Abstract: A carrying case for a musical instrument or the like is disclosed in which a movable portion of the carrying case is mounted to the remainder of the carrying case for movement to an open position at which position the movable portion and the remainder of the body of the carrying case will support the carrying case in a stable, upright, freestanding position on a horizontal surface. The movable portion takes the form of a pair of front panels hingedly mounted to side panels, which are in turn hingedly mounted to the remainder of the carrying case to enable a double hinged opening of the carrying case until the front panels extend rearwardly of the carrying case and provide a highly stable support apparatus. The carrying case further includes means for releasably retaining the instrument in the carrying case and tray means mounted to provide a convenient equipment support surface.