Alto sax is a world-famous and remarkable woodwind instrument designed by the renowned instrument designer named Adolphe Sax. It is an old instrument and is still used extensively in the music industry. Among all the other types of saxophones, the Alto saxophone is the most widely and commonly used. Usually, it is played in military bands, marching bands, concert bands, chamber music and jazz.
Whether you are using this beautiful instrument for the first time or you are an experienced player, one thing that you should remember regarding your instrument is that it requires proper care. You have to buy a perfect carrying case for your saxophone in which you can keep it after the use.
Related: Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces
What are the Best Alto Saxophone Cases to Buy?
Why do you need a case?
This is a frequently asked question that most of the players ask. People think that they have already spent a huge amount on buying a saxophone and they should not waste any more of it for buying a case. That’s where you are mistaken.
Buying a case is the best preventive measure that you can take for your beautiful instrument. If you don’t bother to buy a case and think that you have saved your money, you are wrong. There are increased chances of your horn being damaged if you don’t have a case. You will end up spending more of your money on repairing the damaged saxophone. Therefore, it is better that you be wise and buy a case when you purchase your instrument.
How to buy an Alto saxophone case?
The first thing that you should remember while purchasing a case is the size of your Alto saxophone. The case you choose should be spacious enough so that the saxophone can fit in comfortably but it should not provide ample space for the instrument to move. It is better to choose the right size in the first place instead of making adjustments and filling the extra spaces with soft foam or bubble wraps.
Another thing that you should consider is how old is your current case is. If it is too old and the padding is compressed, perhaps, it is time to buy a new case.
Once you decide that you need to purchase a new alto saxophone case and pick up a right size, the next thing for you to check is its latches and hardware. Carefully check if all the locks are working properly and every part is sturdy. If the locks are loose, your case may open while your instrument is inside and it can lead to a severe damage.
It is always better to go for the cases that come with a built-in lock. It adds to the security and ensures that your saxophone is safe.
11 Best Alto Saxophone Case Reviews and the Best Alto Saxophone Gig Bag
For your ease, we have come up with brief overviews of some of the top recommended Alto saxophone cases. Give it a read, so that you can make a well-informed buying decision.
1) Protec Alto Saxophone Contoured PRO PAC Case with Flute Pocket
This black case is the perfect choice for protecting your instrument from any possible damage. It comprises a sturdy wooden frame that acts as an excellent shock absorber and is very light in weight so that you can easily carry it around. This is indeed a very durable choice that features top quality metallic hardware and commendable stitching.
The exterior comprises ballistic nylon of top quality that makes it water repellent and prevents potential damage to your saxophone. Other specification includes highly durable molded zippers, weather resistant exterior and exclusive handle design featuring comfortable handle wrap. The interior consists of very soft velvoa lining that keeps the instrument safe.
Additionally, it has separate compartments for the mouthpiece and neck. There is a large front pocket on the exterior in which you can keep the flute. It also has a spacious pocket on the rear side for keeping additional accessories. An organizer is also added inside for storing small accessories. The rubber feet and the adjustable shoulder strap make it a more desirable option.
2) Gator Alto Sax Case (GC-ALTO SAX)
Gator cases are known well for manufacturing and supplying cases of a number of musical instruments. They also produce outclass alto sax cases that are widely used and recommended all over the world because of their high durability, elegant designs, and affordability. The one mentioned here is among their best-selling models due to its high quality and enhanced durability.
It is built using sturdy material and the robust structure comprises the strong hardware that is triple chrome plated. Other specifications include high-grade aluminum valance and Deluxe ABS exterior. The bolted handle is added for providing extra strength.
Additionally, the soft plush is used to line the interior that will protect the saxophone. This comes complete with lockable D-rings through which you can add a shoulder strap. This is a more economical option with incomparable quality.
3) Gator Cases Pro Go G-PG-ALTO SAX Ultimate Gig Bag for Alto Sax
This addition from Gator cases is another masterpiece designed to protect your Alto Sax. It is made with extensive attention to detail and the solid structure makes it more reliable.
It is a highly suitable choice for travel musicians and this gig bag can protect your instrument from being damaged by enhancing the ease of portability. It not only keeps the sax safe if also offers a more stylish and trendy outlook.
The exterior is made of rugged nylon that makes it long lasting. It also features a carry handle that gives a soft and comfortable grip. For proper safety, the bag comprises a separate neck compartment. A large accessory pocket is also designed that provides extra space for storage.
The padded interior is made to be ultra-thick and soft which makes it a more appropriate choice and prevents any scratches to the saxophone. For a more convenient carrying experience, it comes with adjustable backpack straps.
4) Protec Max Alto Sax Case
It is a very lightweight case made for the modern saxophones. The flawless structure and durable construction quality make it a smart selection and it comes at a very reasonable rate.
The distinctive compartments are added for the mouthpiece and neck for added protection. It comprises ESF foam frame that is an excellent shock resistant and includes a very soft lining for first-class safety. The outer side is made of long-lasting nylon cover with strong hardware, impressive stitching, and phenomenal craftsmanship.
It is designed to provide sufficient storage space for keeping the accessories. The exterior pocket is large and spacious and features two zippers. The front storage pocket is also added. For your ease, it includes subway handle, paddle handle wrap, shoulder strap and backpack straps (padded).
5) Protec Alto Saxophone Gig Bag – Silver Series, Model C237E
Protec provides durable bags, cases, and covers for multiple kinds of musical instruments and these are specifically designed to ensure the protection of your instruments. The one under discussion here is widely used and players often prefer this because of its superb manufacturing quality and very fair price.
It is made up of 600D rugged Nylon exterior with seamless stitching and features an additional large zippered pocket on the front. The zippers are custom molded and these are made to last long. The interior of the bag contains 10mm soft padding and Nylex lining that is tear resistant and extremely soft to provide complete protection to the instrument.
There are distinct pouches for the neck and mouthpiece as well. The bag features robust dual-core handle, a subway handle and padded handle wrap for your convenience. For making your carrying experience more comfortable and pleasant, an adjustable shoulder strap is also added.
6) Kaces KBF-AS1 Lightweight Hard-shell Alto Sax Case, Black
Kaces is a well-recognized name that provides top-class gig-bags and instrument cases of a vast variety. Among its lines of cases, the one under consideration here is widely used and preferred for the Alto saxophones. This hard-shell case is light in weight and the super soft interior provides high-class protection to the saxophone.
The ergonomic design, good construction quality, and affordable rates make it a perfect pick. As far as the manufacturing material is concerned, it is made up of highly durable 600d rugged exterior, top quality zippers, and sturdy hardware that make it a long-lasting choice.
It makes the transport easier and provides additional backpack straps in addition to the bolted handle. There are separate padded compartments for mouthpiece and neck. Moreover, it comprises a front organizer pocket and a roomy exterior pocket for storage of accessories.
7) Aibay Alto Saxophone Case Water-resistant Oxford Cloth Bag Saxophone Backpack
It is a very handy choice that delivers a very comfortable experience. Considering the quality, construction, and price, this is a highly suitable option. Those who are looking for a more affordable option with unquestioned quality, this is the perfect pieced.
High-quality material is used to make its outer side while the inner is made super soft to keep the instrument safe. The structure consists of top-class oxford cloth that is water resistant and excellent for making cases. You can also keep your accessories in the spacious pocket added for extra space.
A strong grip handed is designed to provide an easy carrying experience. Additionally, the backpack straps are also added to the back so that you can carry it more easily. You have both the options, so you can carry it as you want.
8) SKY Lightweight Case for Alto Saxophone, Backpackable
This beautiful case is the best option for those who own a modern Alto Sax. It is very light in weight and the size is appropriate for most of the modern sax. Construction quality is remarkable and high-quality material are used for both the exterior and interior of the case. Moreover, it comes at a very fair rate.
It has a water-proof canvas surface with added zipper. The inside of the case is designed to be very soft for the safety reasons. It comprises deep lining of plush velvet prevents any dinge and scratch on the sax. The internal compartment for storage is made to provide ample space.
Furthermore, a spacious exterior pocket is added that provides sufficient space for the storage of accessories. Along with the two handles, padded straps in backpack style are also added that you can also tuck inside the pockets if you are not using them.
9) Crossrock Alto Saxophone Case- Rectangular ABS Molded
Crossrock is famous for providing quality instrument cases and gig-bags for different kinds of instruments. These are designed to ensure instrument protection and provide a great experience. It is indeed a reliable choice for your instrument.
This sax case by Crossrock is an exquisite choice made with special attention to its aesthetics. The outer side is made by using the solid molded ABS that is known for its durability. The metal valance and high-class hardware are made for added protection.
The interior is designed to be soft and scratch-resistant. There is a zippered pouch on the exterior where you can store pens, reed and some other accessories. Its handle is covered with soft leather and backpack straps are also added.
10) Guardian CW-012-SA Featherweight Case, Alto Saxophone
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Guardian is a well-recognized name, famous for its diverse range of reliable cases and gig bags for almost all types of musical instruments. It manufactures cases using the top-quality material to ensure the protection of the instruments and makes the traveling easy.
The one mention here is one of its most recommended models because of its excellent quality and reasonable rate. It is made using a good quality DuraGuard Nylon cover and zipper is included. The interior is designed to add to the instrument protection and comprises a padding of high-density form.
Additionally, the black plush lining makes is very soft and it prevents any scratches on the saxophone. What makes it a good choice is its very lightweight. It weighs only 4 pounds. This is designed for ultimate portability and makes it easier for you to carry your instrument safely wherever you want.
11) WXD ABS Rectangular Alto Sax Case
It is a low-priced option for those who don’t want to spend much on buying a sax case. But the price does not affect its quality and it is carefully made to provide protection to your Alto Sax. Unlike most of the cases, this one is rectangular in shape.
The quality is amazingly good. It consists of deluxe ABS and top-tier aluminum valance that makes it robust. Its interior is very soft and comprises deep lining of plush. EPS form is also added which is a great option for protection. The soft cushioning inside and the appropriate size of the case makes your sax stable inside and keeps it safe.
The hardware is made strong for protection and the grip handle makes it very easy to carry. You can buy this without any hesitation as it comes with a guarantee of 100% satisfaction. You can simply return the case if it doesn’t serve the purpose right.
Choosing the Best Alto Saxophone Case and the Best Alto Saxophone Gig Bag
Each of the bags mentioned above is preferred the choice of different musicians and players. All these are made using the durable and outstanding material to provide complete protection and greater ease of transportation. The question which case is better is for you is not easy to answer as the answer would be different for different players.
Each player has individual needs and the same thing cannot be best for all. Basically, it depends on your requirements and budget. If you travel too much then you may need a sturdier case that can last long. Travelers should prefer the cases that come with additional storage spaces and spacious pockets so that they can store their accessories properly. These kinds of bags usually cost more but provide more comfort as well.
Similarly, if you have no budget constraints and you have a high-end alto sax, you should go for a quality case that can provide ultimate safety and make your traveling easier. It is better to choose the bag that offers separate compartments for both the neck and mouthpiece.
However, if you are a budding player and learning on a low-end entry-level model, you can simply buy a low-cost bag. Similarly, if you don’t travel much and just need a bag to keep your sax after use, any simple bag would be good.