Here is an idea for an inexpensive flute case: http://www.amazon.com/Otter-Box-5-cigar-Caddy-3400/dp/B0007VWETM/ref=pd_sbs_misc?ie=UTF8&qid=1218718443&sr=8-14
I don’t have one yet, but am very happy with some of the other Otter products I’ve purchased in the past. Not sure if the interior height will work with standard flute diameter, but something like this might be worth investigating as a travel case as an alternate to a pistol case.
That does look very nice and compact, but I think it is too small, as it needs to be at least 10-11" just for a headjoint and barrel, and the height as you say might not be adequate, but it’s close. The dimensions of the Otter case are:
Interior dimensions: L 7.875 - W 3.813 - D 1.500. Exterior dimensions: L 8.375 - W 4.375 - D 1.875
But one of those small digital hygrometers on the same page as the Otter case is very important to have!
How about one of these for cheap and functional if you are traveling and you want to put it in your luggage:
This is what I like to ship flutes in that I sell when I can find them. I’ve had good luck at Sports Authority. There’s also room for other stuff there when you travel-humidifier (sponge or other), swab, swab stick, oil, etc. Even some hygometers will fit too.
Barry,
I was hoping it would be large enough. Oh well, so it goes.
The Otter case does have other advantages over the Plano: it is truely watertight, has a built in “hydrator” chamber (where you can put your propylene glycol gel to keep a fixed 60% RH in the case), comes fitted with foam cushioning, and is a bit sturdier (only per experience with similar fishing lure cases, I’ve never inspected a Plano). Perhaps there is another product by Otter that will suit. Thanks for giving me the size parameters. I guess I should ahve known, as this morning I tried to fit my M&E into an old cigar case I had lying around and the head section was about 3/4" too long…
I was just chatting with Eskin about this the other day here is what I suggested.
I’ve been using PS2 gamers cases. Aluminum and just the right size… and they are cheap.
Cut your own high density rubber foam you can by at OSH and looks custom.
The smooth case I made for my Metzer came from a Game Stop. EB Games is the same company.
I have one like this as well.
http://www.expresslaptops.com/product.asp?id=32748
I put in a hygrometer and a humistat along with some foam cut to fit each piece and it works really great. You just have to rip out whats in the bottom. The top has a nice velcroed top flap for goodies to fit.
These boxes are really cheap to buy.
Good luck… too bad the humidor wouldn’t fit… if you found a larger one you might get a rudall (4 piece) to fit stacked.
Actually, perfect isn’t always the best choice-some air exchange is helpful in preventing mold from developing, and the Plano is very suitable, if not too elegant. It serves a purpose and does it well-and maybe better than an airtight case, unless you are kayaking!
Humidifying a flute is not that precise, and it’s not hard to maintain at about 60% which seems to be considered about optimum. The key is to knowing what the humidity is, with an adequate hygrometer, and a method of keeping the humidity fairly consistent. Lots of ways to get there too.
My preferred method of keeping the flute humidified in my apartment is to keep them in a plastic Starplast Rectangular Cake Container from Walmart, with a Herco Guardfather humidifier (clay in a round small plastic tub), with a digital hygrometer-easy, cheap, and works well-and no mold or moss growing like it might in an airtight container-this one has two blue handles on top, with holes drilled for them-so not airtight.
plain and simple: Doskocil cases
inexpensive
sturdy
do the job beautifully.
can’t be beat.
and won’t set you back hardly a couple bucks!
i chuckle too at all the doo-dads everyone’s gotta have in their cases: humistats; orange peels; sponges, etc.
my god
i live in one of the driest climates (Denver) and don’t bother with any of that nonsense. And you all know they type flutes I own.
none have cracked in 10 years living here.
but if you MUST have one…HERE:
http://www.amazon.com/N-12-cigar-Aluminum-Travel-Humidor/dp/B000KMAL70/ref=pd_sbs_k_4
Yes, Dave, but I’ve heard tell of you giving your flutes an entire oil bath (from your own posts) too, or have you modified your approach since then?
Nonsense is what happens when your flute cracks-not when it doesn’t! I’ll do a little on my part to prevent it-you can do what you like!
Well I keep my raw eggs and fish on top of a tall cabinet ( away from the cats and bears.. and you know where I live. ) and just laugh at people when the get all concerned about salmonella and use doo-dads like refrigeration as such.
Everyone knows salmonella is a myth.
My god.
take no offense
none intended
just think you’re overdoing it…just a point, not a criticism.
and I’ve been oiling flutes for 40 years, I’ve got a pretty good idea when and how to do it properly. Submersion is one way, yes…but that lasts for over a year. I don’t use the method mind you.
My god. No offense either.
I too think people can and do worry a bit too much over wood.
I have a friend here local (he is on the boards here but he can reveal himself if he wishes) that leaves his vintage keyed english flute sitting out on the piano and it seems to have been fine for years.
So there you go.
The fact that so many survive will few to no cracks is surely a testament to it then again the other half of the survivors with ugly gashes is heavy proof on the other side.
There are so many factors involved.
Oil baths, rain barrels, orange peels, swinging poultry over ones head… what ever works I say and keeps the blood pressure down.
I’ll stay in the “stabilized environment” camp though.
Takes some of the guess work out of it.
Aanvil, Jr. Scientist Birdman, Aanvil.
Of course, I will go out on a limb here, but I imagine, Anvil, you meant no offense to either the chicken swingers, or the chickens, am I right? You know, some birds do like to be swung, but others just go light headed at the thought!
oh, no!!!
I’d never keep my flutes in the stable!
signed,
Long time chicken swinger
these are slightly more expensive, but this is what i use:
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tec-Classic-Flute-Green/dp/B0002E50EU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1219076875&sr=8-1
i took out the screws, took off the cover, peeled the fabric off, cut the styrofoam to make it fit my antique, and then put it together (no new glue), and it’s great. the best part is that it has a pocket in the back for a cleaning rod, and a pocket on top for whistles, tuners, plumbers tape, cork oil, etc.
when i made mine, i didnt carve out a section for humidifier. there is plenty of extra room in the upper left hand corner to do this. however, as i saw it out for different flutes, i keep all the things that need to be humidified in a plastic container (that is not air tight) and humidify it.
my new flute, unfortunately, does not fit in here! so its back to the towel wrapped around itself with rubber bands.