Protec Tenor Case -- Careful !!

[frasermanx]

I was just about to swing my TT tenor in my Protec case around my shoulder to head out the door when the strap ripped off the case !! To me this looks like a manufacturers defect since the rivet / screw / reinforcement should be through the loop of the webbing not beside it !! In any case (no pun ) i will be putting a r /s/r through the loop/s on both ends to ensure this will not happen again ...

Ok .. check your cases .. you have been warned !!

....musing here .. maybe I should contact the manufacturer ??

Here is the proof / damage

Good luck

[SOTSDO]

The Protec cases are fine for light duty work, but I'd not trust them in an aircraft hold (or in the hands of any baggage handler other than myself) for love nor money. While the horn is padded and supported well enough in the case, the hardware and stitching are too easy to damage.

[Graftonsax]

Only case I carry with shoulder strap is bari, because well, it's heavy. I have a big Protec for mine, the strap is pretty heavy duty and is solid. On any other sax I've removed the shoulder straps and don't use them.

[frasermanx]

I enforced the strap ring webbing by drilling a screws right through on both ends of the shoulder strap. I did not add a nut on the other side although that is even better -- i will watch for further problems. i have often done this repair / mod with computer laptop cases.

[Hukijiwa 82Z]

I have not had any problems with my pro-tec tenor case, but my alto doubling case (with pockets for flute and clari) has been somewhat of a nuisance. All three screws in the siding around the side handle have ripped out, making it impossible to to use the handle. I've meant to contact the manufacturer and see if they'll replace it, as the case is less that a year old. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but I think I will now.

[yellow_v_max]

I've had years of Protec case experiences, and they were not fantastic.

1. Tenor sax contoured case - after several years of occasional use, the bottom (lengthwise) of the case ripped out along the seams, revealing the insides of the structure. The actual frame is plywood held together with wood nails.

2. Alto Back Pack style case - after some years of regular use, the bottom D-ring fabric (for the back strap) was finally ripping out from the main stitching on the body of the case. The foam had compressed somewhat, especially at the bottom of the bow, so I had to place some folded cloth to give it more cushioning.

3. Alto Xtreme Back Pack style case - screws next to the handles, both top and side came out from the wooden main frame. This was within 4 times I took the case out for gigs. I did not overload the front pocket, which incidently has an expandable zipper to increase the volume of the pocket to hold more books, a clarinet or a flute, but I doubt it's strength. I tried to rescrew it using locktite but without avail. I left it as it is. The same problem with the bottom D-ring fabric connected to the body of the case.

My BAM tenor case is so far still surviving, but it costs much more.

Perhaps HISCOX cases should come up with some back pack style cases?
In any case, Protec does not live up to its name to protect. Look for another brand...

[yellow_v_max]

Update -

After a recital this evening, the other bottom side of my Protec Xtreme Alto case, where the backstrap locks on to, has just started the initial fabric rip...

I really wonder what it can really pro-tec...