screamingmorris

I have given up trying to find vintage cases to fit my large-bell instruments because:
1. They are often in lousy condition
2. The ones in nice condition cost a fortune
3. They often don't accommodate the larger 5-1/8" bell

So now I am looking to buy new.

But I have never bought a new case before so I do not know what is available.

I have a Holton Super Collegiate trumpet and a Holton Super Collegiate cornet, matching set, both have 5-1/8" bells.
I want to put them in the same case.
I don't care if the outside of the case is wood-frame or plastic, whichever is cheaper, just as long as it is a hard-sided case that protects the trumpet and the cornet.

I learned something new from one site:
"A cornet will generally not fit in a double trumpet case because the valves are longer."
Gordon Hudson: Trumpet Cases and Instrument Storage Ideas

What is the cheapest I can get and where would I get it?
A *used* case in good condition would be great, but would get new if necessary.

BTW, in such double cases do the instruments always stand up so that when the case is opened the valve stems are pointed up?
Or are there ones where both instruments lie on their sides next to each other?

- Morris

JustinSmith

Hi Morris,

These cases are expensive but are definitely the sharpest looking ones out there. Wiseman Cases.

http://www.wisemancases.com/double_trumpet.html

rowuk

A colleague of mine uses a standard soft bag for 2 trumpets, but to protect his horns, made a fiberglass insert that was formed over a block of wood cut to the general shape of the trumpet. He glued felt inside the fiberglass "sheath". The fiberglass is very strong like a hardcase and the soft bag has plenty of room for the bigger bells! The materials are very cheap and available at auto parts stores.

nieuwguyski

One option would be a Pelican equipment case. They're extremely over-engineered, utilitarian (aka, "ugly") things, but if you ever need to use your case as a flotation device you're set, because they're waterproof. Here's one that's the maximum airline carry-on size, which would hold a trumpet (as long as it's not unusually long) and a cornet:

Pelican 1510 airline-legal carry-on case with wheels

If you have no plans to fly with your horns, buy a bigger one. At $144 and change (plus shipping) it may cost more than your horns put together, but compare that to the cost of a Wiseman or several unsuccessful case-buying experiments.

The price I mentioned includes the "pick and pluck" foam, which would be the lining of choice. It gives you the opportunity to make custom-shaped holes for your instruments.

The one situation that I wouldn't recommend a Pelican case for is if your instruments will be put up, wet from playing, into the case which is then closed and chucked into the closet for a month or two. Remember that waterproof feature? Think red rot. Don't ask me how I know this.