Case for Large Bell/Bottom Caps

Phoenix864 · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2021 7:55 am Post subject:

I've checked out the Gard a bit - a Gard double was ACB's recommendation to me. A number of other players local to me use Gard cases, so I was able to check one out in-person. The main issue I found was length - my regular Bb was a snug fit between the bell and bell crook pads.

The Harrelson is a smidge longer with an elliptical bell crook rather than a round one (long enough that it can't fit in a Marcus Bonna double), so I was concerned that it wouldn't be able to fit between the the bell/bell crook pads. With the very flexible nature of the case, it looked like removing one of the pads the get the horn to fit would significantly reduce how well the horn is protected. I also wasn't crazy about the soft style of the case it general. it may just be psychological, but I didn't feel nearly as comfortable with it compared to my hard shell cases.

Brad361 · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2021 9:57 am Post subject:

I might have missed this, but have you looked at the Gard single, in leather?
No, it’s not specifically a hard shell, but I’m pretty comfortable using them, and I’m pretty darn cautious about my equipment.
And you probably realize this, but a horn can also be damaged in a “hard shell” case if it’s dropped and the horn shifts. Bottom line is there are no guarantees, and you also may have to factor in things like weight. That tank- like Pelican-type case can be a b**** if you have to schlep it a long way, like in an airport, or even from the outer parking lot at a country club gig (ask me how I know).😎

Brad
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Phoenix864 · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 9:38 am Post subject:

kehaulani · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:59 pm Post subject:

I definitely would take the Torpedo as overhead, flight baggage. I definitely would not take the Gaard. While the Gaard would be O.K. in the overhead compartment baggage was just nicely put in there, all too often I have seen morons try to cram a suitcase, et al, into an overhead, and I'm not confident that a softer bag like a Gaard would be protective enough If I was going to put a horn in overhead, I would definitely use a hard case.

I think you could get a Pelican or similar equipment case to be cut to fit your horn perfectly.
https://nalpak.com/Pelican.html?msclkid=c7e36ce91f2719be6b9d0d2b5f4aeab7&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CPCS%20-%20Text%20-%20Pelican%20Case&utm_term=pelican%20case&utm_content=Pelican%20Cases
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Phoenix864 · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 5:22 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:46 pm Post subject:

I thought I'd follow up, in the event anyone finds this thread for reference in the future. I ended up picking up a Gard Elite single in leather (thanks for the recommendation Brad361). I was considering the MB single due to it being a hard case, but Robson warned me that he had issues with larger bottom caps overlapping with the case. So, a Gard single it was.

After some arranging of the pads, I can confirm that the Harrelson's 3/4 inch bottom caps, 5.3 inch bell, and elliptical tuning slide and bell crook all fit in the case. The bell fit is a little tight, but there's still a good amount of horizontal space left in the case. The bottom caps do touch the bottom of the case, but the horn is still supported.

Positioning the bell support piece was somewhat annoying (I wish it was softer and fit to the bell a bit better). I also wasn't super impressed by the quality of the foam in the case. The Torpedo overall feels better built and higher quality, while also being US made and cheaper. That said, the Gard fits and seems protective enough, so I'll take what I can get. If you've got a larger horn that has issues fitting into a regular case, I would definitely recommend checking out the Gard Elite single.

kehaulani · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2021 4:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks for getting back on this, Phoenix, in case someone asks later.

Regarding the respective quality, you don't always get what you pay for, but you always don't get what you don't pay for.

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"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

Oncewasaplayer · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 974

This is a terrific case.
https://www.jlandressbrass.com/shop/Cases/p/1-ELKF-GARD-Elite---Single-Trumpet-Gig-Case-in-Black-Floater-Leather-x60204103.htm
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