Double Bass DIY Detachable Neck Case

[ryanhagler]

So I've been looking into getting my bass converted to a removable neck and of course, finding a flight case. It seems to me that everything that's available is expensive "just because". Even the very, very simple cases (Caseextreme, Lemur) which are essentially just plastic boxes with foam, are still well over $1000.

Someone mentioned (but declined to give details) about converting this bike case (less than $400):

http://www.amazon.com/Thule-699-Round-Bicycle-Travel/dp/B0018THWX0

Seems possible but also a bit of a gamble. The dimensions make it seem like it would fit. I've read other people saying they used various other types of trunks. If you could save $1000 bucks, it seems worth it to put in the extra work. It appears that these companies are charging lots and lots of extra money just because it's a bass case.

Has anybody tried this?

 

[Ed Fuqua]

10" interior height seems like you're not going to get much foam between the top and back plates and the case. I was trying to find the e-mail that had my bass dimensions (when I was ordering a soft case), but just trying to ball park it away from the bass, I'm thinking the bottom bout at the rib is at least 9 inches. The swell of the top plate and the back plate (it's a roundback) would likely put that right on the case, with no foam protection.

 

[koipond]

Would any of these Pelican cases work?

Invalid Link Removed

 

[james condino]

I use one of the Pelican shotgun cases for my neck when I remove it for travel; it works fantastic. The bass body and fittings go in a separate case. Pelican products are some of the most durable and field tested on the planet.

j.
www.condino.com
www.kaybassrepair.com

 

[ryanhagler]

Thanks for the tip on Pelican. They don't have a model that's really the right dimensions, so it would have to be custom. It would still be cheaper (I think) than a flight case. Still would take some customization with the foam, but I think the cases are designed for that.

This one is the same weight empty as the Gage case. Plus foam and bass, probably 65 lbs or so... Only thing is, this one is a few inches to short in length, so with a correctly sized case, it might be a little too heavy. The idea is to stay under 70. But I suppose ideally, under 50 would be best...

Link Removed

This is in the right direction though!

 

[robobass]

So I've been looking into getting my bass converted to a removable neck and of course, finding a flight case. It seems to me that everything that's available is expensive "just because". Even the very, very simple cases (Caseextreme, Lemur) which are essentially just plastic boxes with foam, are still well over $1000.

Someone mentioned (but declined to give details) about converting this bike case (less than $400):

http://www.amazon.com/Thule-699-Round-Bicycle-Travel/dp/B0018THWX0

Seems possible but also a bit of a gamble. The dimensions make it seem like it would fit. I've read other people saying they used various other types of trunks. If you could save $1000 bucks, it seems worth it to put in the extra work. It appears that these companies are charging lots and lots of extra money just because it's a bass case.

Has anybody tried this?

Might be possible if you've got thin enough ribs. But, it's polyethylene which is not glue-able. you might saw it in half, overlap it a bit, and then join it back together with pop rivets. This would weaken the construction, and leave an edge which might catch on things. Sounds like a can-o'-worms.

 

[Nathan Levine]

Looks like this one might do the trick.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[damonsmith]

If it is your real bass $600 is less than most repairs... And if you are gigging enough $1000 is going to come back pretty fast.

 

[bassist14]

here are some cases:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Nathan Levine]

here are some cases:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Looks like the Flightcase set would work for most basses.

Inside dimensions are 49.4" L x 33.5" W x 12.6" H.

 

[labravajazz]

Looks like basically the same as the bike case no?

 

[neal davis]

Looks like basically the same as the bike case no?

it is the bike case, I have a friend who tried it and let's just say it didn't work out as well as he had planned.

 

[Nathan Levine]

it is the bike case, I have a friend who tried it and let's just say it didn't work out as well as he had planned.

Rough.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Looks like this one might do the trick.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Brandon Essex (Troll microphones) is in the process of fitting his RN bass into this case and I'm planning on taking it to England this summer. I'll keep everyone updated as we proceed, including my airline experiences and van travel in the UK.
-Jeff

 

[Nathan Levine]

Cool! Is he creating some kind of internal structure so the neck is secure?

 

[labravajazz]

Also interested to know will the neck fit in this or must it go separately?

 

[Nathan Levine]

Brandon Essex (Troll microphones) is in the process of fitting his RN bass into this case and I'm planning on taking it to England this summer. I'll keep everyone updated as we proceed, including my airline experiences and van travel in the UK.
-Jeff

Any updates yet?

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Any updates yet?

I ended up renting/borrowing instead, that's a whole 'nother thread...
I'll probably see Brandon in the next few weeks and will report back. He has the case and says it's way big for his bass so there is plenty of room for the neck and a gig bag. Last we talked he was thinking of using the gig bag as protection for the neck/strings/tailpiece and adding some type of support for the top/back in the C bouts.
-J