Custom ATA Case For Odd-Shaped Horn

[Mtrhed]

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to accomplish two things with this post. First, to show off the new case I had made. Second is to recommend the company that made the case.
I've always been a fan of hard cases just for the level of protection they provide. They can be a pain to transport but I feel this is worth it to protect the horn. My Martin is such an odd size that none of the off the shelf universal cases I found would fit. The Martin has a 22" bell and the general shape is short and fat. The original case is made of Masonite and was getting very rickety. I didn't feel this case could be repaired plus the case had no padding and no crush-zone around the horn incase of a major accident. I had spoke with several ATA case manufactures and nobody was willing to make a case with a double taper to reduce the amount of space the case would take up in the trunk of my car. I finally bumbled across RockHard Case in Albany Oregon. I spoke with Mark and he said he'd be willing try making a case to fit the horn. I brought the horn and original case down so Mark could get some measurements. I ended up leaving the original case with Mark since it fit the horn so tight. I just picked up the new case today and it looks and fits very nice. The original case barely fit in the trunk of my Mercury Grand Marquis. I'll have the take my wife's Scion when I take the Martin in the future.

[Mtrhed]

Thanks,
I had Rock Hard add a hardened D ring to the end of the case. I'll add a matching ring under the carpet in the back of my car. This way I can lock the horn in the case then lock the case to the car with a U lock. I'm not nuts about leaving this in a vehicle where the case can be seen from the outside. I'm hoping these counter measures will at least deter an opportunistic thief.

image.jpg

Next on my list will be a gig bag for this thing. I play regularly in an old theater that has a brutal 90 degree turn right inside the door that turns to a narrow set of stairs that's always been a challenge with a hard case.

[Art Hovey]

Here's my high-tech security system for hiding an instrument in a car:
Throw a ratty old bedspread or a moth-eaten blanket over it.