Protec PL251 Platinum Series Tuba Gig Bag

Item Details

This is a soft case for medium size tuba by Protec Music.  This is improved over the Protec Deluxe Tuba Gig Bags, and an improvement over many other makes of tuba gig bags as well. 

The outside material is a heavy ripstop nylon (ballistic 1680) that looks like it won't pill or wear out in our lifetime.  Includes three exterior handles.  The bottom gusset and bell flare have plastic feet for protection from pavement.  There are two exterior zipper pockets.  One has organizer sub-pockets and is also large enough for an orchestra folder.  A zipper panel on the back of the case allows access to a hidden pair of backpack straps with metal hardware.   A separate shoulder strap is included.

This second generation of this case now has an improved zipper design for strength.

The interior is a finely knitted fabric.  It's smooth and thin and a little stretchy, and picks up fibers from use.  It may pill over time; such is life.  The foam around the perimeter of the case is very firm (20mm high-density).  At first squeeze, it reminds us of the firm foam used in a Cronkhite case.  This is good.  On the bottom edge of the case is a Velcro flap that allows access to a stiffening board and some additional thin foam.  The board is made of a fibrous product like Masonite.  The access allows replacement of the board if damaged.  The placement of the board is well thought out, so it should help disperse any impacts caused by placing the case down harshly on its bottom edge.

Inside the bell end of the case is a cloth and foam covered rigid fiber disk to help diffuse any impacts to the bell end of the case.  This should protect from small impacts into door frames and the like, but it is not designed to withstand a hard impact from a bell flare kissing the ground.

There is a movable foam block in the floor of the case attached with Velcro.  It's not useful.  You wouldn't need it as placed on the floor of the case where it arrived, but it could be placed around the inside of the small end of the case to help stabilize a smaller tuba.  Well, except that the foam of this block is completely thin and soft and does nothing to slow any inertia of a large heavy instrument like a tuba.  Keep it because it feels good, but we don't think this block offers any protection.

The case should fit tubas 37" long and up to 18" wide at the mid point.  Bell diameter up to 18" will fit, 19" maybe, just barely.  It should fit many smaller rotary F tubas, many piston F tubas, and smaller CC and BBb tubas.

This new Protec Platinum Series Tuba Gig Bag is a well thought out effort that improves upon the nearly-universal poor quality tuba gig bags available on the market.  The product tag includes a case serial number and the case is backed by a 5-year warranty.  Repair service and parts can be had from Protec Music in Fullerton, California.