The 5 Best Trombone Cases and Gig Bags (2024) for Protection and Durability
A trombone can be a serious investment, therefore, investing in a good case or gig back is well worth the purchase. A good case can make it easy to transport, while also keeping it safe and secure.
When you have to go to gigs or practice, you’ll quickly realize that you need a case for your instrument. Since the trombone is a moderate-to-high-priced instrument, keeping it safe and secure should be your top priority. This is where a good gig back or case will come in handy.
My top recommended trombone case is the Gator Cases GC-TROMBONE. This is a well-rounded trombone case from a great manufacturer.
My second recommended trombone case is the Protec MX306CT Tenor Trombone Case. This is a good quality nylon fabric exterior trombone case with a good price tag.
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Best 5 Best Trombone Cases and Gig Bags (2024)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Gator Cases GC-TROMBONE
If you’re looking for something durable, protective of your instrument, and affordable at the same time, this Gator Case is probably your best bet. This company produces cases for various products, including trombones.
Their cases are made out of hard plastic exterior lined with an EPS foam protective interior, which will provide your trombone with the best protection available against physical damage. They also come with aluminum latches with locks, so security is not an issue.
It has a mid-range price but if you’re looking for a quality, sturdy, protective case that you can easily take on a plane or with other cargo and be sure that your instrument will make it out alive, then this case is an excellent choice.
2. Protec MX306CT Tenor Trombone Case
If you don’t want to haul a heavy strong case everywhere you go but still want that protection for your instrument, the Protec MX360CT could be your solution.
This is a tenor trombone case, so be mindful of the size of the instrument you can fit inside. It’s made out of nylon fabric exterior which is highly durable and on the inside, it’s fitted with durable lightweight EPS rigid foam as well as plastic latches.
It has several different straps on the outside, so it’s very travel-friendly. This is a great protective case that will last you for years and has a very good price tag.
The Crossrock CRA860TBBL trombone case is a great, durable option to consider. It comes with a strong molded ABS exterior and is made for Bb tenor trombones.
Despite the durable construction and its robust nature, it still sports a lightweight design, weighing in at 10 pounds. It is a very travel-friendly hard shell case. In addition to all these great features, it also has 2 accessory pockets for additional gear.
Naturally, the padded shoulder strap is a great addition as carrying around a case can be bothersome to the shoulders. If you’re after a strong exterior, pleasing aesthetics, and a moderate price tag, the Crossrock trombone case might be ideal for you.
4. Protec PL239 Platinum Series
The PL239 is a high-end, semi-rigid case that is made for professional use and intended to last for years. On the outside, it’s made out of very durable nylon material which is waterproof. On the inside, it’s made out of custom-made foam, which is in places secured with wooden panels to add more protection while keeping the weight of the whole case down.
With this gig bag, you’ll get several pockets that you can use to store everything you need, but beware that ultimately you won’t be able to carry literally everything you think of as this is made to be a trombone case, not a luggage bag.
The price is moderate for a good quality trombone bag which adds that much more value and it is a really high-quality product that you’ll love and use for years to come.
5. SKB Trombone Case
Ending this list is another heavy-duty, rigid case for your trombone. The SKB will fit most of the standard and smaller trombones and is a no-frills case. It’s made out of hard plastic on the outside, which is durable and waterproof, with aluminum reinforced latches.
On the inside, this case is made out of rigid foam, with separate pockets for the mouthpiece and straps, so that you can easily pack everything you need for your trombone.
The price is somewhat considerate, and for it, you’ll get a really good quality-made, sturdy, rigid case that will keep your trombone safe and last you for decades.
Consider the size of the trombone
When you’re buying your case, you should always consider the size of your trombone. Tenor Trombones are the standard ones, but depending on the type you have, the size of the instrument will vary. So, always check if the case you’re looking for will fit your specific trombone.
Soft vs. Hard case
When you’re buying a case, you’ll quickly notice that there are several different types of cases you can find. Some of them are made out of a soft exterior while some have a rigid exterior made out of stronger materials. Let’s take a look at the difference between a soft case and a hard case.
Soft case
Soft cases are all the cases that come with a nylon-made exterior. The main difference between different soft cases is the padding thickness. It can range from no padding at all to 20mm of padding, which adds more safety to your trombone.
The cheapest ones are just a simple bag for the instrument with no padding and waterproof nylon casing outside and they offer no protection whatsoever to your instrument, but they are OK if you just need them to carry the instrument more easily to and from your car.
There are several different more expensive soft cases or gig bags. They offer better protection and are great for people who use a lot of public transportation as you can carry them with you more easily as they usually have back straps. They also have more room with added pockets of space, so you can fit all the extras you’re carrying.
Hard case
Hard cases are usually made out of ABS (molded plastic) or fiberglass/carbon fiber and are the more expensive options. These cases have a strong outer shell and the interior is made out of EPS foam, which is rigid but still comfortable and protective of the instrument inside.
They will offer the most protection for your instrument, but on the negative side, they are much heavier, more expensive, and have only one handle to carry. if you’re a professional that’s on the road at all times, this is the right buy, but if you’re just a beginner, you should probably save your money and buy something a bit more affordable.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has shed some light on the matter of trombone cases. Whether you need the heavy-duty hard case to travel alongside you around the world or just a simple soft bag to take your trombone across town to practice, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
My top trombone case pick is the Gator Cases GC-TROMBONE, a well-rounded trombone case from a great manufacturer.
My budget trombone case pick is the Protec MX306CT Tenor Trombone Case, a good quality nylon fabric exterior trombone case with a good price tag.
Featured image “Trombone cases 2” (CC BY 2.0) by Infrogmation
