BAM bari case vs. Walt Johnson??

[jamesalto]

Hi everybody, I'm a newbie.. I read an old thread on the BAM case that seemed to imply that it's not very protective. Is this true?
I need a great bari case for touring, and carrying on is not an option. I was set on a Walt Johnson case, which seems to offer unsurpassed protection; until I saw the new BAM case and fell in love with the design and, well, those wheels. For a guy like me with 3 horns and luggage to tote around, I need all the mobility I can get. But I won't sacrifice durability for convenience. (Although my last transatlantic trip with my stock Yamaha 62 case was a nightmare. )
Any insight into the protection that the BAM case offers against luggage trolls at the airport?
Also, space for accessories in the two cases?

Help! The plane leaves soon!!!

[supersax54]

Hey, I can't tell you anything about the BAM case, but I swear by my Walt Johnson cases. I own them for my Low A Mk VI bari and my Ref. 54 tenor, and will own one for my unlacquered Serie III alto that is on the way. I have flown transatlantic with my bari in the Walt Johnson, and my only suggestion is that you take out any lubricants etc... that come in bottles, and throw a little bit of duct tape over the latches. As for mobility, the shoulder strap is all that you really need, I have toured with both my bari and tenor on the same tour, along with luggage and music etc..., and have never had any problems with dropping my stuff all over the place. Again, sorry that I couldn't help w/ any info on the BAM.

Kiel

[jamesalto]

cool thanks...:)

[Randall]

I and 3 other bari players I know have had our baris trashed in WJ cases- because the case material is very strong yet pliant and bends inward when struck sharply. The damage occurs at the neck curl area and the damage I and my friends had was completely identical. Also the case padding at this point is the thinnest of any point in the case.
What is so odd is that the case will show no damage on the outside whatsoever, but when you open up the case and see the mangled remains of the neck curl...well...you want to cry, and then you want to kill!
It is a design flaw and I have talked to Steve Goodson about this problem, suggested a fix for it by putting a contoured aluminum boot between the case shell and the padding at the curl (which he said he would pass on this idea to WJ). I also contacted WJ, explained the problem had by several owners including myself.... but they told me in polite business-ese, "tough luck charly".
So, If you love your horn, don't go there...
On the other hand, I got the new BAM case and have flown with it and haven't had the first problem. I recommend it wholeheartedly, at least until Hiscox comes up the bari case a lot of us have been clammoring for!

[jamesalto]

also very enlightening...ayayay :shock:

[john]

I few days ago I was returning home late at night with the usual armload of junk I carry to practice as well as my B991. I set the thing down (on the end I know I'm an idiot!). It fell over. :shock: :shock:

Anyway- short story- it was in my new BAM case. Not a scratch. Nothing bent. Everything worked smooth. I do use key clamps. Case has some character (scuffs) now.

Try that with a gigbag. Highly unscientific.

john

[Randall]

James, I forgot to add about the BAM case...there is a "version" of the BAM case that has the SELMER logo on it. It is true junk...absolutely nothing like the BAM logo'd version that is silver in color. This SELMER version may be the one you heard about being unprotective....and nothing could be more true...it's horrid.

[Roger McWilliams]

Randall, noticing your Fukuoka address suggests querying you. I'm likely to be in Fukuoka in June 2004 for a week or two. Maybe you could e-mail me a little about the jazz scene there, either for listening or for joining in in the evenings. I'm Roger McWilliams at mcw at uci.edu . Thanks for any thoughts.

[Randall]

Roger, check your mail....

[Roger McWilliams]

Done. Many thanks Randall for the information!

[melvyng]

John, does the BAM case have any storage pockets at all? I have a Walt Johnson for my tenor and it has 2 pockets, one large enough for my mouthpiece and reeds and the other large enough for my reading glasses. Does the BAM bari case have anything like that or do you have to stuff everything down into the bell of the horn?

Thanks,

Mel

[john]

melvyng,
Storage in the BAM is very limited. I carry a B991 in mine. The horn fits quite snug with no wiggles but there is room under the horn to store some stuff if you have a well-padded case. Music fits quite nicely of course. Then theres the bell for storage- which I don't use.

I carry a sax stand to rehearsals so I put all my extra junk in my stand case. I don't carry much- reed case,extra mouthpiece, teflon tape, srcew driver set, pad cement, cork grease, 2 neck straps, few cable ties, and gig dust. Most of this would actually fit in the case but I worry about it bouncing around so I don't. The stand case has a shoulder strap makes it easier.

BTW- I love this case. Well worth the money. I also have a Protec formed "soft" case. Very good. I think it may be heavier than the BAM. Like Randall said- stay away from the Selmer version- BAD.

john

[shortwhite]

Well, we're finally going to Europe to play !

So now I've gotta fly the bari.

Bam or Walt Johnson or have a good road case built.

Also what are the chances of renting something there?

[mark_m]

Those who have the BAM Hightech case, what sort of prices have you found, and where?

[DocRocket]

I just picked up a BAM Bari Case in Montreal at Arduini Music...$720 CAD.

[Bassps70]

Has anyone heard anything about the new walt johnson travel case for low a bari, and how that compares to the bam? the new walt looks a lot more sturdy then the bam, or the orginal walt.

[Reedsmith]

I'm new to this forum, having found it when searching case information- this seems to be the right place. I'm in England, and have been in Europe gigging this year, with a YBS-61 in its hard case- a nightmare when flying!

I had a Selmer/BAM being brought over, but got in conversation with another bari player at a festival in Cannes- he put me right about Selmer BAMs, having found that the external fixings don't last well. He's been in LA and came back with a WJ, very impressive; but he did mention the neck curl problem too. So, being about to travel again, I'm about to order a silver (non-Selmer) BAM...

[Reedsmith]

More on the BAM/Selmer front...I’ve just been on a short tour around the UK, and kept the bari in its Reunion Blues bag in the band bus (plus a few sheets of bubble wrap for extra peace of mind- equivalent cost around $4). However, a long phone call with a UK dealer about silver BAM (non-Selmer) has changed my mind about this ‘flightcase’...

This chap was very honest; it’s a beautiful design for trekking around London etc... I mentioned that I need to fly next year,and he wasn’t so sure. Put a BAM in the hold, pile a few cases on top, the sides will bow in... the famous special foam can give, result, possible damage... not worth around £325. His solution? Buy a BAM, get a solid, standard guitar or keys flightcase made up, put the BAM in there for flights.
My solution? Leave the BAMs and the rest. Get a quote for a bespoke solid flightcase (aluminium, ply, foam padding, recessed wheels etc) sit the sax in the Reunion Blues case. The result will be a reliable and safer flight option, plus easy hand transport at the other end. The best quote so far has been just £70 before tax, wheels etc... I reckon no much more than $125-150, and I need not bother the makers of these disappointing so-called flightcases... here’s hoping.

[PrinceII]

I, too, used the custom made aluminium case that holds Reunion Blues gig bag. It is huge, but the mobility comes when you reach the hotel room and carry the bag to the gig. It is much lighter than those 'not so reliable' pricey cases. My bari survived from those airport apes too.

[supersax54]

hey, has anybody seen the new WJ bari case that sells for $725 at wwbw? supposedly hugely improved (not that any improvement was really necessary IMO), and might settle this silly debate once and for all. my only question is how can anyone, and i mean ANYONE justify charging 700+ for a case unless it is handmade with alien materials and technology or something like that?

[Adam]

I don't know for sure, but I think this is it: http://members.cox.net/sideman7/WJBC.jpg . I wasn't under the impression that it would be that expensive though... I believe this case was designed to be checked (where the regular case definitely is not). They have been talking about making a heavier duty case for bari for a while. I had seen photos of the new bass sax case they made and was told the new bari case would be an adaptation of that. I'm sure its a lot heavier than the regular case, not something you would want to lug around day to day. I haven't seen one in person, so I can't give you any more info than that. Even at $725, it's less expensive than what I'm using now, which is the regular WJ case and an anvil case to put that in for flying....

[Randall]

I hate to always be ragging about this, but unless the case has been seriously enlarged and significantly more padding added at the neck curl, I would not even begin to think of this case.
Secondly, the outer shell appears to be the same material as before, which means it can take a hit and dent the horn inside and still appear perfect on the outside.
I suggested to the WJ company to put an aluminum "boot" between the outer shell and the padding in the neck curl area and to increaase the padding...maybe they took my advice (especially after all the bad press I stirred up with my report here.)
Finally, I want to like the WJ, I really do....but after the **** poor customer service and cavalier attitude they showed to me (not to mention their bogus guarantee, which they will NOT back up) and my acquaintances who have had their baris trashed in their cases, well....I just say "NO".
You'd do well to look at other cases, and steer clear of the best protection money can buy....

[TWINE]

James, I forgot to add about the BAM case...there is a "version" of the BAM case that has the SELMER logo on it. It is true junk...absolutely nothing like the BAM logo'd version that is silver in color. This SELMER version may be the one you heard about being unprotective....and nothing could be more true...it's horrid.

What's so bad about the selmer version? This case is an option when ordering a new Super Action 80 . . .

[Randall]

Twine, it is just a plastic shell, very flimsy...it is NOTHING like the BAM version.
I wouldn't put a horn in need of a repair in the Selmer logo'd version.
If you are thinking of a more portable case, then by all means get the silver BAM version.
You'll rue the day you choose the Selmer logo'd version.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Hmmm...

I don't usually disagree with Randall on too many things but I have seen the Selmer version of the BAM bari case in person (when I was picking up my brand new silverplated Yamaha 62 bari at the store) and it looked exactly like my silver BAM case except it was black (if my memory serves me correct) and it had the Selmer logo on it. The inside looked exactly the same too (it contained a silverplated Selmer Series II). If there are differences between the two they will be very minor and cosmetic. My eyes told me they were the same.

I say go with either the BAM or the Selmer branded BAM case. BAM does manufacture cases for Selmer. I like having the BAM myself because I'm not carrying a Selmer horn in mine. No need to give false impressions when it can be avoided. :)

[Randall]

Sorry saxy...dead wrong on this one....the thickness of the BAM is far greater ( a multi-ply composite material), the BAM is made for low Bb AND low A horns (the Selmer isn't), BAM has more handles, The Selmer case flexes easily and is brittle....The case my student ordered actually had a little piece broken off the sealing edge of the case!
I did a side by side at home ( I ordered a Selmer version for a student because it was cheaper and supposedly the 'same') and was amazed at the
differences. I was really ashamed to have recommended the Selmer to my student after I got it and compared.
Could it be that there is a newer Selmer version of the BAM that I haven't seen that you have?

[SaxyAcoustician]

<< Could it be that there is a newer Selmer version of the BAM that I haven't seen that you have? >>

Randall, I think so. The Selmer case had the wheels and backpack straps and everything just like the BAM I have. I swear it was the same exact case. I remember this vividly because for a long moment I regretted buying the BAM case. I had the Selmer versions of the BAM hardshell flight cases for my alto and tenor which I had bought at a HUGE discount at that music store and I thought I could've had that Selmer bari case at a similar discount which would've ended up being far cheaper than the $450 or so I paid for the BAM. Plus, during that moment I thought how nice it would've been to have a consistent alto/tenor/bari set of Selmer/BAM cases (year, I'm anal like that).

Oh, also I saw an auction on eBay a couple years back for a Selmer baritone sax. It also had the made-by-BAM Selmer case and I remember really perusing that photo. That too was the same as the BAM I have, just black.

What about the one you saw?

[tophatsax]

Does anyone know if a Buescher Big B bari (324,xxx) will fit in the BAM case?

[Randall]

Tophat, it should, but I have never tried it.
I was told that the BAM case will not fit a 12M but will work with other vintage baris.
When you first put the horn in the case it may not seem like a good fit...but carefully close it and let it sit for a couple of days til the foam forms around the horn.
This is what I and several others have done when putting our JK SX90s in them.....after the foam shapes, it is a perfect fit.

[tophatsax]

Thanks Randall!

[tophatsax]

I just spoke with Carol at BAM's NJ office. She didn't know about what horns would fit, but here's what I found out.

The shell was designed for Selmer Paris horns (but obviously fits others)

Randall was correct, the interiors are the same but the exteriors differ between the BAM version and the Selmer version. Carol said the main difference is that the BAM version is more rigid and lighter. The link posted below has some graphics but here's the breakdown.

Selmer

ABS :
- 3 to 4 mm thick.
- Extremely strong.
- Great resistance to shock and puncture.
- Used in the automobile industry (e.g. bumpers).

BAM

Hightech :
- Three-ply structure with a full Airex or PVC foam core.
- Ultra-light, good rigidity and excellent resistance to shock.

http://www.bamcases.com/materials/index.php?l=en&p=1

[Randall]

I bought my BAM in Paris at a big music store on Rue De Rome....and the guy called BAM directly for me and asked if a JK would fit it.
They said everything will fit, but a Conn Chu.
Personally I am skeptical about the Chu being the only horn that it won't fit, but that's what they told me.
Anyway, I have put a JK low A and a low Bb SBA in mine and it is A-O-K.

[birdiiv7i]

I'm new to the forum and tried posting my own subject, but no one has responded :( No worries though. I am a bari player and have an old Conn serial# . .236, *** . I am trying to find a case to travel with. I like the BAM, but my horn doesn't seem to fit. Those Berkeley cases look good. Any suggestions?? Who can I call about the Anvil cases?? Thanks

[Randall]

Bird, what are your needs? Do you gig on the road? Are you going to be flying with your bari?
If you are NOT doing these two things, then I would say just go with a shaped ProTec case.
It is sturdy, roomy, and will fit all baris, affords good protection.
You can lash it to a luggage cart and wheel it around if need be....
The Anvil weighs a TON, but it is the best protection you can get.
I am 6'3"/250 and the Anvil is more case than I want for local gigs.

I cannot say whether or not the Berkeley will fit your Conn, but it is made of essentially the same material as the WJ and I would NOT recommend that (the WJ) under any circumstances.

Do a search on Yahoo for "Anvil cases"....should turn up for ya....

[super20dan]

one cannot get a berkeley bari case in the usa. no one carries them. i know because i tried every resourse i could. i ended up with a protec like randall sugests while its sturdy its not compact nor light. might as well ues the stock case. conn 12m fits like a glove in it though.

[paulwl]

I happened on a used Berkeley several years ago and my 12M has since reposed therein. (when not playing.) The case cost me $150 and that was with half a latch missing. (Not a problem - there are 6 more still working.) It's a rarity item here as Berkeley simply will not supply the bari model to the US. They're clearly not proud of this particular product. They don't even put their name on it, and I can't say I blame them.

The shell material that's pretty sturdy in alto and tenor sizes flexes like crazy when used in a case this big, and the padding is just as light as in the small models. The 12M fits, but it's an all-purpose case for low A or Bb horns, so what wouldn't fit, really.

The case's biggest advantage to me is its lightness. I wouldn't trust it to anything like a baggage handling situation, but this is OK as I rarely travel with a bari, and when I do it's by car.

[birdiiv7i]

I'm definitely going to be doing a lot of flying with my baritone and bass clarinet and traveling a lot. I would like to get a case for everyday protection and carrying purposes, and then get an anvil case for air travel . . .possibly put the case with the horn inside the anvil case so i don't have to lug the anvil everywhere i go on a gig. I'm just worried that one day, i won't be able to put my horn in the overhead, so I'm trying to take every precaution. Thanks to everyone who responded before.

[paulwl]

I bought my BAM in Paris at a big music store on Rue De Rome....and the guy called BAM directly for me and asked if a JK would fit it.
They said everything will fit, but a Conn Chu.
Personally I am skeptical about the Chu being the only horn that it won't fit, but that's what they told me.
Anyway, I have put a JK low A and a low Bb SBA in mine and it is A-O-K.
The SBA has right-side bell keys, so I guess a 12M wouldn't be a problem...?

My other bari is a tranny Buescher with split bell keys. That presumably would be.

[Randall]

As I said before, according to BAM, a Chu doesn't fit it...it isn't a question of bell keys as much as it is bell shape and bow dimensions I would think.
BTW, Don't some "Chu" horns have opposing bell keys?

[paulwl]

it isn't a question of bell keys as much as it is bell shape and bow dimensions I would think.
BTW, Don't some "Chu" horns have opposing bell keys?
I thought they all did!

[tophatsax]

Randall,

I'm just a weekend player, don't gig on the road or fly with my bari. Will the Selmer version be less protection than other new cases such as the Protec?

Thanks

[Randall]

For my money I'd go with the ProTec over the Selmer logo'd BAM.
Besides, the ProTec has pockets for your music and junk...the Selmer doesn't.
It sounds like the ProTec would suit your needs more anyway....

[Randall]

Phil,
Also I forgot to mention that the aluminum-look bullet case by Keilwerth may be a good option too.
I have one for my JK and Bootman uses one for his Conn and he is very happy with it too.
I love mine. If you are handy, you could add a couple of wheels to the end of the case and it would be very manageable indeed. I haven't done it yet, but I am going to get some rollerblade wheels, cut out the recesses in the end of the case, and give it a go.

[tophatsax]

Randall,

Thanks. I've searched the web with no luck. Any idea who sells them?

Phil

[Randall]

Phil, the Saxofoonwinkel in the Netherlands sells them and shipping from there is very cheap. I think Tim at Sax Alley could also get you one stateside.
Give Paul (at the 'Winkel) an email and he will send you a price.
Good people there, top notch service.
Same for Tim!

[My-Low-SX90R]

Randall,
I'm not sure if you're familiar with the very recent design change walt has made to his standard bari case ~$430. He has ditched the flimsy flat sides in favor if a domed design that is more akin to the alto and tenor cases. It is a much much stronger side that won't bend in and damage your horn. This domed top and bottom also gives more room for padding.

When these first came out I compared the new style to the old and found that not only is there more padding top and bottom but also the padding clearance from the edge of the case to the edge of the bell is nearly doubled. This increased size and durability has also increased weight. I put the 2 cases on the shipping scale at the store and the new case was 22lbs and the old style was 15lbs. A 7lbs difference, but the new case also has wheels and a much better anvil style spring-loaded handle to cope with this. Before you swear off bari WJ's check this new one out.

As far as the Hightech BAM cases, They are very over priced for the amount of flex and give the case has. A friend of mine special ordered a selmer serie II silver bari and traded the stock case for the hightech, it had just come out at the time. When it arrived at his house, 90 miles from the store it was shipped from, the upper stack had deviated 4-5 inches from its intended position, about a 20-25 degree bend. Needless to say this horn was rendered unrepairable, all the while the case was still in perfect condition. No cracks, no marks, no scuffs, just a severly bent horn inside. So far this is my only experience with the case but I offer it as a warning to fellow bari players.

[Randall]

SX I am familiar and have seen photos of it...but the improvements are a moot point with:
1. the case material is the SAME- which means when struck it WILL bend inward.
2. the upper curl end needs an aluminum or steel boot between the padding and the case shell to insure that a strike does not damage the curl.
I have read about this mysterous "flex" phenomenon when several WJ dealers on this board were describing the merits and demerits of cases before....but If you can make a BAM bari case "flex" you are a lot stronger than I. I have heard this same thing said about Hiscox cases...another spurious argument, I dare sare.
One thing for sure, the outer shell of the BAM will not bend inward like the WJ.

The damage you describe is the FIRST such case I have ever heard of or seen reported here.
It also sounds like the bari was dropped from a considerable height and as anyone who has ever had a bari shipped will tell you, any jarring of a bari makes the horn more likely to get damaged in ANY case due to the inertia acting on the horn's own weight.
I have never had a bari shipped that did not need serous adjusting.

That you describe the BAM case in question as showing no SCUFFS makes me doubt this story has any credibility because, as any BAM bari case owner will tell you, the case will show scuffs readily from everyday usage.
I know that I have put my bari in the hold of a major airline in the BAM and it came out just fine (plus some new scuffs)...and when I and many others did the same with the WJ, we had mangled baris- but pristine WJ cases.

Considering what I paid for my treasured SX90R adn that I paid 465 for the BAM case....I think the case is the best bargain out there.
I paid a similar price for the WJ, and lost a bari...as have many others.

And as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that".

[My-Low-SX90R]

Randall,
You make some very good points about why not to choose the WJ. With my story about the BAM case I realize I left out one point. This was a shipped instrument from WWBW to Chicago, and the instrument was packed in a large box with packing material all around it and the case itself was wrapped in plastic, standard shipping procedure. Thus the no scuff scenario. The box showed no signs of deliberate damage, but I know that cardboard boxes are very good at concealing damage.

As far as the WJ still flexing, I went to my local store today, WWBW, and asked to see one of the selmer cutout WJ bari cases to test the flexing theory on the new cases. Where the top of the sax resides, I, a 210lb man, was able to stand directly on the case. I then tested the middle to bottom of the case with my hands. Yes it would flex, but only with putting most of my weight into it, and it would only flex maybe a centimeter. With this new design I am confident in this case to protect my SX90R. It maybe that we will always disagree about these cases, but I offer this as my personal experience with this case to all who might read it. So far, the only downside I see to this case is the amount of time it takes to get one for my Keilwerth. I ordered it throught WWBW in February and it still has not showed up.

[tophatsax]

FYI,

Just heard back from Tim at Sax Alley. He did some checking for me on the BAM case fitting the Big B Bari. His source says that the Big B will not fit in the BAM but will fit in the Protec perfectly.

[TWINE]

I finally got around to ordering both the Selmer Bam and the Silver Bam just to compare the two. Randall was correct in his evaluation of the Selmer logo'd Bam.

The material used for the Selmer seemed pretty flimsy. The wheels didn't protrude far enough on the sides of the case to make for a stable ride. Furthermore, the selmer version didn't have the extra "pulling handle" that the BAM has. I found moving the Selmer around on the wheels fairly precarious. The most obvious difference between the two is that the selmer can't hold a Bb horn, duh.

The BAM is the total opposite of the Selmer. It's very solid. Handles are where they ought to be. A cool plus is that it's silver. The BAM provided for NO movement of my horn inside the case, whereas my YBS 62 didn't have a very comfortable fit in the Selmer.

Needless to say, I returned the Selmer and kept the BAM.

[shortwhite]

Twine,

Would you feel safe flying the Bam case?

[TWINE]

Absolutely. In addition, I would probably use key clamps and maybe a luggage strap.

[paulwl]

If anyone's still interested in the Berkeley case (fits A or Bb horns), I plan to sell mine. I'm the second owner, and it's in great shape except for one missing latch half. (There are 6 other latches.)

paulwl AT optonline DOT net

[Bob Garner]

I used the Bam Bari case on a round trip flight from Chicago to Baltimore for my Bb Mark VI. The case was scuffed, but both the case and horn made it intact.

[super20dan]

paul do you still have the berkeley bari case for sale?

[chsbarisaxy]

The answer is the BAM, I have at one time owned the BAM, Walt Johnson, and Selmer and the BAM has the strength that the Selmer doesn't, and the WHEELS that the WJ doesn't. :wink:

[Tonehole]

Just bought the Bam case for my new Yamaha Bari 62. The case is as it's supporters have stated the best choice.
I have a Berkley case I modified for my SBA Bb ....changed the latches, added foam and made back pack straps. It works well but not close to the Bam in fit finish and finese!
I canot see using the wheels on the street but moving around airports and hall ways they will work well.
I will likely swap sax cases when I am giging with the Bb.

As for shipping the case in a plane. Has anyone asked to take a Bam case on as carry on? It is so light and compact it could be stored at the front. I have been allowed to carry my WJ tenor case on planes.
The store had a WJ and a Winter case on hand as well. The Winter is good deal at the price.... though I think my Berkly is better then these 2.

Gotta blow..........

[super20dan]

tone hole-where did you get the latches for teh berkeley. i would like to change mine to something stronger also

[SaxPlayer1004]

just got my WJ bari case. for what I am using it for it is perfect, however I agree with you all NOT FLIGHT WORTHY. the thing may be near bullet proof with the kevlar and stuff, but it isn't sturdy at all. the alto and tenor cases I have seen are much stronger than this. It is a great all around case for bebopping around town. It's contoured which is nice, and fits to my back very nicely *I'm 6'3" so it might fit everyone else*. If you want a lightweight around town case thatfits your horn real nice and stuff then go for it, but get the BAM if you can. Only reason I got it, was because a local store was getting rid of it for $150 bucks, I am their only bari sax customer besides Jim Houlik, and he already has a full WJ line for his sax's, and they needed to dump it, so i got it for what they bought it for. better than the protec, but it needs backpack straps badly, i have a golf strap on their now so its padded, but backpacks would be nice. any suggestions? it has one hook on top, about 6 inches above the bell brace, and one just about the low c pad.

[Tonehole]

Super20dan I tracked the latches down on the internet ... I got them from a local hardware supplier ... they are the same as on the Walt J case. I will try to find the site but it was over a year ago. They use those latches a lot at display companies. Try to find someone in your area, should not be that hard to locate! They work well and are easy to install.

Gotta blow............

[SaxPlayer1004]

Tonehole, any idea how to lock the wj latches without a luggage strap lock (the tie downs with the locks)?

[Tonehole]

You can get those same WJ laches designed with a piece that accepts a regular pad lock. My Alto case came with one lach with this feature, my tenor case didn't so I changed one of the laches.
Very secure.

Gotta blow............

[Morry]

The latest WJ case is nothing like the older version. It now is unbelievably strong (can't flex it at all), has ATA latches and handles, and very nice wheels.

[Randall]

Gonna burst your bubble Morry...The new WJ IS made of the same material as the old WJ. It is the material the case is made of that is the issue....not flex or hinges or latches.

If the case takes a hard whack, the material WILL bend in, snap back and show no damage from the outside. Given a sharp enough whack at just the wrong place, it will damage the horn inside.

The older case had virtually no padding at the neck curl area ( a MAJOR design flaw) and that, combined with the kind of material the case is made from, the old WJ bari case is the Ford Pinto of bari cases.

The new case does look better (obviously taken some design cues from BAM) and may indeed be better than the old one, but it will be an extremely cold day in :angry4: hell before I ever put another bari in a WJ.

Until the issue of the material is addressed, I would avoid the WJ bari like the plague.

The BAM has carried my precious bari all around and even under the plane with nary a hitch...so far.....
:wink:

[Morry]

Randall, I don't see how this material could flex. I'm a BIG guy, and I put all my weight behind it, and couldn't compress the sides of the case at all.

[shortwhite]

I finally just bit the bullet and had an Anvil style case (w/wheels) made for my bari. The Walt Johnson goes in the anvil case. When I get to my destination I haul it around in the Walt Johnson.

Just made a round trip from Austin to Ft. Lauderdale w/ no problems. I do have to pay extra to fly this beast but that will be figured into the pay scale.

Some have said get a smaller case, Berkley for example, and carry it on the plane. For this Ft Lauderdale gig a guitar player showed up w/ his guitar in a soft gig bag expecting to carry it on. The airline refused to let him carry it on. So someone from the airline would "hand carry" the guitar from the gate to the plane. You see this coming.............

When he got to Ft. Lauderdale, no guitar. The airline couldn't find it. Turned out they left it on the tarmac in the rain. When it turned up in lost baggage 6 days later it was broken into 2 pieces.

Do everything you can to protect your axe. You are at their mercy.

[Randall]

Morry, case flex is referring to a twisting motion exerted on opposing ends of the case
However...the material of the WJ will bend inward with a sharp blow...

[saxchado]

Ok, so even after listening to Randall rag on the Walt Johnson Bari case for a couple of years, I still went ahead and bought one for my new Yamaha bari. What can I say. I'm stubborn and my vanity won out, wanting a matching set of cases.

I paid 540 bucks, and when I opened the box, I was really excited. It looked fantastic. As mentioned in Morry's post, they have redesigned and made some improvements. The handles and wheels looked great.

Now, here's the reality of it: when I picked the case up, something inside rattled. There were loose pieces of something rattling around inside between the foam and the outer shell. Not dissuaded, I put my horn in it anyway. It barely fit. When I took my horn out, the high E key at the top of the curl was bent completely out of playing position. As if that were not enough, the padding inside the case was not firmly glued down. It came up, showing the fiberglass underside without even having to pull against the adhesive. In addition, the wheels were loose and uneven, making rolling difficult and a little bit nerve-racking.

I don't know whether I just got a lemon or whether WJ has just let the QC go out the window. Needless to say, I put the thing back in it's box and returned it. My BAM Hightech arrived today. I think I'm in love. THIS case is everything they promise and more. Randall, I'm sorry that I ever doubted you. Please forgive me.

For those of you still considering the WJ, learn from my mistakes. Don't go there. The BAM is more expensive, true, but What's a couple hundred bucks when you're talking about the safety of your money-maker?

The downside of this whole thing? Now I've got to sell my other WJ's and buy BAM so I can have a matching set:D

[drakesaxprof]

I don't know whether I just got a lemon or whether WJ has just let the QC go out the window. Needless to say, I put the thing back in it's box and returned it. My BAM Hightech arrived today. I think I'm in love. THIS case is everything they promise and more. Randall, I'm sorry that I ever doubted you. Please forgive me.

For those of you still considering the WJ, learn from my mistakes. Don't go there. The BAM is more expensive, true, but What's a couple hundred bucks when you're talking about the safety of your money-maker?

The downside of this whole thing? Now I've got to sell my other WJ's and buy BAM so I can have a matching set:D

I have a BAM (great case), and have just ordered an SKB for the school. When it arrives, I can compare the two. I have WJ alto and tenor cases, but they're a decade old, so from the "good old" days, I'm afraid.

[DavidW]

I have a BAM (great case), and have just ordered an SKB for the school. When it arrives, I can compare the two. I have WJ alto and tenor cases, but they're a decade old, so from the "good old" days, I'm afraid.

If you get a chance, could you test fit some different baris in the SKB case? I read a while back that those cases were receiving some design changes to fit different model baris better. I am curious about how well older Conns (pre 12M) and Bueschers would fit in it.

[drakesaxprof]

I have a BAM (great case), and have just ordered an SKB for the school. When it arrives, I can compare the two. I have WJ alto and tenor cases, but they're a decade old, so from the "good old" days, I'm afraid.

If you get a chance, could you test fit some different baris in the SKB case? I read a while back that those cases were receiving some design changes to fit different model baris better. I am curious about how well older Conns (pre 12M) and Bueschers would fit in it.

I would, but I have neither. I have my own Serie II, and a couple of Mk VI horns that belong to Drake. I have a student with an old Conn, though, so will try to check it out at some point.

JR