In late 2024, Jack Tyler delivered what I consider the finest saxophone case currently available: the Boston Sax Shop Ambassador II Tenor Saxophone Case. I had owned the original Ambassador case and watched for years as Jack pushed to maintain superior quality control against a manufacturer that was not ultimately as committed as he was. Having now purchased the Ambassador II, I understand that the six to seven year developmental period was time well spent. This case costs just under $600 and represents a remarkable value at that price.
The Ambassador II: The Pinnacle of Saxophone Case Design
The Ambassador II makes the Walt Johnson cases of earlier decades feel practically obsolete. Those were great cases, but the Ambassador II is lighter, includes back straps, and adds an exterior storage pocket. It replaces the Bam Cabine as the modern standard for tenor saxophonists. My primary issue with the Bam Cabine has always been the latches. The quick release design releases a little too easily for my comfort, and many of its components, including the valance, the feet, and the latches, appear to be plastic. Every component on the Ambassador II appears to be metal.
The BSS Ambassador II is a great case at the most ideal price point achievable. The only serious competitor above it is a vacuum infused carbon fiber single instrument case from SJQ, which sheds roughly three pounds at approximately $700 per pound of reduction. That is a legitimate choice for some players. For most, the Ambassador II is where the analysis ends.
Specifications
The Ambassador II features hard wearing, heavy duty ABS shells; four Southco latches, the same design used on vintage Walt Johnson cases; an aluminum valance for maximum durability without added weight; five steel hinges on the spine; a double leather handle lined with ballistic nylon to prevent stretch and wear; plush, high density memory foam interior with a velvet top layer; a large exterior storage pocket with a neck and mouthpiece pouch for bell storage; steel feet and steel strap D rings; and included backpack straps with steel hooks and braided cable failsafes.
The case fits all Selmer and Selmer style saxophones, vintage American horns with reverse bell keys, and Yamaha, Yanagisawa, and similar designs. The only horns it will not accommodate are Keilwerth and Couf.
Weight: 7.9 lbs. Overall dimensions: 33.5 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches at the bell. Pocket dimensions: 12 inches by 5 inches by 3 inches.
This review reflects my personal experience and opinions. Product specifications and pricing are accurate as of the date of writing but may change. I have no financial affiliation with any of the brands mentioned.
Further Reading
For related reading on Boston Sax Shop products and repair:
For the Cloud back strap, read: Boston Sax Shop Cloud Strap.
For an account of the Boston Sax Shop as a repair destination, read: Outstanding Saxophone Repair Shop in Boston, MA.
For the essay examining Jack Tyler’s vision and the Boston Sax Shop’s identity, read: The Boston Sax Shop and the Vision of Jack Tyler: Why Focused Identity Creates Lasting Success.
A complete list of all Jazzocrat essays can be found here.
Leave a Reply