Jakob Winter ABS Front Action Tuba Case with Wheels JW 995

SummaryA few flaws but overall this is a well-designed case suitable for those times when you need more protection than a gig bag provides. I would recommend this case as a good option for storing under a bus. I have used it for two transatlantic flights without incident but I would not recommend it for extensive air travel.Pros• Interior – The case is well padded with a nice blue protective lining throughout and a Velcro strap to hold the tuba even more tightly in place. It seems tailor-made for my Miraphone 186 BBb so definitely check before ordering to see if it fits your specific tuba.• Hardware – Hinges and clasps are reasonably sturdy and I like how the hinges are protected by a “protective bottom border (ledge)” (as described).• Strength – While this is not a flight case I have made two transatlantic trips with it. On the first trip (LA to Dublin), the case was shipped in a custom built wooden packing crate as unaccompanied freight. For the return trip, (Dublin to LA, with a transfer in Chicago) I checked it as additional baggage, sans packing crate. In both cases it held up great with no damage to the tuba, or case. I wouldn’t recommend it for extensive air travel but with sympathetic baggage handlers, you should be okay for a couple of flights.• Durability – My local band friends and I dragged the case around Dublin on a pub crawl on my last night in town and it navigated the sidewalks and streets very well, with minimal scuffing.• Padded main handle – Nice padded handle makes it comfortable to carry the case for short periods.Cons• Wheels – The wheels are durable but still tend to wobble a bit. This is a problem that seems to plague most tuba cases, unfortunately. For hauling over longer distances, consider using a separate portable cart.• Accessory storage – According to the product description, the current incarnation of this case includes accessory storage but my case only has the two-holed mouthpiece holder (as pictured). I store my accessories in a little cloth pouch that came with my tuba and just throw that in with the case.• Spring loaded towing handle – This is the most flawed aspect of the case. Unlike the carrying handle, the tow handle is rough plastic and it is very uncomfortable pulling the case for long periods. To accommodate the valve assembly, the case has a bump out on the top while the bottom of the case is flat. The result is that the case is designed to be towed with the left hand, as the bump out rubs against your legs when towing with the right hand, causing the wheels to wobble.