Tool Box as trumpet case

Bstradivarius · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 12:58 pm Post subject: Tool Box as trumpet case

Has anyone in this forum built a home-made trumpet case from a toolbox? They are cheap and metal! If so, what type of internal cushion material has worked for you? I know what foam material is in soft cases. Where do I find it?

Dennis78 · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 1:26 pm Post subject:

I’ve thought about this many times but never acted on it
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Brad361 · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 2:46 pm Post subject:

Just my opinion, but after you buy the box, foam and glue, is the dollar amount you save worth it? There are many decent cases available for not a lot of money, plus I would be concerned that a tool box with foam inside might not protect your horn, especially should you drop the case.

Brad
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jojocat · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:14 pm Post subject:

For the foam, do not buy new as it's very expensive. Go to an upholstery shop. They throw everything week in the garbage a ton of used foam in good enough condition for a trumpet case. You can also find cheap fabric that will fit perfectly.
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Bstradivarius · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:51 pm Post subject:

Goldplate · Veteran Member Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 152

I once built a case for a tilted bell trumpet, with a fixed bell. I didn't use a tool box, but I did find that using a serrated bread knife worked really well to cut the foam. I cut the shape of the horn into the foam and then hot glued some fabric I bought at the fabric store that looked pretty similar to what was used in hard cases. It worked pretty well, and the case has survived about 30 years so far.

Robert P · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Feb 2013 Posts: 2596

This might be a good sight gag for a show - putting down a toolbox and pulling out your horn.

I'm dubious about it as an actual everyday case, particularly if you have to carry it any distance. A metal toolbox big enough to hold your horn plus foam is going to be bulky and heavy even before you add the padding and horn. It's also going to have sharp corners that could cause problems banging into things. Purpose-made cases with durable cloth around a foam interior are very light, and typically have shoulder-carry and backpack-style straps.
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VintageFTW · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:54 pm Post subject:

I just built my own triple case out of a nice, sturdy suitcase about two weeks ago. It has served me wonderfully so far. I mean, it's a little bulky, but not too much so. It even has wheels and a pull-out handle. I used that high density blue upholstery foam at Walmart for $15. It is the perfect material for a case because it is firm, but still squishy. I upholstered all the pieces and inserts in some red suede velvet I picked up on the cheap. I think the grand total for this entire project, including the suitcase, was about $30 - $35.
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jojocat · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 4:28 am Post subject:

homecookin · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Nov 2013 Posts: 868

lgt0412 · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 5:39 am Post subject:

Craig Swartz · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 6:03 am Post subject:

Yeah- we're a dangerous mix. Trumpet players and DIYers...

I have always found it satisfying to build things myself, from a fiberglas walleye boat I've used nearly every day each summer since 1993 in which I custom built a complete interior including live wells, electronics and all the goodies to firearms to 85% of my car, home and cabin repairs. I've always had the notion that if someone else can do it, why not I? I've never made my own cases since these are not all that expensive, but a bit of advice if you try to make one out of wood: make a totally enclosed box (all 6 sides) as square on all surfaces as you are able , then cut it along a fence on a good table saw to separate the top and bottom. That way they'll fit together properly even if you're off a bit.

Personally, I don't like the idea of throwing a metal tool box inside the interior of my car, but that's probably just me. Good luck, and WTH? Go for it. Either way, you're likely to learn something...

homecookin · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Nov 2013 Posts: 868

Well, I really was not trying to discourage anyone.
lgt0412 makes a very good point about the price of
trumpets and equipment these days, and an equally
good point about protecting said instruments and
equipment.
A decent trumpet case is not that expensive,
and are readily available most everywhere.
Especially when you consider the internet.
One does not have to spend a lot of money
to purchase a trumpet case that offers more
than adequate protection.
I guess what I was really wondering about was
why specifically use a "toolbox" to convert to a
trumpet case ?

Robert Rowe · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 7:16 am Post subject:

oxleyk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 4180

trpthrld · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 4808

Years ago when I bought my Kanstul 1520 Bb/A/G piccolo trumpet, I didn't get the case that they sell separately for the horn. Wasn't impressed with how it held all the extra lead pipes, slides & bells

Found a relatively inexpensive general-purpose tool case at Frye's Electronics in Burbank. Probably paid $20 for it. It looks like a wider, boxier briefcase.

I then took it & the horn (with all its goodies) to Anvil Cases in North Hollywood and asked them to make a custom form-fitting interior for the case. What they came up with was beautiful. There was a slot for everything that held it safe & snug. And the cloth that covered the foam - a plush black-velvety material that looked great and did not scratch the horn.

Mostly I use the case for storage of the bells & slides that I'm not using at any particular time.

A similar case is sold at Harbor Freight.

As far as a case for a bass trumpet, look at inexpensive luggage. I'm sure you'll find something that even has wheels (always a nice option when schlepping).
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Bstradivarius · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:17 am Post subject:

homebilly · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:58 am Post subject:

the foam pros use an electric turkey carving knife
it's the same as the serrated knife just electric
works great!!!
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LittleRusty · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:12 am Post subject:

Brad361 · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 2:00 pm Post subject:

Something for the OP to consider: there is a happy medium regarding the tightness of fit inside the case. Too loose and the horn can be damaged on even a short drop (when the horn inside the case comes to a sudden stop), too tight and slides can be warped/bent slightly.

Just my two cents, but as others have said, I don’t have a problem spending 2-400 on a case to protect a horn that might cost ten times that.
I once had a trumpet player remark that my Torpedo case is pricey, I said maybe, but a lot less expensive than what is inside it.

Brad
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When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval