As one whose has flown on several occasions with the "Bodhran of Death", (actually a 26 inch shaman drum, tuned with beads and ropes, and played with a series of kettle drum mallet headed tippers made by a friend of mine) the soft sided cases are not so bad; with the following provisions:

1. A good case can be made in America by any of a number of (gasp!) autoharp case makers who specialize in padded soft-side cases. Mine was done by Autumn Wind cases in Hillsville VA (540) 766-3134, [autumn@tcia.net] for $140.

2. For flights I simply insert the top portion of a RubberMaid trash can lid (cut to fit) into the case on the side of the hide.

3. With the drum detuned (a simple matter of moving the beads inboard) I then fill the interior of the drum with socks and underwear, and place a towel or some undershirts between the trash can lid and the hide surface.

4. It's light, servicable, provides extra space for clothing, practically bullet proof, and I've used baggage every time.

5. If you are from one of those poor European countries, simply get two rubber trash can lids, pad the drum inside, and then duct tape the hell out of it. I've done it several times.

6. Tip: If you're larger than a C cup, do not put an underwire bra in the case, as the customs boys will surely want you to to cut it open after they Xray it... but then it would be a Brahran...