| I have the older case and got it when I bought my B1. Since then I've changed to an Eclipse which is about 1/2" longer than the B1 and it works fine...."just". Of course, I also pack the "inside-the-lid" accessory pack pretty full too. You could fit about any trumpet in there if you didn't stuff that little inside lid pouch. (maybe a Harrelson full-mod or a Monette would be an issue.... but then you'd be using a Wiseman anyway, wouldn't you?)
Looking at the photos I think I agree with everything that they had to say about the new design. I don't use both backpack straps on mine but I can see that the attachment point could be an issue with shorter people. The only thing they missed on was their chance to reorient the "single-hand" handle. That darn thing positioned the way it is is a real "pain". I'd love to have a more standard "suitcase" handle so I could carry the bag like any other case. ie. Orient the handle axially along the case at mid-point rather than transverse (at the top of the tube between the straps)
The statements re: the music compartment are "right on" as well. I don't even use the compartment on mine because it tends to "curl" the music up and isn't very big anyway. Might as well just fold up an old towel and stuff it in there for padding when using the case in backpack mode.
If the new one is built to the same (or better) standard than the old one then it's going to be a winner. Those old ones are bullet-proof! Mine is now over 2 years old and still looks new. |