[Jmceachern36]

Hey. I just bought a protec max case for my conn 16m tenor and it doesn’t fit. I’m about to send it back but I’m realizing it looks like I’ll have to spend almost as much as I paid for the horn to get something that fits properly. Has anyone modified their case to fit their horn? Is possible/safe? It seems to be just styrofoam. Once I start I’ll own the case. Any thoughts?

 

[turf3]

I have a Conn 10M (basically the same shape) in a SKB contoured case (the one with the pocket on the outside) and a 16M in a SKB rectangular case, and both fit perfectly.

Whether you can modify the recesses in a case to fit your specific instrument totally depends on the case design. Some of the Selmer-based cases I have looked at in the past are so dependent on the right side bell key position and the bow dimensions of the Selmer-style horns that no modification would make a Conn fit.

 

[milandro]

Styrofoam? Then this is not the Protec contour , those are made of a wooden shell within a canvas outer part, inside they have foam ( not styrofoam ) covered with velvet.

I am not aware which model you have but Protec has a special XL COUNTOUR model to fit larger horns .

 

[Jmceachern36]

It’s a protec max case. Underneath the velvet is a foam type of material.

 

[Jmceachern36]

Protec MX305CT Contoured Tenor Sax Case w/ Backpack Straps

 

[milandro]

Indeed, inside is a WOODEN frame.

I don't know what you want to modify but I would send it back and get the slightly more expensive XL model,

Not all horns need one I use the normal model for my Super 20

Features of the Protec PB305CT:

Protec's QuickLock™ allows you to securely shut the PB-305-CT when empty, without zippering
Backpackable with optional backpack strap (model #BPSTRAP - needs to be ordered separately)
Removable padded shoulder strap featuring an ID tag
Convenient subway handle
Exterior pocket, oversized
Built-in organizer to hold pens, keys, and small accessories
Weather-resistant 1680 ballistic nylon exterior with reinforced zig-zag stitching
Hardware, black sturdy metal
Compatible with optional rain jacket (Model # RAIN3)
The Protec PB305CT has a compact lightweight shock absorbing wood frame
Soft non-abrasive velvet lining
Neckpiece/Mouthpiece compartment
Measurements and weight of the Protec PB-305-CT:

Interior Dimensions: 30.5" x 9" x 6"
Weight: 9 lbs.

 

[jgreiner]

Assuming your horn has the bell keys on the LH side (as you're behind it) no, it will NOT fit in that case. As someone who plays old Selmer Super/Radio Improved alto and tenor, I too have struggled to find a gig bag that would fit those horns until I got the Protec Pro Pac Contoured (NOT the "Max") case. Having said that and to my complete dismay, over the years, Protec has changed the padding inside their cases and (as in the "Max") your horn having the bell keys on the LH side, again......it won't fit in *SOME* of the Protec Pro Pac cases.
For my Selmer Super, I use the Protec Pro Pac "XL" contoured case and it fits very well. I also have some 10+ yr old Protec Pro Pac contoured cases (the "regular" models) that it fits in nicely, but the newer, non "Max" models are a crap shoot as to fit.

I assume this is a picture of the interior of the case you have?:

You can see the interior is designed to fit "modern" horns with the bell keys on the RH side. Could you cut away at the padding inside to allow the LH bell keys to fit? Sure, but I sure as hell wouldn't do it. There's no guarantee you'll get it to fit AND with all due respect, it would probably look like crap when you got finished hacking away at it. Unfortunately, I'd advise to suck it up and send back or try to sell the case to someone who has a "modern" horn it'll fit and then look around for another case. Sorry. That's the best advice I can give ya...

*EDIT* THIS older Protec Pro Pac contoured case WOULD most definitely fit your horn:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Protec-Con...AOSwI-heEOGz:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!54401!US!-1
See the difference in the interior? Horns with LH bell keys will most definitely fit in this case. Again, the newer Protec Pro Pac contoured cases.....maybe, but there's much more padding on the interior like your Max case.

 

[turf3]

https://www.wwbw.com/SKB-SKB-450-Pr...HQ8tEXXbW-y4PTQs_DTa6Xg_a35717ARoC6fsQAvD_BwE

This one fits a Conn 10M with bell keys on the left side. I know this for sure because I own this case.

 

[Jmceachern36]

Yes the bell keys on the left is the problem. Was wondering if I could hammer those spots in. I can return the case. Someone gave me an SKB case but it doesn’t have anyplace for the neck or mouthpiece to go. I also was looking for something with backpack straps.

 

[turf3]

The SKB case I referenced has a slot for the neck and another slot that fits a mouthpiece and a reed holder. No straps, though.

 

[jgreiner]

The SKB case I referenced has a slot for the neck and another slot that fits a mouthpiece and a reed holder. No straps, though.

Turf, not even a shoulder strap?

 

[turf3]

Turf, not even a shoulder strap?

Oops, you're right, it has two rings for a shoulder strap. Not backpack though.

 

[typist]

Hard styrofoam can be gently "clearanced" with a blunt piece of wood and a mallet.

Not all horns need one I use the normal model for my Super 20

That is remarkable, my S20 is in a newer XL and it is a very snug fit. I cannot imagine a smaller case fitting it. Perhaps the main reason for the XL, if interior size is similar to the normal for right-bell horns, is to accomodate left-bell as well. My Cleveland, with its left-bell keys, fits well also, but its usual, cheaper Gator foamshell had to be pounded with the mallet a bit.

 

[DarrellMass]

The only modification I had to make to my Protec XL case to fit my 10M was a small slit in the neck compartment, to accommodate the anti-pulldown brace on the neck of a '61 vintage model.

 

[Jmceachern36]

USPS says $40 to ship an $80 case back. Looks like I own this one. The mallet and blunt hammer may be coming out soon.

 

[jgreiner]

USPS says $40 to ship an $80 case back. Looks like I own this one. The mallet and blunt hammer may be coming out soon.

Dude, you're in Boston. Between Berklee, N.E. Conservatory, BU, BC, Harvard and Northeastern.....AND all of the other sax players in that area who aren't institutionalized, I'd think you'd be able to find a buyer and at least come close to getting your initial $80 back!
Just sayin'. ;-)

 

[kfoster]

The O. P. has purchased a Protec max case. These cases are not the same as the regular pro pacs. The Max is an ESP foam frame wrapped in fabric. It only comes in one size and costs about $150. USD. The Pro Pac is the case with a steamed plywood shell under the fabric and over the foam.

The 10M will fit easily in the Pro Pac XL case. That particular case is about $250 USD and has the plywood shell. It is designed for these larger horns like 10M's and Keilwerths. I have one.

 

[B Flat]

USPS says $40 to ship an $80 case back. Looks like I own this one. The mallet and blunt hammer may be coming out soon.

They charge $355 for these cases over here.
$80 is a steal in comparison.
For the record I use a Walt Johnson case for my 32 Selmer Super Tenor.
Left hand bell keys make it a snug fit, but that's a good thing.
I have a Protec case I can try it in later.

 

[Fader]

Hard styrofoam can be gently "clearanced" with a blunt piece of wood and a mallet.

That is remarkable, my S20 is in a newer XL and it is a very snug fit. I cannot imagine a smaller case fitting it. Perhaps the main reason for the XL, if interior size is similar to the normal for right-bell horns, is to accomodate left-bell as well. My Cleveland, with its left-bell keys, fits well also, but its usual, cheaper Gator foamshell had to be pounded with the mallet a bit.

You can pretty easily crush the padding to fit, or use bits of foam to make them more secure. I roll up a polishing cloth and wedge it my alto case next to the tenon to keep it secure. At some point the "normal" tenor case got a bit smaller. Probably about the time they came out with the XL. I know because I ended up with 3 sizes of Protec Countour cases. I had an original model, and it had a defect that caused the stitching to separate in two places after about two years. I called Protec and sent them an email pic. They replaced it free of charge, but the new case was a bit snug for my Conn CHU tenor - so I bought an XL for that. I noticed they had improved the stitching on the newer cases. I think mine was a very early model. They did not ask me to return the damaged case even though it was a year out of warranty. I highly recommend them. Mine get used regularly and have had a lot of travel. The "original" one doesn't get much use,but it's still functional and fits a MKVI perfectly.

 

[Jmceachern36]

Hard styrofoam can be gently "clearanced" with a blunt piece of wood and a mallet.

That is remarkable, my S20 is in a newer XL and it is a very snug fit. I cannot imagine a smaller case fitting it. Perhaps the main reason for the XL, if interior size is similar to the normal for right-bell horns, is to accomodate left-bell as well. My Cleveland, with its left-bell keys, fits well also, but its usual, cheaper Gator foamshell had to be pounded with the mallet a bit.

You can pretty easily crush the padding to fit, or use bits of foam to make them more secure. I roll up a polishing cloth and wedge it my alto case next to the tenon to keep it secure. At some point the "normal" tenor case got a bit smaller. Probably about the time they came out with the XL. I know because I ended up with 3 sizes of Protec Countour cases. I had an original model, and it had a defect that caused the stitching to separate in two places after about two years. I called Protec and sent them an email pic. They replaced it free of charge, but the new case was a bit snug for my Conn CHU tenor - so I bought an XL for that. I noticed they had improved the stitching on the newer cases. I think mine was a very early model. They did not ask me to return the damaged case even though it was a year out of warranty. I highly recommend them. Mine get used regularly and have had a lot of travel. The "original" one doesn';t get much use,but it';s still functional and fits a MKVI perfectly.

.

You think I can get it to fit?