Review: MB “UltraLight” Horn Case

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In preparation for travel this summer I wanted a new case. Last summer I saw my first Marcus Bonna “UltraLight” case and knew it would be a great choice for the small airplanes I encounter, plus it should help save my back. After a little delay on my part, eventually one was ordered and arrived in May of this year; having used it nearly two months now the time is right for a review.

First up we have the size comparison. This photo is of the new case next to my previous “go to” MB case (MB4 model), and it is clear that it is in round figures about ¾ size. From the logo you can see that I purchased mine through Ken Pope, but other dealers can obtain this same MB model. From the Pope description,

Leave it to Marcus to come up with another groundbreaking design! This MBsoft top case has a hard bottom and side shell, but the top is simply cordura with padding – thus allowing for a VERY small profile and light weight.…

Like all of Marcus’s cases this is a backpack styled case made of Ballistic Nylon Cordura with a music pouch on the back.

The case itself weighs only four pounds, with a width of 14 inches, height: 20 1/4 Inches, and a depth of 8 Inches. What that means for us is the case is significantly lighter and smaller than most other case options out there.

The main difference between this case and prior MB models (check their website for descriptions of their entire line of cases) is the top of the case is soft, as in it is just padded cordura. In fact, in the MB website they call this their “Soft Case.” This may concern some potential buyers as the horn is less protected. But that said, the bottom section is solid fiberglass and there is a lot of protection for the horn in every direction except from the soft side. If you have small children that might jump on the case it is not for you! But for flying or general daily use this case is a great option.

As to the flying part of the equation, this summer marks my second summer on the faculty of the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. To get here from Arizona involves a flight on a small airplane into Traverse City. This case fit easily in the small overhead bins on an EMB 145 and has a nice small look visually that would not cause a flight attendant to worry that it would not fit. The flights I took here and also to the IHS symposium with the case were both very smooth in terms of the horn and case.

As to general use, I would only add that a lot of people struggle around with cases that really are heavier/bulkier than they need to be using. Especially if you have any borderline back problems, you need to think about a lighter case as it will make a difference.

In short I am very pleased and here is the best part; it is a very affordable case choice among options in the MB line. Ken Pope currently lists it at $295. A quick Internet search shows other dealers have it as well, with Houghton Horns selling it as the “Soft Top” model in leather at $429 for example.

Finally, of all the names I see out there for this case I would tend to vote for “UltraLight” as conveying best the character of it. Yes, the top is soft, but it is light and offers certainly better protection than a conventional gig bag. It is for sure a model to consider if you fly on small airplanes or are looking for a lighter option.

University of Horn Matters