Which case for my bari?

[Noel Mac]

My current case is about 4 seconds from falling apart. What cases should I consider?

[UMBari]

I highly recommend either:

1. The BAM baritone flight case - has wheels, backpack straps, excellent construction inside and out - avaiable many places, including robertos woodwind in nyc (www.robertoswoodwind.com)
2. Hiscox pro baritone cases - a favorite of many members of SOTW - I know www.junkdude.com to be a good source for these

Of course, this all depends on which horn you have. The two cases above should work for most baritones. Which horn are you fitting for a case?

[Bootman]

I didn't know that Hiscox had made any Bari cases yet. I had heard talk that they were thinking about making one but that is all.

[UMBari]

Oops...Bootman, you are correct. I have a tenor case, and incorrectly assumed that they made baritone cases. I just checked junkdude, and they certainly do NOT have bari cases.

Therefore, I humbly modify my recommendation - for a great high-end case, go for the BAM.

Thanks, and sorry for the misinformation.
:(

[JunkDude]

A rep at Hiscox told me back in January that they hope to have a Bari sax case in production sometime this year, but he had very little info to give me at the time. As I hear more, I will certainly get the word out...there's a lot of vintage baris out there in cases which are held together with duct tape...

[Bootman]

Umbari,
No worries, didn't mean to jump on you but I needed to set the record straight.

Jundude,
Let me know when the Bari case are available. I have been wanting a Hiscox bari case for a while now.

[bari_sax_diva]

Another case that hasn't been mentioned but is well-worth considering is the Walt Johnson bari case. One of my normal rehearsals involves three flights of stairs, so a wheeled case wasn't practical. I got a WJ about a year ago and have been very happy with it. It's fiberglass with a well-padded inside, and it's got a shoulder strap that makes lugging it around easier. Accessory space is limited, but I just stick my doodads in a pillowcase and shove it into the bell. The only hitch I might recall was getting it fitted (these are made to order), as I needed it adjusted a little for the upper octave key, but the tech was great and got it perfect. They're on the web at:

http://www.johnsoncases.com

I'd call them ahead of time and let them know what you've got. They might ask for a tracing of the horn to get it right, but that's pretty easy to do.

Hope this helps,
Leanne

[rfenno]

One cautionary note about a Walt Johnson bari case. You have to be careful that you have the top of the horn lined up BEFORE you set the latches. If you don't watch out, you can catch one of the palm keys so that it bends when the latches clamp. I found that a chamois wrapped around the top of the horn keeps this from happening and reminds me to wipe all the spit off the horn as an added bonus.

[Tonehole]

Do to cost constraints and an offer I could not refuse I got a Berkley Bari case. I have had it about 6 months now. I am attending College so it is getting dragged about quite a bit.I have a 57 Selmer.

First the good. It is very light construction but very strong fibberglass It has taken some stiff wacks. The foam and finish in side is very nice. Lots of space for storage. Secured a camera case insde with velcro to carry neck, reeds. mpc, ..... Yet very slim design.Price is tuff to beat.

The negatives, as Bootman warned me the latches need to be replaced,they bend very easy, will install the same as the Walt J. this summer, will cost about $40.00. Had to add cut foam pieces to secure sax in place. Fits snug in case now. Carrying handles/ grips are very thick for my hands, but case is very well balanced. Had to reposition the shoulder strap mounts. The rubber gasket around the edge needed to be re glued.

The case will last years, longer if I get a car and stop dragging it on the bus and subway to gigs. and it can be used for a Low A when I get one. A few adjustmentss and I will have a truely great case.
I am very pleased.
Gotta blow......
Ty

[singlereed]

I recently asked the Hiscox factory whether they would be making a bari case. They said they would like to but don't have factory space for any more lines at the moment - I am sure there are other instruments they would like to make cases for - they make a lot more guitar and string instrument cases than sax ones. Still, if we keep asking them....

[Noel Mac]

Just as a follow up here I actually went with a Walt Johnson and so far I am very happy with it.

[Randall]

Noel, as long as you NEVER fly with it you may be ok....please read the thread further down about these coffins for your cherished bari. I know it's too late since you already bought it, but you may want to consider selling, if you care about your horn.
Beware my friend! :?

[Randall]

Noel, sorry about that....look under the cases thread for the story on the WJ bari case.

[Noel Mac]

I would have gone with a BAM case but I am a college student and between rent, food, my lady friend, and of course all of the stuff a saxophone player buys I am always strapped for cash. I originally was using the stock case which was fine but several trips to NYC and the midwest via plane made the case basically fall apart :x . I have Walt Johnson's for my bari and alto and I think they are great. Neither one of them ever need repairs. And I am going to wrap this up right here because I think my roomate is trying to get online and I will probably be booted pretty soon :shock: .