No professional clarinetist would ever consider traveling to and from their performances or practices without a case or gig bag to protect their clarinet. Whether your child is playing a student or intermediate model, protecting their clarinet with a well-built clarinet case is a must. While hard cases and gig bags are essential for virtually every instrument, they’re especially important for woodwinds due to their extremely fragile nature. From brand and bag type to space and security, here’s everything you need to know about purchasing a clarinet case for your child.
Bag Type
When it comes to purchasing a clarinet case, the first decision to make is the type of clarinet case you’ll need. Should you purchase a hard case or a softer, gig bag for your child? While many parents choose gig bags because they’re lighter, less bulky, and easier for their child to carry from class to class, gig bags come with their own set of drawbacks. Soft cases don’t offer the same level of protection as hard cases, and tend to deteriorate at a much quicker rate. Since many parents will be held liable for any damage to a rented clarinet, it’s best to purchase a hard case right away. Although hard cases are recommended, gig bags will suffice if your child rarely takes their clarinet out of the home.
Brands
Although brands don’t matter as much with clarinet cases as they do with other consumer products, some parents prefer to purchase a clarinet case from a name that’s familiar to them. Whether you’re new to the world of music and prefer to purchase your clarinet case from a brand you know or already hold loyalty towards a certain brand, we’ve got you covered. Music & Arts carries clarinet cases from premium brands, including Gator, Buffet Crampon, and Protec. Top sellers include cases from Altieri and DEG. Regardless of the brand you choose, all clarinet cases found on Music & Arts are high quality and built to last for years to come.
Single vs. Double
If you think your child will play the clarinet well through junior high and into high school or even college, it may be wise to invest in a double clarinet case, or a clarinet case that has room for two clarinets. While this may seem unnecessary if your child only has one clarinet, it’s not uncommon for more advanced players to carry a spare clarinet with them to all performances and practices, just in case something happens to their primary clarinet. If you believe your child will lose interest in playing the clarinet or that they may even switch instruments down the line, stick with a single clarinet case– they’re much easier to find and far less expensive than their double counterparts.
Additional Security
Depending on where your child takes their clarinet, you may wish to consider purchasing a clarinet case with built-in locks. If your child will be taking their clarinet from class to class or from home to performances and practices on a fairly consistent basis, the additional security may be beneficial. Although not a ‘must-have’, a locking case can prevent another child from stealing, taking, or accidentally breaking your child’s clarinet. While you’re at it, pay attention to the latches. The latches on a clarinet case should be sturdy, strong, and able to withstand a drop or two. Keep an eye out for metal latches, as these tend to be the strongest on the market.
Room for Accessories
Finally, the last thing to pay attention to when purchasing a clarinet case is whether or not it has room for accessories. Beyond storing the instrument itself, many clarinet cases have room for important accessories, including sheet music, tuners, and cleaning cloths. If you can’t find a clarinet case with space for accessories, you can always purchase a zippered sheath that will snugly cover the clarinet case you choose. As an added benefit, these types of covers can keep out rain or snow, and protect the clarinet inside against any changes in temperature or environment.
Need a clarinet, too? Check out our Clarinet Buyer’s Guide
Looking for more info about the clarinet? Check out this video:
