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Yes that's right. You no longer have to put up with
a flight case that requires at least two people to move it and
which will cost you an arm and a leg in excess baggage to put it
on board an aeroplane. That's because The Contrabass Shoppe is
now taking orders for this stylish high-tech flight case - which
besides being seriously strong - weighs in at a meagre 18kg (ave)
- yes you did read it correctly - a featherweight stat of only
18kg (ave). That all translates to being able to get your instrument
on board an aircraft without suffering a hernia and - according
to most airline companies policy - without having to fork out huge
amounts of bucks in excess luggage.
Well, two very cleaver guys - Garry and Doug
- here in the UK - with over 25years joint-experience in the field
of musical instrument case making and composite material production
for the aerospace industry have combined their skills to develop
this market leading product. Without going into too much detail
of Gary & Doug's exclusive manufacturing processes - such unbeatable
strength, lightness and structural integrity is produced by infusing
layers of the highest quality carbon fibre and Kevlar with a toughened
epoxy resin system. I think that's probably enough said. Lets move
on.
Besides the weight and strength benefits of
this case there is an almost endless list of user-friendly features
and specifications that make this case a delight to use. Here are
some of them - starting with the outside of the case.
1) Shape:
This is a visually stunning case. Its modern, stylish, aerodynamic
shape contours the profile of your instrument.
2) Finish:
The gloss exterior finish is visually stunning. The carbon fibre
"weave" produces an extremely high-tech finish that
absolutely oozes of quality.
3) Flight
Handles: There are 4 heavy duty metal
fight handles conveniently located for lifting the case; one
on each shoulder, one on the bottom bout bass side with the fourth
in the centre of the base. Each handle is sprung so that when
not in use it remains flush to the case exterior - thereby reducing
the risk of it being caught or snagged in transit. With a statistic
of 10.4cm internal width these handles are simply the most generous
and user friendly that we've ever seen. Even more generous is
the UV resistant rubber grip, which will most definitely protect
and prevent hands from soreness.
4) Leather
Handles: In addition to the four flight
handles there are no less than three top quality leather handles
that are located conveniently for pulling or pushing the case
when in transit; one on each of the middle bouts, with the third
on the bass-side of the peg-box. A fourth slightly smaller handle
is located conveniently on the outer bass side shoulder to enable
easy opening of the lid.
5) Closing
Toggles: Instead of using metal
catches which always get broken off after a few trips abroad
- Garry &
Doug have come up with an ingenious toggle system. To close the
lid ten flexible toggles are simply pulled or drawn across the
lid-case seal to anchor on a small-rounded durable-pvc catch.
To open the lid the toggles are released from the catches. It's
quick and effective and because the toggles are made from rubber
its a relatively effortless operation. Incidentally the rubber
is both UV and chemical resistant so you don't have to worry
about it deteriorating or loosing its elasticity. Other benefits
of this system are that it is light in weight and there is nothing
to cause injury. In the unlikely event that a toggle does require
to be replaced - the necessary hardware is accessible via concealed
mountings and I'm reliably informed - by Garry - that the task
is quite simple and quick.
6) Padlock
catch: A metal padlock catch is riveted
to the case on the bass side centre bout. A small brass padlock
with three keys is even provided.
7) Hinges:
Two high tensile steel hinges with a thickness of 2mm and secured
by 10 heavy duty rivets ensure that the lid meets the case-container
perfectly every time that the lid is closed.
8) Closing
Trim: When you close the lid of the
case chemical resistant pvc that has been fully secured to the
case rims with dozens (in excess of 100 rivets have been used
to secure trim on the case) of pop rivets - form a watertight
seal. It's almost like closing the door of a luxury saloon car.
9) Scuff
Strips: Strategically positioned on
the middle front, the entire back and the pegbox areas of the
case - these hard wearing pvc strips perform an important dual
function. Firstly - because the strips are well able to absorb
knocks and bumps the statistical probability of compromise to
the structural condition of your instrument is significantly reduced.
In short - scuff strips help protect your instrument. Secondly
they serve to protect the outside of the case from nasty scrapes
and scratches. In addition we think that they look very stylish
indeed.
10) Bump
Stops: In the vertical position no less
than six (four on case, two on lid) round bump stops protect
and stabilize the case. Should you wish to lay the case down
on its side - then a pair of round (2.4cm diameter) rubber stops
located on the upper shoulder treble-side do the job. Should you
wish to lay the case flat on its back - then a pair of rectangular
(6.2cm long) bump stops strategically located on the upper shoulders
perform the same job.
11) Wheels:
As you all know a good set of wheels is vital to the way a flight
case performs - so it is most pleasing to advise that Garry &
Doug have really done their homework on this important matter.
Instead of being satisfied with one pair of wheels Gary &
Doug have fitted no less than 4 individual castor wheels of 6.0cm
diameter. Each wheel is blessed with internal bearings for an
ultra smooth ride and each is independently bolted (four bolts
per castor) onto the frame of the treble side lower-bout. This
is absolutely fantastic stuff indeed.
1) Lining:
Open the lid of the case and you are presented with an interior
that has been exquisitely appointed completely by hand in a soft
and luxurious "ripple chenille" fabric.
2) Lid holder:
Three industrial strength webbing straps located at the bottom
of the case, on the bass side lower bout and at the scroll retain
the lid in it's fully open position and allow easy access to the
case.
3) Pad system:
For three-quarter (smaller) size instruments or for those being
transported without the necessity of a canvas cover the case
has the benefit of a unique pad system. Five foam pads - upholstered
in the same fabulous ripple chenille fabric - can be quickly attached
by means of Velcro strips to support the lower bouts, the upper
shoulders and the neck block. The system ensures a snug and protective
cocoon for one's instrument. For larger instruments the pads can
be removed in seconds.
4) Securing
straps: Cross straps (two pairs)
and a central strap made from industrial strength webbing
secure the instrument in position across the upper and lower
bouts and across the middle of the instrument.
The belts are fully adjustable
for all sizes of instrument with or without a cover and simply
clip together using quick release moulded plastic toggle clips.
We recommend the use of a light-weight cover to help protect
your instrument from the extreme cold experienced in the hold
of an aircraft during flight - however - should you prefer
to transport your instrument without a cover, then soft fabric
sleeves offer protection to the precious layers of varnish
from the clips.
For securing the neck of your instrument
- a heavy duty leather belt and buckle provide you with absolute
piece of mind that your instrument is totally secure in readiness
for its outbound journey at the oft merciless hands of baggage
handlers et al. When travelling without a cover - a simple
padded cloth protector fitted with Velcro strips can be secured
in seconds around the neck of your instrument to provide protection
to the strings from the buckle.
5) Bow holders:
If you're not using a canvas covers there are no less than two
bow holders fitted to the interior lid.
6) Storage
compartment: For your pot of rosin,
strings and spare bowtie etc there is a storage compartment located
at the lower neck position. It measures 20cm x 15cm x 9cm.
The case has been designed to accommodate instruments
up to full size with or without a cover. This includes five
string instruments or four string instruments fitted with a low
C-extension. For smaller three-quarter instruments or for those
of an unusual outline - it is recommended that you provide a
template (place back of your instrument onto paper and draw around
outline with a pencil) of your instrument so that extra interior
tailoring can be done to ensure a perfect fit. This custom-fit
service is free of charge and is highly recommended.
Although there has never been a standard size
for a double bass The Contrabass Shoppe has adopted the length of
back (LOB) measurement (base of the back button down to the lowest
extremity of the back) to determine the various classifications.
Here are the measurements;
Three-quarter size:
107cm - 111cm
Full size: 112cm
- 115cm
Five-fourths size:
116cm - 119cm
For the interior there
is a choice of blue,
green, red or silver.
For the exterior - the colours
that are available are carbon-black, blue,
green, red, magenta or amber.
Using an exclusive process a translucent top
coat is applied over the pigment coat with the result that the
stunning weave effect of the carbon fibre is fully visual. Solid
(non-see-through as available for the Carbon-Kevlar case) colours
are available upon request - but the hi-tech weave effect of
the carbon fibre would be lost and there would be an additional
weight gain of approximately 800gms.
A lighter colour is always recommended because
in the event of your case - with instrument inside - being left
out in the sun - as can easily happen at airports while waiting
to be loaded or following unloading - these colours absorb less
of the sun's powerful rays and therefore offer greater protection
to your instrument from this potentially damaging heat source.
Yes indeed. Our manufacturers are fully confident
that you will not encounter any problems with your case, and we
are therefore able to pass on a full manufacturers guarantee against
faulty materials or workmanship for three years from the date of
purchase. Obviously the guarantee does not cover damage due to accident,
neglect, alteration or any unreasonable use.
Due to a high demand for the flight cases
there is an approximately waiting time of 21 working days from
receiving your confirmed order.
Yes - we are aiming to hold one or two in stock
for immediate or short wait delivery. Please
e-mail for details of colours.
For UK Mainland (except the more remote areas
of North West and Western Scotland) the delivery cost is UK£100-00.
For all other areas please ask for a quote.
Yes - the response to the carbon fibre flight-cases has been overwhelmingly
positive. Click here to read some letters of recommendation.
This is indeed the bass flight case of the
21st century. New modern materials laid in laminate form have enabled
production of these supremely strong cases at - in most instances
- less than half the weight of conventional fibreglass cases. Meticulous
attention to detail coupled with great styling and a wide choice
of exterior colours, all at an extremely competitive price means
that these flight cases receive the thumbs up as a best buy product.
Total length (inc bottom bump stops and top
toggle): 82.75in (210.0cm)
Width across upper bouts (inc bump stops): 26.0in (66.0cm)
Width across middle bouts (inc leather handles): 26.0in (66.0cm)
Width across lower bouts (inc wheels): 33.0in (84.0cm)
Maximum depth (at bridge): 20.0in (51.0cm)
Weight: 18kg (approx.)
Maximum width across upper bouts: 23.65in (60.0cm)
Maximum width across lower bouts: 29.15in (74.0cm)
Maximum depth at bridge: 19.25in (49.0cm)
Carbon Fibre Flight Case Price: UK£ 2
950-00 - Convert
price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
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