tpter1

I just got my Marcus Bonna quad today from Dillon, and thought I'd put a review up. The case is compact...about the size of a small triple case. (Apparantly carry-on size for airline travel). There is room for 2 full size trumpets side by side in the front of the case, and the back half of the case places the other 2 horns one over the other with a padded covering. The covering is removeable; apparantly one could use it to carry a flugel as well? Velcro inserts secure the horns in place, and there are velcro inserts for the inside of the top as well. Included are 2 pouches (one velcrotriple mouthpiece pouch and one of the softer material with a zipper, rectangular shape, similar to a mouthpiece pouch but with no compartments). On the outsoide of the case is a zipper compartment sized enough to hold maybe an etude book or some ensemble music; definitely not intended for Arban, though. The outside cover is removable for either cleaning or replacement. There are 2 handles (one for horizontal carry and one for vertical), and 2 backpack straps are included. Grommets for attaching the straps are metal (no nylon! woo-hoo!) There is a mouthpiece puch compartment that is removeable (a small 3 sided insert).

The case is well-crafted and sturdy feeling without being overly heavy at all. Instruments fit very snug, but not so snug that the 2nd valve slide is shoved into the casing. The velcro inserts are used to hold the instruments in place. Carry-weight feels not heavy even when loaded.

My intitial thoughts are that I really like it. Fitting the velcro and deciding how it should be arranged are a bit time-consuming and fussy, but getting it right is worth it.

Brekelefuw

I use an MB triple case for my trumpets. I either have a Bb, C and Cornet in it, or a Bb and a flugel plus all my mutes.
Everything fits great, the case it light, and it can hold all my mutes if I put a t-shirt over my flugel and rest the mutes on top (not for the faint of heart.)

I have had the case for under a year, but it is still in fantastic shape compared to the last brand I had which fell totally apart with normal use in just over a year...

At first it was a task figuring out how to place each velcro pad so that I can fit my horns in, but with about 20 minutes of tinkering I figured out two good setups, one for 3 trumpets and one for trumpet and flugel.

bnbtrpt

Thanks for the review. I have a MB triple. The quad to me seems quite a bit bulkier but if it works for you great. I love them. I just bought a double to carry around one trumpet and mutes or maybe just a Bb and C sometimes.

Brekelefuw,
I know what you mean about "not for the faint of heart" with the mutes. Here is what I do. Same thing laying down the flugel but use a hard piece of foam. Not the "egg crate" kind that people use for beds but something sturdier.

Brekelefuw

That is also a good idea, but when I need mutes, it means I will need cup, bucket, straight, harmon and plunger with pixie, so I need as much space as I can afford. I figure as long as I don't throw my case around and lie it on the top side, the flugel won't get dented.

Tromba1030

I too just purchased this quad case and am very happy. I rarely ever have to bring 4 trumpets anywhere with the exception of an odd lesson when I am going to be playing a LOT of different music but I do often need three horns for any given rehearsal with my orchestra. That being said, I have room for my three horns, and all of my mutes, stands, oils, mouthpieces in that extra trumpet slot. I feel very safe about carrying around all of my gear and my back feels good doing so. (Those backpack straps are very comfortable!)

-Jacob

Jimi Michiel

I love the quad. It's all the good things mentioned above and more. I like that it holds my odder-shaped instruments. I've got a D trumpet that is about 2 inches longer than any other trumpet I own, so it's either a MB case or a gig bag with the leadpipe hanging out. I also like that it fits my Monettes without putting too much pressure on them.

-Jimi

dcstep

How do you do that? When I put my Vintage One flugel in there, there's no room for mutes in my triple. I'm lucky to get a mouthpiece pouch and valve oil in the space that's left over. I could take some pads out, but then the mutes would hit the flugel.

Thanks,

Dave

Brekelefuw

I put the flugel down, then lay a folded T-shirt down on top of it. The mutes go on top of the shirt. It was scary at first, but as long as I don't throw the case around I doubt it will damage my flugel through the shirt.
The mouthpiece pouch also fits in the little barrier with oil and a pencil.
I think the vintage one is a pretty big flugel. I play a Yamaha flugel, which I am pretty sure isn't as big as some other brands.

dcstep

you're scarring me...

mahaberio

I too have a Marcus Bonna quad case and am very happy with it. It really fits whatever you're going to need for the job (I've even fit a b-flat rotary when necessary) and isn't nearly as bulky as other quads. The craftsmanship is also top-notch and that was really what I was looking for after my experience with the Wolfpak 2.5...