Need suggestions for a new pipe case

**vmac3205** · 16th April 10, 08:49 AM

I am a new piper and have just started sitting in with the band practices. Just as I was leaving last night, the rivets popped off the handle of my case. I have been thinking for some time that the case is inadequate, so I want to replace rather than repair it.

Pipers, what are your suggestions as regards pipe cases? How do you feel about "soft" cases?

Inquiring minds need to know, and thank you.

**piperdbh** · 16th April 10, 08:59 AM

I only have a hard case, so I can't say about the soft ones. If you can't find a replacement case, a small suitcase might work. Some of them have pockets inside which seem to be made to hold music, reeds, hemp, etc.

**auld argonian** · 16th April 10, 09:05 AM

I would suggest that you look at Hardigg Storm Cases.

Overkill? Maybe...how much are your pipes worth? How much is having them intact and working when you get to a gig worth? As a photographer, I consider good cases insurance against calamities that can potentially blow a job.

You can get then with a diced foam interior, dividers or empty.

Sorry, they do not come in tartan...black, olive drab, orange, yellow...no tartan.

Best

AA

**Macman** · 16th April 10, 10:05 AM

Here's what I have and I love it.

http://www.bagpipecase.com/

It's big, has lots of pockets and padding, and can be carried several different ways. Best of all, you only have to break the bass drone down to fit it in.
I also have a fairly cheap aluminum case that I use for airline travel; it was around $25 at Canadian Tire. It would do the trick for day-to-day use as well.

**Piper** · 17th April 10, 04:35 AM

I have two sets of pipes. The ABW Kintails I carry in a "conventional" pipe case, bought from a Highland outfitter about 10 years ago for $60. My poly Dunbars travel in a tool box I bought from Home Depot for less than $20 about 2 years ago. Sturdier than most pipe cases I've seen, plenty of room and the top tray lets me keep the smaller goodies, hemp, reeds, tape, etc close at hand. Right after the holidays, I bought a set of "Parlor Sticks" from Pipeline to use with the Dunbars. They're a set of smallpipe drones and chanter that plug into the stocks on your GHB, gives a bit more versatility. There's even room in the tool box to carry them along.
Might be worth looking at a less expensive (and less conventional) option.

**vmac3205** · 17th April 10, 08:41 AM

Good ideas one and all. Thank you.

**EagleJCS** · 17th April 10, 01:19 PM

I made my own case out of poplar. Modeled on an existing case, it's more or less a briefcase-type arrangement, with a built-in covered tray inside for all the odds & ends. Dovetail joints on the corners, with just wood glue holding everything together. I lined the inside with crushed velvet and a little upholstery foam to keep things from moving around. All I do is take out the chanter & cap it, break down the bass drone and away we go.

Sorry, no pics (no digital camera).

**DesertCeltic** · 17th April 10, 01:40 PM

I also have the Bagpiper Case and it is a great soft case for my McCallum ABW pipes. Soft cases don't offer as much protection as a hard case, but you can fit them into airline overhead areas easier than most hard cases. I dread the idea of checking my bagpipes and hoping that some TSA employee knows how to repack them if they inspect them.

**OC Richard** · 18th April 10, 05:43 AM

I've had nearly every case there is over the years. I have ten or so now. Seems like everytime I buy a set of pipes it comes in a case, but when I sell pipes nobody wants the case.

I really like the semi-rigid cases made by ProTec/ProPak here in Orange County. They're sold by various Scottish places under various names. Places in Scotland even sell them.

They're cloth with rigid dense foam lining, with zippers. The come in black, burgundy, mid blue, etc. There's a big zipper pocket large enough for fullsize sheet music and books. And a shoulder strap.

I also like the long soft case, more like a "gig bag" as legit players call them. The one I have is similar to, but not identical to the one linked by MacMan above.

What I've used a lot is a 24" plastic toolbox by Stanley that I got at Lowe's Hardware for $17. It fits pipes perfectly and is so strong you can stand on it. It has accessories compartments in the lid. Stong, lightweight, inexpensive. Hard to top it.