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Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

  • 1.  Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 14:19

    Hi folks,

    I use a Genck grand master tool case jr. and I love it. My only complain would be that it is just a tiny bit too small for me. I can fit in pretty much all I need for most of my work, but the case is so full that finding the needed tool (and getting the case closed at the ending of sessions) has become cumbersome.

    Since my case is the "jr." model and there is a "regular" model, I'd be interested in the larger one. Has anybody experience with both of these? Is the regular case of the same high quality as the jr. one? 

    I'd have to do some serious mental training not to stuff a larger bag full with even more stuff, of course, but I'd be prepared to take on that challenge :)



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    Patrick Wingren, RPT
    Jakobstad, Finland
    0035844-5288048
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  • 2.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 15:28
    Patrick

    Instead of a larger bag, it would be wiser to eliminate parts and tools you don't need very often. So you have to walk out to car more often. I would rather do that than carry all the weight around. It will make it easier to find what you're looking for, and much easier on your back, too.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 3.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 15:48
    A few years ago I realized I was lugging around a lot of tools I rarely used and did what Wim suggests. For example, I have to go out to my car to get strings so I took out my restringing tools and keep them in the car with the strings. I cut the weight of my kit in over half. I also have a smaller one in a 13" computer bag for pianos where I'm pretty sure I will just be tuning and involves more walking such as cruise ships and hotels, I still have the basic regulating tools in a canvas roll bag that fits in flat and pliers and such but they are all smaller sized tools and tiny sized glue and lube bottles, that one weighs about 6 lbs.
    Wim didn't mention what he has which is a good idea, a "flight bag" configuration with wheels so he doesn't actually carry it much at all.
    Of course, where we live, a quick walk outside is almost always a nice thing.

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    Steven Rosenthal
    Honolulu HI
    808-521-7129
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  • 4.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 17:52
    A little correction to what Steve said. I used carry my tools in a flight bag on wheels.  But the casters wore out and there was only one place on all of Oahu which had replacement wheels.  A small, one man, shoe repair shop that also repaired luggage.  But after I replaced the last ones he had, he didn't order any more.  So no more caster Las for my flight bag. 

    I now carry a tool bag on my shoulder.  It weighs 18 pounds.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 5.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 15:41
    Hi Partrick,

    I don't think the "regular" case is sold anymore. I looked before and couldn't find it.

    Personally I use a soft sided pistol case (that looks like a tool case, not a gun case). It's very small. I can carry my basic tools only - tuning, regulating, and voicing, iPad, and the lid prop mentioned in a recent thread. The tuning tools fit in the middle removable pouch. See attached pictures. Personally I love the small case. It weighs about 7 pounds only. 

    I used to use a bigger case that could carry so much more. Then I realized I only use what's now in there for about 90% of my jobs. Any repair tools are only a short walk out to the car.

    Edit: The only thing the pictures don’t show is that I had to put a piece of cardboard in the front pouch to keep it from bulging. Now it is flat on the front and looks much better IMO.
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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
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  • 6.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-02-2019 17:39

    Thanks, all! 

    I realize now that I was somewhat vague earlier -- I do compartmentalize nowadays, and I would never go back to big, heavy bags! I bought a bunch of small, light frisbee golf bags, and use them as kits for voicing, bushing, regulating, stringing, and so on. They come out of the car only when needed, making everyday life so much easier.

    My Genck jr. bag is not particularly heavy, it is just physically a little bit too small to hold the stuff I need. Since I tend to forget to bring stuff with me more often than not, I need a "universal" tool case that can carry the most important tools. Most of the time, for local jobs, I just throw the Genck case and the stringing kit into the car. Only when I do scheduled field rebushing, or voicing of new hammers, or similar dedicated jobs, I bring the needed kits. When working further away from home, however, I bring all the bags, and mostly they stay in the car.

    I've also noticed that the regular Genck grand master case seems to be out of production, but there's a supplier here in the northern part of Europe that still carries a couple of them in their inventory. If it is of the same quality as the jr. case, I'd be very tempted to order it.



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    Patrick Wingren, RPT
    Jakobstad, Finland
    0035844-5288048
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  • 7.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-03-2019 16:57

    Hi again Benjamin,

    I didn't see the two other pics until now. That pistol case looks very handy indeed! Would be perfect for a lightweight kit. Where did you get it from?



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    Patrick Wingren, RPT
    Jakobstad, Finland
    0035844-5288048
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  • 8.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Posted 03-03-2019 19:05

    My hobby is precision shooting, so I have a lot of pistols and a lot of pistol cases.  They do indeed make great tool cases.  They also make great little cases if you want to segregate certain tools out for certain jobs.  You can search for either "pistol cases" or "range bags."  Sportsman's Guide is a good place to start, if you would like to be introduced to some of what's available.  Here's the link if interested: | Sportsman's Guide




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    Ted Rohde
    Central Illinois
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  • 9.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-03-2019 20:41
    Hi Patrick,

    I got this one from Walmart in the outdoor section. I know you can order it online from Walmart.com, but I'm sure there are other places as well. I forgot what it's officially called, but you should be able to find it by searching for "soft pistol case." 

    I love it, but two words of caution. You will only be able to carry so much, and once you reach your limit that's about it! Secondly, this on barely fits a 12" tuning lever. Anything longer won't fit. Make sure to check on the size before you buy. Plan on adding at least 1" to whatever your lever is. 

    Hope this helps!

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
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  • 10.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Posted 03-03-2019 22:01
    i use Festool systainers and am very pleased with them. They come in different sizes and inserts/dividers.
    they are somewhat pricey but very well built and versatile
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Peachtree City GA
    678-416-8055
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  • 11.  RE: Genck grand master tool cases, "jr." vs "regular"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-04-2019 19:13

    Ted, Benjamin, Petrus,

    thank you so much for pointing me in these directions! It never ceases to amaze how much can be learned from fellow colleagues. Your suggestions would never have crossed my mind until you introduced them here, but now it all seems perfectly logical. Thanks for the the details as well. Whether I keep the Genck jr. or not, I'd definitely have use for these other tool carrying options - both the pistol cases and the systainers from Festools. Seems like it's time to go online shopping.. :)

    All the best,

    Patrick



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    Patrick Wingren, RPT
    Jakobstad, Finland
    0035844-5288048
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