Protec Trumpet/Flugel Combination PRO PAC
Disclaimer: Please note any reviews on this site are purely of my own opinion.
I recommend you check other sites or Google for additional information on products when trying to make a purchase decision.
Approx Interior dimensions
Flugel: length 45cm; width at bell 20cm; width at valves 27cm
Trumpet: length 49cm
Approx Dimensions: 56.5cm (W) x 42cm (H) x 23cm (D)
Weight: 3.4KG
This is not by any stretch of the imagination a new case to the Protec range.
These cases have been around a while and are widely used across the globe.
Personally I used to use a Reunion Blues Gig Bag to carry a Trumpet and Flugel.
These days however my equipment is worth about 3x more and I find myself wanting
to make sure I protect that investment with something a bit more solid around the bells
The Protec Bag is a lot heavier than you average gig bag - but it's also built
a lot more solid.
Just the other day I was reminded of how easy it is on a gig to have your instrument
taken out by a misplaced stand, a careless bag or a foot.
(A vintage Selmer sax was taken out by a music stand that was placed in a hurry and it
subsequently feel straight onto the sax and bent a few key in the process. Thankfully
no trumpets were hurt in that stunt - although it did almost take out a Bach Strad)
So, in short I carry around this bag as it's easy to keep my horns protected and to
dive in and out of the bag on the stage if I have to.
(If I wasn't so heavy it could almost double as a seat)
For sure there are a wide range of great bags out there but I think the reason
that Protec remains popular is a) they are reasonably priced and b) serve the purpose they
were built for well.
PROS:
Velcro Handle: At the top of the bag there is a quick flap velcro closure. The smart designers
have realized that people need access to horns easily and quickly so have this flap so you can
get in and out of the bag with ease - plus seal it fact.
I find this very handy when I dive for my Flugel when a Ballad pops up.
(I prefer not to leave it out incase some one boots it across stage)
Accessory Pouch: At the front of the bag there is a zip closure pouch area. Inside you will find some accessories pockets and pen holders.
The concept is that you can some accessories plus some music.
(I can fit a practise mute, pencils, tuner, valve oil, several mouthpiece pouches and still have room left for more)
Wide Shoulder Strap:
In order to distribute the weight better on your shoulder they include a wide shoulder strap.
Personally I am 20 minutes from the club I play at so I walk to and from home.
The strap is about as comfortable as anything that I have tried and has a bit of stretch to it.
So a great addition to the bag.
If you wish you can also order an optional back pack strap and carry this bag using this.
Although people may mistake you for wearing a parachute around town.
CONS:
Weight: 3.4KG before you add anything to it.
With instruments, accessories etc. you can easily double that weight
Size: This is a necessary evil I'm afraid as the instruments are this size.
Just be wary of walking through doors and past people as it's quite easy to forget how far the case sticks out either side of the body.
Carrying it using the handles you can look like your part of some special forces unit.
Not much Room for mutes: There's some room for mutes - but not enough for the whole set.
If you're in a serious band and carry the usual cup, harmon, plunger, bucket, practise mute & straight you will either a) need to get a clip on mute bag or b) look at a different bag option.
OVERALL RATING:
This is a nice bag for the price.
If you are traveling around a lot and need a bag for Trumpet and Flugel I wouldn't recommend this bag.
I'd get something on wheels for a little extra (also made under this brand)
If however you make short trips between gigs and are transporting things round in the car/bus this makes for a good choice of bag.
This would also make an excellent closet bag if you are an occasional player.
It's very square and you can stack various light objects on top of it no problem.
Note - right now Protec is doing a switch to the new bags in a more 'funky' design.
(The are basically bringing the design into the 2000's)
As such prices will increase in 2009 - but you can still get the older style bags for a good price.
Disclaimer: Please note any reviews on this site are purely of my own opinion.
I recommend you check other sites or Google for additional information on products when trying to make a purchase decision.
Approx Interior dimensions
Flugel: length 45cm; width at bell 20cm; width at valves 27cm
Trumpet: length 49cm
Approx Dimensions: 56.5cm (W) x 42cm (H) x 23cm (D)
Weight: 3.4KG
This is not by any stretch of the imagination a new case to the Protec range.
These cases have been around a while and are widely used across the globe.
Personally I used to use a Reunion Blues Gig Bag to carry a Trumpet and Flugel.
These days however my equipment is worth about 3x more and I find myself wanting
to make sure I protect that investment with something a bit more solid around the bells
The Protec Bag is a lot heavier than you average gig bag - but it's also built
a lot more solid.
Just the other day I was reminded of how easy it is on a gig to have your instrument
taken out by a misplaced stand, a careless bag or a foot.
(A vintage Selmer sax was taken out by a music stand that was placed in a hurry and it
subsequently feel straight onto the sax and bent a few key in the process. Thankfully
no trumpets were hurt in that stunt - although it did almost take out a Bach Strad)
So, in short I carry around this bag as it's easy to keep my horns protected and to
dive in and out of the bag on the stage if I have to.
(If I wasn't so heavy it could almost double as a seat)
For sure there are a wide range of great bags out there but I think the reason
that Protec remains popular is a) they are reasonably priced and b) serve the purpose they
were built for well.
PROS:
Velcro Handle: At the top of the bag there is a quick flap velcro closure. The smart designers
have realized that people need access to horns easily and quickly so have this flap so you can
get in and out of the bag with ease - plus seal it fact.
I find this very handy when I dive for my Flugel when a Ballad pops up.
(I prefer not to leave it out incase some one boots it across stage)
Accessory Pouch: At the front of the bag there is a zip closure pouch area. Inside you will find some accessories pockets and pen holders.
The concept is that you can some accessories plus some music.
(I can fit a practise mute, pencils, tuner, valve oil, several mouthpiece pouches and still have room left for more)
Wide Shoulder Strap:
In order to distribute the weight better on your shoulder they include a wide shoulder strap.
Personally I am 20 minutes from the club I play at so I walk to and from home.
The strap is about as comfortable as anything that I have tried and has a bit of stretch to it.
So a great addition to the bag.
If you wish you can also order an optional back pack strap and carry this bag using this.
Although people may mistake you for wearing a parachute around town.
CONS:
Weight: 3.4KG before you add anything to it.
With instruments, accessories etc. you can easily double that weight
Size: This is a necessary evil I'm afraid as the instruments are this size.
Just be wary of walking through doors and past people as it's quite easy to forget how far the case sticks out either side of the body.
Carrying it using the handles you can look like your part of some special forces unit.
Not much Room for mutes: There's some room for mutes - but not enough for the whole set.
If you're in a serious band and carry the usual cup, harmon, plunger, bucket, practise mute & straight you will either a) need to get a clip on mute bag or b) look at a different bag option.
OVERALL RATING:
This is a nice bag for the price.
If you are traveling around a lot and need a bag for Trumpet and Flugel I wouldn't recommend this bag.
I'd get something on wheels for a little extra (also made under this brand)
If however you make short trips between gigs and are transporting things round in the car/bus this makes for a good choice of bag.
This would also make an excellent closet bag if you are an occasional player.
It's very square and you can stack various light objects on top of it no problem.
Note - right now Protec is doing a switch to the new bags in a more 'funky' design.
(The are basically bringing the design into the 2000's)
As such prices will increase in 2009 - but you can still get the older style bags for a good price.
