Hello flute forum! My niece is moving to another country in a couple of weeks and will continue flute lessons there. She plays a used student flute which we recently purchased. (She played a rental before that.) I want to replace the hard case that came with the flute -- it has rusted hinges and doesn't hold one of the pieces firmly in place.

My question is -- which kind of case would you recommend for a student? I have found the hard replacement cases for about $25, and have found the soft-cover cases (with the interior padding) for about $30. I've also seen case covers, such as the ones the forum mentions at Fluteragious Creations, that would hold a hard case.

It appears that both the hard and soft cases would protect the flute. Do you folks have any preferences?

Thanks for your responses!

I would recommend getting a hard case and putting a case cover over it. It is more protected that way and your niece can that store her cleaning cloth, rod etc.. in the zippered compartment and not in with the flute itself where nothing should be stored but the flute itself. By the way, I am the owner of Fluteragious

I agree, a hard case with a cover, WWBW.com has a good selection. You also must know what kind of case to purchase since not all cases fit all flutes, for instance if your flute has a B foot, you obviously cant buy a C foot case, and expect it to fit.

A C foot flute will have a total of 3 pads on the foot, (end piece) the Eb, C#, and C.

a B foot flute will have a total of 4 pads on the foot. the Eb, C#, C, and B.

The case cover, with a hard case inside is better for a student (and for me), because of the the additional protection provided by the external cover in case of accidental dropping of the case. Also, they normally have handles and this is very helpful and safe for carrying the instrument.
Apart from the cleaning rod and cloth you can store inside a few sheets of smoking paper for pad cleaning/drying, spare plugs if needed and a few other.

Thanks for all your quick and friendly replies!

I will purchase a hard replacement case for my niece. It's a c-foot, so I'll be sure to order that size.

You were all so nice to respond so quickly! Looks like you have a cozy community to share ideas. I'll visit you again whenever questions arise. My expertise is nil -- although now I know a thing or two about flute cases!

By the way, my niece is moving to Cancun. I know! Poor child! And she will continue private flute lessons there. I think I'll have to visit from time to time just to see how those lessons are progressing.

Best wishes to all of you!