What is the primary material used for the exterior of the PB317?

The exterior is made from 1680 ballistic nylon. This material is highly durable, water-resistant, and designed to withstand the rigours of frequent travel.

Does the Protec PB317 feature a hard or soft frame?

The PB317 features a wood shell construction. This provides the rigid protection of a hard case while remaining relatively lightweight for the musician.

What is the purpose of the Zig Zag stitching?

Zig Zag pattern stitching is used to reinforce stress points on the case. This makes the construction more durable and reliable for musicians who are constantly on the go.

Is the Protec PB317 bassoon case waterproof?

The case is made from water-resistant ballistic nylon, which protects against light moisture and rain. However, it is not described as fully waterproof or submersible.

What is the typical price for this case in the UK?

The typical price range for the Protec PB317 Pro Pac Bassoon Case is approximately £175. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does this case include the bassoon or any accessories?

No, the bassoon and additional accessories are not included with the purchase of the case. The product consists solely of the protective transport case.

How does the weight of this case compare to other options?

The case is designed to offer a lightweight and durable feel. By using a wood shell instead of heavy metal or plastic frames, it remains manageable for daily transport.

Is this case suitable for professional touring?

Yes, the 1680 ballistic nylon and reinforced stitching make it 'perfect for life on the road'. Its durability is specifically tailored for the travelling musician.

Does Protec manufacture other types of cases?

Yes, Protec is a well-known brand in the 'Cases & bags' category. They produce a wide variety of Pro Pac cases for different woodwind and brass instruments.

How does the PB317 compare to BAM Hightech cases?

While BAM cases often use high-tech synthetic shells, the Protec PB317 uses a traditional wood shell. The Protec model offers high-quality protection at a distinct price point, typically around £175.

What makes the Pro Pac series different from standard gig bags?

Pro Pac cases like the PB317 feature a rigid internal frame (wood shell). Standard gig bags are often entirely soft, offering less impact protection for delicate instruments like the bassoon.

Is the internal padding safe for the instrument's finish?

The Pro Pac series is designed as a high-quality protective solution for musical instruments. The internal construction is built to safely house the bassoon joints during transit.

Gear article

Protec PB317 Pro Pac Bassoon Case

The Protec PB317 Pro Pac Bassoon Case is a professional-grade storage and transport solution featuring a wood shell frame and water-resistant ballistic nylon exterior. Designed for travelling musicians, it balances the rigid protection of a hard case with the lightweight portability and storage features of a modern gig bag.

See live prices

Overview

The Protec PB317 Pro Pac Bassoon Case is engineered to provide high-level protection for bassoons while maintaining a manageable weight for transport. It sits within Protec’s Pro Pac series, which is known for combining traditional wood shell architecture with contemporary fabric exteriors. The case is specifically designed to withstand the rigours of the road, offering a professional aesthetic and weather-resistant properties.

Construction and Materials

The core of the PB317 is a wood shell frame, which provides structural rigidity and impact resistance superior to soft-sided bags. The exterior is wrapped in 1680 denier ballistic nylon. This material is chosen for its water resistance and extreme durability against abrasions and tears.

A key design feature is the use of 'Zig Zag' pattern stitching. This specific embroidery technique is applied to reinforce stress points across the case, ensuring that handles and straps remain secure under the weight of the instrument and its accessories over long-term use.

Functionality and Key Features

The PB317 is tailored for the 'musician on the go' with several functional enhancements:

Weather Protection: The ballistic nylon exterior offers a barrier against moisture and light rain.
Durability: Reinforced stitching at load-bearing points prevents premature wear.
Portability: Despite the wooden frame, the design focuses on a lightweight feel to reduce fatigue during travel.
Storage: The Pro Pac design typically includes dedicated space for the instrument joints and peripheral accessories, though the bassoon itself is sold separately.

Target User

This case is primarily aimed at student and professional bassoonists who require more protection than a standard gig bag but wish to avoid the excessive weight or bulk of heavy-duty flight cases. Its durable construction makes it suitable for frequent travel between rehearsals, performances, and tours.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to high-end alternatives like the BAM Conservatoire or Artisto series, the Protec PB317 offers a more traditional wood-frame approach at a competitive price point of approximately £175. While BAM cases often utilise high-tech synthetic shells (such as the L'Etoile Hightech Slim Cello Case or the Trekking series), Protec relies on the time-tested shock absorption of wood paired with heavy-duty nylon. It represents a sturdier alternative to simple fabric sets like the Gear4music Rock Fusion drum bags, which are designed for different instrument types and lower impact levels.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the exterior of the PB317?: The exterior is made from 1680 ballistic nylon. This material is highly durable, water-resistant, and designed to withstand the rigours of frequent travel.
Does the Protec PB317 feature a hard or soft frame?: The PB317 features a wood shell construction. This provides the rigid protection of a hard case while remaining relatively lightweight for the musician.
What is the purpose of the Zig Zag stitching?: Zig Zag pattern stitching is used to reinforce stress points on the case. This makes the construction more durable and reliable for musicians who are constantly on the go.
Is the Protec PB317 bassoon case waterproof?: The case is made from water-resistant ballistic nylon, which protects against light moisture and rain. However, it is not described as fully waterproof or submersible.
What is the typical price for this case in the UK?: The typical price range for the Protec PB317 Pro Pac Bassoon Case is approximately £175. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does this case include the bassoon or any accessories?: No, the bassoon and additional accessories are not included with the purchase of the case. The product consists solely of the protective transport case.
How does the weight of this case compare to other options?: The case is designed to offer a lightweight and durable feel. By using a wood shell instead of heavy metal or plastic frames, it remains manageable for daily transport.
Is this case suitable for professional touring?: Yes, the 1680 ballistic nylon and reinforced stitching make it 'perfect for life on the road'. Its durability is specifically tailored for the travelling musician.
Does Protec manufacture other types of cases?: Yes, Protec is a well-known brand in the 'Cases & bags' category. They produce a wide variety of Pro Pac cases for different woodwind and brass instruments.
How does the PB317 compare to BAM Hightech cases?: While BAM cases often use high-tech synthetic shells, the Protec PB317 uses a traditional wood shell. The Protec model offers high-quality protection at a distinct price point, typically around £175.
What makes the Pro Pac series different from standard gig bags?: Pro Pac cases like the PB317 feature a rigid internal frame (wood shell). Standard gig bags are often entirely soft, offering less impact protection for delicate instruments like the bassoon.
Is the internal padding safe for the instrument's finish?: The Pro Pac series is designed as a high-quality protective solution for musical instruments. The internal construction is built to safely house the bassoon joints during transit.