Durability of MB case + Any cut bell bass case that is not MB?

[sirisobhakya]

I am going to buy a new horn in December. The horn I want, sadly, doesn’t come with a case. The manufacturer recommends MB cut bell case, which from the photos I found uses zipper, not latches (although there seems to be 2 latch-like metal piece on the rim of the lid).

I haven’t had a particularly great experience with zippier case in general. Most zipper cases I bought for my school are still doing fine, but the older ones (10+ years) are falling apart, with zipper band detaching from the fabric of the case. My own cases all have latches.

So, from your experience, how durable is an MB case? Any case, but especially bass trombone cases. I don’t want to buy a new case in less than 10 years…

Also, my plan is to buy the horn in Japan, then fly with it back to Thailand. Is the MB cut bell case strong enough to be checked? I have read someone said it is stronger than a DAC NX-2 (which is a hard-shell case and is pretty sturdy by itself). I have only checked a Yamaha case before, put it into a large backpack and surrounded it with clothes. I plan to do this to the MB as well. But for good order I will also ask the airline whether I can carry the case onto the cabin.

[Burgerbob]

There is no better case out there, imo.

[GabrielRice]

MB cases are extremely well-made, and they are designed so that the cover can be replaced if the zipper fails or there is some other problem.

I have a MB bass trombone case I bought ten years ago. I replaced the cover last year, but not because the zipper failed - just because it looked worn and I wanted a different color.

I thought the whole point of the cut bell cases is that you can carry them onto any airplane?

[Kdanielsen]

I bought my MB used case over ten years ago and the zipper is still perfect.

[JLivi]

The first time I owned a MB case and unzipped it for the first time I thought to myself, "I didn't realize they made luxury zippers."

Are latches easier, and possibly better? Sure. But the zipper on the MB case shouldn't give you any trouble. I now own 2 cases (one is close to 10 years old now), and if I ever cut a bell I plan to also buy a MB detachable bell case.

[Matt K]

I’m hoping Santa brings me a screw bell MB for my bass this year myself.

[sirisobhakya]

I thought the whole point of the cut bell cases is that you can carry them onto any airplane?

Actually it is too long for the regulation of many airlines. Most permit only around 55 x 35 x 25 cm, while a slide is already around 80 cm long. Some airlines do specify a policy for musical instrument (like AA), but I fly low-cost, and their website says nothing. The plane is auite large, though, a 787, so there might be a chance.

For this horn, I want cut bell purely for the sound.

[Burgerbob]

I'm sure you could still carry it on. I flew with mine many times with no issues, and not just in the US.

[GabrielRice]

Actually it is too long for the regulation of many airlines. Most permit only around 55 x 35 x 25 cm, while a slide is already around 80 cm long. Some airlines do specify a policy for musical instrument (like AA), but I fly low-cost, and their website says nothing. The plane is auite large, though, a 787, so there might be a chance.

For this horn, I want cut bell purely for the sound.

I don't know what it's like flying around Asia...but I'm reasonably sure you'll be able to carry it on and stow it in an overhead compartment.

And if you can't, one of the key design features of the MB cases is that there are large velcro straps to hold the instrument in place inside the case. This is important, because the damage that happens to an instrument in a case most often is actually caused by the instrument moving around, not because of outside force. One of the reasons I travel with a MB case (fixed bell) is that I trust it to protect the instrument if I am forced to check it at the gate. Obviously there's a chance it will be handled so badly that the instrument can be damaged, but the likelihood of that happening in a MB is much lower than any other case I know of, except maybe the Accord case that costs EVEN MORE money.

[sirisobhakya]

Thank you. Hopefully I can carry it on.

I saw the price of the accord case. S C A R Y .

[mbarbier]

I've got a MB cut bell case, probably 7 years old. Zipper functions the same as the day I bought it. I'd trust the MB zippers (and the interior Velcro to hold the horn steady) over any of the latch cases I've had.

Technically it's a bit over the length for most airlines, but it's pretty rare for anyone to worry about that cause the other dimensions are small enough. It's fits in every overhead I've put it in. If you're flying a discount airline and there's an option to pay for a carry-on/cabin baggage, do that. Then they really don't care cause they have your money.

[EZSlider]

Been daily driving my MB cutbell bass case for 5 or 6 years now. Flown with it a dozen times or so.. get funny looks from the xray opp sometimes.
My 50A3 took a flying leap from the top of a stack of luggage when my cart hit an extra extra large expansion joint. Case slammed very hard on the concrete, it's possible I could attribute a tiny ping in the flare but I think it was there already. I've never personally seen a better product and would not trust my horn in anything else.
EZ
PS
Do be careful though, those two little metal clasp situations have a very real potential of whacking your horn, if the lid closes in an opportune moment. I usually Open my little flap on the storage compartment and rest the lid on it so that it doesn't move.