Exclusive patterned multi-color silk velvet, satin, and burlwood make this case unique. Offset instrument placement with strategic foam impact absorbing structures and multiple structural load-bearing partitions to protect it from impact in all directions. French-fit padding all around the instrument. Closed accessory boxes on long-lasting brass piano hinging for mutes, tuning fork, etc.. Deep quilted padding.
INTERIOR MATERIALS
Finest exclusive Italian silk velvets, glove-quality leather (Aureum version), and satin.
That particular case is about $2,000…which is some righteous coin, unless you consider what people spend on other hobbies like scuba diving or boating or even golf.
I thought $99 was a lot for my Pelican pressurized case! I certainly do not begrudge someone spending money for their hobby or to protect their investment ($2000 is not a great deal when you factor in the wait time and money in a set of pipes!). I use the rifle case because it is very sturdy and I’m not good enough to play gigs, lol! And it has wheels.
I got a keyboard case new in the uk in a sale for £25.00. It weighs a ton but I think a car could drive over it without too much damage. Keyboard cases have blank insides so with a litle foam adapt well to carry whistles and extras safely as well as the pipes. I think it was only about £60 full price.
Tim
I bought a case made to my specifications from Cabbage Case in Columbus, OH and it works very well for my Kirk Lynch concert D half set when I remove the base and tenor drone slides. It is within the dimensions for carry-on luggage and should be very easy to carry-on any plane. If you contact the owner and tell him that you’re interested in the uilleann pipes case he made in late July 2009 for Bob Midden he can give you the exact dimensions and price:
He would be able to adjust the dimensions to your specific instrument and adjust the foam inside to fit your pipes. If you happen to be within driving distance of Columbus, Ohio you could even take your pipes to him and he’ll take measurements to ensure a perfect fit. The price is higher than mass manufactured cases but it won’t require the modifications that would be needed for say, a viola case that you’d have to modify by removing the padding.
Which is basically like the one Pat describes only the “viola neck & shoulder block” was adjustable (and thus easily removable) in mine. I only have a practice set at present so was able to leave one of the clever little storage boxes in for now; I suspect it’ll have to go when my drones happen. I think I paid around $115 for mine – found it for a lower price somewhere else and Cases and More matched the price. I’ve been very happy with the case and the service; my only complaint is it doesn’t have a subway handle which would be nice on airplanes, buses, and of course trains!
(No wonder I like that BAM viola backpack case)
A friend carries his full set in a hard double shotgun case (with some creative cutting of the foam inside) and it seems to work great.
Ooh, happiness! For all you Protec folks who like hands-free operation and don’t mind looking like – well, you know:
… a backpack harness!
It’s designed to work with most Protec cases and is mentioned as an accessory for the viola case as well.
P.S. That Musafia case is gorgeous, but too risky for me. My sweetie just knocked over a pint last night and a fair amount splashed into his Musafia case. I think I like life closer to the ground.
This is so gay but… I do wish I had it my first year at Willie Week! My wooden case with spring steel handle (trans: razorblade) covered in nauga just didn’t cut it… well actuially it did cut it, but not in the style I was hoping! A facecloth wrapped around and secured with medical tape solved the issue but my shoulder socket never really forgave me.
I have a BAM viola case. I ripped out the internal divisions and relined it. Only have to remove the bass drone slide. As my Quinn bellows has that wonderfully flexible tubing there’s no problem fitting in the bellows.
I used to use a gun case, but discovered that my right arm was three inches longer than my left after 20 years carrying it.
It has carrying handles, backpack straps, and a handle on the end. I can send measurements if you need them.
Good investment. Fits in the overhead no problem.
I know Pat, I feel like such a neuron, but I think I’m gonna do it. I keep telling myself all those cute little 100-pound/20-something gal-violin players I see tripping by in the airport (while yrs trly is slumped over in exhaustion from lugging pipes and suitcase and purse full of crap and whatnot) look fine with theirs …
Hey, maybe I WILL look like them – it’s only been for want of a backpack harness all this time!
I have not even begun thinking about a case for my future UP set. I figure sense I wouldn’t be traveling with it for at least year, I can hold off the expense until late 2010.
This case is only $120, has a shoulder carrying strap, is relatively light and doesn’t require the modification that a viola case requires. It also fits into the overhead bin of most planes and should be easy to use as a carry-on bag. It doesn’t have the rigidity of my Cabbage Case but it has a fair amount of padding and seems to be secure as long as the case isn’t subjected to really hard blows. The only disadvantage of this case from the Henderson Group is that it has an emblem on it that says “Highland Pride” making it seem Scottish rather than Irish. ;>)
Thanks for the back-pack-strap tip! I wondered why my protec case was taunting me with that upper/central loop on the back.
I have seen protec cases that are “rough” and “smooth”. I have a rough one, and it is always in a state of general flockedness due to all the!@#%^&* animals we have around here. It’s a tough haul to depilatorize it. Is there a way to specify the finish on these protec babies? I’m due for a new one at this point and I would opt for smooth if it is an option.
Also, as interesting as that Henderson case looks, it is just that much wider and higher than my protec case. My case has just made it onto flights (overhead) on board some of those small-jet connector flights. The Henderson, I fear, might just end up in the hold in such scenarios. It is also not quite long enough. I would need to take more of my set apart to fit it in, and I am pushing the limit with separating (and not losing) my bass drone turn around as it is.
I too have felt taunted by that loop! It was just begging for SOMETHING to be attached to it and leprechaun charms or Guinness key fobs … ehh, not so much.
My Cases & More one is about a year old and is covered with a coarse-woven Cordura kind of fabric with sort of a shiny, coated waterproof-ey finish if that helps (it did a grand job during Larry’s unfortunate Guinness deluge yesterday).
It also repels cat & dog fur just fine (weeeeelll, at least the exterior does).
BTW, Sheri and Brian say hi We love them and have roped Brian into a Thursday night thing.
Are you going East again this year?
It was just begging for SOMETHING to be attached to it and leprechaun charms or Guinness key fobs … ehh, not so much.