The interesting thread a while back about improvised flute cases got me thinking. I have a Folk Flute on order (no case) and I currently own an Olwell bamboo flute (cloth case). I was trying to think of what to use as a hard case for both, given that the Olwell is one piece about 2 feet long.
Then I thought about a composite pool cue case: two (or more) long spaces for basically cylindrical/tapered objects of roughly the same diameter, long enough for the Olwell (these cases are typically 30" long or so), some extra room for accessories. You would have to put extra padding in on each end, as the butt section of a pool cue is still longer than an Olwell!
Hadn’t thought about that one…that’s long enogh to carry two disassembled 8-keys side by side w/ a few barriers added (and you get a cue stick to cut up for cleaning rods and such)
Are the groove dimensions big enough ?
This might have real possibilities…I’ll bet there are case covers out there as well…
Might work. The last pool que case like that that I saw was made of chipboard or something similar with a black contact paper type faux leather covering, and wasn’t very sturdy. Also, the divider in that one was only attached on the ends, and kind of went where it wanted to in the middle. I’d sure look them over closely before laying down my money, but it sounds like a great idea.
As I was perusing Office Depot early this morning, I ran across these telescoping art tubes. They’re rigid plastic, are adjustable in length, and are 3-1/2 inches in diameter. Only $16.99!
This three-inch diameter telescopic art tube is ideal for students and professionals. It expands from 28 inches to 49 inches in length with 10 different locking positions. Water-resistant plastic is also light-proof to protect contents against fading from exposure to sunlight. Rigid construction protects contents from bending or creasing. Comes with an adjustable shoulder strap for comfort and convenience. Black barrel has a twist-on cap.
I should think that you could put a piece of foam in the bottom, with a cutout for one end of the flute, and another on top of the flute.
That’s the beauty of having one that is extensible. Room for everything.
You could tuck a thermos in there, too, and still have room to spare!
Hmm, now if you went over to HOME Depot, you could get a length of PVC plumbing pipe any diameter you want and a couple of caps, cover it with upholstery-weight ultrasuede or naugahyde, attach a webbing strap, and you’d have an indestructible home for your instruments. Do it just right, and you could use it as a sort of quiver to hold your instruments at a session.
I hope that link works for you. If not, go to canadiantire.ca, then to the “tools” tab, then to “tool storage” on the sidebar. It’s the aluminum briefcase. For those not in Canada, it’s made by a company called “Jobmate” - maybe it’s available at Home Depot or something.
Anyway, it seems good - customizable foam inside, plus a bunch of plastic inserts for making compartments and a flat panel on the inside of the lid with little pockets. It will easily hold a flute, some whistles, plus accessories.
