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Well, I have owned or currently own both of the cases in question, the Miraphone M5050 hard case and the Marcus Bonna case (for my Adams, for the M5050, you would need the XL version of the Marcus Bonna case).
I owned a Miraphone M5050 for a couple years about three years ago. My first impression of the hard case left me feeling unhappy with it. It seemed (not only seemed, but for sure was ) really hard to "stuff" the horn in the case to get it closed. Over time I came to like that feature, but it put me off at first. I don't like the blue interior which if it gets any moisture on it looks shabby. One thing I really don't like is that it has a metal binding/lip all the way around the top and bottom sections of the case. If you aren't careful putting your horn away or getting it out, you can bang your horn into this metal strip. I never got to liking that. When I had this case, I longed for what I thought the much better case was, a Yamaha hard case. After having the horn for a couple years, I must admit, the case did the job, never had any issues with it (other than I had to be careful with the metal lip), and I got used to stuffing the horn inside. It seems pretty sturdy and had wheels so you could lift one end and roll it. Worked fairly well.
I have had the Marcus Bonna case (and my Adams euphonium) for 2 1/2 years now. This case is very compact (I like that). It is also quite light. It has a pocket on the outside for music and other sundries (very nice and it is removable also). There is room on the inside for mouthpieces (at least a couple) and valve oil, grease, etc. There are some pads you can move around to better secure the horn. Plus there is a strap that goes around the bottom bow to securely hold the horn in place in the case and keep the bell from ramming into the bell end of the case. I really like this case.
With either case, I would never put them in checked luggage. In fact, I would never put any horn I own in checked luggage. Just me, I suppose, but there isn't a case made that can sustain every type of potential damage that could occur in the belly of an airplane or getting it in and out of that belly. Unless the case is some military grade, reinforced, monstrosity that would cost a fortune to buy and ship.
Both cases seem to be quality made, but the Bonna is definitely more stylish. I suspect both will wear well. Both protect very well, if you are interested in getting to and from rehearsals and gigs in your car.
If I had to pay the $750 for a Bonna and $500 for a M5050 case (that would fit my Adams), I would spend the $750 and get a Bonna.
I owned a Miraphone M5050 for a couple years about three years ago. My first impression of the hard case left me feeling unhappy with it. It seemed (not only seemed, but for sure was ) really hard to "stuff" the horn in the case to get it closed. Over time I came to like that feature, but it put me off at first. I don't like the blue interior which if it gets any moisture on it looks shabby. One thing I really don't like is that it has a metal binding/lip all the way around the top and bottom sections of the case. If you aren't careful putting your horn away or getting it out, you can bang your horn into this metal strip. I never got to liking that. When I had this case, I longed for what I thought the much better case was, a Yamaha hard case. After having the horn for a couple years, I must admit, the case did the job, never had any issues with it (other than I had to be careful with the metal lip), and I got used to stuffing the horn inside. It seems pretty sturdy and had wheels so you could lift one end and roll it. Worked fairly well.
I have had the Marcus Bonna case (and my Adams euphonium) for 2 1/2 years now. This case is very compact (I like that). It is also quite light. It has a pocket on the outside for music and other sundries (very nice and it is removable also). There is room on the inside for mouthpieces (at least a couple) and valve oil, grease, etc. There are some pads you can move around to better secure the horn. Plus there is a strap that goes around the bottom bow to securely hold the horn in place in the case and keep the bell from ramming into the bell end of the case. I really like this case.
With either case, I would never put them in checked luggage. In fact, I would never put any horn I own in checked luggage. Just me, I suppose, but there isn't a case made that can sustain every type of potential damage that could occur in the belly of an airplane or getting it in and out of that belly. Unless the case is some military grade, reinforced, monstrosity that would cost a fortune to buy and ship.
Both cases seem to be quality made, but the Bonna is definitely more stylish. I suspect both will wear well. Both protect very well, if you are interested in getting to and from rehearsals and gigs in your car.
If I had to pay the $750 for a Bonna and $500 for a M5050 case (that would fit my Adams), I would spend the $750 and get a Bonna.
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