Flight case options for a Yamaha 621 F tuba

[Tubaguy41]

Hello,

I'm looking to get a flight case for my Yamaha 621 F tuba...I'd like to stay away from "heavy" anvil-like cases, and would prefer something along the lines of a Walt Johnson case.

I borrowed a friend's Walt Johnson case last year for a flight, and at only 39 lbs (tuba in case) it flew as a checked piece of luggage (flew free on Southwest!), rather than a monstrous/overweight/costly checked piece of luggage.

With all of that in mind, what are my options? If I had the money, I would buy a new WJ case...but being a poor grad student, I'd like to explore more affordable options. Something else to consider, I have the Yamaha hard case that came with the horn...is there a way to get that reinforced so it's safe for flights?

Thank you in advance for any and all help!!

[Dylan King]

I have flown with my 621 in the original hard case a few times, and have not received any damage yet.

I use Gurilla tape to give the case an extra layer of "skin", especially around the bell section that sticks out, and on all of the corners and around the wheels. I also use luggage straps as extra security against opening.

The hard case fits through the x-ray machine, so I would suggest checking it at the gate. Gate check in is usually for strollers and wheelchairs, but I have never had a problem doing it with my tuba.

Also, buy instrument insurance if you don't already have it.

[Aaron Tindall]

Hopefully after the new year a new product (carbon) will be unveiled (sworn to secrecy here, sorry) that is semi-affordable, and totally worth it IMO for those who travel quite frequently with their tubas. No more oversize or overweight charges as this fits quite snug around the shape of the horn.

[Tubaguy41]

Some good info so far, thanks guys! Keep it coming...

Anyone have experience with other hard cases for the 621?

[Paul Tkachenko]

I'd like to get any decent hard case for my 621. The original Yamaha ones are not cheap - what are my options? I really only want a decent, snug fitting light case if possible.

[Bob Kolada]

Will a wardrobe box work for 621's, as per bloke's idea? If I ever find a buyer for/seriously decide to sell my little Eb's, I have considered checking those out.

[Paul Tkachenko]

The Yamaha cases that I have for my other tubas are quite amazing. My tuba fell off a fairly high stage in the case, bounced several times and the tubas was unharmed.

I'd buy one of them like a shot - just looking for possible alternatives.

[sloan]

The Yamaha case does a very good job of protecting the tuba - but not such a good job at protecting itself. It *will* crack somewhere on the flared section. You can apply Gorilla Tape before this happens...or after.

[bobn]

I have flown a couple dozen times in the last few years with my Yamaha Eb in the original Yamaha case and have had no damage. I do have a flimsy gig bag that I stuff in the bell inside the case which I believe helps with bell impact. I then can use the bag (very carefully) at my destination. At home I have a thick liner, made from a foam camping pad, for the same gig bag that offers quite good protection.

I realize that I have been very lucky and my first priority was to make sure the instrument was well insured. I also have the attitude that if it gets crushed I'll just replace it. As Bloke suggested in another thread "If you MUST fly, just take some sort of Yamaha tuba...If it gets damaged, no great loss." I do have my eyes on a MW 2141, anyway.

Lastly, in many instances, if I paid for an extra seat or extra fees for a flight case it would make many of the gigs I'm flying for much less financially viable.

Bob

[Rick Denney]

The Yamaha case does a very good job of protecting the tuba - but not such a good job at protecting itself. It *will* crack somewhere on the flared section. You can apply Gorilla Tape before this happens...or after.

Well, mine hasn't cracked around the bell section. It's a bit scratched up, though, since I backed over it with my car about 15 or 18 years ago.

The Yamaha case is much better than it seems, but it is not a flight case. If an airline gorilla pushes it sideways off the conveyor belt because stuff is coming too fast, as I have witnessed on several occasions, damage is likely.

My only beef with a cardboard carton is that the TSA will insist on looking inside it. You can't assume that your packing materials will be evenly distributed around the Yamaha case when they put the tuba back into the box. You can't assume that they'll tape it up securely. You can assume that whatever tape you use to secure it will be removed or cut through. You must expect them to want to see the tuba itself.

A blow-molded plastic case would be better, but I can't find one large enough to fit the Yamaha case inside it. Too bad--it would be about the same strength as a cardboard box but would not require tape and would be more reusable. I think it would need to be about 40x30x26 inches--quite large. An ultra-light ATA case with a hinged lid of that size would weight 34 pounds and would cost about $500 in onesies with no foam lining. I personally would line it with cheapie fake feather pillows--these are more likely to be reinserted properly by TSA inspectors. Paper towel rolls still in their plastic packaging is another option. Peanuts are not, though you can put them in plastic bags to turn them into pillows and still stand a chance that they'll get back into the box after inspection.

Rick "whose 621 has--luckily--survived a couple of times as checked baggage in the factory case" Denney

[Paul Tkachenko]

It seems the 621 maroon cases are different in design to the black Yamaha cases I like.

I won't be getting a Yamaha case for my 621, thanks to this advice ...!

[bobn]

It seems the 621 maroon cases are different in design to the black Yamaha cases I like.

I won't be getting a Yamaha case for my 621, thanks to this advice ...!

I agree! The case for my YEB321 is the more bulbous black case.

I should also point out that my experience/luck with checking my tuba is not an endorsement of that practice. If you decide to go that way make sure you understand the risks and make sure you have insurance.

Bob

[tclements]

I've flown many times with the stock Yamaha case with no problems whatsoever. For added protection, you can put a semi-inflated beachball in the bell.