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meddle Veteran Member
Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 121
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:25 am Post subject: Hard or Soft Case/Gig Bag? |
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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 |
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Fuzzy Dunlop Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2011 Posts: 630
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:32 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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christiwans Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 283 Location: Oklahoma City
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:33 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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meddle Veteran Member
Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 121
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:45 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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meddle Veteran Member
Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 121
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:48 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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christiwans Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 283 Location: Oklahoma City
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:55 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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christiwans Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 283 Location: Oklahoma City
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Fuzzy Dunlop Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Jun 2011 Posts: 630
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:58 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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Brad361 Heavyweight Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 7080 Location: Houston, TX.
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:14 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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Slidebone Veteran Member
Joined: 05 Oct 2004 Posts: 233 Location: NYC
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:19 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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VetPsychWars Heavyweight Member
Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 7196 Location: Greenfield WI
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:30 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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TrumpetMD Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 2416 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:56 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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meddle Veteran Member
Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 121
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:07 am Post subject: |
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Is the Protec a hard case? _________________ Bach Strad ML 43
Vintage Conn 22B
Vintage Courtois Flugelhorn.
Bach Omega
King Student Model Beater |
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TrumpetMD Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 2416 Location: Maryland
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VetPsychWars Heavyweight Member
Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 7196 Location: Greenfield WI
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:59 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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Oncewasaplayer Heavyweight Member
Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 974
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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Jerry Heavyweight Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2002 Posts: 2163 Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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giakara Heavyweight Member
Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 3832 Location: Greece
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Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:58 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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christiwans Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 283 Location: Oklahoma City
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Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 12:07 am Post subject: |
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VetPsychWars wrote: |
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.
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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 |
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laurent Heavyweight Member
Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Posts: 897 Location: Barcelona (Spain)
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Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:44 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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