Ref 54 case v/s Series III flight case

[cannonball]

Hello,

Does anyone know how does the ref 54 case compare to the series III flight case? Which is more firm? Can you get the ref 54 with the flight case, does the sax correctly in it?

Thks

[Mike_K]

I use a Selmer Flight Case for my Ref 54 (not sure if there is a specific Series III version - I think there's just one model). I like it better than the Ref 54 case. It seems to be sturdier, with a harder shell. The thing I like the best about it is that the top of the case opens 180 degrees. So if the case is on a table, the top will open "all the way" so it rests on the table. The Ref 54 case only opens 90 degrees, which means you either have to hold the top open with one hand or let the case rock back to rest on the hinge part to make the top stay open.

Also, the Ref 54 case has a zipper while the Flight case has 4 clasps. I like the clasps a lot better than a zipper.

The sax fits great in the case.

[Gange]

I also prefer the flight case. See above for the reasons. :-)

[Demolisher]

No doubt the flight case wins for being all around but when you gotta look and stylin, take the ref case.

[Sigmund451]

Both are junk when it comes to protecting that sort of investment. Get a Hiscox.

[Demolisher]

^
|
|
Wonder how much they pay you people to say that.;)
Oh and selmer is the best.:D

[jacobeid]

^
|
|
Wonder how much they pay you people to say that.;)
Oh and selmer is the best.:D

I'm a selmer fan (mostly) but not their cases. Hiscox's are WAY more protective and better than selmers.

[Miztrez Az]

Personal Experience:

I love my horns and I wouldn't put that kind of investment into the 54 case. It's a pretty looking case, but it's just lacking. Also the storage compartment is.... abysmal to say the least.

As soon as I recived my 54 and saw that the case was basically a plactic coated foam gig bag, I bought a new case.

I have nothing against gig bags or people who use them. Seeing that I'm a bit... accident prone... I just wouldn't put my horns into them because if it falls off my shoulder and just bumps the ground, or someone slams into you hard enough while you're walking, you land on your horn... the damage, YIKES!

If you take the empty 54 case, zip it up, grab both ends, and twist, the case will TWIST! Also, put it on a table, (empty) take your index finger and apply pressure... aka poking, you can make the side flex in about an inch or more. That's way too much to offer any type of solid protection. It's scary to put any horn worth any amount of money into that kind of case.

I can't imagine what the horn would look like after it's been dropped from your shoulder in the 54 case. *shudder*

My adivce from personal experience, if you ever take you horn out of your house, avoid the 54 case. Period.

[Dr G]

I used to use an Anvil case for my BA tenor. When I bought my Serie III from USA Horn, I upgraded to a Walt Johnson case. After I bought my Ref 36, I sold the III and kept its case. Somewhere, out there, is a III in a lovely Ref case.

[zorroperro]

My experience with cases goes from long ago. First, and as a matter of personal taste, I do not like Hiscox. Yes they are protective, so can be a safe box with wheels.;)

Selmer cases, are protective enough for my Mark VI and Series II as long as I do not plan to drop them from an appartment to the ground.

As important as a good protective case is, it is more important how careful are you with your instrument once it is into the case.

For me the looks are very important and the Selmer are the best, followed by BAM (who makes Selmer cases).

For the best very protective case, SKB.

My opinion though.

Kindest Regards,

JI

[Sigmund451]

Self edit