Case Repair ???

[jamsav]

Remember the case from your tuba in high school ? Well, I've found it and it isn't in any better shape then it was back then. As a matter of fact, its pretty beat to , well , you know where....I'm in southwestern Connecticut and wondered if anyone knew of a case repair facility that I could drive to...the cost of actually mailing or shipping this thing around would blow the budget , nor do I think it would survive the jouney to the repair facility . Its for an old Besson 785 , interior perfect , needs hinges, clasps , handle, new skin ...or maybe I just need a new case....,

[LOTP]

Case repair is MUCH easier than instrument repair. In a similar situation, I would take the following steps:
!. Go to Home Depot/Lowes and purchase a pair of utility hinges (captive pin) slightly larger than your present hinges. --also three or four good-sized latches ---also enough SHORT sheet metal screws to attach the previous items to your case ---also a tube of PU construction adhesive.
2.On your way home stop at a fabric/remnant/upholstery shop and pick up a few yards of a dark, subdued UPHOLSTERY fabric (or not so dark/subdued if you're feeling daring).
3. With the case CLOSED, mount the new hinges and latches NEXT TO the old ones.
4. Remove ALL (old and new ) hardware. You'll probably have to drill out or grind off the old fasteners (rivets).
5. Peel off the old skin.
6. Cover the case with the upholstery fabric using the PU adhesive.(and possibly some decorative upholstery tacks--cut the points short so they don't protrude)
7. Re-attach the NEW hardware (again--grind off the points on the screws so they don't protrude into the case.
8. I've found that 1" nylon webbing makes a great handle--double it back on itself and secure with a pop rivet or two.

[WakinAZ]

If you're not a DIY guy per the above post, most repair techs also repair instrument cases. The hardware and handle should be no problem for just about any shop. As you hinted at, by the time you pay someone to redo the skin, you're on your way to a new case. Maybe just a few coats of latex paint after sanding off the worst of what's left?

MTS hard cases are good if they make one to fit that horn, but the shipping on hard cases is painfully high. Ever considered a gig bag?

[Dan Schultz]

Here's a resource for case repair parts:
http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

On severely damages cases... I've also removed the 'guts' and reinforced the inside with fiberglass (resin and glass cloth). On cases with a long, straight hinge side.... a piano style hinge will be much more durable. I like to use rivets or bolts & nuts to attach hardware. Screws just don't hold all that well in old wooden cases.

[jamsav]

Great ideas one and all . Dan , I think I'm gonna pretend I'm working on an old boat bottom and get a roll of glass tape and some resin and go to work...I'll put some bottom paint on it and a small outboard motor and use it for bass fishing come spring !!