Oboe cases are usually rectangular, curved-edged, or bullet-shaped and hold one or two instruments. They can be made of a variety of materials. They usually have enough room for standard accessories. Some cases can be stacked on top of the main hard cases.
The single instrument case is probably the most common type of oboe case. They usually have enough room for the oboe and a small three-reed oboe case, but not much else. These cases are designed with simplicity, portability, and compactness in mind. They are effective for the majority of students.
The dual oboe case is often a better option for more serious musicians who require oboe cases. Two oboes and two reed cases can be stored in these cases. They’re made to hold the oboist’s primary oboe as well as a “back-up” oboe. This allows the oboist to anticipate issues with the primary oboe, such as a stuck key or misplaced pad. The oboist can also choose the oboe with the best projection and overall tone for the performance venue.
Some musicians seek out oboe cases that can accommodate both an oboe and an English horn. Oboists are frequently asked to cover English horn parts in ensembles, and some oboists even switch between the English horn and the oboe within the same piece. These cases eliminate the need for the oboist to carry two separate cases, making it easier to transport both the oboe and the English horn. These cases are especially useful backstage, where cases, purses, and coats must sometimes fit into a small greenroom.
The majority of oboe cases are made of nylon or leather, regardless of the number of instruments they hold. The oboist can protect his instrument or instruments to the greatest extent possible thanks to the hardness of these materials. Most oboe cases have shaped hard foam on the inside, which is covered with a soft material such as cloth or felt that won’t scratch the oboe or English horn.
Oboe cases can be pure-rectangular, which means that all of the edges are at right angles. Others are curved-rectangular, which means the case’s outside edges taper downward for a more streamlined appearance. The dome-end case is a slightly less common option. These examples mostly concern the oboe and English horn combination. They are rectangular with the exception of one end, which is shaped like a semi-circle. This type of case is affectionately referred to as the “bullet pack” some instrumentalists.
An oboe case may have one or two handles, depending on its size and shape. Sheet music can be stored in some pure rectangular cases. Internal compartments for accessories such as a humidifier or swab are almost always present in larger cases. Some soft cases are made of nylon, vinyl, or a similar material and are designed to be worn over the hard case. These cases, which usually have individual compartments and one or two shoulder straps, are designed to make carrying the instrument easier.