pro tec bari sax cases

[dingfelder]

what do you all think of pro tec cases for bari saxes ?

contoured: http://www.grothmusic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-PB311CT.html?L+scstore+cpdd9831ff996d99+1046935493

non-contoured: http://www.grothmusic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-PB311.html?L+scstore+cpdd9831ff996d99+1046935493

[Helen]

I'm not sure what kind of info. you're looking for, but I'll give you my experience. I have a Selmer low Bb bari that lives in the trapazoidal (?) type case. I like the case for around town, etc. shows. The horn is well protected (much better than a gig bag) but only as heavy as my tenor in it's wooden case.

It fits my horn like a glove. There is 0 movement. I would however not recommend it for travelling via public transportation like plane, train, or bus. I only use it when I'm in control of my horn. I wouldn't place anything ontop of it.

For the price, it is hard to beat.

[Subtone Sam]

I have a contoured Protec for bari.Its fine for around town use but you will need a more protective case if on the road etc.Might need some extra padding inside,depands on your horn.
I heard Hiscox is engineering a bari case,thats what I´ll get when it comes out.

[MusicMedic]

The non-contoured case has a lot of padding but it is Huge! I just shipped a Bari Back to a client in one of these cases. The case looks ok but again, it's a beast! :twisted:

[paulwl]

I had a bad experience with a square Pro Tec tenor case. I absentmindedly put a knee on the shallow side (handle side) while plugging in some sound gear. The side buckled immediately and knocked the accessory box out of place on the inside!

On inspection it turned out there was NO plywood in the shallow side panel - it was just stiff foam sheeting under the fabric skin.

My contoured Pro Tecs seem to be much sturdier all around. Feels like plywood even on the handle side.

[bari_sax_diva]

I've had the trapezoid-style (I like to refer to it as a coffin) style Pro-tech. Bought it when I didn't actually own a bari--I was using a Mark VI that belonged to a college I played at, and I was looking for a lighter alternative to the Selmer case for long parking-lot hikes. Here's my thoughts:

1. The shoulder strap made the thing tolerable, though you look really weird carrying it that way. If you use this, MAKE SURE you get a few heavy-duty plastic cable ties and reinforce the metal clips with them. If a clip breaks, you'll have something to keep the whole thing from slamming down on the pavement (this happened to an acquaintance). It's only a drop from three feet, but can still cause pretty significant damage to a horn that heavy. Also, don't get this case if you're a general klutz and tend to drop things. Do not, EVER, fly with it. It won't survive.

2. Get the dimensions and check to make sure it'll fit in your car. It's big, I was surprised to find out that it didn't fit into one of mine.

3. Storage space is awesome in this case, and I've always liked Pro-tech's exterior pockets for carrying music.

4. Plan to replace the case after a year or so of 2-3 times a week rehearsals. I found that the interior eventually broke down, leaving a little too much wiggle room for the horn. For the $170 or so I spent, I'd say it was still worth the money.

FYI... by the time I *did* replace my Pro-tech, I was carrying my own shiny new Yamaha 62 bari. This time, I bit the bullet and got a Walt Johnson. Been so happy with it I'm thinking about getting one for my tenor this week.

Hope this helps!
-Leanne

[Randall]

Leanne, Beware of the WJ bari case :!: :cry:

[bari_sax_diva]

Leanne, Beware of the WJ bari case :!: :cry:

Um, why? Some problem I don't know about? Nearly every review I've heard was good, and I've used mine for about a year with no problems.

:?:

[Randall]

Read the thread about WJ vs BAM below....
Trust me and my friends, you have your cherished bari in a case just waitin' to mangle.

[max]

Check out the BAM vs WJ thread in this section (Cases):
http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2793

In addition, while I've had good luck with my WJ tenor case, the soprano case did not provide good protection.
(and now I use a Hiscox for my tenor...)

[max]

I type too slowly... :roll:

[bari_sax_diva]

Just a question: was the damage caused by roadies or baggage handlers? Don't get me wrong--when you drop $400+ on a case you expect it to protect your instrument, but under no circumstances would my bari be in a position to be "struck sharply." I just don't let the thing that far out of my sight, and only use this as a lug-around-town case. Does that become a problem?

Flying, I realize, is another consideration entirely, and it's probably going to be a cold day in the underworld when I hand my horn off to a bunch of baggage monkeys. If I absolutely have to play baritone at some destination, I'd rather try renting one, or as a last resort I'd take the case, crate it in wood or borrow a friend's Anvil case to put the WJ in, and ship it as cargo so I can insure it for its value. Call me paranoid, but my horn plays great and I'd like to keep it that way.

-Leanne

[max]

Can't speak to the bari issue, but I dropped the soprano in the WJ case from about 2.5 feet - I was trying to carry too much at once and open a door (stupid... the only time in almost 20 years of playing that I actually dropped one).

It fell from my hand to the sidewalk/threshold; the LH table was all out of whack and the body was visibly bent.

Again, I don't know about the bari cases, but it doesn't necessarily take a "baggage monkey" to push the limits on the WJs.

[Randall]

Max is right, it doesn't take a baggage monkey...you are fully capable of inflicting the right amount of damage yourself! :lol:
Diva, as my other post said, the case has a design flaw- From my heart, as someone who cherished their bari, take my advice. Get the BAM case....why risk your sizeable investment?
As to flying, unless you are willing (and loaded enough) to buy your bari a plane ticket so it can be strapped in beside you (saw a contrabass player do this once!) or pay to have it crated and then pay the extra baggage charge (not cheap), then this is the only way you will avoid the baggage monkeys.
Actually I have the sneaking suspicion that the strike to my bari case (WJ) came as a result of it coming down the baggage shute into the carousel (sp?) at the baggage claim and whacking into something. However the monkeys could have had their way with it too. One way or another, the WJ was bari was not, in any shape nor form, the best protection money can buy for my instrument- contrary to WJ claims.
My bari has survived airplane rides in the BAM, unscathed, and my former bari was mangled in the WJ.
An Anvil is the best, worry-free way to fly your bari....hope you have good biceps when it comes time to pick it up though!

[Gange]

Why start a new thread when there is one to reuse?

I'm interested in the contoured Pro Tec case for my Mk VI but I have not seen one in "person". Is there a site somewhere with some nice pics of the interior? Or if some kind person would post/send some pics of their own, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Subtone Sam]

No case can offer such protection that if you drop it,the sax inside wouldn't suffer more or less.People have reported on this forum damages that have happened in most protective cases,like Hiscox,Anvil and WJ.
A good,fitting case protects your horn from minor bumps etc. but if you drop ANY case,with the sax inside it,from 1 meter,its very likely that the horn will suffer more or less,bent body tube in the worst case.

[SaxPlayer1004]

any idea where we can buy the coffin bari case? wwbw claim that protec discontiued then but the cases are still on the site.

[saxamaphonegirl]

i have the contoured one.

they are ok for a while, but then they start to break down. i've had mine for about 5 years now. they just get flimsy. the joints start to pull apart, the padding wears down, and they absorb every smell they possibly can. the horn starts to move around a lot in the case. i wouldn't trust it for any decent protection.

there are plenty of better brands listed on ebay for cheap. some used, some new wholesale.

if you value your horn, go for a higher quality case!

[SaxPlayer1004]

any body know of any structural differences between the contoured and the coffin? im saving for a BAM but thats a LOT of dough. skb just needs to come out and make a bari case

[russps]

i have the contoured one.

they are ok for a while, but then they start to break down. i've had mine for about 5 years now. they just get flimsy. the joints start to pull apart, the padding wears down, and they absorb every smell they possibly can. the horn starts to move around a lot in the case. i wouldn't trust it for any decent protection.



Protec has changed their cases several times in the past few years, and the newer ones seem to be made a lot better than the ones from just a few years ago.

The contour bari cases are more rigid than the trapazoidal ones. The top and bottom of the trapazoidal cases are almost soft, while the contour is hard. The walls of the case also seem thicker on the contour.

I've had my bari contour for about 2 years, and its held up great. I've had school band directors purchase the trapazoidal ones, and they fall apart in under 6 months (possibly because kids are sitting on them).

Russ

[SaxPlayer1004]

do you have any pics of them? i can deal with the contour, however i was looking for the extra space, but that stuff may just have to go int he duffel bag

[super20dan]

i have the contour model and hate it! while its very well made and sturdy it offers no size nor weight savings over the stock bari case . its too big and too heavy un other words. the only benifit is it has a shoulder strap. my kingdom for a berkeley!

[SaxPlayer1004]

then where do we get the berkeleys i cant find anything on them, plenty on here, just no pics or anything

[super20dan]

thats just the problem-berkeley bari cases are no longer sold in this country. you must order from a dealer in england (whose service is very poor!) and pay the high freight cost to ship to usa. by the time all is said and done -you might as well get a bam

[SaxPlayer1004]

do u have pics of your protec? im thinking im just going to get then, just for the shoulder strap. i don't mind the weight ( keyboards and tubas are a bit heavier (sarcasm)) but i just need the free hands. a lot of gigs, i play, and sax quartets and stuff, i play SATB and all four of them are in stock cases. i have the duffel bag for AT and music n stands, but the bari and sop are a pain.

[SaxPlayer1004]

ok im gonna bite the bullet, cant afford a bam so im getting a pro tec. has any one purchased RECENTLY a non contoured protec bari case? and noticed any problems with them. is the new non contoured any less protective on the sides? im thinking the contoured one must be more dangerous for the crook since its out in the open. any thoughts? i know this seems really dumb to be asking, but when you are in high school, just bought your own bari, saving for college, you dont have 550 bucks for a case. this is just for bebopping around to random gigs, no planes or anything. so im thinking i don't really need the bam.

[super20dan]

i am selling my new pro tec countoured bari case for only 150 + shipping . i am finally getting a berkeley! . fits low a & Bb . let me know if interested

[SaxPlayer1004]

whered you get the berkeley, and where is it located. id kinda like to see the case first. my baris got a wierd bell and thumbrest on it. i was hoping for a new case so it would have a chance to mold to my bari instead of some one elses

[super20dan]

i found a used one -long story. what kind of bari do you have? i only used my protec 2 times so no sax is molded to it

[SaxPlayer1004]

i have a newport brand bari
its made by la sax as their artist series and the bell on it is at a funky angle. turned right a bit more then usual to allow for better posture while sitting and soloing. ill keep you in mind though. all depends on where my parents allow me to buy from. im in highschool so my parents still get to tell me where and who i can buy from.

[super20dan]

in that case (no pun intended) i cant blame you for wanting to try before you buy. so far every bari i have fits perfectly in the protec. selmer mk6 low a-king super20-conn 12m and keilwerth Bb . these protecs are a good alt tothe very expencive bamm ans walt jonson. what i dont like about them is the size-too big! might as well use the stock case. they are very sturdy and very well made . neck goes down the bell in a provided pouch.

[SaxPlayer1004]

thats good to know. im not looking for a downsize in the case, thats why i was looking mainly at the non-contoured. im actually looking to upsize. the case i have now (stock) doesnt have enough room for mouthpieces strap ( i have a thick leather guitar strap converted to a sling, plus my harness, a thin neckstrap, and a neotech strap, depending what im playing) reed cases, a tuner and metronome. the neck. etc etc. all im looking for in a case is something that has a shoulder strap or backpack straps ( i can always fabricate) with tons of pocket and stuff space. im a big kid for high school, 6' 3" 250 lbs ish varsity heavy weight wrestler. so weight and size isn't an issue, its more of what i just mentioned, a protective case that is inexpensive with a lot of space. which fits the protecs like a glove, and im debating over contoured or non right now.

[super20dan]

the countour is built stronger than the retangle case . it does not have backpack straps which is inexcueseable given its size and weight. if i were to keep this case i would convert it to backpack capable. it does have a large storage pocket with built in webing for mpcs ,tuners reeds etc. they seem to have done their home work on this case except for the lack of back pack straps.

[shmuelyosef]

How do you pad the bari inside the Berkeley...I have had one for a few years, but haven't been able to support either of my baris (Keilwerth A and Conn 12M) without the crook being uncomfortably close to the hinge side of the case. seems like just a bump could transfer a lot of energy to the crook. I continue to use protec trapezoid as neither horn has original case in working condition.

[SaxPlayer1004]

Not so, the structure is pretty much the same the enhancement is that the contoured case comes with a built in organizer and is just less bulky to carry around.



Yolanda McAllister

Sales Executive ext.200

PRO TEC INTERNATIONAL

ymcallister@protecmusic.com


still trying to find your structural differences. and both cases should be backpackable, with that little doohitchy thing they sell.

[super20dan]

i agree! if any case needs to be backpackable -its the protec! not pnly is it huge-its also very heavy

[SaxPlayer1004]

ill probly jury rig something so itll work with my golf strap. man those golf bag strap things are wicked comfortable. let you know how it works when i get it.

[coufplayer]

I've got the "Coffin" protec for my "The Martin" bari and I'm very pleased. It replaced the orginal beat up case and is a great improvement. The room it has in it is amazing! It might not be the absolute best protection for the horn, but its a huge improvement over what I had. I must admit, I'm really only an occassional bari player - I might feel differently if I was having to haul it around all of the time.

btw - the best part --- I got it on closeout sale for $50 delivered a while back!! :lol:

[SaxPlayer1004]

just got the walt johnson for around 300 bucks for my bari. its the smaller low a bari case without wheels. its an awesome case, i just needa figure out how to make it backpackable. it has two rings on one side for a shoulder strap. ill figure something out. amazing case though.

[shmuelyosef]

I, too, would be happy with the Protec coffin if I could figure out a way to make it backpackable...anybody have any suggestions?

[mark_m]

Shmuel - I'd love to see the Berkeley case sometime if you feel like it - I need a case for my Martin. Have you worked out any padding yet?
Mark M.

[goodsax]

I've got the "Coffin" protec for my "The Martin" bari and I'm very pleased. It replaced the orginal beat up case and is a great improvement. The room it has in it is amazing! It might not be the absolute best protection for the horn, but its a huge improvement over what I had. I must admit, I'm really only an occassional bari player - I might feel differently if I was having to haul it around all of the time.

btw - the best part --- I got it on closeout sale for $50 delivered a while back!! :lol:

Almost the same applies in my situation, but I have a contour ProTec for my vintage Conn Bb bari. It's just what I need for the occasional times I need to haul it to local venues and is much better than the duct taped cripple (original) case I was using.