boehm Bb & A Clarinets. I reckon I"ll still be dreaming the next Xmas after this one.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: davyd 
Date:   2014-12-12 07:29

How often do you need both clarinets? I use single cases for the Bb and A, so if I don't need both, there's that much less to carry.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2014-12-12 16:35

Barry - do what I did and converted a standard Yamaha double case to fit my set of Selmer Series 9 full Boehms:

http://www.clarinetperfection.com/galleryclar/Keywork/FB/07.jpg

I've got a couple of single Amati cases for my two Series 9 Bb full Boehms, but not overly impressed with the cheap vacuum formed plastic tray which is pretty flimsy.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: WhitePlainsDave 
Date:   2014-12-12 16:59

Davyd: Point taken: I need to pack both clarinets only some of the time. When only my "Bb" is needed, I have a Buffet single Bb clarinet Pochette case (which unlike the same double case completely separates the bell from the lower joint).

But when the "A" is needed, usually the "Bb's" needed as well...and I imagine that one double case is usually smaller than even 2 small single cases for each.

I suspect they exist, but I don't recall ever seeing a single case for an "A" clarinet. I would imagine though that many single Bb cases could be modified for this task.



Post Edited (2014-12-12 17:02)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Hurstfarm 
Date:   2014-12-12 17:19

For occasional use the very compact (could almost be mistaken for a flute case) single case from Bass Bags (http://bassbags.co.uk/product/compact-black-single-clarinet-case/) could be your 2 case option. It fits a single soprano clarinet in sizes up to an A in 2 sections. It's hard to see how you could get an instrument into anything smaller, and works for packing in a cabin bag or small backpack.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Barry Vincent 
Date:   2014-12-13 01:16

Hi Chris, That's a nice set up you've done. Alternatively I could go to a lot of trouble and obtain a suitably sized gun case, the Aluminium type. and fashion inserts.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: clariniano 
Date:   2014-12-14 05:49

I have the Allora double case, still loving it over 2 years since I bought it via Amazon (only place that would ship it to Canada). Paid around $25 US plus shipping. Like it way better than my previous Protec case. Nice features on the Allora case, you can stand it on its end like a suitcase for tight spots on transit. Even with all the extra stuff I carry in my case that`s clarinet related, it comes in well under 10 pounds (the old flight rules) while my old Protec with just my clarinets was 0.5 pound too heavy. (this was in 2011 or 2012 when I flew to SoCal to visit a friend)

Meri

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-12-15 07:01

Speaking of the Protec case, I just got the backpack strap addition in the mail yesterday. It's very convenient, and I imagine it'll come in handy when I need my hands available to carry other things (stands, music, Eefer, etc.). It's also easy to go back and forth between the backpack straps and the shoulder strap.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: MSK 
Date:   2014-12-16 06:26

I have the Allora Case also. It is probably larger than your specs, but is smaller than the Protec. Although the outside pocket is much smaller, the inside has a larger storage area for reeds, tuner etc and holds a total of 4 rather than 2 barrels. So in a smaller, lighter footprint, you get more storage. The down side is that it is less durable - not really surprising at half the price.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: maxopf 
Date:   2014-12-16 07:04
Attachment:  FullSizeRender-3.jpg (297k)
Attachment:  IMG_2048.jpg (328k)
Attachment:  IMG_2050.jpg (285k)

FYI the Protec also holds 4 barrels. There are 2 mouthpiece slots as well, though usually I use one to store small items like cork grease or a string ligature.

Looking at the Allora case online, it does seem to have more space inside for supplies, which is a plus. The Protec barely has enough space on the inside for a box of reeds or a tuner. There's much more space in the outside pocket for those sorts of things, though - I store a reed resurfacer, a swab, a stand, a roll of floral tape, sandpaper, mouthpiece patches, cork grease, and a small notebook with room to spare.

The main downside about the Protec for me is that the music pocket is just a tad bit too small - it can certainly hold music, but the pocket isn't big enough that I can place a music folder inside and zip it up all the way.

The case is definitely durable, though - I've had it for 2 1/2 years now and it's showing no signs of wear.

I've attached some pictures.



Post Edited (2014-12-16 07:07)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Dileep Gangolli 
Date:   2014-12-17 22:58

So what is the consensus?

BAM vs ALLORA vs PROTEC

I currently have a 10 year old BAM case but it is gradually falling apart and I want to upgrade.

Thanks for any input.

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: david_macrae 
Date:   2014-12-17 23:59

I like the protec double case. It was fairly inexpensive compared to the other choices. I also got the backpack straps. Really handy for me.

I am pretty sure I still have my old single case for an A clarinet made by Leblanc. It had my Noblet A in it. I could dig it out and give it to you if you want to pay the shipping.

Just E-mail me.



Post Edited (2014-12-18 00:07)

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 Re: Smallest Reasonably Priced Double (A and Bb) Case
Author: Bennett 2017
Date:   2014-12-18 07:32

I've had the Allora double case for ~7-8 years. It is holding up very well and protects the contents inside. The only downside to the case is the very small pocket for holding music. For $45 you won't be disappointed
http://bit.ly/1AJmVjH

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