The French horn is an intricate and complex instrument and in spite of the fact that it is made out of brass and has a sturdy appearance, it still needs to be properly protected and stored. Not to mention that the case you are going to pick for your French horn will become your best partner if you have to transport the instrument from one performance to another.
Just like in the case of every other instrument out there, even the slightest damage can affect the way the instrument performs, so you need a case that is both practical and reliable at the same time. So, don’t rush when picking your French horn case, but take the time to do some research.
Even if you’re not performing in public too often because you still need to work on your skills, your gigs may multiply in the future. You may need a case that makes transportation safe and easy.
What are the Best French Horn Cases to Buy?
2) Gator French Horn Case (GC-FRENCH HORN)
- Hard Case
- Enhanced Protection
- Classic Look
- Triple Chrome-Plated Hardware
1) Protec MAX MX316CT Contoured French Horn Case
- High Quality
- Great Protection
- Lightweight
- Exterior Pocket
- Dual Zipper
3) Gator Cases GL-FRENCH HORN-A French Horn Lightweight Case
- Nylon Construction
- Lightweight
- EPS Foam
- Popular Choice
- Reinforced
So, first and above all, you need a case that fits the dimensions of your French horn. Yes, there are special cases for this kind of instruments, which are designed to suit the size and shape of the French horn. At the same time, there are French horns to suit different experience levels as well, like horns for beginners, intermediates, and professionals, so their body slightly differs.
You need to know your instrument well before making the final choice.
Also, do you need a lightweight case or a hard case?
Would you like something with wheels?
Or perhaps you would like several additional pockets and storage spaces?
So, as you can see, there are a few things you need to consider when buying the right case for your French horn.
Also, you need to make sure that the interior of the case is soft enough because scratches are rather visible on the shiny surface of your French horn. And most probably you don’t want to see any damages on your beautiful instrument.
13 Best French Horn Case Reviews and the Best French Horn Gig Bag
In the following lines, you will have the chance to look at several French horn cases, to see your options and acquire more information that will help you take the best decision in your case.
1) Protec MAX MX316CT Contoured French Horn Case
This case is the perfect compromise between a hard case and a lightweight case. Made out of resistant nylon on the outside, the case features a lightweight frame that is meant to absorb any shocks and rubber feet that increase the protection offered by the case.
The case opens and closes with the help of a dual zip. It also features an exterior pocket for storing small items that have a dual zip as well. The hardware is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. You can carry the case by utilizing the padded handle or the shoulder strap.
The case also has padded backpack straps, which can be easily put away in their own pocket when you are not using them. And, for extra precaution, it features an ID tag as well, for your contact details.
2) Gator French Horn Case (GC-FRENCH HORN)
This is another beautiful and classic-looking hard case for French horns. The exterior is made out of high-quality ABS, so it displays a professional appearance. The aluminum valance is of heavy-duty, so it will not let you down for sure.
The handle is bolted in place, so you can transport your instrument in complete safety and comfort. The interior of the case is made out of molded EPS so that it will fit your French horn like a glove.
The thick plush lining will keep scratches and other damages at bay. The hardware is three times plated with chrome while the latches of the case can be locked, for increased safety and protection.
3) Gator Cases GL-FRENCH HORN-A French Horn Lightweight Case
Don’t allow yourself to be fooled by the sporty appearance of this case, as it has everything it needs to protect a French horn. Its interior covered in plush will allow you to set the instrument on a surface that is soft and gentle enough to protect the brass body of the horn.
The plush is not the only material that will keep your instrument secure during transportation, underneath the plush, a layer of dense EPS foam will make sure that nothing bad will happen to the instrument while you carry it from one location to another.
The exterior of the case is made out of nylon fiber, which makes it resistant and practical, in case you like this kind of cases. Also, the entire case is reinforced with nylon webbing and has a shoulder pad that features non-slip rubber.
4) Protec French Horn Screw Bell IPAC Case – Deluxe, Model PB316SBDLX
If you are a practical person then you will certainly love this French horn case. It does not have the specific molded horn design like most cases, as it is a modular case that provides more than enough space on the inside for your horn and additional accessories.
Thus, your instrument will fit inside perfectly, together with everything that comes along when you’re looking to play the French horn. Everything inside will be secured with padded straps and padded protection, for safe transportation.
The case itself with a resistant double zip. Because the bag was designed to provide adequate protection, it features a lightweight wooden case that is covered by sturdy nylon fabric.
The nylon is resistant to water and the case is ideal for absorbing shocks. You can carry the case by using its padded handle, subway handle, or shoulder strap. It also comes with a lock and ID tag for increase security.
5) Guardian CW-041-FH French Horn Case
This is a beautiful and elegant hard case for your French horn. It features a solid and resistant exterior made out of ABS and a polystyrene interior lined with the softest plush. Thus, your instrument will be safe from any shocks and scratches inside this case.
The valance of the case is made out of aluminum of the highest quality, so it can withstand countless maneuvers as you open and close the case. It also comes with a shoulder strap that can be detached when needed and a sturdy handle for carrying with one hand.
Because of its solid exterior, you can easily use this case for when traveling by plane, as your instrument will be safe traveling this way.
6) SKB French Horn Case
If you want a French horn case with a simple design yet made to last, you need to take this one into account. It is a hard case that has the shape of a French horn, so the instrument will fit inside in a snug manner.
The valances with which it is equipped to close perfectly and, even if it does not come with a shoulder strap, it features D-rings that were placed to accommodate a shoulder strap if you consider it a practical accessory and would like to get one.
Every hardware piece of the case is reinforced with sturdy backplates, so you will love the solid nature and appearance of this case. Until you get the right shoulder strap, you can always use the case’s handle, padded and very comfortable for your hand.
7) Fusion Premium Series – French Horn Gig Bag, Black/Blue
Are you looking to get a case for your French horn that looks more like a backpack than a traditional case? Then you will love this one made out of jacquard and provided by Fusion.
The material is resistant enough to withstand scratches and even rip attempts, while not allowing water to get inside. The interior composed out of a mix of quality velvets, to protect the instrument from scratches. In certain areas, like the corners, which are more exposed to damage, the case is reinforced with solid shells.
At the bottom, it features solid rubber feet, so you can safely position the case on the floor. The entire case is protected with a 20 mm foam padding of high density, so this is definitely not the average lightweight case.
8) MTS 926V Replacement Fixed Bell French Horn Case
Made out of plastic that was molded to fit the shape of a French horn, this is a beautiful solid case for the protection of your instrument. If there is thick plastic on the outside, then the inside will have to be soft enough to absorb shocks and keep your instrument from getting scratched.
This case provides excellent thick plush padding that will keep your French horn in a pristine shape. It does not feature a shoulder strap, but it comes with a comfortable handle. This is the kind of case that will look great even after years of usage, due to the material that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
9) Crossrock French Horn Contoured ABS Molded Hard Shell Case with Padded Strap in Silver
If cases with a soft exterior are not your thing, then you need to have a look at this hardshell case from Crossrock. The strong ABS exterior molded to perfectly fit the shape of a French horn will definitely give you the security you need when transporting your instrument.
Besides being hard and reliable, the surface of the case is also scratch-resistant, so it will withstand wear and tear without losing its elegant appearance. It doesn’t matter if you have a single or double French horn because this case was made to fit both versions.
On the inside, the case is protected by foam with high density, which is also lined by soft plush. The case features heavy-duty metal valance, a sturdy handle, and a shoulder strap for a more convenient transportation.
10) Deluxe French Horn Bag with Backpack Straps and Music Pocket
Before starting to check out this French horn case, it is worth knowing that it was specially made to fit the horns made by Yamaha. So, yes, there are risks that the case won’t fit horns made by other brands.
You can check if the case is suitable by taking a look at the size chart provided by the manufacturer, so you can compare it with the dimensions of your French horn. This is a very practical case that features a wide range of handles, so you can carry it with ease in every situation.
Thus, it has a shoulder strap that can be removed, backpack straps, a padded handle, and subway handle. On the outside, it is made out of rugged nylon and rigid bell paneling. A 20mm padding and soft padded lining will increase the protection against shocks and scratches.
11) Winter CE 181 JW Eastman Series Fiberglass Fixed Bell French Horn Case CE 181 W White
Do you think that black French horn cases are dull and lack creativity? Then do check out this gorgeous white fiberglass case from J. Winter. Shaped to fit a French horn. The case features a rubber seal that was specially chosen for the job, allowing the case to close perfectly.
For transportation, you can choose to use the case’s solid handle or the two padded straps. Don’t worry, as the case was designed to be carried as a backpack with ease.
The case will be kept closed in a secured manned by four latches, plated with nickel, and sturdy enough to still do their job even after years of usage. So, if you appreciate items that look special, then most certainly you will love this French horn case.
12) Fusion Urban French Horn Fixed Bag (UB-08-BK)
Would you like a French horn case that is comfortable and easy to carry around, while having a modern look? Then do check this case from Fusion, as it looks more like a backpack than a horn case.
Made out of high-quality jacquard, this case will keep your instrument away from water, shocks, and damage. Inside, a velvet-like material that is soft and thick enough will keep the brass body of the instrument safe from scratches.
The case also features a molded base that was made to stay safe in front of crushes and reinforced corners for additional protection. Most certainly you will love the comfort provided by this case, due to its padded backpack straps, and special belts for your waist and chest, which make carrying the instrument a piece of cake.
13) Fusion, FB-PB-17-BK, Fusion Premium French Horn Detachable Black
If you would like a French horn case with a sportier appearance, but one that is still capable of providing the protection your instrument needs, do take a look at this particular case.
The exterior is made out of Jacquard, it is an extremely resistant case. The material is water-resistant, non-scratch, and rip-stop, so there are no risks for your instrument to get damaged in any way possible. There are areas that are reinforced with hard shells, to minimize the dangers of damages.
The interior is made out of a mix of quality velvet, so it is soft enough for your brass instrument. The case also comes with a raincoat that can be applied and removed according to need.
Choosing the Best French Horn Case from the Best French Horn Case Brands
As you can see, you have more than enough options when it comes to choosing the right case for your French case. But, in order to make the right choice, you need to know how you are going to use for the case and what kind of features you would like it to have.
2) Gator French Horn Case (GC-FRENCH HORN)
- Hard Case
- Enhanced Protection
- Classic Look
- Triple Chrome-Plated Hardware
1) Protec MAX MX316CT Contoured French Horn Case
- High Quality
- Great Protection
- Lightweight
- Exterior Pocket
- Dual Zipper
3) Gator Cases GL-FRENCH HORN-A French Horn Lightweight Case
- Nylon Construction
- Lightweight
- EPS Foam
- Popular Choice
- Reinforced
Do you need a lightweight case that can be carried just like a backpack or you need a hard case that is suitable for traveling by plane?
Think about all these details with attention and you will soon know which of these cases is right for you and your instrument.