{"id":19824,"date":"2010-06-16T09:36:40","date_gmt":"2010-06-16T16:36:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bassic-sax.info\/blog\/?p=19824"},"modified":"2025-08-09T11:13:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T18:13:40","slug":"replacement-bass-saxophone-case-for-vintage-american-style-saxes-a-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bassic-sax.info\/blog\/2010\/replacement-bass-saxophone-case-for-vintage-american-style-saxes-a-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Replacement Bass Saxophone Case For Vintage American Style Saxes: A Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

I recently wrote an article about the Rheuben Allen bass saxophone case<\/a> that was being sold on eBay. As I mentioned in that article\u2014and in few other places in my blog along the way\u2014these 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\u00a0all appear identical on the outside, and seem to have the same interior colour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These bass cases also bear a striking resemblance to the cases that come with the new IW-602, Hawk<\/a>, Canex<\/a>, and Gear4music<\/a> bass saxophones. (Check my series<\/a> on Asian-Made Modern Bass Sax Brand Names if you’re interested in finding\u00a0more 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Glenn\u00a0G is the new owner of the Keilwerth bass<\/a> that you might remember from eBay earlier this year. Glenn\u00a0wanted to replace the heavy, coffin-style\u00a0original case with something that was easier to not only transport, but also store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After checking\u00a0into all his options,\u00a0Glenn 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\u2014either old or new\u2014with something more lightweight.<\/p>\n

IW Bass Case Review<\/h3>\n

Bassic Sax Guest Columnist, Glenn G<\/h4>\n

My new Bass sax case arrived recently from International Woodwinds, and I have had a chance to look it over.\u00a0 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:<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

I got out my calipers and measured the width of the zippers. The zipper is approximately 10mm wide.\u00a0 I have two other sax cases that have a zippered closing.\u00a0 My Pro Tec Bari case, and the hard case that came with my MKVI Tenor in 1971.\u00a0 Both of those zippers are ~10mm also.\u00a0 My Tenor case has lasted all these years and is still in good shape.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

I do apply some bee\u2019s wax on the zipper from time to time to keep things going smoothly.\u00a0 Also, the Tenor case has a metal zipper, whereas the other cases have nylon (or some kind of plastic) zippers\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

However, the Bass, because the horn is larger and heavier, could probably use a more substantial zipper, or latches.\u00a0 Also, a Velcro flap (or 2), as on the Pro Tech, would be nice for added security and convenience when stashing the empty case.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

There are 3-4 hinges that are covered, so I can\u2019t comment as to their durability. (My Selmer Case has a large, sturdy piano hinge).\u00a0 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\u2019t 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.\u00a0 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

There is a pouch for the neck.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t have any padding other than the fabric.\u00a0 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 \u201cpillow\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

The case is very light weight when empty and makes transporting the Bass\u2014even getting it on the chair and out of the case\u2014much easier.\u00a0 When I spotted the FedEx truck I went out to assist, and was told \u201cdon\u2019t worry it\u2019s not heavy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I also like the fact that the Bass can be stored standing up in this case, a much better arrangement for my storage situation.<\/em><\/p>\n

I like the wheels.\u00a0 They seem to be a cast metal \u2013 aluminum maybe? With plastic \u201ctires\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

They roll easily and make maneuvering the Bass much easier.\u00a0 I do notice that when rolling the case across a driveway or parking lot, the case seems to skip from side to side.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s not a big deal unless you\u2019re carrying the Bass across the city. I\u2019ve had Samsonite two-wheeled luggage that did the same thing.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

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.\u00a0 Both appear to be a bit flimsy, especially the center nylon handle.\u00a0 The Pro Tech has a very substantial reinforced Nylon handle for the Bari case, something that would be nice to see here.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Source: Glenn G \u00a9 2010<\/h6>\n

All in all, I\u2019m glad I bought the case.\u00a0 It\u2019s nice that one is available given the small population of Bass players looking for a replacement case.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Highs:\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n