Small cases for 8.5 inch bell
- bassbonebuff
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mar 02, 2025
Hi everyone!
I am looking for recommendations for a slim, low-profile trombone case that can accommodate a 8.5 inch bell. Especially interested in hardshell cases and gig bags. Storage space is not a priority.
I often find myself in small jazz clubs with my horn, and I'm looking for a case that takes up as little space as possible. I'll use it mostly for a Conn 78h, but every once in awhile I'll need it for a Bach 42 (closed wrap). I'm having trouble finding an option that can accommodate a 8.5 inch bell that isn't overly bulky and doesn't include storage space that I don't need. Any recommendations are welcome. Thanks!
I am looking for recommendations for a slim, low-profile trombone case that can accommodate a 8.5 inch bell. Especially interested in hardshell cases and gig bags. Storage space is not a priority.
I often find myself in small jazz clubs with my horn, and I'm looking for a case that takes up as little space as possible. I'll use it mostly for a Conn 78h, but every once in awhile I'll need it for a Bach 42 (closed wrap). I'm having trouble finding an option that can accommodate a 8.5 inch bell that isn't overly bulky and doesn't include storage space that I don't need. Any recommendations are welcome. Thanks!
- Soulbrass
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Mar 08, 2023
I’ve been eye-ing up the Crossrock fiberglass case…seems to check all the boxes but I have not yet seen one in the wild.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiber ... ttachment/">https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiberglass-tenor-trombone-case-professional-case-for-bb-trombone-with-or-without-f-attachment/</LINK_TEXT>
<LINK_TEXT text="https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiber ... ttachment/">https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiberglass-tenor-trombone-case-professional-case-for-bb-trombone-with-or-without-f-attachment/</LINK_TEXT>
- atopper333
- Posts: 377
- Joined: Mar 09, 2022
I used the Thomann equivalent to the Crossrock case for a Conn 88H. It was a small case, rather lightweight, and was really functional.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fi ... silver.htm">https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fibertech_trombone_silver.htm</LINK_TEXT>
There are a few Yamaha Xeno cases that come up used that may also fit the bill…they have the size profile I think you are looking for.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fi ... silver.htm">https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fibertech_trombone_silver.htm</LINK_TEXT>
There are a few Yamaha Xeno cases that come up used that may also fit the bill…they have the size profile I think you are looking for.
- JLivi
- Posts: 870
- Joined: May 10, 2018
[quote="Soulbrass"]I’ve been eye-ing up the Crossrock fiberglass case…seems to check all the boxes but I have not yet seen one in the wild.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiber ... ttachment/">https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiberglass-tenor-trombone-case-professional-case-for-bb-trombone-with-or-without-f-attachment/</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]
That one looks similar in size to the new-ish King 3b fiberglass cases. They are ok, but a little bigger than I'd want it to be.
[quote="atopper333"]I used the Thomann equivalent to the Crossrock case for a Conn 88H. It was a small case, rather lightweight, and was really functional.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fi ... silver.htm">https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fibertech_trombone_silver.htm</LINK_TEXT>
[/quote]
I don't think I've seen this before. Very intriguing. I may have to remember this one when I'm in the market for another case.
I'm not too familiar with slim cases that fit 8.5" bells, but I'm always a fan of the BAM classic case. They're light and pretty slim. I would also think the Marcus Bonna Tenor trombone baby case would be good too, but I don't have experience with that one specifically.
BAM Classic - <LINK_TEXT text="https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... -style.php">https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/cases/all_tenor_trombone_cases_and_bags/products/sku034672-bam-3030s-classic-trombone-case-french-style.php</LINK_TEXT>
MB Baby - <LINK_TEXT text="https://mbcases.com/portfolio/cases/tro ... mbone-baby">https://mbcases.com/portfolio/cases/trombones/case-for-tenor-trombone-baby</LINK_TEXT>
<LINK_TEXT text="https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiber ... ttachment/">https://crossrockcase.com/product/fiberglass-tenor-trombone-case-professional-case-for-bb-trombone-with-or-without-f-attachment/</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]
That one looks similar in size to the new-ish King 3b fiberglass cases. They are ok, but a little bigger than I'd want it to be.
[quote="atopper333"]I used the Thomann equivalent to the Crossrock case for a Conn 88H. It was a small case, rather lightweight, and was really functional.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fi ... silver.htm">https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_fibertech_trombone_silver.htm</LINK_TEXT>
[/quote]
I don't think I've seen this before. Very intriguing. I may have to remember this one when I'm in the market for another case.
I'm not too familiar with slim cases that fit 8.5" bells, but I'm always a fan of the BAM classic case. They're light and pretty slim. I would also think the Marcus Bonna Tenor trombone baby case would be good too, but I don't have experience with that one specifically.
BAM Classic - <LINK_TEXT text="https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... -style.php">https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/cases/all_tenor_trombone_cases_and_bags/products/sku034672-bam-3030s-classic-trombone-case-french-style.php</LINK_TEXT>
MB Baby - <LINK_TEXT text="https://mbcases.com/portfolio/cases/tro ... mbone-baby">https://mbcases.com/portfolio/cases/trombones/case-for-tenor-trombone-baby</LINK_TEXT>
- mikerspencer
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Jul 01, 2022
I did a gig with a lad who had a bags of Spain case with alto and tenor in. It was smaller than my 88h case. I'm assuming their single horn ones are even leaner.
- CalgaryTbone
- Posts: 1460
- Joined: May 10, 2018
[quote="mikerspencer"]I did a gig with a lad who had a bags of Spain case with alto and tenor in. It was smaller than my 88h case. I'm assuming their single horn ones are even leaner.[/quote]
I have one of their cases for my Bass - really good case, and fairly compact and light. The outside shape reminds me of the old French-style Bach cases, but lighter and better protection.
JS
I have one of their cases for my Bass - really good case, and fairly compact and light. The outside shape reminds me of the old French-style Bach cases, but lighter and better protection.
JS
- atopper333
- Posts: 377
- Joined: Mar 09, 2022
Dug up an old pic with the Thomann case just for reference.
- SpencerChapman
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Oct 14, 2018
It’s a gig bag, but the Cronkhite two piece travel/flight gig bag is the only thing I've seen that can fit in the trunk my my ND Miata <EMOJI seq="1f602" tseq="1f602">😂</EMOJI>
Aidan, is the MB Baby a smaller profile than the MB LW? It looks to be longer than the LW but thinner overall?
Aidan, is the MB Baby a smaller profile than the MB LW? It looks to be longer than the LW but thinner overall?
- Windmill
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Feb 14, 2021
For those purposes, I like my Tom&Will gig bag. It's smaller than any other trombone bags I've seen, and the big plus is that you load/unload it in standing position. Don't have to lay it flat on the floor or a table. That's super convenient for small venues like jazz clubs etc...
- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
I know this is not what you are asking for, but somewhere I saw a plastic hard case that fit a bach 36. Somebody was selling a used 36 in one. I think it was from the 80s or 90s.
The modern plastic cases (SKB, Gator, MTS) are all too narrow to fit the bell section so they offer larger cases for F-attachments.
Can't figure out what this plastic case was. Maybe something for a slightly larger student horn from the 80s? Anybody know?
The modern plastic cases (SKB, Gator, MTS) are all too narrow to fit the bell section so they offer larger cases for F-attachments.
Can't figure out what this plastic case was. Maybe something for a slightly larger student horn from the 80s? Anybody know?
- Mamaposaune
- Posts: 657
- Joined: Sep 22, 2018
[quote="jacobgarchik"]I know this is not what you are asking for, but somewhere I saw a plastic hard case that fit a bach 36. Somebody was selling a used 36 in one. I think it was from the 80s or 90s.
The modern plastic cases (SKB, Gator, MTS) are all too narrow to fit the bell section so they offer larger cases for F-attachments.
Can't figure out what this plastic case was. Maybe something for a slightly larger student horn from the 80s? Anybody know?[/quote]
I think I've seen the cases that you're referring to, although they're pretty rare nowadays. Bach used them in the 60's for their Intermediate horns, the ones that evolved into the TB200/F. I imagine a 36B or maybe even a 42B would fit just fine.
The modern plastic cases (SKB, Gator, MTS) are all too narrow to fit the bell section so they offer larger cases for F-attachments.
Can't figure out what this plastic case was. Maybe something for a slightly larger student horn from the 80s? Anybody know?[/quote]
I think I've seen the cases that you're referring to, although they're pretty rare nowadays. Bach used them in the 60's for their Intermediate horns, the ones that evolved into the TB200/F. I imagine a 36B or maybe even a 42B would fit just fine.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
The old Wolf Pack case (later Torpedo) was pretty compact. I have a similar case for my G-bass (but it's from the 1930s). Is Torpedo still making that case?
- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
I wonder about one of these "aristocrat" cases (is this the same as the "soloist" case? looks to be). Maybe with the foam for the bell section recut it would fit a 36?
We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.
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We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.
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- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
Speaking of weird case geometry.
I got this unlabelled French style case with a horn on ebay about 18 years ago. Somebody suggested these used to be sold by Allied Supply.
Fits a Bach 36.
plywood with tolex.
I got this unlabelled French style case with a horn on ebay about 18 years ago. Somebody suggested these used to be sold by Allied Supply.
Fits a Bach 36.
plywood with tolex.
- ithinknot
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Jul 24, 2020
[quote="jacobgarchik"]I wonder about one of these "aristocrat" cases (is this the same as the "soloist" case? looks to be). Maybe with the foam for the bell section recut it would fit a 36?
We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.[/quote]
FWIW the (early 90s?) era of Yamaha student case[url=https://thebrass-exchange.com/content/yamaha-ysl-455g-medium-bore-intermediate-straight-tenor]pictured here is most often seen with 354s but also fits an 8" bell w/ large bore tuning slide chassis, like the 455 pictured. On the slide side, the foam cutout will take small bore and 36/88H-width crooks, but not 42-width. Pretty basic, only two latches, slide under twist hold-downs but no flap dividing bell and slide.
We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.[/quote]
FWIW the (early 90s?) era of Yamaha student case
- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
[quote="ithinknot"]<QUOTE author="jacobgarchik" post_id="280040" time="1751373534" user_id="3890">
I wonder about one of these "aristocrat" cases (is this the same as the "soloist" case? looks to be). Maybe with the foam for the bell section recut it would fit a 36?
We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.[/quote]
FWIW the (early 90s?) era of Yamaha student case[url=https://thebrass-exchange.com/content/yamaha-ysl-455g-medium-bore-intermediate-straight-tenor]pictured here is most often seen with 354s but also fits an 8" bell w/ large bore tuning slide chassis, like the 455 pictured. On the slide side, the foam cutout will take small bore and 36/88H-width crooks, but not 42-width. Pretty basic, only two latches, slide under twist hold-downs but no flap dividing bell and slide.
</QUOTE>
Aha, fascinating. So it seems that, to find more of these matches, we need to look for any student/intermediate 525 bore straight trombone which would have been sold with a case like this. There are/were not many of those made, right?
I wonder about one of these "aristocrat" cases (is this the same as the "soloist" case? looks to be). Maybe with the foam for the bell section recut it would fit a 36?
We really need a big music store to solve this mystery by trying every student model case with a 36. C'mon, it would be a public service.[/quote]
FWIW the (early 90s?) era of Yamaha student case
</QUOTE>
Aha, fascinating. So it seems that, to find more of these matches, we need to look for any student/intermediate 525 bore straight trombone which would have been sold with a case like this. There are/were not many of those made, right?
- jacobgarchik
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Oct 27, 2018
kind of curious about this one
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... e-case.php">https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/cases/tenor_trombone_hard_cases/products/sku045419-mbt-mbttb-trombone-case.php</LINK_TEXT>
says it's for medium bore straight horns up to 8.5 bell.
so...maybe a 36? maaaaybe a 42?
somebody has to try this for us.
<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... e-case.php">https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/cases/tenor_trombone_hard_cases/products/sku045419-mbt-mbttb-trombone-case.php</LINK_TEXT>
says it's for medium bore straight horns up to 8.5 bell.
so...maybe a 36? maaaaybe a 42?
somebody has to try this for us.