TubeNet

Will the smaller version of this case fit my conn 52J with an 18" bell? It seems as if it would I am just wondering if you all have any experience.
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That's what I was thinking and assume it should work. I could if I was really compelled to, buy a piece of foam for the bottom.

If you're thinking of buying one of those new, I think you'd have better luck with something more fitted to your horn. Alteiri bags don't cost much more, and will be made to measure. Not the greatest protection you'll ever have, but they are popular and certainly function to get tubas from "here" to "there."

Of course, if you're looking at a used protec bag (and at a used price), it's a different story. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best case you can afford. If you have no case and want a poor-fitting case to have *something*, that is certainly a good step (been there, done that).

Get a Miraphone 1291 bag from WWBW. Great protection at a reasonable price.
Roger