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We have been making our bass case since 1971 and during that time we have constantly improved and refined its design. Orders for our cases come from all over the world. We have supplied many European orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the City of Birmingham Symphony, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the Paris Opera, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the Suisse Romande. The majority of the BBC orchestras use our cases as do orchestras as far afield as Geneva, Salt Lake City, Sydney, Seattle, New York and New Zealand. We also sell cases to individual players around the world both Classical and Jazz, many of international standing. In January '03 we updated our original Standard case. We have designed out unnecessary weight and made a tongue and groove join between the trunk and the lid to increase strength. The new model Standard case in fibreglass now weighs 28kg/62lb - 31.5kg/69lb, depending on the surface finish. The same model in carbon weighs 20kg/44lb. We can still make stronger, heavier cases in fibreglass or carbon if an orchestra or touring big band opts for an extra heavy-duty case. A significant 3.5kg (7.7lb) of weight can be saved if cases are made without the shiny gelcoat finish. The resulting surface has a faint 'marbled' effect and very slight superficial imperfections. Gelcoat is mainly for appearance and does not contribute significantly to impact resistance, but some players feel the gelcoat finish resists scrapes and scuffing, so this option is a matter of personal choice. Our cases are made entirely by hand, not vacuum formed or sprayed. Extensive reinforcement at all key points makes even the Standard case tremendously strong. It has been tested successfully by being dropped with a bass inside from eight feet on to concrete. The bass was completely undamaged. Our aim has been to design a case which will give maximum protection to the bass while remaining as portable as possible. Even its colour is an important safety factor. When the Spanish Authorities left the BBC Symphony Orchestra's loaded cases in the midday sun at Barcelona Airport, the orchestral handler reported to us that the basses remained quite cool in their white cases, whereas the tamtam, in its black case, was too hot to touch and its lacquer had melted. 99% of basses will fit into our Standard case. The internal dimensions are: - bridge to back: 57cm (22.5in.), shoulders: 60cm (23.5in.), hips: 77cm (30.25in.), overall height including end-pin unit: 207cm (81.5in.), bottom of back to top of scroll with normal design: 195cm (76.75in.), bottom of back to top of scroll with altered design reducing end-pin clearance: 199cm (78.25in.), peg/scroll clearance side to side: 20.5cm (8in.). Please note that these are maximum sizes and if a bassist knows that he has a very large bass then he should contact us to discuss measurements in detail. We have moulds available to make cases for exceptionally large instruments. We are also developing smaller model bass cases and have made a number of specially adapted cases to suit unusual instruments. Basses vary so much in size and shape that it is not practical to make a standard internal padding. Most bassists also use more than one instrument so customised padding does not work. The cases have a system of supporting straps and basic padding which will hold different instruments very securely. This system has proved to be extremely satisfactory. Many players use their soft covers together with loose extra padding and the straps. We now make all our bass cases with closings made of elastic shockcord fixed by tough anchor points. When the elastic shockcord or the anchor points are broken or worn they can be easily and inexpensively replaced without the need for fibreglass repairs. We can usually despatch cases within three weeks. Our normal terms are for prepayment. Payment may be made by Visa or MasterCard, or by transfer direct to our account, or by bank draft or money order in Sterling and drawn on London. Your bank will help with this and may suggest taking up our bank reference. UK customers may prefer to pay by cheque. Please click here for our ex-works prices: Summary of Bass Case options in fibreglass construction : a) 28 kg (62 lb), 2-layer, non-gelcoat (not hi-gloss), rubber feet (supplied to individual freelance players - weightsaving) b) 31 kg (68 lb), 2-layer, with gloss gelcoat, rubber feet (supplied to various orchestras and some freelance players) c) 36 kg (79 lb), 3-layer, with gloss gelcoat, hardwood runners, (orchestra spec.) (supplied to major orchestras after they've tested a) & b). ) We have supplied type a) to many individual freelance players where weight saving is the main priority. We have discussed case options with orchestras and listened to feedback from orchestra players and porters. Case type c) does appear to be what most orchestras want, assuming weight saving is not top priority. In order of priority, what orchestras seem to want is : 1. gelcoat finish, approx. 3 kg (6.6 lb) - increased durability from scuffs/scrapes and look smart. 2. hardwood runners approx. 1 kg (2.2 lb) - upright manouvering in vans. 3. 3-layer construction approx. 3 kg (6.6 lb) - these are definitely stronger cases. We also custom make bass cases to individual requirements including carbon composites.
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For American customers
our Bass Case can be obtained from: |
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