Protec French Horn Screw Bell Case IP316SB

This is an amazing case. You don’t have a lot of storage space, but then if you buy this case you’re probably more interested in a compact case and that’s certainly what you’ll get. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the hard shell and protection this small case provides. I was hesitant to put my expensive Alexander in this case and checked with an Alexander dealer and a couple of professional repairmen. They ALL agreed that this case provides even better protection than some of the “high end” (by that I really mean over-priced) cases. My horn fits quite snugly into the case, but the rotors still operate while in the case and there’s also no pressure on any of the slides. So that snug fit is an advantage that adds to the protection of this wonderfully tough, tiny, and affordable case.

I thought shopping for a new horn was difficult. I think shopping for a new case has been worse.

At the time of this writing, Delta Airlines carry-on requirements are “45 linear inches (or 114 cm) in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels”, and “baggage must fit easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check (approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or 56 x 35 x 23 cm)”. Now, anyone who has flown lately knows that passengers routinely ignore those dimensions and try to bring their wheeled Winnebago-sized suitcase onto the plane. And let’s be frank–9″ (23 cm) is not a large number. And yet this case exceeds that depth by 2″. Will it still fit in the overhead bin of a non-regional-sized jet? Probably. Will it fit under the seat? Again, probably. Do you trust that some crabby gate agent won’t be a hardliner and force you to gate check it anyway? I can’t say that I do. This gives me some pause.

As a case, it seems OK. I’m not keen on how the bell just floats inside in its little “stocking cap”. A strap or something to secure the bell sleeve inside would make me feel better. The instrument body also isn’t a very tight fit, so you will surely need to add in some additional padding of your own (foam blocks if you have them, or rolled hand towels or other soft cloths). My instrument is a Hoyer 6802.

It’s a more accessible solution than the Marcus Bonna or other compact cases, which aren’t sold everywhere, and the price tag of the iPac is easier to swallow than the MB. If you’re prepared to accept that some customization may be needed to really make your own horn secure, then it’s probably an OK choice for a compact, mainstream case.

We were waiting anxiously for the arrival of this item and when it arrived, we were deflated knowing the item is damaged! This was my first time ordering from Dillon music, and I was apprehensive too since this wasn’t coming directly from Amazon. I started to begin the process through Amazon to return, but then decided to contact Dillon music directly to inform them of how the item arrived.

From this point, I thought for sure this would turn out to be a very poor experience, but I was wrong! Jim picked up my call at Dillon Music to assist me. He was very attentive, a very empathetic listener and immediately wanted to make the situation right. He requested photos of the case with the damage, and within the hour he had Protec contacting us directly. He coordinated to have the manufacture send us a replacement. Wow-I would never have imagined this!

I could not have thought of a better outcome. At first, I was incredibly sad thinking we would need to return the item and still need to find a shop who carried this case in stock, because we still need a case. Dillon Music, specifically Jim, was outstanding to work with. This experience truly has made me want to find ways to purchase from them again and again!

As for the case, it really is a great case. The damage we were concerned with are rips on the inside material. After time with separation in the material, I was very concerned about the holes getting worse. Looking beyond that, the case is excellent! Very well padded and protects the instrument. We were going to get a higher end case, but read so many great reviews about this case, and it is all true-it is a solid, well made case which I imagine will keep our custom Horn very secure. We just happen to get a flawed one-it happens, and we are currently waiting for the replacement. Protec, by the way, was also incredible to work with too. All around, this turned out to be a great experience!

I would highly recommend this Horn case (Protec), and especially Dillon Music! Thanks, Jim!!!!

Es muy buena calidad , liviano , práctico y seguro para transportar el instrumento . Es excelente

Good fit for my horn.