April 2010 Jazz Instrument News

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April 2010 Jazz Instrument News

Wednesday, 31 March 2010 11:07

Protection Racket SemiRigid cases Bass case 7051 and 7151

Protection Racket are very well known for their soft shell drum cases – theirs is the case of choice for many a gigging musician. However, they have now expanded and extended their range to include semirigid examples and guitar and electric bass cases.

We took a look at the two bass cases. Built around a polycarbonate frame, these cases offer the enhanced protection of three layers of different density Rocket foam and are covered in Racketex waterproof material and have a “big teeth” 3/4 covered zip with Protection Racket lockable tags. To the lower front face of the bags are two.

Protection Racket Bass Case zippered pockets - a medium sized piggy-backed on a large, while to the top rim of the case is a heavy duty grab handle with rubberised grip. Both cases come with rear nylon grab handles and a rubberised name/address pouch. This, however, is where the similarities of the 7051 and the 7151 ends. The latter is a Deluxe model and as might be expected has a number of benefits particularly in the comfort stakes, not only for the player, but also the instrument! This is most noticeable on the rucksack style harness, where the 7151 model sports an “airpac” foam back pad, fully adjustable quick release straps with heavily padded shoulder pads, an adjustable sternum strap and a zippered pocket for it all to be packed into when not in use. The 7051 model on the other hand, comes only with an adjustable harness with shoulder pads and carabiner style releaseable clasps which are linked to ‘D’ rings attached to the rim of the case. There is also a marked difference to the interior of each case.

Where the 7051 model comes with a soft nylon interior and an adjustable neck support with velcro strap, the 7151 supports a luxury non abrasive, hydrophilic Propile fleece lining together with the adjustable neck support and velcro retainer strap. As might be expected, the 7151 will set you back almost twice as much as the 7051. The real question is, how often are you going to use the back pack harness and does your instrument really need to travel in a fleece lining? For more visit www.protectionracket.com

Ferguson Hill FH007 and FH008 Studio Speaker Systems

Ferguson Hill speakers don’t come in a standard wood casing. Their approach is space aged, using perspex and steel and the results are astounding. The system includes a stylish 16 watt amplifier in a brushed steel case carrying a single volume knob to the front face, two clear perspex horn speakers that carry both treble and mid range, two perspex spherical bass speakers and a big black perspex FH008 bass subwoofer. We initially tested the system without the FH008 using a sax/guitar/bass/drums quartet CD and found that although the sonic reproduction of the sax, guitar and drums through the horn speakers was nothing short of stunning (and I use that word advisedly), there was limited depth and width to the spherical bass speakers to truly bring out the best of the upright bass.

Adding the FH008 to the mix however, literally felt as though you were bringing the band to life, with an extraordinary reality to the reproduction of the tone and timbre in the bass range – you could actually be forgiven for thinking that you were sitting in a club listening to the band live! Clarity is key with any sound system and the audio and design technology that has been used here has produced a remarkable combination of a clean, clear sound with exceptional separation and with every nuance of sound being faithfully reproduced. This is a sound system like no other and I can only recommend that you take a listen sooner rather than later – you’ll be amazed. For more go to www.fergusonhill.co.uk

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