WTB/Borrow/Rent: Flight Case

MikeMilnarik · Post by **MikeMilnarik** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:05 pm

Hello All!

I need a flight case for a Rudolf Meinl 5/4 CC tuba. The height is approx. 40 and 3/4" and the bell diameter is about 19 and 3/4" to 20"

Anyone got one that they would be willing to sell, lend, or rent?

Please contact me directly by email...

mike@tubastudio.com

Thanks!

Mike Milnarik

oldbandnerd · Post by **oldbandnerd** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:14 pm

Couldn't you just make a case out the same big fat fluffy stuff you make your mouthpiece pouches out of ??? If anything can protect your tuba that could !!!!

Seriously, Mike , I own one of your euphonum mouthpiece pouch and I love it. I bought it from Mike Finn at the USAATEC conference. My crappy euphonium case has no storage in it and I can safely carry my mouthpiece in the case now without worrying about it damaging my horn .

MikeMilnarik · Post by **MikeMilnarik** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:56 pm

Thank you, "oldbandnerd"! I'm glad you like the pouch!

I wish it were that easy!

Mike Milnarik

MikeMilnarik · Post by **MikeMilnarik** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:18 am

Tubaguy56 · Post by **Tubaguy56** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:41 pm

Ditto, the Unitech case I have is like a rock, and I've witnessed the horrible things the people at the airport have done to it. the only damage is the weak screws on the hinges, but I replaced those with some heavy duty ones and it is simply a rock.

MikeMilnarik · Post by **MikeMilnarik** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:21 pm

Thanks! I'm grateful for the link to Alan Baer's post. I am familiar with the old design of Unitec cases (with the "carpet" on the outside) but I wasn't aware of the new design.

This is a HUGE help!

Thank you Ben and TubaGuy56!

Mike Milnarik

schneidah · Post by **schneidah** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:22 pm

I've used a Unitec case for several international flights and would recommend them as well. However, on a flight to NYC on United last month, the case sustained heavy damage; from sharing the details of the damage with the people at Unitec, they surmised it had probably been dropped on the corner (and probably from a height, from the extent of the damage, I'd guess).

DESPITE this, the horn itself came through it with no problems, and though the case's lock mechanism on one end was a bit iffy for the flight back, it survived the return just fine. The group with whom I traveled is currently handling the insurance end of things, and it currently looks likely that the case will simply be replaced (as Unitec has recommended after seeing pictures). The people at the company have been very helpful in doing their part to resolve this situation.

Anyway, I also approve of the Unitec cases. 3 cheers, etc.

a2ba4u · Post by **a2ba4u** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 10:50 pm

I was in the market for a flight case last year about this time. I investigated the Unitec cases, but quickly moved on because of the high cost.

As a terrific alternative (like, "I got two ATA-spec flight cases for $300 LESS than what ONE Unitec case would cost" terrific), I found a company called Georgia Case based in Tucker, GA just outside of Atlanta. They are a huge operation (that is actually run by just one guy), and they build cases for everything and everybody. They are very experienced with musical instruments of all types (I believe he works with the Atlanta Symphony when they go on tour), and they know how to build sturdy cases. They do a fair amount of work for the military, and they also build road cases for a lot of the big name bands/artists that are based in Atlanta. When I visited the shop, they were working on 1) a custom order for the Army who needed a flight/transport case to get a prototype ground-based communication satellite to Afghanistan and 2) a set of cases to transport Chik-fil-A cow mascots in.

But I digress.

Brian measured each of my horns (PT6 and PT16) and then me built two custom made cases to my liking. I opted for the basic "box with a hinged lid" design for both cases (so that I would be able to travel with gig bags), and I had him put in an extra layer of foam on the inside (in addition to the standard 1") to protect the horns. He built the case out of some type of composite carbon to save on weight, and, of course, added all of the usual stainless steel hardware. I took one of the horns to Brazil last summer, and the case performed marvelously--I couldn't have been more pleased. Oh yes, and the cases come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY.

For the all the great value and the customization options, the cases do have one drawback: their size. The large case with the PT6 in it came in right at 100lbs and I think it measures something like 115 linear inches. This case is TOO BIG for Delta Airlines (actually its just too big for their arbitrarily selected weight/dimension limits), so do your traveling homework before investing.

Size nuisances included, I would still recommend Georgia Case to anyone who is looking for a reasonably priced, quality case to protect his/her horn.

PM with any questions.

Kyle[/i]