Shaped tenor case

[Jazzophone]

OK. A question that has been hashed over a million times no doubt but here it is. Bought a YTS-52 recently and it came in that gargantuan black thing, about the size as a small suitcase and as heavy. It's pretty brutal for someone as small as I am to carry around regularly (the sax is not the problem -- I play bari too -- it's the case that gets you every time). I need a shaped tenor sax case, preferably small enough to fit in an airplane overhead compartment, but that isn't at an extortionist price (some of them are unbelievable!). The Pro-Tec one looks pretty good and is affordable -- I have a Pro-Tec flute case already and it works fabulously. I don't know if that would fit in an overhead (any experiences?).

Any other ideas would rock. I'm going to summer camp, they do music nights almost every night, and they even mentioned sax on the list ("If you play any musical instruments ie. clarinet, guitar, saxophone ...") -- I think that's a sign. :roll:

[singlereed]

If you want compact and value for money, there is an Ebay seller that regularrly offers TKL shaped hard cases for a very good price. I used to have one, and it was not bad at all, although the hinges and locks were not as tough as the premium brands, but seemd adequate. It has a little compartment inside that just about takes a crook and mouthpiece. The seller is called Arlene Geiler and has the user name 'express'. I have bought three things from them shipped over to the UK and they have been fine. The SKB ones are also quite compact and well-made.

[bari_sax_diva]

I just went through this with my Yamaha Custom tenor, and I was surprised to find that the SKB case didn't fit the horn. I ended up buying the Pro Tec countoured case, and so far my only gripe is the zippers stick like crazy when they're new. Don't know if it fits in an overhead bin (I generally only fly with my alto), but you might call the airline in advance to ask.

I agree, though, that the stock Yamaha cases are battleships. I should know... I've got three in my garage right now.

Hope this helps!
-Leanne

[Jazzophone]

Thanks Leanne ... just checked out the Pro-Tec cases, my father got a shock when we noticed the price tag (215$ CDN) but looks like it is well worth it. The flute case we got (91$ - don't recall paying that much for it, but it's definitely worth forking over the moolah) is a godsend, I know I'm safe traveling all over with it. It comes with me to school regularly and around to recitals, and practises, and all sorts of other things.

What do you do with the mouthpiece(s)? I noticed the space for a neck, but am not sure whether I could fit a mpc in there too. Shove them in the bell in a bag, I guess? Definitely don't want to put them in the outside pockets as they'd probably get ruined pretty quick. The great thing about the Pro-Tec case is you can fit a flute in there too :D seeing as that is the only other horn I own currently, besides an old recorder, I think I'm good to go.

I'm going to contact the airline sometime in the next two weeks to see if they'll take the sax in the compartment in the cabin instead of me having to check it in special luggage. I'm still a little squeamish about leaving my tenor somewhere that it will get jostled around a lot. Anybody have experiences with checking a tenor? (If it makes a difference, I'm travelling Air Canada.)

[Subtone Sam]

Hiscox pro-case should fit your Yamaha well and its the best case in the market with a reasonable price.Hiscox has some space for accesories but the best way to carry neck&mouthpiece is in the bell in Kiwi or BG bag.

[Jazzophone]

Er, yeah. Thanks. I have a case now (Pro-Tec) - am just wondering how to carry the flute now, I only have a really large case for that (also Pro-Tec :oops:) so how to pad that?