Anything else???? Something that doesn't tip over and is hard on the outside and soft inside and does not retain moisture or let your sax move around....best CASE?
Go for the BAM Cabine. Get a kiwi neck bag where you can keep the mouthpiece on the neck. Then you can use the small storage space where the mouthpiece is supposed to go to keep a few reeds or a strap and then you can use the rectangular cut out space under the horn to keep a box of reeds (a rigotti box fits in there without touching the horn!) and other accessories (I keep a full box of reeds, a strap, some screwdrivers and pencils and a few tabs of cork grease all in a bag in that small space. Seriously these cases are built like tanks, but are lightweight, have latches that lock for traveling, have backpack straps and are very small so they fit in pretty much any airplane or other storage hold. Just my recommendation!
I had a winter case for my keilwerth since nothing else fit. They are not as sturdy as the bam cases. The latches are made from plastic and you have to really watch out to not only close them "half way" (they look closed but aren't). I just ordered a BAM Cabine for my new horn. Smaller and sturdier... what more could I want?
I always was under the impression though that the BAM Cabine cases come with a neck pouch to put your neck in the bell. But the comments in this thread make it seem like I have to buy an extra one. Is that true?
I prefer the "handle" design I have on my 25-year old Protec soft case - it includes straps coming from both the top and bottom of the case, and they make it so you really cannot attempt to pick up the case without putting both the straps (connected to the bottom and top of the case) in your hand. The effect of this is that even if you do something stupid, and forget to zip the case closed, the case stays closed enough so that your sax stays in it - you quickly realize the case it not zipped, but the sax does not get dropped on the ground.
Ideally, no sax player should be careless enough to make the mistake of not securing the latches or zipper on a case before picking it up. I've done it at least twice, and been saved by the case's design. Perhaps I would have "learned" from the first time, but I am happy to not have suffered the pain.
I don't know what strap design is used by modern sax cases.
I prefer the "handle" design I have on my 25-year old Protec case - it includes straps coming from both the top and bottom of the case, and they make it so you really cannot attempt to pick up the case without putting both the straps (connected to the bottom and top of the case) in your hand. The effect of this is that even if you do something stupid, and forget to zip the case closed, the case stays closed enough so that your sax stays in it - you quickly realize the case it not zipped, but the sax does not get dropped on the ground.
Ideally, no sax player should be careless enough to make the mistake of not securing the latches or zipper on a case before picking it up. I've done it at least twice, and been saved by the case's design. Perhaps I would have "learned" from the first time, but I am happy to not have suffered the pain.
I don't know what strap design is used by modern sax cases.
I don't put stuff in the pockets. The neck and the mouthpiece and my strap go in the bell, reeds and swabs in the compartment under the sax. This way I have all the essentials in a very compact case. If I need sheet music, a stand and/or my wireless mic setup I have to bring another bag/backpack anyway since the protecs pockets are not big enough for that. If I need only a few lead sheets they'll probably fit into the bell as well.
The latches on the bam canine can be locked, that way they won't open. I am more concerned about someone else or myself mistaking an open zipper for a closed one and picking up an open case with the sax in it.
Regarding the neck pouch: Thanks for the info. I was going to order one anyway, I was just concerned that I couldn't use the case until it arrived.
I don't put stuff in the pockets. The neck and the mouthpiece and my strap go in the bell, reeds and swabs in the compartment under the sax. This way I have all the essentials in a very compact case..
Right .... it depends on the stuff you need to carry around. My essential problem with compact, non-compartment cases is they won't accommodate my reed holder, which is a small jar for 4 reeds, with a little vodka in it. It just doesn't fit in any of those really tight cases. Sometimes I need two jars, and I usually have a pair of reading glasses in a small case, a second mp, sometimes a microphone or a compact digital recorder, sheet music, etc. It's convenient to have everything in one place. I would definitely trust locking latches more than non-locking ones, until I lost the key, at which point I'd probably want to drink the vodka in the jar ..... I think, of all the excellent cases listed here, the Propac is the least expensive.
BAM everytime. They are made for the Mark VI. The Hi Tec I have is really well made and importantly it has a good storage bag inside and a big pocket attached I've had it since they first came out and it does everything well... it's the complete case and fits a VI like a glove. The Cabine is for if you fly a lot and want to get your sax in the overhead so as small as possible which means storage suffers.
I personally do not like Hiscox cases, There is not enough storage space for my needs and the fit is acceptable but not up to my BAM hi tec. I have to use a Hiscox with my S20s but as soon as I get to try some BAMS out on it the Hiscox cases will be gone.
BAM Cabine or SoftPack. Some complain about the amount of storage space. For me, I found that with cases with more storage, I was carry more than I really NEEDED. I'm currently using the Cabine case for my Ref. 54 alto and Mark VI tenor, and I can get everything I NEED in the cases. Love the small foot print!
I am leaning toward the Mauriat Case...It is actually better than both the BAM and the Hiscox from many opinions on the Web and few music stores I contacted. Now don't get me wrong, I do like the BAM and Hiscox but I'm impatient with unpacking stuff and the BAM would drive m nuts if I had to start pouching anything and tucking it in the bell or to the side or under o whatever senior'. The other thing that I don't like is loose and the Hiscox does not have a snug spot for a neck. I would find myself back again in the BAM scenario, this time trying to prevent the neck from moving around. The Protec I checked looks good, but the case tips over one you remove the instrument because the lid is heavier than the base due to the zippers, pockets etc. That would drive me nuts. The P. Mauriat looks perfect. It is thicker than all the cases I have researched. It seems like there is a compartment for the neck and the mouthpiece or leaving the moutpiece attached to the neck and using the mouthpiece hole for my tube of reeds filled with Bacardi. I think the only issue I have left is cork grease, neck strap, cleaning dong etc. Hey, no problem though, just carry it with another gig bag. My take --
bought a hiscox 10years ago, it's been with me on several international trips as well as (almost) every day use. Shows only a little wear and still functions as it should. outstanding quality. Or as the Brits might say "Jolly good, splendid"
Update: My BAM Cabine just arrived. The thing is tiny. That is it's biggest advantage and it's biggest drawback. On one hand it's great because I usually carry my sax around all day, every day (I go to my practice room before or after university, so I spend less time commuting... but it means I'm the one law student who carries around an instrument all the time). On the other hand someone could easily mistake you for an alt sax player walking down the street. I guess everyone has to decide for themselves if they can deal with that.
The layout of the case is really smart. I currently have in there:
- sax
- neck
- mouthpiece
- rico reed holder with 4 reeds
- cebulla bari neck strap with the wide adjuster (this thing is huge...)
- a few sheets of music paper
- pencil
- zoom h1
there would still be enough room to fit a reed geek, cork grease and powder paper, if I need to.
I made sure that nothing presses on the sax or can scratch it while I am carrying it around.
EDIT: Regarding the latches: They are better then the ones on my john winter keilwerth case. But why can't they just use normal heavy duty latches or something like that. The clever half-plastic soft closing mechanism helps no-one and is easier to open by mistake (not as easy as the latches on my keilwerth case though). Still, they have locks (come with 3 keys) and one of them is placed below the handle wich kind of protects it against being pend by getting caught on something.
I'd be careful about buying a Mauriat aftermarket case for a vintage Selmer. If the Mauriat case is designed to fit Mauriat horns like the 66R it will be too big inside to fit your VI properly and the horn will move around inside the case. I'd listen to the guys who have VIs and know what cases they fit in properly and don't be pennywise and dollar (pound) foolish trying to save $50 on a case for a $5000 horn.
The storage compartment of under the sax presses against the lower stack stopper guard of my '57 of the BAM softpak. I had to cut mine out after it got bent.
Still using the BAM reluctantly. The cabine is a better look. Or, sell me the tranny for 1000 and get a manning.
Protech hauls the farm, mine over is 10 yrs old and still functions perfect. Fairly light too. I use a KIWI New York style bag for neck and mpc (or just neck)..case holds everything plus Flute.
saw this case at the Boston Sax Shop and they swear it's the best case out there now. The Cadillac of cases he says...All leather and Marco Maggi will custom make whatever you want if you ask. The cases are triple protected wood and abs and aluminum and come with a fit form memory foam interior with stiff backing. The cases all have zippers and locks with added benefit of secure key entry. They supposedly drop these cases from 50 feet with instruments in them to study impact. I checked out there website and was blown away. Very Impressive! My next case for sure! Wepa!
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