Soprano cases

[frankbiff]

Any recomendations on cases for soprano? I have a 1926 straight Conn, will this fit modern cases? I don't need something bulletproof, just a good case to carry and store the horn in.

Thanks

[dolphy]

ProTec makes a very nice sop. case. I got one for my 1927 Buescher straight sax and it fits nicely. They're quite affordable as well. Around $100.

[singlereed]

If you get a Protec, watch out for the snap-shut lid on the storage compartment. The stud that holds the elastic in place will mark the neck of your horn every time it snaps shut. Having said that, Protec does alter the design from time to time, but be warned.

[MojoBari]

A few years ago, I picked up what I think is an Asian made case. It was only $25 from a non-eBay site. I put my straight Conn in it. It was new, balck, metal reinforced corners. I like Pro-Tec, but I am also frugal.

[frankbiff]

I'd like to find the $25 case. I'm having case problems. My 1926 Conn sop has no case, it lived in a felt bag in a draw under my bed for 20 years. Now its in the shop geting pads, etc. and needs a better home, I intend to play it. I checked it out the other day, the gold plate shines like a mirror!

My 1929 Beuscher TT's original case is falling apart, so it needs a new one.
My 1929 Conn New Wonder, has no case, so that's another one.
My 1919? Weurlitzer/Conn melody C has no case so that's....
My about 1930's Blessing/Martin tenor's original case is falling apart so...

Only my MK VI tenor has a good case.

It's realy not reasonable for me to spend $300 on each case I need, considering some of the horns cost me less than $100, and that 3 of them could use or will get an overhaul.

[Grumps]

Look into DEG cases at WW/BW or International Music Suppliers.

http://www.intlmusicalsuppliers.com/
http://www.wwbw.com/

They're the old fashioned, rectangular, heavy cases, but they're easy on the wallet and they do the job for basic storage. I've got one for my vintage curved TT soprano and one for a vintage New Wonder baritone. Either case would hold a modern horn as well. The inside is supportive, but not form fitted and that's how they hold different makes and models. It will keep the horn in place.

[frankbiff]

Grumps...

DEG cases being not form fitted but supportive. They have a place for the neck plug? and a curve for the bell?, and some things on the cover? and thats about it? any storage compartments?

Thanks

[frankbiff]

The things on the cover to hold down the horn when closed, that is. Like a 70's Selmer case?

[Grumps]

The DEG cases are not form-fitted in that the inside is not like you traced around a horn and fitted it in foam. There are mohair like support cushions inside the case on which the horn rests and more such cushions on the sides which conform to hold the horn in place. The inside lid is fully cushioned to hold the horn down when the case is closed. They have inside storage compartments which is a must for me. I don't like to keep mouthpieces or necks in outside pockets.

[MojoBari]

I looked around a little for straight sop cases. Best deals I could find currently on-line were in the $50-60 range.

[3saxes]

I posted this a week or so ago, and somehow it is gone, but anyway, the BAM Trekking Case is the best case on the market "in my opinion." I recently purchased one for my Soprano and it is by far the best case I have ever used with a soprano. It is designed to be used with either straight one-piece models, or two-piece models. I use mine with a Yanagisawa S-9930 Soprano, but I think it will fit any soprano sax whether new or vintage. It is pricey, but it is well worth the money! Get One!

[Zman]

I carry my Conn Chu in a ProTec case, which I like very much. I keep a gig rag (read: diaper) under the horn to keep it snug. I agree about the little spring door - it can snap on the neck if you are not careful. Positive: it really holds the neck in place nicely.

[max]

Can you guys with ProTec cases give me some more info on your added padding? I just got one with a soprano and was surprised at all the extra space around the horn.

Do you all just wedge stuff in there to take up some space (like the diaper)? Does that work well enough? It just makes me a little nervous - maybe because it seems too simple (in the good way) to be true.

Thanks!

[Zman]

max, yes, I just fold my gig rag and lay it beneath the stacks. You don't want much stuffed in there, or you will bend your rods. For me, it is just enough to keep the horn from sliding around.

[max]

Thanks.

Actually, that brings up another question: how do you position the horn in there? Since there's no easily determined "right" way, do you just put it in there with the keys up?

Sorry to be so confused by this - I'm usually okay with little direction, but I'm just so used to saxophone cases having one specific way of doing things. (either by form-fitted cases that have clear "right" ways, or the simple fact that the curved horns don't simply rotate whichever way you might want in a case...) :oops:

[Zman]

Keys up for me. I think if you rotate the stacks down they bind on the bottom of the case (can't remember). Also, I use key clamps to avoid any weight being transferred onto a key if the sax shifts in transit. The clamps make the sax slightly larger, which snugs it in the case.

Of course, key clamps may evoke instant wrath from some, but I like 'em.

[max]

I think if you rotate the stacks down they bind on the bottom of the case (can't remember).

Ah - actually, the case (and the horn) are at the shop right now, so I can't look at it either.

What key clamps are you using on soprano, and where did you get them? I started using them on tenor again and I'd like to get some for my new soprano...

NOTE:
If you don't like key clamps, please start a different thread about them, and I'll join you there - let's not pollute this thread with that discussion. Thanks! :D

[3saxes]

If the protec has so much slack that you can't deterime which way to place your horn, that doesn't sound like a very good fit. The BAM Trekking has plenty of air space, but there is no doubt as to which way to place the horn. In regard to key clamps, the wwandbw sells a set that is perfect for most horns.

[Zman]

Hi 3saxes, yes it is a pretty generic fit. I think it was probably designed for modern sops with larger tables, rather than vintage sops. Good protection though, so I'm happy with it.

[max]

I feeling pretty confident that I can make it work. Thanks for the help!

[max]

I also feeling pretty stupid... :oops:

That should be, "I'm feeling pretty confident..."

[weinsteinwoodwinds]

BAM has just introduced their Hip Hop Case, we have some in stock. Great for metal clarinets & (some) soprano sax. Depends on measurement. Pretty cool & velcro's to larger BAM sax cases. Compared to BAM cases, these are pretty cheap alternative.

all the the best,
weinstein woodwinds

[Jbroad572]

BAM has just introduced their Hip Hop Case, we have some in stock. Great for metal clarinets & (some) soprano sax. Depends on measurement. Pretty cool & velcro's to larger BAM sax cases. Compared to BAM cases, these are pretty cheap alternative.

all the the best,
weinstein woodwinds
I like that hip hop bag. What's the pricing on it?

[Jbroad572]

BAM has just introduced their Hip Hop Case, we have some in stock. Great for metal clarinets & (some) soprano sax. Depends on measurement. Pretty cool & velcro's to larger BAM sax cases. Compared to BAM cases, these are pretty cheap alternative.

all the the best,
weinstein woodwinds
Wow, just noticed you are in OKC. I'm in Tulsa. How's the jazz scene there? I am going to try to make it to the Jazz festival at the Ford center next month to check out Kirk Whalum. Might have to stop by your store sometime.