While traveling and storing bassoons, bassoon cases protect them from bumps, falls, and dings. Today, there are a variety of cases to choose from, including hard and soft cases, as well as gig bags with storage and multiple straps. When choosing a case for your bassoon, think about how often you’ll be traveling with it and what modes of transportation you’ll be taking. It’s also crucial to choose a case or bag that has enough space for all of your accessories.
Soft bassoon cases, also known as gig bags, have a padded interior and an outer shell made of fabric, such as nylon. The instrument is encased in the padded interior, which prevents it from moving while being transported between locations. These cases are typically light and have backpack-style straps, making them easy to carry. Most gig bags come with one or more pockets that can be used to store items like sheet music and music stands. Gig bags are best for light travelers who don’t drop or bump their luggage frequently.
A fabric exterior and a foam interior are common features of soft-shell bassoon cases. The foam is stiff but soft, preventing the instrument from moving without scratching or denting it. They are slightly heavier than gig bags but provide more protection against bumps and falls. Soft-shell cases typically include shoulder straps and handles, allowing you to carry your instrument hand or on your shoulders. These cases, like gig bags, typically have at least one pocket for storing accessories.
Hard bassoon cases have a hard exterior, which is usually covered in leather or vinyl, and a soft, yet rigid, foam interior, as their name suggests. These cases usually offer the best protection against bumps and falls, but they are usually quite heavy and don’t come with shoulder straps. Despite the fact that hard cases are more difficult to transport, they are recommended for frequent travelers due to the added protection they provide.
For people who travel frequently, hard and soft cases with water-repellent exteriors are also recommended. These cases keep moisture out of the instrument’s interior, preventing it from deteriorating. Water-repellent bags and cases, on the other hand, rarely protect instruments when fully submerged in water or other liquids.
If you plan on flying with your bassoon, you’ll need to find a case that meets the airline’s requirements, which can vary country. In general, you should look for bassoon cases that do not exceed the carry-on luggage size limits. Furthermore, some airlines may stipulate that only hard cases are permitted on board. A hard case will provide the most protection for your instrument if you plan on checking it in at the baggage counter.
Make a list of the items you usually carry with your bassoon, such as sheet music and stands, before purchasing a case. This can assist you in locating a gig bag or case with sufficient storage space for all of your equipment. You should also make sure that the case’s handles and straps are strong enough to support the weight of all the items you intend to store inside.