If you own a vintage American bass saxophone like a Buescher or Conn, or even a modern Keilwerth, and you want to buy it a new case, then you’re in luck. There are currently a number of companies that are selling replacement cases for your axe. The thing is: they all seem to look the same.
In January I mentioned an eBay ad about International Woodwind’s new replacement case. At the time it was being offered for the Buy It Now price of $1,195.00. After a couple of unsuccessful visits on eBay—with the Buy It Now price lower each time—the case sold on its 3rd time up for auction.
Now another company is selling a replacement case that looks remarkably similar to the IW case. It too is for vintage American saxophones, and by extension, should also work for modern Keilwerth horns.
Source: eBay.com
Rheuben Allen Music says the following about their bass saxophone cases:
Bass Saxophone Case
Leather outside, shaped, wheels for easy transportation
Zipper Closure
Retail $ 995.00
Special Offer $ 795.00
You save $ 200.00
This case is designed for the old style Conn, Buescher, Martin, Wurlitzer, Buford American Bass Saxophones.
*It does not fit the Selmer or Selmer style bass saxophones.
**The Bass Sax in Case is NOT INCLUDED (Used for Illustration Purpose & Fit ONLY!)
Well from the outside it certainly resembles the IW case.
Source: eBay.com
Source: eBay.com
The wheels appear to be the same as well.
Source: eBay.com
The interior looks a lot like it too.
Source: eBay.com
The auction for this replacement bass sax case runs until May 27. The Buy It Now price is $795.00. There are 2 of these cases available through Rheuben Allen Music.
Now I should also mention that IW and Rheuben Allen are not the only ones selling these types of cases. Steve Goodson also has a Sax Gourmet version of this case available through his Nation of Music website.
Steve’s cases are priced very competitively at $800, and he has them in stock. Also included on his site are a couple of links to YouTube videos about the case. These allow you to see the inside and outside a bit better. Steve also explains the storage compartments of his cases.
In the longer of the 2 videos Steve mentions that his Sax Gourmet cases do not work for Keilwerth horns, and others with big bows, but do work for horns with left sided and split bell keys. With regards to the Keilwerth comment, I believe he is only speaking about the smaller cases. However, if you own a Keilwerth bass, and are looking to get a replacement case, send Steve an email and ask him directly if your horn will fit.
The man who bought the Keilwerth SX90 bass that was recently on eBay, just purchased an IW replacement case for his new horn, and it fits the sax perfectly. I’m hoping Glenn will chime in here with his review of the new case once he’s owned it for a few days.
So you see, if you’re looking for a replacement case for your American-style bass saxophone, you’ve got a number of options available to you. Way more than I did 10 years ago. Which is why out of necessity, I undertook my bass case project. (Which BTW cost more than $800!)
