What are the most popular case covers that the top professionals use for their flutes?

Yes, I was wondering the same question.

I`m also wondering what kind of bag should I ask that would contain all of my music, instruments, etc. My private lesson teacher said something about a "Gig bag?"

I consider that case covers should be made from a fabric that `breathes`. Then the cleaning cloth inside has a chance to dry out. And the contents of the case itself has a chance of being less humid, allowing pads to dry, and reducing the chance of mould.

"Cordura", the synthetic canvas often used for backpacks, would seem ideal, as it has good waterproof properties, and is very hard wearing, but also breathes well.

Edger, I think you might have misunderstud, Reenie was asking what all the professional flutist use, not for an opinion on what material was the best for one.

To answer your question Reenie, most professionals use Cavallaro Case Covers.

Altieri and Cavallaro the most popular professional (17") and standard (15 1/2) length flute case cover brands.

I have an Altieri double pocket case for my Oboe and a Cavallaro case cover for my flute and I would recommend Altieri rather than Cavallaro as the padding of Cavallaro is like Christmass tree skirt material while the padding of Altieri has a nice canvas surface.

The Cavallaro looks better than the Altieri on the outside, but keep in mind the inside.

However with that said if you have a standard American flute case (15 1/2) then the Gemeinhardt nylon case cover is very good. The strap allows for quick conversion for hand carrying or shoulder carrying where both Altieri and Cavallaro have attachable straps that really force you to remove them if carry your flute primarily by hand or in a bag so they are never around if you want to adjust for shoulder carrying.

I prefer the inside of the Cavallaro over the Altieri myself. It seems better cushioned and insulated than the Altieri. I have been using a black leather Ciprian for a while, but my kitties put a couple of holes in the leather, so that wasn`t the best choice for me. The leather was just too soft on it and it scratched really easily. I wish I would have know that before I spent $90 on the stupid thing!

Ouch. Yes, I haven`t had much luck with leather either as it tends to dry out and wear at the handles much sooner than a good cloth case.

As we both have the same dark burgundy case and Cavallaro case cover...

You don`t find that the Cavallaro "sheds" too visibly into your flute case? All the little white linty particles annoy me. Though I`ve lived with it.

Actually I have the blue lined case, though sometimes I wish I would have ordered the one with the dark burgundy linning, it is so pretty.
I don`t have any problems with mine shedding. Maybe mine is still to new yet.

Oh.. now I know what you were refering to. I don`t have that case anymore, that used to house my Murmatsu in which I sold some time ago. I have added some more pics of me on my site if you would like to see what I look like better. The only one I had on there was my wedding one and that was five years ago. http://www.flickr.com/photos/flute_fun/

Ok, this is off-topic, but Reenie has almost the same name as me! Yay, another Reeni/Reenie/Reenee/Reeny.

I`m not a professional, but good topic. My gig bag is great - fits my flute and piccolo and all the accessories I need (loving the fact my fold-up stands fit in there too at the moment)! So I don`t go forgetting anything before orchestra or band practice.

I aquired two case covers with my flutes and would highly recommend them. Thye are made by Reunion Blues. They are leather with a thick padding inside. Although one may think that leather isn`t breathable for the pads, that particular humidity issue isn`t all that important to me. Some flutists believe that the air humidity around a flute shoud not be too dry or the pads will deform from being too dry anyway. Similar principle applies to acoustic pianos. You want to keep some humidity up and constant.

I do want my flute to be dry from the rain (So breathable fabric is out.) insulated somewhat from the cold and the case and flute safe from bumps and dings. These bags are excellent but a bit expensive.

http://www.reunionblues.com/760-15.html
They also have a Fl/Pic. combo bag.

When gigging, I keep my piccolo and music in a seperate business case.
~Bilbo

Someone also mentioned music stands.

I have a foldup chrome stand for light rehearsals and a standard Manhasset M48.
Although it doesen`t "fold up" to a small portable shape lie some of the new super designed types, I consider this to be a good thing.
I have seen too many pros loose or drop their music when playing outside.
This can be from the wind knocking the stand over or from the stand folding for some dumb reason like being too flimsy.
The Manhasset has a solid desk without holes to let wind underneath and does not fold up by accident. If the wind is blowing, I put my foot on the base and it won`t tip over.
Simple design that can be adjusted with one finger. Holds about 30 pounds of music and can be modified to hold extensions, pencil holders, beer can holders, ash trays, stand lights and the occasinal RPG launcher...

~Bilbo

I know the original question asked about popularity, but often there are more important issues to consider than popularity. That is why I believe my post had relevance, in that it attempted to address what was important in a case cover.

As I explained in my previous post, there are indeed breathable fabrics which have very good to excellent waterproof properties. Many expensive, `popular` case covers have very poor breathability.

Another important issue is that any zip, or any other harder material involved, does not rub against the case sufficiently to damage the outer covering of the flute case. A large proportion of premature damage to cases that I have seen, has actually been CAUSED by the cover.

But I have no objection to anybody choosing a case by `popularity`. It`s a buyer`s choice. :-)

I don`t think Reenie said that she was looking to buy a case cover, she just asked what the professionals use. I don`t see how that answered her question, but okay....

Thank you Kara, that is what I meant. I simply wanted to know what the top pro`s were using, I am not going out and buying one, but thank you all for the extra information. To Reeni, my middle name is Irene, so I have been always called Reenie as a nickname in the family so I have chose to post under that name for the past year. Sorry if I confused anyone.