To buy or not to buy?

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:02 am

Does anyone already own a Pro Tec "Urban style" gig baghttp://www.flutesonline.com/flutestore/ ... ctid=16216
Here's the link as to what I'm talking about. I've heard people say they are awfully bulky and normal flute cases fall over or bounce around in them. Just wondering what you guys thought. I need a gig bag in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to decide what I want. Any suggestions?

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:22 am

I know someone who had a pink one of those, and she liked it fairly well. She kept her flute and picc in it. But, she has had her flute fall out of it as well. If you are looking in terms of gigbags, I would take a look at http://www.fluteworld.com

they have some fairly nice gig bags. If possible, I would opt for one of those, because eventually you will want to carry more in that than you would the 'urban style' bag. However, they are bigger [like a satchel], and can get very pricey dependant on which bag you buy [from about $40-100]. But, these bags are very sturdy, and if you take care of them, they will last a LONG time. But, the bag you mentioned will work, and I know someone who has had a lot of success with them.

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Sat May 05, 2007 9:16 am

I have an Altieri Flute/Piccolo double pocket gig bag. It's pretty large but you can also hold a lot of books and sheet music in it. I can't recomend it enough. Although it is rather expensive.

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Sat May 05, 2007 10:20 am

Im still using my school bag for everything. school work, music/tuner/metronome/flute stand.... I keep everything in there. lol. Then I just hold my flute in its original case.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat May 05, 2007 11:31 am

musical_Kat wrote:I have an Altieri Flute/Piccolo double pocket gig bag. It's pretty large but you can also hold a lot of books and sheet music in it. I can't recomend it enough. Although it is rather expensive.

I also have one of these (though mine also fits an alto), and it's great for hauling around instruments as well as music, and other accessories (Tuners, metronomes, intrument stands, etc). Altieri makes great case covers/carrying bags, as does Cavallaro. I would suggest products from either of these companies. I use an Altieri case cover for my Tom Green, and a Cavallaro for my piccolo, and both have done a great job protecting and insulating the instruments so far.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sat May 05, 2007 12:41 pm

I have a couple of students who have pro tec products (cases and covers). They seem to like them very well and they have a great warranty. One students had a handle rip and they replaced it free. The urban style covers seem quite bulky and if you have a french style case, it can slip out if you are not careful, so I suggest the covers with zippers that go all the way around for security.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat May 05, 2007 3:22 pm

musical_Kat wrote:I have an Altieri Flute/Piccolo double pocket gig bag. It's pretty large but you can also hold a lot of books and sheet music in it. I can't recomend it enough. Although it is rather expensive.

I use this kind as well [insulated, backpack straps slide into a large pocket etc. etc.]. I love it.

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:32 pm

Thanks everyone! New question. I basially want a bag that can hold just my flute and piccolo plus some smaller items such as pencils, tuner, etc. I think getting some dimensions would help me find a case that fits the flute pretty well. Anyone?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:59 pm

I'm afraid I don't understand the question. Are you asking for dimensions, or if we think dimensions are something you need to figure out before buying, or something else entirely?

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:15 pm

flutepicc06 wrote:
musical_Kat wrote:I have an Altieri Flute/Piccolo double pocket gig bag. It's pretty large but you can also hold a lot of books and sheet music in it. I can't recomend it enough. Although it is rather expensive.

I also have one of these (though mine also fits an alto), and it's great for hauling around instruments as well as music, and other accessories (Tuners, metronomes, intrument stands, etc). Altieri makes great case covers/carrying bags, as does Cavallaro. I would suggest products from either of these companies. I use an Altieri case cover for my Tom Green, and a Cavallaro for my piccolo, and both have done a great job protecting and insulating the instruments so far.

I love the Cavallaro case covers....I use them for both my flute and piccolo.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:37 pm

Most case covers are pretty standard. I would try one designed for the flute and piccolo. Ask about a return policy before ordering, and if you don't like it you can send it back.

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:32 am

I guess I should've been more specific on my question. I was kind of distracted. I think I meant should I worry about dimensions and can anyone give me typical dimensions...

Anyways, my dad said I should just get the pro tec in case I get a larger flute later on and for now I should put a foam block in it to make my flute fit better. So, he bought one last night, assuring me I'd like it. I needed something relativly small (not like a backpack) that can hold a lot of small items in it plus a flute, possibly my piccolo, etc. Almost no matter what it should be better then holding my flute the "old fasioned way"; just by the handle. I'll let you know how it all works out when it arrives. I've heard some good reviews and some bad ones...Luckily, I have a good imagination and should be able to make it work!

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:53 am

Although I have a protec case on my Buffet(I use the extra space to hold me wood headjoint). However I need to haul music, stands, pickups, etc, I use a good old fashions Portfolio bag. Similar to the ones airline pilots use. Then I just stuff the stock flute cases into there. It has plenty of capacity for everything, its durable, and it has wheels on it. It also does not look like an instrument bag, so its stealth. This can help reduce the possibility of theft. Not to mention, these cases are fairly inexpensive($60 for the canvas ones). Now, if you are talking aobut replacing your stock case(the one that came with the flute) this is a different story. The one on the website just looks like a small purse fitted for a flute. If you are trying to match your shoes I guess thats ok...lol Whatever blow your hair back! I got lucky, most of my flutes came with decent stock cases. Then again, I take extra care of my stuff!

This bag setup and I traveled all over Asia if this will give you any idea.
Just wanted to add my 2 pennies. I could carry 3 flutes, and a pic, 2 Realbooks, a folding music stand, Mididisc player with playalong music, powered speakers, a mic/pickup, 2 small water bottles, etc.... Did I mention it has wheels!!...lol

Phineas

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun May 06, 2007 11:00 am

flautists_r_us wrote:I guess I should've been more specific on my question. I was kind of distracted. I think I meant should I worry about dimensions and can anyone give me typical dimensions... Anyways, my dad said I should just get the pro tec in case I get a larger flute later on and for now I should put a foam block in it to make my flute fit better. So, he bought one last night, assuring me I'd like it. I needed something relativly small (not like a backpack) that can hold a lot of small items in it plus a flute, possibly my piccolo, etc. Almost no matter what it should be better then holding my flute the "old fasioned way"; just by the handle. I'll let you know how it all works out when it arrives. I've heard some good reviews and some bad ones...Luckily, I have a good imagination and should be able to make it work!

Odds are your cases will not get any larger from here. French style cases (which most upper level flutes come with) have the tendency to be noticeably smaller than the bulky cases some student instruments come with. Hopefully this case will work out for you, but next time, don't let your dad do your flute shopping unless he's educated himself more thoroughly.

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sun May 06, 2007 12:25 pm

My dad has been in the music business for many years, so I trust his decision

. We've been looking at gig bags for months and he thought that would be the best for what I needed. I have another bag to keep my stand, music, water bottles, my giant metronome

, etc. I was thinking "bigger" like if I wanted a b-foot or even alto, though an alto might not fit....I don't know how big those cases are. Anyhow, thanks for your concern!