SKB 462 case

[hyperbolica]

I just recently bought one of these fairly cheap, and I like to write about things I buy. I also like to do research on products, and sometimes the things others write isn't as complete as you might want it to be if you're making a decision about a purchase.

Some people say the 462 big and heavy. It IS big, but it's in the ~8 lb range. I consider 10 heavy and 6 light. The nice Protech cases are heavy and the Protech Max are light. So the 462 is right in the middle.

Aside from the weight, the next thing I was looking for was something with the slide in the same side of the case as the bell (so it sits at the bottom when the case is closed and placed on the floor). I've got too many cases where the trigger handle would interfere with the slide when the case is closed - you know, those fiberglass Eastman and Crossrock like cases with the slide nested in the top side of the case, maybe with a door over it. I have a Getzen case with a nice place for the side, and a Gator Andante I think, but they were both heavier.

I also have a Marco Magi Shires case, which has the right slide layout and a light gray interior, along with 2 really nice latches. It's by far the best case I own, but it's also nice leather and I'm more than a little clumsy. I got the Magi relatively cheap, and it fits my 1480 nicely. It doesn't really get taken out of the house, which is my big argument against these expensive vanity cases - you're kind of afraid to scratch them so they might not actually get used.

Another thing I often hope for in a case and rarely get is some sort of color on the interior plush. When you're back stage and it's dark, the last thing you want is a black plush liner for your case. It's impossible to see. Anyway, the 462 plush is black. When I use the Magi case, this is advantage is really apparent.

The 462 has one pretty nice handle, but also some really flimsy wire loops for a strap, and that's as far as it goes. No backpack, no sturdy bandolier, no subway handle... You could add some DIY attachment points, but that depends on your personal skill.

I've always been a little intrigued by the outer pocket on the 462. Not sure what you'd put in it that you wouldn't put inside the case. The pocket is kind of oddly shaped; you might put a phone in it, but not anything you were afraid might fall out. Pencils maybe? There is only one compartment in the case, so if you carry a bunch of stuff, it might be useful, but I typically carry a rag, a mouthpiece, lube and water inside the case.

I've been carrying my Benge 175f in the 462, and it fits well, so does my 88h. I think an 8h or smaller straight might fit nice as well, if you had an additional pad or a big towel in there.

The clasps on the case aren't that nice. The TSA clasp on the Crossrock is really nice, but it's only 1 out of 4 latches. The Magi I mentioned has 2 really nice clasps/latches.

I think the main purpose of the 462 case is that it's relatively inexpensive, big and sturdy, and will fit just about anything. Plus, I really like that SKB will replace or repair the case if it breaks. That's reason enough to own one for me. I might paint the outside, and maybe try to add some hooks for a bandolier and a subway strap. It's a nice solid case you're not afraid to take outside in the world or throw it in the back of the jeep with the fishing tackle and a car jack.

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The Magi cases run $600+. I got mine used branded as a Shires. So someone bought a Shires trombone and then upgraded (?!?!) the case. I got it for $250, which was a bargain. They compete with the Marcus Bonna cases. Personally I like the interior and the latches better on the Magi.

[officermayo]

I converted one to carry my bass trumpet.

[elmsandr]

I didn’t realize the magi bass cases had the slide like that… I have a detachable flare case from them and the slide is in the lid. And it won’t fit a Bach length slide.

I think my requirements and yours for a case are basically the same… and I don’t understand why none of the bargain cases fit that design space.

Cheers,
Andy

[hyperbolica]

I converted one to carry my bass trumpet.

Oh, yeah, that's cool.

...
I think my requirements and yours for a case are basically the same… and I don’t understand why none of the bargain cases fit that design space.

The Magi is close to the ideal, not sure what model it is aside from what ever Shires OEMs from Magi.

The only things I'd change on the Magi would be to put a heavy duty exterior cover on it instead of the fussy leather (maybe hose canvas), a more compact shape and a subway handle. Oh, and about half the price.

The Bonnas I've seen have had zippers, and the Magi just 2 very nice latches.

[wayne88ny]

The Bonna "Baby" cases have the slide on the bottom.

[cmcslide]

I also have both cases, a Marco Magi that came with my Shires and an SKB that I bought when the zipper failed on a Bach case. I was playing on a lot of cruises at the time that I bought the SKB and, though it was too big for carry-on luggage on a plane, I gate checked it several times and it protected the horn inside very well (it was a 42BO, and yes, I'm crazy for playing that on commercial gigs!). After baggage inspection I used packing tape to make sure the latches wouldn't open in flight.