The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-02-10 23:27
I have an old Leblanc bass (to Eb) in its original case. The canvas cover is as old as the clarinet and its case (I bought the instrument very used in 1972).
I'd like to replace the case cover - either commercially or custom made - as an alternative to buying a whole new case. Where should I look? Are there companies that will make custom covers?
Karl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-02-11 05:17
A custom made case cover will take into account where the handles and hinges are and where the zips run around it in relation to the thickness of the lid and case clasps.
I'd also suggest you have a deep pocket on top with 2" to 3" depth to it to fit anything in there and maybe have a full width but flat pocket inside it to keep sheet music safe (although you can always put sheet music between the case lid and the inside of the case cover to protect it better).
The lid pocket on my Buffet bass and basset horn cases is a poor less than 1" deep, so it is pushed to its limits when carrying music and instrument stands (I use the K&M bassoon/bass clarinet stands for both).
As you only have two hands to carry stuff, make the most of having extra accessories pockets whenever you have a case cover made.
I think the older Leblanc low Eb bass cases are roughly the same size as an alto sax case but a bit shallower - the low C bass cases being almost the same length as a tenor sax case but not as deep.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: CEC
Date: 2016-02-11 06:44
And there's always Altieri (they do custom bags):
http://www.altieribags.com/
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Author: Zenia
Date: 2016-02-11 22:42
Is it a one or two piece bass? If two, the Bam case is very good.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2016-02-11 23:59
Thanks. I'm not really looking for a case - I just spent a few dollars a couple of years ago getting the original one repaired and, though it isn't especially jazzy-looking, it holds the instrument very solidly and is about as compact as I can imagine a bass case being. But the canvas cover is probably also original and is literally going to pieces. I could just take it off and leave the case exposed, but I think it's better to have a cover, or maybe I'm just used to having one.
Chris, the case is 22-1/2" long, 13" wide and 4-1/2" deep, flat except for some flaring on the bell side. I'm sure it was the standard case for this instrument. Does anyone sell OEM covers for these legacy cases? I don't think I'd have a problem finding a cover for a standard Buffet pochette double case. Who is now making Leblanc equipment (I've lost track)?
Karl
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-02-12 01:47
The older French Leblanc bass cases were very compact for their time (both low Eb and low C models), but chances are since the American takeover which saw the Leblanc Corp. come into being in the '90s (incorporating several companies), their bass cases were also American made and a lot bigger than the French cases.
So the chances of finding a case cover off the shelf to fit the older bass cases is going to be very slim to impossible - even if there are case covers being made for bass cases which I don't think is likely anymore, most basses are usually supplied in those zip-up lightweight things.
I've absolutely no idea what's happened to Leblanc as things have been changing far too rapidly (and not always for the best) in the whole musical instrument industry. Buffet had bought their French factory to produce the ill-fated E11F, but I think they've since closed that facility down and production of the E12F is now done in Germany.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2016-02-12 18:38
https://www.altieribags.com/secure/ww_orderform.html
They will may one to fit a rectangular case. They can probably deal with your bell bulge too.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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