Recommendations for bag or case for Old 2341

[tooooba]

I am looking to replace my case(s) for my old style King 2341 (upright detachable bell).

I left my tuba in my parent's basement when I went off to grad school and their basement flooded. The case was in terrible shape anyway. (Thankfully I don't play woodwinds!) I'd like to bring my tuba back to my house to play.

I've searched through Tubenet and found references to Protec and Wessex bags.

I want something that is somewhat protective but is easier to handle than my old cases. I understand that bags are never as protective as cases.

Anyway does anyone have a recommendation for a good case or bag for an old 2341? Not sure what my budget will be for this. I geuss it will depend on the options.

[CaptainNemo]

I don't know if it's exactly what you need, but the Gard wheelie bags are somewhere in between hard cases and bags - they've got thick foam sides, and the wheelbase/handle assembly forms hard sides on the bell end and along one long side.

It won't get you through a flight, and it won't save a horn dropped down the stairs, but it'll keep it safer than a totally shapeless bag. It also has wheels and backpack straps, which I like, and the zipper position is somewhere between side loading and top loading, so you won't have it fall out but you don't need to bend all the way over every time you bag/debag the horn.

Not a be-all end-all solution, but might be a good idea to keep on the radar. The very largest one was ~400 new.


In reference to protec, I know several players who are very happy with their protec cases, but I've never had one myself.

[tooooba]

Thank you! I'll take a look at those.

[groth]

Thank you! I'll take a look at those.

I've had the 22'' bell larger Protec for a couple of Kings. They are "okay" for the price point, but the straps start tearing from the weight of large horns. I have a old school Cronkite for my horn now and it's a perfect fit. Don't know the model # but it's the one fit for a PT-6 if that helps.

[tooooba]

Thank you! I'll take a look at those.

I've had the 22'' bell larger Protec for a couple of Kings. They are "okay" for the price point, but the straps start tearing from the weight of large horns. I have a old school Cronkite for my horn now and it's a perfect fit. Don't know the model # but it's the one fit for a PT-6 if that helps.

Thank you! Hmmmm a leather Cronkhite bag does sound nice if I could find one used.

[greenbean]

Um... I could make you one. Just an option...

[JESimmons]

I use the large Protec, too. It’s good for carrying in the car and to and from rehearsals and gigs, if we ever have any again. It’s a soft bag, so I wouldn’t subject it to more stress than that. The back straps do seem flimsy, but I don’t usually carry mine far enough to use those.

[roughrider]

Tom Rice (Greenbean) has just started his new company "Superfine cases. He hired the former cutters and sewer who produced bags for Glenn Cronkhite in the Bay area. I owned two of these bags several years ago and while I do not own a "Superfine" case, I am sure that the quality will be excellent. It would be a very good investment in protecting your 2341 tuba.
David Messina and Erika Howard of "Messina Covers" in Louisville, Kentucky also produce very good tuba bags. I presently own three of them and have found them to be of very high quality and at a very reasonable price point.
Both of these companies may require you to provide a tracing of the outline of the horn prior to building your custom fit bag. Either company would be a fine choice.

[janeandr]

I don't know if it's exactly what you need, but the Gard wheelie bags are somewhere in between hard cases and bags - they've got thick foam sides, and the wheelbase/handle assembly forms hard sides on the bell end and along one long side.

It won't get you through a flight, and it won't save a horn dropped down the stairs, but it'll keep it safer than a totally shapeless bag. It also has wheels and backpack straps, which I like, and the zipper position is somewhere between side loading and top loading, so you won't have it fall out but you don't need to bend all the way over every time you bag/debag the horn.

Not a be-all end-all solution, but might be a good idea to keep on the radar. The very largest one was ~400 new.


In reference to protec, I know several players who are very happy with their protec cases, but I've never had one myself.

My friend is using that kind of bag for many years and he always mentions how good it is