Accessories Aftermarket Case for Beaugnier Vito 37 Alto Sax

[ghostler]

Recently I purchased an early 1950's Beaugnier Vito Model 37 alto saxophone in very good shape. Now I am looking for an aftermarket case.

I found out something interesting. The cases that my 1980's Selmer Bundy II and Antigua Winds Pro altos do not fit the 37. The 37 has a larger diameter bell and bell rim. The bell pads are on the left side instead of on the right side like most saxes today. I posted photos of it on:

Saxophones - Another Beaugnier

There is a bit more information on Vito Pascucci at: https://www.saxontheweb.net/threads/dr-vito-pascucci-12-1999.379088/ Hit [Click to Expand] on the Foreword by Paul R. Coats. Also https://www.saxontheweb.net/threads/a-complete-history-of-g-leblanc.224696/ Please note, I have not done any...

cafesaxophone.com

I am now looking at Crossrock, Gator, Protec, and etc. cases. I am interesting in buying a new case, preferrably a hard shell case with latches, but am open to hard foam cloth covered zippered cases. Following is an example:

Amazon.com: Crossrock ABS Alto Saxophone Case – Rectangular Champagne Finish, Burgundy Velvet Interior, Security Lock & Detachable Strap : Musical Instruments

Buy Crossrock ABS Alto Saxophone Case – Rectangular Champagne Finish, Burgundy Velvet Interior, Security Lock & Detachable Strap: Alto Sax - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Want to stay below $200 US.

Does anyone know of a good candidate I should look at? Thanks in advance.

 

[ghostler]

Since no one responded, I gather the possibility that not many have owned an early 1950's Le Blanc Beaugnier Vito 23 alto or if they did, still use the original case.

I ordered myself a Gator Cases Andante Series GC-ALTOSAX-23 hard case from Amazon. A vendor had one in new condition but used at half cost, $78.41 US. Regular cost is $160.00. Based on photos and a modern alto parked in it, appears they have made provisions for this alto to fit.

I am thus far content with this price break because the Gator appeared to be of better quality than other hard cases I looked at that were cheaper, but the Gator outpriced them by $40.

The Gator with its aluminum rimmed opening appears to be decently sturdy to prevent damage. I've used a gig bag before, but have sustained damage. They're convenient, light and compact, but it really doesn't take much to dent a sax.

Will post on how it fits. If it doesn't, then I haven't sunk too much quid into it.

Amazon.com: Gator Cases Andante Series Molded ABS Hardshell Case for Eb Alto Saxophone, (GC-ALTOSAX-23) : Musical Instruments

Buy Gator Cases Andante Series Molded ABS Hardshell Case for Eb Alto Saxophone, (GC-ALTOSAX-23): Alto Sax - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Amazon photo, case exterior.

Amazon photo, case interior with a sample modern alto.

Notice how the bell falls a touch short, there is space before the bell touches the case interior. The bell also falls short of the edge. It appears they have made it universal enough, that my large bore alto may fit.

An interesting thing about this sax is that it's neck socket for neck tenon is about the size of some tenor saxes. The plug from my Antigua Winds alto is undersized. I am thinking that its larger bore is possibly the secret to its well loved tone. Those who own these have commented how they love them.

 

[DavidUK]

Personally, for a student horn, whatever it's condition, I'd be looking to pick up a case for £20-30 but appreciate the bell size is an issue. Have you tried the small ads local to you?

 

[ghostler]

Have you tried the small ads local to you?

In the past I have but being rural, pickings are slim for musical instruments and accessories. And, nearest big cities are a 2 hour drive away.

I have a well paded gig bag, but it doesn't offer the protection of a hard case.

 

[ghostler]

The neat thing about these Beaugnier Vitos is their sound and the way they play. Perhaps it could be the Ramen eater's (poor saxist) Mark VI? 😉

I guess I could stir up the hornet's nest

if I posted that in Chat & Relax. How many would suddenly become "un-relaxed"?

Well, there is an advantage to a Mark VI. The saxist can say to the trumpeter behind him/her in a soon to enter solo, "Watch my VI!" (military talk for protecting one's back side, 6 o'clock position on a clock in a combat situation. Some of the youngest generation may understand this until explained, as very few clocks and watches at home and in public spaces use analogue dials these days - at least in US.)

Although I have seen that a few times where for some reason, the soloist froze up and another saxist or other instrumentalist suddenly pickup up the solo to keep the song moving, rehearsal and gig.

 

[ghostler]

The case arrived by UPS today. Although seller listed it as used, it came with all original wrapping and paperwork, sealed. It is as new as it can be. 😀 I guess it may have been a customer return? Regardless, I now have a new Gator alto sax case.

It has a thick durable outer plastic shell, definitely thicker than my original Bundy II case and my really nice Crossrock tenor sax hardshell contour case. The aluminum rimmed opening edges is heavy duty, more apparent than in the photos. It has some of the beefiest largest metal buckles I have ever seen on an alto case.

It does not come with case locks, but the aluminum frame edges are thick enough and sturdy enough, I could carefully drill, self-tap screw or pop rivet a hasp on it for a padlock.

My Vito 37 should be back in about 2 weeks. Then I will know if it truly fits, like I suspect it will. I put my Selmer Bundy II alto in the case for comparison. Looks like I may have sufficient room for the slightly wider 37.

 

[ghostler]

My 1952 Model 37 Beaugnier Vito alto fits the Gator Andante case perfectly with a slight adjustment. To crease the foam padding indentation further in the lid, I pressed down about 5 mm until lid closed, which added a new crease in the lid's foam to fit. The bell on it is about the diameter of a tenor sax and the bell cone is larger than my more modern Antigua Winds and Selmer Bundy II. Checking, the bell was large enough that both of these later cases was definitely a non-fit.

Although the bell pads are on the opposite side of modern saxes, there was no problem with fit in the Andante. Gator did its homework.

A universal tenor sax neck joint plug (to protect the octave pin) fit the upper end of the alto's body perfectly. Size I ordered was 26 mm diameter.

To appreciate the Beaugnier Vito's bell size, here is a modern sax in the case:

Amazon photo, case interior with a sample modern alto.

After comparing both photos, one can see that the Beaugnier's bell is definitely larger. (Don't worry, I used BB Code to reference the Amazon photo in my earlier post.) 😉 The cone size on this alto is definitely larger in overall diameter than my two more modern saxes.

I acquired the alto on US Ebay for US $270 + $211 repairs (replace 5 pads, new neck cork plus various other minor tweaks) by Tarpley Music in Lubbock, Texas for a total of $481. A new case (new but open box at half cost) bumps it up to $561, not bad for a vintage sax in very good condition.

 

[PigSquealer]

Since no one responded,

I didn’t see this thread until today. LHBK and large bell can be a real challenge to fit. Good job getting this one sorted. Thanks for posting the information. There was a PDF spreadsheet around somewhere with all the sax and case fits. SATB. Dunno how up to date though.

 

[Jeanette]

Do you have the pdf?

 

[PigSquealer]

Do you have the pdf?

It was lost along with everything else when my computer blew up. There’s a copy on Sotw on my links & threads post.

 

[Jeanette]

It was lost along with everything else when my computer blew up. There’s a copy on Sotw on my links & threads post.

Can you download it from there? Pdfs can be converted to word or Excel documents. I'm sure someone will have the permission to do that.

 

[PigSquealer]

Can you download it from there? Pdfs can be converted to word or Excel documents. I'm sure someone will have the permission to do that.

Anyone can freely go to the site and retrieve the documents. The document was offered with free permission by author to also update any new case information. I don’t care to visit that site at the moment.

 

[ghostler]

On the Amazon site, I read a few complaints about some not happy with the smaller accessories compartment. My Yamaha YAS-61 alto case had a very generous accessories compartment. I even had a folding alto stand in it that I bought in the early 1970's. The Gator case has more support on the outer edge for strength, so one loses a little there.

There was also a complaint that someone's mouthpiece with lig and cap did not fit that compartment. I haven't tried fitting my Rovner lig and cap there yet. My standard lig and cap fit fine.

I'll address these, more to come ....