Thomann Fibertech Trombone Carbon

I bought this case when the carry straps broke on my old case and the case fell to the concrete floor. It was damaged. I looked specifically for a fibre case rather than abs. It was important to me that the carry straps be strong and fitted to the case securely. This case has not disappointed but has been outstanding. I did find that the screw securer's on the clasps rub on my clothes as I walk and started to work loose. Easily solve by either checking them regularly or putting a piece of electrical tape around them. This wasn't a security of fitting risk or failure and the clasps themselves would not be coming off even if the screw locks were not on.

The handle on the top end took some getting used to as it is on the side rather than on the end. But once used to it feels normal. In fact my other trombone cases now feel odd when I take a different trombone out to use in a Jazz/swing band.

Inside the case is well thought out. My Bb/F closed wrap fits in well. It still has room above the wrap so could home an open wrap. The slide is well protected and secured. I am very impressed with the slide accommodation. My only slight negative would be that my trombone bell half of the instrument was loose inside the velcro strap that secures it into the case. This was easily solved with a thick fiber polishing/cleaning cloth. I got one big enough to wrap around the trombone closed wrap part once. So now it stayed in the case and wraps around the trombone, joining up underneath the case velcro strap where it overlaps itself. Now it is the perfect fit. There is still some room either side of the bell. I think mine is an 8 or 9 inch.

There are 3 clasps to close the case with securely. I feel that any less would not work. There are two storage compartments inside. One by the bell and one above the close wrap end of the trombone. I found that the slide solutions I have and small roter oil bottle fit in the smaller one above the closed wrap end. My mouthpiece stopped the lid from closing well so that is stored in the bigger and deeper storage pocket by the bell along with my pencil, music magnets and clip on tuner. There is also medium rotor oil the average side of trumpet valve oil in that pocket with a little room spare for more.

I haven't dropped this case so can't comment on performance in that respect but I have scraped it and bashed it on things and walls. The white paint from my hall has left white marks on the case that are hard to clean off but so far have cleaned off well. I also keep a humidity and temperature device in the larger storage pocket. Despite living in a home that gets flooded when it rains heavy, the case has maintained a steady humidity of 60 - 65.

Having tried a number of different options before I ordered this case with a small degree of trepidation. However, I shouldn’t have worried! The case arrived within 10 days and from the moment I opened the package I was impressed. The case is beautifully finished and looks extremely classy. It combines the lightness and flexibility of a gigbag with the security and solidarity of a hard case. It provides the perfect home for my vintage Rath R1E, and if it proves to meet expectations I shall possibly buy another one to house my Rath R4F. I will certainly be recommending it to others.