Upright Bass Flight Cases

We now offer 3 flight cases by Tuff-Lite: the new, light weight Ultra case (for 3/4 size basses) which average 40 lbs., the bigger Pro model averaging around 52 - 55 lbs and another new case which is specifically designed for removable neck, travel basses, called the Traveler.

• Ultra 3/4 case, 39-41 lbs, $3,300
• Pro case, 52-55 lbs, $3,250
• Traveler Case, (for removable neck bass) $3,450

As any serious bass player can attest, traveling and moving a bass around has never been the easiest.  We could have chosen any other instrument to play, but many don't think about this until way later after they often say "the instrument chose me!"  Whatever the 'case' may be, we have still to deal with the size, weight and the protection of the bass when we need to fly away or transport it on tour/audition. 

How To Order:

Like our bass shipments, customers order these from all parts of the world, so it can sometimes be tricky to correctly charge on shipping in a shopping cart.  For now, it is far easier to take orders by email or phone. The average cost of shipping a new case is around $150-160 to domestic USA cities.  For those far out of reach places without an airport, we can easily truck it.  Air cargo is the safest, quickest and oddly, the cheapest way.  Each case is heavily wrapped and packaged and ready to ship. To order one, call us: (480) 785-5491 (800-600-2689, toll-free line). Some prefer to give us their delivery information  by emailing us their name, address and phone number, so that we can have that delivery and billing address here before calling in their credit card info.  See our the Tuff-Lite size charge and dimensions: For Pro model and for Ultra model.

Traveling With A Bass and Chosing A Good Case

The first thing that changed with the airline industry was almost immediately after 9-11.  The TSA started opening cases (some taking basses out of their cases after the players went off to their departing gate!) If they couldn't get it back into the case or couldn't figure out how to open it, they'd simply leave the case right there.  The player would get to the city of their next gig or audition and wait for them to bring the case around, but it would never come!   These Tuff-Lite cases are specifically made for 3 major requirements.  First, they have to protect that bass!  Two, at the same time, they need to be the lightest possible and three, they need to be user friendly. 

Tuff-Lite Flight Cases

• durable, we use these very same cases to ship our own basses out on trial.  Back and forth, back and forth etc... years of heavy usage on the same airlines that players fly on. They get beat up, but they still work fine!
• lightweight, so that airlines will keep taking them
• protective, these cases are designed to protect your bass and minimize stress points on the bass
• super easy to use, they have easy no nonsense straps across the neck, belly etc..
• affordable and easier to repair

The Ultra, $3,300 was designed so that most all 3/4 basses will easily fit and can be used with a cover or without. In this case pictured below, is with a Wilfer 3/4 Solo model bass. It also easily fits our medium, 3/4 sized Wan-Bernadel basses and most all typical 3/4 basses.  This is an incredible, highly engineered flight case. For more detailed information, photos and sizing, please visit the Tuff-Lite site.  Also, here is a nice size chart link to the Ultra.

The new, Ultra Case by Tuff-Lite... 39 lbs! (click any larger detailed photos)

The Tuff-Lite Pro model (show below) $3,250, is larger than the Ultra and therefore, heavier.  The Pro is for those that have a bigger bass, like a large 3/4, 7/8 or even 4/4.  It pretty much fits any size of bass: small to large.  Why get this one instead of the Ultra?  This is our #1 selling flight case because it allows players to use different sizes (because the smaller 3/4 ones fit great!)   It gives versatility while still a very strong and light case.  The Pro is used by many top professional orchestras around the world as it suits their size variation requirements (fitting most any sized bass) and is super versatile for every day storage for backstages.  Most of all, they are the most versatile, most protective and most durable case on the market.  Here is a good link to see a size chart for the Pro model.

Tuff-Lite Pro:

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The Traveler. This is the 3rd and newest case by Tuff-Lite, $3,450.  As one can see, it is specially designed for those that frequently travel and want to minimize their hassles with airlines and their ever changing rules, restrictions and/or regulations with size and/or weight.  The "and/or" is most appropriate with this case because it is so versatile and easy to use.  In recent years, airlines were restricting the size, the weight and the combinations of both!  Another crazy facet of traveling with a bass (as if that alone wasn't enough!!!), is that while the airlines like to change their minds a lot, in comparison (from airline to airline) they are never the same!  For example, Delta Airlines might really be restrictive on their overall weight, United Airlines and their piece (luggage) numbers, while another airline, restrictive on size.  At this same time, the traveling upright bass player is usually expected to fly on the same airline as are his colleague musicians are flying on.  This case (the Traveler) allows some seriously needed versatility. 

Tuff-Lite Traveler Case:

A specially engineered and unique case. Here are some of the functions and different ways that this case can be used.  There are actually two parts of this case:  the body case and the neck (accessories) case.  The neck/accessory case not only slides into the body, but can be removed and shipped separately.  This will obviously lighten the weight of the overall case whole which could be the very exact restrictive hurdle needed for that particular trip and airline. Additionally, the neck/accessories case slides into the front of the body case and is locked into place by a special trapezoidal shape:  Once it slides in through the top, it is very snuggly locked into the body case.  While TL probably didn't need a latch to secure it, they do have velcor strap that will harness it, just for added (psychological) comfort.   The neck case fits very snug and really requires some effort to pull out (there is a special plastic membrane the body panel that helps pad and tighten the fit).

The body case is typical of what Tuff-Lite has done with the rest of their bass cases, using the same bungee latches, and raises the bass off of the bottom of the case (sitting on the bottom of the ribs rather then the endpin).  We think this is the best way to go in that it is far less likely to suffer any endpin block damage by elevating the bass up off the endpin.  In this case, there is room to either fly with the cover on the bass (with the neck draped over on top fo the bass body) or can be flown without the cover on.  (Weight is always part of any equation these days!)  A good Tuff-Bag Premium cover or Mooradian Deluxe will weight around 10 lbs.  (We will eventually be offering a specially made (no frills) light weight cover soon, but at this time, are not yet available.