Protec PL251 Smaller Tuba Gig Bag

The case arrived yesterday and fits my over 50 years old Meinl-Weston Model 20 very well. I have learned in the past that the hard case that came with the tuba could not protect the bell when it fell off a stage in the case and the gig bag I used for years gave more the impression of protection than actually keeping it from dents if it hit something while carrying it in the bag to gigs. That bag also actually scratched the lacquer on the horn while taking it in and out of the top load bag. I have no illusions as to how much this bag will protect it but it is sturdy, easy to get the horn in and out with a full length zipper and hopefully will give some protection as I carry it back forth to my weekly community band rehearsal. So far, less than 24 hours after delivery, I am very pleased with my purchase.

I’ve owned a Rudolf Meinl 4/4 CC tuba for over 25 years, and the gig bag which came with it has finally succumbed to heavy wear-and-tear over the years. I finally settled on this new Pro Tec design because I decided that the extra weight of this bag was worth it in order to have the extra protection around the bell rim provided by a wooden disc. The interior dimensions provided by the manufacturer also turned out to be accurate (something I’ve learned cannot be taken for granted) so in spite of this being called a “Smaller Tuba Gig Bag” it fits my 4/4 instrument just fine, even with the adjustable pad in place around the bottom bow. Even without this extra block, the padding is much thicker and firmer than in the bag I’m replacing.

I’ve always used top-loading bags in the past, but I’m finding this “suitcase” design very easy to adapt to. The bag I’m replacing isn’t as stiff as it used to be, and lately had been collapsing under its own weight, which made loading the tuba very difficult. With this bag, I’m still not sure whether it’s best to load bell-first or bottom-first, but either way the bag stays open on its own and I don’t have to wrestle with it at all. The cordura square on the inside of the lid ensures that the valve paddles and linkage can’t tear up the padded interior, which is a very nice touch.

Both loaded and empty, the bag stands and balances on the bell end very nicely, so it doesn’t always have to hog so much floor space. These’s a stiff board running its length which allows the bag to also stand on its edge with the handles up, as shown in the photo, but I would say that this feature is convenient for setting the instrument down for only a moment, as I would never dare leave it and walk away from it like that. I also really like that there are grab handles at both ends of the bag, which make it much easier to load into or out of the trunk or back seat of a car. The backpack straps are very comfortable*, but I usually just use the shoulder strap anyway, so I’m glad that the backpack straps can be hidden away so effectively. I do wish the D-rings for attaching the shoulder strap were laid out differently, so that the instrument would hang a bit more vertically off my shoulder, but this is a minor quibble.

*EDITED TO ADD: After taking it to a few rehearsals and gigs, I’m not as pleased with the backpack straps. They seem to be centered on the bag, but not aligned with the center of gravity of the instrument. So when I’m walking around with it on my back, I feel more weight on my right shoulder than my left.

The smaller pouch measures about 10″x14″ so it’s a very good size for a stack of letter-sized sheet music – it fits an Arban’s book or Wagner score with room to spare. The organizer inside the larger pouch is pretty well thought out, although both pouches are still too small to fit a traditional band/orchestra folder, which feels like an oversight. The integral mouthpiece pouch is great, but I honestly wish there were two.

Overall, I’d say this bag is an excellent bargain for the level of protection it provides.

This PL251 for smaller tubas fits the Jupiter JCB-582 (JTU-1110) like a glove. Literally the perfect fit.

The case itself is great quality, with heavy duty zippers, rings and clasps. There are handles on three sides of the case which make it easy to move around. The backpack straps are solid, comfortable to wear when loaded, and tuck away when you don’t need them. It’s easy to load the tuba in and out as the case opens completely. Good sized pockets, with internal storage for smaller bits like your mouthpiece, valve oil, pencils, ect.

Highly recommend this case, especially if you have the Jupiter horn or something similar in size (Miraphone 186 perhaps??)

Wonderful item and great price – really fast delivery. Fits 4/4 B-flat rotary valve tuba perfectly!

ベルガードチューブをつけているからなのかわからないが、45cmベルのB♭管を収納しようとしたらかなり苦労した
これならばぴちぴちではあるが収納自体は楽だったPL251にしておけばよかったと後悔した（返品してしまった）
もう面倒くさいから使うことにするが、快適に使えるのは42cmまでではないかな？と感じる

あと、ロータリー機種ように設計しているという割にはベル部のケースと楽器のベルとのフィット感が悪く斜めになっているように感じるので形が悪いと思う

あと〇〇booksで購入すると〇〇houseから発送されるので、評判の悪さを避けるなら楽器屋で購入がおススメ