• FAQ  • Search  • Memberlist  • Usergroups   • Register   • Profile  • Log in to check your private messages  • Log in 

Hard or Soft Case/Gig Bag?


Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    trumpetherald.com Forum Index -> Other Toys
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
meddle
Veteran Member


Joined: 08 Dec 2005
Posts: 121

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:25 am    Post subject: Hard or Soft Case/Gig Bag? Reply with quote

I need something new to haul my trumpet around in. I also have a flugel, but often don't need it, so I'm thinking something just for my trumpet, and then maybe I'll get something later for the flugel if needed.
I've never used a soft gig bag, and am a little hesitant to buy one because I'm unsure if it will protect my horn well enough.
I've also seen small hard cases with straps, and wonder how they compare. I'm not that concerned about weight, I just want something small with a strap that will properly protect my horn and not cost me an arm and a leg.
What suggestions do you guys have? Pros and cons of hard versus soft? Particular brands to look for or stay away from?
Thanks!
_________________
Bach Strad ML 43
Vintage Conn 22B
Vintage Courtois Flugelhorn.
Bach Omega
King Student Model Beater
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Fuzzy Dunlop
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 25 Jun 2011
Posts: 630

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Torpedo. I would not use a soft gig bag. Torpedo is indestructible and not very heavy.

I'd recommend doing a search. This has been discussed many times.


Last edited by Fuzzy Dunlop on Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:35 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
christiwans
Veteran Member


Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 283
Location: Oklahoma City

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

if you want something small and sturdy, I'd look at the Eastman cases.

http://www.music123.com/brass-instruments/j.-winter-ce-170-jw-eastman-series-shaped-fiberglass-trumpet-case

They come in different colors, are compact, secure, and have hooks for shoulder straps. I'm not sure you could get a smaller case....
_________________
Christi Wans
Assistant Divisional Music Director, Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma
KINKY BOOTS National Tour
MM/DMA University of Oklahoma
BM Central Washington University
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
meddle
Veteran Member


Joined: 08 Dec 2005
Posts: 121

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks guys. I did do a search, but didn't find anything that compared a hard case to a soft case, so I had to ask. I've actually looked at both the options you suggested, but I guess I still would like to know how the hard and soft compare for keeping my horn safe, and/or would a soft bag protect it enough. Thanks!
_________________
Bach Strad ML 43
Vintage Conn 22B
Vintage Courtois Flugelhorn.
Bach Omega
King Student Model Beater
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
meddle
Veteran Member


Joined: 08 Dec 2005
Posts: 121

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

christiwans, I also have a question about the bag in the link you provided, although you may not know the answer. The description lists a strap, but is that a strap to put it over your shoulder, or are they referring to the handle or the strap that limits the movement of the lid? They don't show an over the shoulder strap in the pictures.
_________________
Bach Strad ML 43
Vintage Conn 22B
Vintage Courtois Flugelhorn.
Bach Omega
King Student Model Beater
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
christiwans
Veteran Member


Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 283
Location: Oklahoma City

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just double-checked, and yes, they do in fact come with padded shoulder straps.

As far as hard vs. soft - I would say always go with something semi-hard. Soft cases are more lightweight and can be handy (I have one single leather gig bag that I like), but you have to be much more careful and run the risk of having your trumpet SMASHED. In my opinion, it's not worth that risk when there are so many good, light, well-designed cases that provide so much more protection. It is our livelihood, after all....
_________________
Christi Wans
Assistant Divisional Music Director, Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma
KINKY BOOTS National Tour
MM/DMA University of Oklahoma
BM Central Washington University
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
christiwans
Veteran Member


Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 283
Location: Oklahoma City

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

also, there are more colors (fun!) available here:

http://www.samash.com/p/Eastman%20Strings%20_Fiberglass%20Trumpet%20Case%20Assorted%20%20Colors_437062
_________________
Christi Wans
Assistant Divisional Music Director, Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma
KINKY BOOTS National Tour
MM/DMA University of Oklahoma
BM Central Washington University
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Fuzzy Dunlop
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 25 Jun 2011
Posts: 630

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

meddle wrote:
Thanks guys. I did do a search, but didn't find anything that compared a hard case to a soft case, so I had to ask. I've actually looked at both the options you suggested, but I guess I still would like to know how the hard and soft compare for keeping my horn safe, and/or would a soft bag protect it enough. Thanks!


Well, in my experience soft cases are fine until you drop them or they get squished by something in your car or someone steps on it. I used a Reunion Blues single bag for years when I was younger but I don't think I would ever use one now with any horn I cared about. I also damaged one of my horns after dropping the Reunion Blues triple bag I used to use (the strap came loose as I was walking). They just don't really offer all that much protection. Maybe there are some really super soft cases out there now that I don't know about. Torpedo does offer a soft case if you're set on going that route.

Since switching to hard cases, especially the Torpedo, I love the feeling of knowing the case can take a serious beating and the horn will still be fine inside.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Brad361
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 16 Dec 2007
Posts: 7080
Location: Houston, TX.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My opinions:

1) Gig bags are, generally, accidents waiting to happen. Unless you plan to never (and I mean NEVER) leave it unattended......use a hard case. Even though I've always been protective of my horn / case, I've had, for example, sound guys plop a heavy piece of equipment right on my case. Accidents happen, but with a gig bag, it's a MAJOR accident.
2) I happen to love my Torpedo Classic, it's extremely protective and not especially heavy. I won't use anything else. Some dislike the fact that the horn slides in vertically, mpce receiver first, but I've never had a problem with the design.
3) Gig bags are, generally, accidents waiting.........oh, sorry, guess I mentioned that earlier.

Brad361
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Slidebone
Veteran Member


Joined: 05 Oct 2004
Posts: 233
Location: NYC

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cases, gig bags and more at slidebone.com

Fusion F1 Series
One of the most popular gig bags
Excellent protection, quality and fit.

Eastman Z Tek Trumpet Cases.... fiberglass in many colors

Torpedo from Steve Kriesel... simply a winner

ProPac iPac from Pro Tec... great case for double or trumpet /flugel and a case with wheels.
_________________
www.slidebone.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
VetPsychWars
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 7196
Location: Greenfield WI

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Protec contoured case is pretty darn sturdy and not as expensive as some. You can put backpack straps on it too.

Tom
_________________
1950 Buescher Lightweight 400 Trumpet
1949 Buescher 400 Trumpet
1939 Buescher 400 Cornet
GR65M, GR65 Cor #1
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
TrumpetMD
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 22 Oct 2008
Posts: 2410
Location: Maryland

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

VetPsychWars wrote:
The Protec contoured case is pretty darn sturdy and not as expensive as some. You can put backpack straps on it too.

Tom

I agree with Tom. This is what I've been using the past 4 years. It's compact, lightweight, and has a molded shell for protection.

Mike
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
meddle
Veteran Member


Joined: 08 Dec 2005
Posts: 121

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Is the Protec a hard case?
_________________
Bach Strad ML 43
Vintage Conn 22B
Vintage Courtois Flugelhorn.
Bach Omega
King Student Model Beater
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
TrumpetMD
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 22 Oct 2008
Posts: 2410
Location: Maryland

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

meddle wrote:
Is the Protec a hard case?

Yes. The Protec Contoured Case has a hard foam shell.

http://www.protecmusic.com/items.aspx?ProductID=238&InstrumentID=38&InstrumentGroupID=1&CategoryID=2&subCategoryID=7
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
VetPsychWars
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 7196
Location: Greenfield WI

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

TrumpetMD wrote:
meddle wrote:
Is the Protec a hard case?

Yes. The Protec Contoured Case has a hard foam shell.

http://www.protecmusic.com/items.aspx?ProductID=238&InstrumentID=38&InstrumentGroupID=1&CategoryID=2&subCategoryID=7


I'm pretty sure there's a layer of hard plastic over the foam and under the nylon. At least feeling up my case (oo ah) that seems to be the case.

Tom
_________________
1950 Buescher Lightweight 400 Trumpet
1949 Buescher 400 Trumpet
1939 Buescher 400 Cornet
GR65M, GR65 Cor #1
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Oncewasaplayer
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 24 Sep 2007
Posts: 973

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 12:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have both the Eastman single case and the Protec contoured. Both are good working cases that give quite a bit of protection to your horn yet are still light enough to carry comfortably.

The Eastman is a hard plastic shell. Inside is a small box-like pocket that can hold a bottle of valve oil and a single mouthpiece case but that's it. I carry it by the suitcase handle but it also has a shoulder strap. (I've seen these cases decorated with pinstriping and even one with flames--which would be terrific to take to auditions to announce that the boss is here.)

The protec has a side pocket that holds more stuff than the eastman (oil, mpcs, metronome/tuner and a few more small items). The sides of the case feel substantial.

If I were going to take a horn on an airplane and use an overhead bin, i'd probably choose the protec. Feels secure and holds a bit more stuff.
_________________
Getzen 800DLX cornet
Selmer Sigma trumpet
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jerry
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 20 Jan 2002
Posts: 2157
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have several ProTecs in various configurations. I feel confident that my horns are safe. Bang-for-the-buck can't be beat.

I would never use a soft case.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
giakara
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 13 Jul 2003
Posts: 3826
Location: Greece

PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Look for "Bags from Spain" the single with mutes compartment is the best for every day use , very protective-not like the Torpedo but not so heavy also like the torpedo-and it takes a ton of stuff , i load mine with six mutes , mpc pouch , books and oil etc and still have space for more.

Regards
_________________
Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2015
Lawler TL6-1A Bb 2004
Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2003
Getzen eterna 910 C
Getzen eterna 850 cornet
Selmer Paris 3 valve picc
Yamaha 731 flugel
Carol mini pocket
Reeves/Purviance mpcs
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
christiwans
Veteran Member


Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 283
Location: Oklahoma City

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

VetPsychWars wrote:
TrumpetMD wrote:
meddle wrote:
Is the Protec a hard case?

Yes. The Protec Contoured Case has a hard foam shell.

http://www.protecmusic.com/items.aspx?ProductID=238&InstrumentID=38&InstrumentGroupID=1&CategoryID=2&subCategoryID=7


I'm pretty sure there's a layer of hard plastic over the foam and under the nylon. At least feeling up my case (oo ah) that seems to be the case.


When I was researching earlier, I actually discovered that there is a very thin WOODEN layer in the protec case we have been discussing. I have a few friends with them, they are a good deal for the price.
_________________
Christi Wans
Assistant Divisional Music Director, Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma
KINKY BOOTS National Tour
MM/DMA University of Oklahoma
BM Central Washington University
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
laurent
Heavyweight Member


Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Posts: 897
Location: Barcelona (Spain)

PostPosted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jerry wrote:
I have several ProTecs in various configurations. I feel confident that my horns are safe. Bang-for-the-buck can't be beat.

I would never use a soft case.

+1

All Protec cases are very good, I believe. Both my iPac Triple and my PB301 "Slimline" single case feature a shell hard enough to prevent bumps - but not to sit on the case! -, and the interior padding is very soft and snug.
_________________

Bb Trumpets: Courtois Évolution IV, Stomvi Forte,
Buescher T-120, HT3.
Mpcs: Monette B2s3, Kanstul M-B2.
Flugel: H.Bagué (Yam 631 clone in red brass).
Mpcs: Curry FL & FLD.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    trumpetherald.com Forum Index -> Other Toys All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group