I recently wrote an article about the Rheuben Allen bass saxophone case that was being sold on eBay. As I mentioned in that article—and in few other places in my blog along the way—these new replacement cases for vintage American-style bass saxophones, are currently being sold under a variety of names including: International Woodwind, Sax Gourmet, and Rheuben Allen. The cases all appear identical on the outside, and seem to have the same interior colour.
These bass cases also bear a striking resemblance to the cases that come with the new IW-602, Hawk, Canex, and Gear4music bass saxophones. (Check my series on Asian-Made Modern Bass Sax Brand Names if you’re interested in finding more names that these horns might carry.) I’m guessing that they come with all new stock of American-style bass saxophones made by Jinyin, but at this point that’s only an educated guess.
Well today we’re fortunate enough to get a review of one of these new bass saxophone cases by a player who actually owns one.
Glenn G is the new owner of the Keilwerth bass that you might remember from eBay earlier this year. Glenn wanted to replace the heavy, coffin-style original case with something that was easier to not only transport, but also store.
After checking into all his options, Glenn ordered a replacement case from International Woodwind. Once he received the case, he asked me if I would like him to write a review of it and provide some photos. Without hesitation I said “Yes”. I thought it would potentially be very helpful for bass saxophone players who are looking to replace their original, heavy, plywood cases—either old or new—with something more lightweight.
IW Bass Case Review
Bassic Sax Guest Columnist, Glenn G
My new Bass sax case arrived recently from International Woodwinds, and I have had a chance to look it over. I am guessing that IW has decided to sell the cases that they produce for their Bass Saxes to the public. This is what I found:
Instead of latches, the case closes with a zipper around the front and sides of the case. I would prefer latches, as they are easier to deal with when opening and closing the case.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
I got out my calipers and measured the width of the zippers. The zipper is approximately 10mm wide. I have two other sax cases that have a zippered closing. My Pro Tec Bari case, and the hard case that came with my MKVI Tenor in 1971. Both of those zippers are ~10mm also. My Tenor case has lasted all these years and is still in good shape.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
I do apply some bee’s wax on the zipper from time to time to keep things going smoothly. Also, the Tenor case has a metal zipper, whereas the other cases have nylon (or some kind of plastic) zippers…
However, the Bass, because the horn is larger and heavier, could probably use a more substantial zipper, or latches. Also, a Velcro flap (or 2), as on the Pro Tech, would be nice for added security and convenience when stashing the empty case.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
Source: Glenn G © 2010
There are 3-4 hinges that are covered, so I can’t comment as to their durability. (My Selmer Case has a large, sturdy piano hinge). IW indicates that the exterior of the shell, which is hard plastic, is covered with leather, and it does seem to be covered in good quality black leather (I didn’t have it tested to see if it is real leather, but it looks to me like leather). The case is very modern and nice looking. The interior is decent quality imitation fur covered foam. When I first put the Keilwerth Bass in the case and started to close it, I was a little nervous that it might be too small. However, it fit in like a glove.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
Source: Glenn G © 2010
There is a pouch for the neck. It doesn’t have any padding other than the fabric. The Pro-Tec has the same set up, with a pouch for storing the neck in the bell, but it is a fabric covered foam “pillow”.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
The case is very light weight when empty and makes transporting the Bass—even getting it on the chair and out of the case—much easier. When I spotted the FedEx truck I went out to assist, and was told “don’t worry it’s not heavy.”
I also like the fact that the Bass can be stored standing up in this case, a much better arrangement for my storage situation.
I like the wheels. They seem to be a cast metal – aluminum maybe? With plastic “tires”.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
They roll easily and make maneuvering the Bass much easier. I do notice that when rolling the case across a driveway or parking lot, the case seems to skip from side to side. It’s not a big deal unless you’re carrying the Bass across the city. I’ve had Samsonite two-wheeled luggage that did the same thing.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
There are two handles: a nylon handle in the center of the case and a vinyl/metal one at the top for pulling along when the wheels are used. Both appear to be a bit flimsy, especially the center nylon handle. The Pro Tech has a very substantial reinforced Nylon handle for the Bari case, something that would be nice to see here.
Source: Glenn G © 2010
Source: Glenn G © 2010
Source: Glenn G © 2010
All in all, I’m glad I bought the case. It’s nice that one is available given the small population of Bass players looking for a replacement case.
Highs:
- Light weight.
- Good wheels (durability).
- Nice modern appearing leather exterior.
- The sax can be stored standing up.
- Fits like a glove.
Lows:
- The handles.
- Zipper closure.
Would I buy it again? Yes.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: bass players today have more options available to them when it comes to accessories than I did when I started down this road nearly 10 years ago. If a replacement case like this had been available then, I would never have undertaken the custom bass case project that I did with Bruce… Which cost me a hell of a lot more than one of these babies do!
