TromboneChat

What’s the smallest possible case for a small Bach? That 7 1/2 inch bell seems like it should fit maybe even in a screw bell case. Any thoughts?

Screw bell cases are in the range of 4-6 inches thick, so a 7 1/2" bell won't fit.

The Original Bach "French-Style" cases are pretty small.
That`s my go to case when I used to travel
The small SKB cases are about the same size

One of my favorites is a grey Conn student case. I use it for a Conn 4h. Honestly I'm not sure if it will fit a 7 1/2" bell. Looks like this. Much smaller than an SKB.

I got my Holtone Stratodyne in an Olds Ambassador casel, about the same size as the Conn case Jacob shows above but wood with vinyl cover.

The plastic molded cases were popular in the late 1960s and 1970s when the Samsonite briefcase was also popular. I have one from a Holton Collegiate of the same era.

The MTS cases are compact, sturdy, and affordable:

https://www.wwbw.com/MTS-Products-Repla ... es&index=2

Will fit up to 8" bell. Good slide protection. Small accessory compartment - will fit mouthpiece, slide lube, and spray bottle. Made in U.S.A. (Elkhart, IN).

jacobgarchik wrote: ↑Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:09 am One of my favorites is a grey Conn student case. I use it for a Conn 4h. Honestly I'm not sure if it will fit a 7 1/2" bell. Looks like this. Much smaller than an SKB.
s-l1600.jpg

So that's what the case my 6H came in was actually for! It is indeed quite small.

If it's the same case model as mine it'll fit up to an 8" bell (the diameter of the 50's and later 6H). That means a Bach 12 or LT16M should fit fine.

What does it look like with the 4H inside?

There are even smaller ones available. Old French style cases were mass produced and horn makers would buy what they needed. I have one that had an Olds in it but now has my MV 9/16. I have seen the same case rebranded with other names, even Bach. I got mine at the Salvation Army in Baton Rouge about 40 years ago for I think $10, but whenever I want a case today, I look on ebay for a garbage horn with a decent case. In fact, I think I have a couple "project cases" downstairs right now you're welcome to if you're near Boston.

Okay, I just checked. I have seven of them. (Maybe I'll lay off ebay for a while.) The wood ones are best if you can do some woodworking, because then you get exactly the case you want. Take a free case, get a free garbage horn, too.

The small SKB is perfect.

L to R
Small SKB, generic French style case, medium size Conn director, small size Conn director, Olds Ambassador
SKB is the biggest

jacobgarchik wrote: ↑Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:44 am L to R
Small SKB, generic French style case, medium size Conn director, small size Conn director, Olds Ambassador
SKB is the biggest

IMG_7893.jpg

I guess mine looks like your medium director case with your small director case's latches. It could actually be the small case, but i don't really have any other cases to use as a reference. Whichever it is, it will fit an 8" bell 6H (snugly), so a 7 ½" Bach shouldn't be much of a problem.

That French case is truly tiny though!

The MTS tenor case (P/N: 818V) is about as small as possible to safely carry and protect straight tenor trombones with bell diameters up to 8". Expect to pay a bit more than $100. My Conn 30H Burkle (7" bell) is quite happy in such a case. But it also comfortably accommodates a Conn 6H or a Bach small tenor with 8" bells. Should be no problem for a Bach LT16m or similar.

jacobgarchik wrote: ↑Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:44 am L to R
Small SKB, generic French style case, medium size Conn director, small size Conn director, Olds Ambassador
SKB is the biggest
IMG_7893.jpg

ok I checked and all these cases will fit a 7 1/2" bell. Probably even an 8" but you have trouble with wider slides and wider bell sections in some of them.
The tiny French case I use with my .522 Conn 82h.

I recently got a 16M in a Blessing case. Tough plastic outer. Very compact. good traditional case. My Thomann case is too big.

Chris