7 Best Trombone Cases – 2021 Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide To Finding The Best Trombone Case + Reviews

 

If you’re looking for the best trombone case, but you don’t know which one to choose, then you should read on. Finding the right case can be time-consuming with all the options on the market, but the good news is that we’ve looked at some of the sturdiest models and read what customers had to say about their performance, so you don’t have to. After comparing some of the most popular choices and looking at their features, we recommend that you get the Protec Tenor Trombone Case MX306CT. This case is made of durable materials such as 600D nylon and EPS foam, has a spacious interior lined with non-abrasive padding, and has comfortable handles and straps for easy transportation. In the unfortunate event that this product is out of stock, you might also want to take a look at the SKB Case 1SKB360.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

7 Best Trombone Cases (Reviews) in 2021 

 

 

You probably don’t have the time to do your own research and go through loads of trombone case reviews. We’ve looked at some of the most appreciated cases on the market and have selected the ones that offer the best features and quality so you can choose the right one to protect your musical instrument.

 

1. Protec Max Tenor Case for Trombone

 

The Protec MX306CT is a durable case that can protect a tenor trombone during transport. This case features a rigid EPS foam frame that is tough, yet lightweight, as well as an exterior that’s made of 600D nylon which confers it strength for heavy use.

The interior is lined with a soft plush lining that is non-abrasive, so you don’t have to worry about getting your trombone scratched during transportation. Thanks to the large heavy-duty zippers with a quick-locking mechanism, you can bet on this case to help you pack and unpack your musical hardware with ease, anytime.

You get a comfortable grip with the dual corded handle and a soft handle wrap. This case also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and backpack straps for extra convenience when hauling your musical gear to gigs or music lessons. The spacious interior can accommodate both straight and F-trigger horns, while the large pockets can hold all your accessories.

 

Pros

This model comes provided with a rugged nylon exterior and, thus, it can protect your trombone against shocks. It also features a soft lining.

It has a shoulder strap that makes it easy for you to carry your instrument without having to hold it in your hand. 

The model includes two sizable interior pockets where you can keep the trombone and the additional accessories that you use such as your mouthpiece. 

What is more, this option includes an outside compartment that is sizable enough so that you can also bring your foldable stand with you. 

 

Cons

After a while, the zippers that this case features might break. However, it all depends on how you use the product. 

The model is somewhat large, and thus, it might not be suitable to be used by tenor trombone players. Yet, it is perfect for beginners as it fits traditional trombones. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($120.52)

 

 

 

2. SKB 1SKB 360 Trombone Case

 

The SKB 1SKB360 is a straight tenor trombone case that can accommodate small bore models that have up to 8-inch bells. This case can provide your musical instrument with extra protection while coming at a remarkable price. This unit also features an attractive design with a black color that will match any stage decor.

The rugged exterior is reinforced with backplates to ensure maximum protection for your instrument. The latches are securely attached so you can count on them to keep the case fastened and safe. Its hard exterior can surely withstand a lot of wear and tear. While strong, this product only weighs 7 pounds.

The interior compartment allows you to place your trombone and accessories conveniently. You also get bags for your neck and mouthpiece so you can keep them protected as well. You can attach a strap to the D-rings for easy transportation, while the large handles are comfortable and provide a firm grip.

 

Pros

This alternative comes provided with a practical D-ring that you can use to fit it with a strap. This way, you can transport your instrument easily.

Because it features an internal compartment that is quite sizable, you will have no difficulties when it comes to transporting your accessories as well.

The product was reinforced with backplates. Because of them, the unit is highly durable and it can keep your trombone safe during transportation.

It was specially designed to fit a bore tenor model that has an 8-inch bell. It is easy to use and handy to have around as a trombone player. 

 

Cons

Due to the compact design of this case, the interior pockets that the option includes are not necessarily very wide for you to transport many additional items.

Before you decide to order it, keep in mind that the model does not come shipped alongside a strap that you can use with it.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($139.34)

 

 

 

3. Protec IP306CT Trombone Case

 

From the first look, you will be able to tell that this case is built with durability in mind. The wood frame makes it resistant to deformations, while the 1680 ballistic nylon canvas covering the bag on the exterior ensures that no spills, rain, or other accidents will cause damage to the instrument you’re carrying in that case.

Another feature you will like is the QuickLock that lets you shut the case when empty, but without zippering, for quick use. This model is equipped with high-quality hardware, and everything from the molded zippers, to the rubber feet and the reinforced stitching, spells quality.

The inside compartmentalization leaves nothing to be desired. You have a different compartment for all the elements of your trombone, and a secure strap makes sure that the instrument will not move during transportation. On the inside, the case is padded with Nylex lining.

 

Pros

This alternative stands out because it has a shock-absorbing wood frame that adds to its durability and overall sturdiness.

Given that it is covered in 1680 ballistic nylon exterior, this case is highly durable and it can be used no matter the weather.

It includes a large zippered storage compartment as well as a cleaning rod pocket that is located on the sidewall of the option.

The tendon brace that was integrated into the design of this choice is adjustable. It also includes padded walls for increased safety.

 

Cons

Because of its price, not many interested buyers might actually be able to afford this alternative. Still, this is a durable option that is worth your attention.

This case is made of high-quality materials and, as a result, it is not necessarily lightweight. Nonetheless, keep in mind that it is a perfect choice if you value security. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($219.81)

 

 

 

4. Protec Deluxe Tenor Trombone Bag

 

This deluxe version comes with a durable exterior that is meant to provide tenor trombones with increased safety. The Protec Deluxe Bag C239 comes with a sturdy exterior that is made of ballistic 1680 nylon that’s resistant to abrasion as well as water. This case can accommodate most models of tenor trombones with up to 9-inch bells and F-attachments.

The soft plush lining will keep your trombone and F-attachment safe from harm, while the 1-inch padding will increase protection for your valuable equipment. The bell and slide sections are reinforced to prevent damage to these fragile parts. The handles come with a handle wrap that ensures that you won’t hurt your fingers even if you carry the case for a longer period of time.

The shoulder strap will make carrying this case a breeze, while the spacious exterior pocket will help you organize your stuff better so that you can always find what you’re looking for with minimum hassle.

 

Pros

This choice comes provided with a soft push lining so that your trombone is safe during transportation. It has a roomy pocket.

Besides, it contains black powder-coated hardware and a practical shoulder strap that you can use. The product is water and abrasion-resistant.

Because it was made of durable materials, including 1680-gauge ballistic nylon, this case is likely to pass the test of time.

This option has a roomy design and it was made to fit most tenor trombone that features an F-attachment and it can fit up to 9″ bell.

 

Cons 

It should be noted that, because of its design, this case might feel somewhat uncomfortable to carry around. It all depends on the user’s preferences.

Given that this model is rather sizeable and not particularly lightweight, it might not be a great purchase for a child. Yet, it can be easily used by adults.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

5. Protec IP309CT Bass Trombone IPAC Case

 

The Protec Bass IPAC IP309CT is a case that is designed with professional use in mind. This high-end model benefits from a solid construction that is also lightweight. It also comes with a customizable interior that allows you to fit your trombone, attachments, and accessories snugly to ensure proper protection while going to rehearsals or concert halls.

This high-quality case is equipped with a strong wooden frame that is meant to offer increased protection. The exterior features ballistics-grade 1680 nylon that is durable and resistant to abuse as well as the elements. The zig-zag stitching and custom-molded zippers confer increased resilience.

The interior comes with modular body sections that allow you to ensure a customized fit for your musical equipment. You also get a zippered compartment, as well as storage pockets for accessories large and small. The interior strap will secure your instrument, while the exterior handles and adjustable shoulder strap make this case easy to carry.

 

Pros

This case has a dual corded handle design and it comes provided with a handle wrap that is padded for increased comfort. 

It also includes a shoulder strap that is also padded and that can be removed if the user wants to do so. It features an I.D. tag as well that is useful when traveling.

The model is lightweight and compact and, thus, it won’t take up a lot of room. Besides, it features a high-quality zipper.

According to the seller, this option is weather resistant as it features a 1680 ballistic nylon exterior. It also comes with durable stitching.

 

Cons

You can use this choice with backpack straps. However, they are not included in the deal and, thus, they have to be bought separately.

The price of this product might discourage some of the interested customers. Still, it is spacious and it comes fitted with plenty of features.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($244.33)

 

 

 

6. Gator GL-Trombone F Lightweight Trombone Case

 

If you’re looking for a sturdy case that can protect your trombone without weighing a lot, then the Gator Lightweight is just what you need. This case is made of durable 600-Denier nylon which makes this model incredibly light, yet strong enough for long-term use under normal circumstances.

This unit is spacious enough to hold tenor trombones, and it also features an internal reinforcement for an F-attachment. The interior is lined with dense EPS foam that is covered with plush material for a soft touch and extra protection for your trombone.

You can use the shoulder strap with an anti-slip rubber wrap to carry your instrument to gigs. This model also features handles with reinforced padding as well as an interlocking handle for an improved grip that will ensure you don’t accidentally drop the case. You also get an exterior nylon pocket for easy access to various accessories, as well as interior mesh pockets.

 

Pros

This alternative is lightweight and durable and it comes with a Nylon exterior and an EPS foam interior that is highly protective.

It has an interlocking grip handle that you can use to transport the model around easily and a shoulder strap that can be removed if the user decides to do so.

The exterior accessory pocket is very practical as it allows the player to carry extra items in it. The pocket is zippered for easy access.

A special compartment has been fitted inside the case so that you can bring your F-attachment with you. 

 

Cons

This product is very sizeable, yet, it might not be large enough to fit all types of trombones, which is a disadvantage.

Given the features that this option includes, it is somewhat expensive given that other counterparts that you can find online are more affordable. Yet, it does its job and it is sturdy.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($146.24)

 

 

 

7. SKB Pro Universal Tenor Trombone Case

 

The SKB Pro Universal Tenor is a trombone case that is perfect for professionals who want to transport their musical equipment and ensure maximum safety at all times. This model can fit even larger-bore trombones with or without F-attachments and can accommodate bells of up to 9 inches in diameter.

This hard case is a perfect alternative to conventional wooden cases. The hardshell is made of high-grade plastics which are guaranteed to provide your musical equipment with great protection against damage for a long time. The hardware is also reinforced with backplates for even more resilience and durability.

The rugged external surface is resistant to shocks, while the plush interior will provide stability and a soft surface to prevent scratches to your trombone. Despite its extra strength, this case only weighs 10 pounds, making it a prime choice among accomplished musicians. You also get an exterior pouch for easy access to items you need to keep on hand.

 

Pros

It has a rugged exterior that makes it resistant to shocks, a very practical feature. Besides, it has a plush interior.

What is more, the case is reinforced with backplates that make it more sturdy than other models in the same price range.

The item is made to fit all types of tenor trombones and it can accommodate bells of up to 9 inches, which is a feature you might like.

It includes an exterior pocket where you can place accessories safely. Because of this, you will have easy access to them.

 

Cons

Because of its spacious design, this case is a bit bulkier than other models. So, it can be a tad difficult to use by children.

The exterior of the option is slippery. If you regard this as a drawback, you can fix this by placing rubber stick-on sheets on the areas that you find problematic.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($183)

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

Besides buying a quality trombone, you should also make sure that you invest some money in the best case for trombone you can find on the market. Doing so will ensure that you get protection at all times, whether you’re just traveling a few blocks away to rehearsals or between cities at various gigs. Here are a few things you might want to consider before buying one.

Choose the appropriate size

No matter how much you are planning to invest in a case, you’d better make sure that it fits. If the case is too large, then the trombone won’t sit tightly, and you risk having it damaged since the parts might bump into each other during transportation.

If the case is too small, then it’s obvious that you won’t be able to use it. A good case should fit your trombone tightly while also having enough space for an F-attachment, a mouthpiece, accessories, etc.

One possible compromise is if you think that you’ll upgrade your trombone in the near future, in which case you could buy a slightly larger model, and then fill in the gaps with bubble wrap. However, you should know that your musical instrument won’t get nearly the same level of protection as with a case that’s a tight fit.

 

Soft or hard case?

Depending on what you are planning to do with the trombone, you might want to invest in a soft model or a hard case. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. A soft trombone case for sale will be considerably lighter, and these models usually command lower prices. You can also stuff slightly larger trombones with care, a thing that’s impossible with a hard case.

Soft cases also tend to be equipped with more pockets, which can only be a good thing, especially if you have a lot of stuff to carry. You’d also be able to wear the bag as a backpack if it comes equipped with the right straps.

Hard cases, on the other hand, will offer the maximum amount of protection for your musical instrument. These cases are usually used by professionals all throughout the world. Especially when you’re carrying a trombone that’s worth several thousand dollars, you would like to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged, considering how fragile these wind instruments really are.

A hard case will protect your equipment in scenarios where a soft case wouldn’t do such a good job, such as at an airport where some baggage handlers tend to be less-than-careful with how they manipulate people’s luggage. A hard case will also fit your trombone tightly, especially around the bell, offering maximum protection to the most fragile part of the instrument.

 

Multiple pockets can help you organize better

You’d likely want to invest in some of the best trombone accessories you can afford to increase the quality and versatility of your instrument. If you plan on having lots of these, then you’d better get a case that comes with many pockets. You surely want some external pockets to keep things on hand, such as a smartphone.

Some of the best cases also come with many interior slide pockets and zippered variants that help you organize all your accessories better so that you know where to look when you need to find one without having to create an entire mess inside.

Increase security and safety

Especially if you’re carrying a valuable instrument, you might also want to ensure that the case you are getting has reliable latches so that you won’t risk having the case opening and your beloved trombone rolling out of it and getting damaged.

You could also opt to get some extra locks to increase security and prevent possible thefts. Some higher-end models come with built-in heavy-duty locks which would more than suffice in keeping your equipment safe.

If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should probably get a hard case that comes with reinforced hard plates and thick padding. Also make sure that the case won’t flex when pressing various parts, because if it does move, then chances are that it won’t offer maximum protection for your trombone.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Is the trombone high or low pitch?

Just like other brass instruments, the trombone is often regarded as a low-pitched instrument. Another aspect that deserves to be mentioned is the fact that many modern trombones come fitted with a special valve that actually lowers the pitch of the instrument. 

However, this all depends on how proficient you are at playing it. As the experts argue, the pitch of a trombone is influenced by the volume of air that one blows into the instrument and by the speed at which the trombonist’s lips actually vibrate.

Even more so, the pitch of a trombone is also changed by the length of the tubbing. As a result, the longer the tube of the trombone, the more air gets into it and, thus, the lower the pitch gets. To make the instrument resonate at various harmonics, the player has to buzz his/her lips slower or faster, depending on what type of sound he/she wants to achieve.

Q: How does a trombone produce sound?

As you probably intuit, the sound of a brass instrument such as a trombone makes is correlated to the volume of air that passes through it. By buzzing his/her lips when blowing the air into the trombone, the player makes the column of air move in various ways, and thus, a different sound is produced. For instance, if the trombonist tightens his/her lips, he/she produces a higher pitch. 

In order to produce higher or lower pitches, the trombonist has to adjust the opening of his/her lips. Because trombones do not feature finger holes, the player can only modify the sound by changing how he/she blows the air into the instrument. 

Novice players are often taught the Toh, Tay, Tee technique. Toh correlates to a low pitch, tay to a medium one, and tee to a high pitch. Once they master the blowing techniques, players are encouraged to use tonguing and positioning to produce sounds. 

 

Q: Is it difficult to play trombone?

To get good at playing an instrument, musicians have to show dedication and they have to put in hours of practice to master the required techniques. In other words, the more you practice, the better the results will get. Some experts argue that the trombone is one of the easiest brass instruments to pick up as a beginner. However, mastering it requires a lot of dedication.

The first step one has to take is to learn the blowing technique. Once you get used to it, it is time to learn the positions. Seasoned players recommend that all beginners should get help from a teacher and that they should join a band as soon as they can.

Joining a band is essential because the trombonist learns how to play alongside other musicians and, consequently, he/she can show signs of improvement faster. 

At the end of the day, it should be stated that playing the trombone is as difficult as playing any other instrument. Yet, if the trombonist shows dedication and he/she is willing to practice regularly, the results will show.

 

Q: Who is the best trombone player?

Because subjectivity is a major factor when coming up with an answer to this question, it is very difficult to give a straightforward reply. However, there are a couple of brilliant musicians that are highly regarded by the public and the critics alike.

One of them is Joseph Alessi, who plays for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He is appreciated for the easiness with which he effectively crosses over various styles. 

Don Lusher is currently regarded as a master of ballad playing. Christian Lindberg is a Swedish trombonist that has also received outstanding praise for his playing. He is considered one of the first trombone solo artists in the world. 

Ian Bousfield is a British trombonist who is Principal Trombone in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. He is renowned for his playing technique and his quintessential British playing. He has also received a solo disc.

 

Q: Why was a trombone called a sackbut?

If you are a trombone aficionado, you probably already know that this instrument used to be called a sackbut. The etymology of this word is difficult to pinpoint. Still, there are two main theories that linguists have put forward. 

The most popular theory states that the word sackbut comes from an Old French word called saqueboute. Saqueboute was a composed word made up of saquer, meaning to pull, and bouter, to hit. 

The second theory claims that the word sackbut was the English equivalent of the Italian word trombone. In Italian, this word is made up of the word for trumpet, tromba, and the suffix -one that meant big. Therefore, according to this theory, the instrument used to be called a big trumpet. 

It should be pointed out that the trombones that we use today are different from the sackbuts utilized in the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The sackbut had thicker walls than the modern trombone and, thus, it produced a softer sound.

 

 

Unavailable products:

 

Protec Padded Gig Bag C239E 

 

If you’re looking for a reliable protective case for your trombone, then the Protec Padded Gig Bag C239E is a fine choice. This model comes with a roomy interior that fits a tenor trombone, as well as an exterior pocket for accessories that also benefits from reinforcements.

The interior lining is soft and non-abrasive so your musical instrument won’t get scratched or lose its polish even after extended use. The bell section is reinforced to offer extra protection against damage during transportation. The thick foam padding lines the interior and ensures a snug fit for your trombone.The full-length zippers are easy to operate and can secure your precious trombone.

This case comes with a handle with a dual-corded design that also features an added handle wrap. This model also features two adjustable straps that you could also use to turn the case into a backpack to free your hands and travel in great comfort anywhere.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) How should I travel by plane with a trombone?

2) Traveling With Musical Instruments

3) Trombone basics to help you choose

4) Taking care of a trombone

5) How to protect your instrument