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Double Bass French Bow Case - Pool Cue Case

Steve Freides

Steve Freides

Former Mannes College Theory Faculty
Supporting Member
Dec 11, 2007
2,576
1,508
Ridgewood, NJ
#1
I've used a pool cue case in the past to hold a pair of French bass bows - works great. I no longer have it - not sure where it went ... - and would appreciate specific recommendations as in, "I ordered this one online and it works fine."

I am encouraging some of my students to take their own bow to school with them, and since these people rent from me, I am likely going to buy this accessory for them, so as long as it's solid protection, I'll be happy, and I'd like to break my budget.

Thanks in advance.

-S-
 
#4
@KUNGfuSHERIFF, I was at Ideal a few months ago - they are still around. I bought a 1/10 size bass from them. I will ask about this. They don't seem to have everything on their web site - I'll call tomorrow.

@Tom Lane, I have found it's more time than it's worth for me to DIY most things - a ready-made pool cue case is a good, and good enough, solution for me.

I'd still love a specific link if anyone has.

Thanks.

-S-
 
#5
I used a cue stick case for years. Biggest problem was the latches weren't very sturdy. I eventually broke down and bought a proper case, but I still have a DIY if I need to carry more than one bow. I use a heavy cardboard packing tube with endcaps turned on a lathe. If you really want protection I suppose pvc plumbing pipe would be better. Any of your students take woodshop in high school? They could make the endcaps, and you could turn this into a little business:)
 
#6
If you are interested in a DIY project, here's a video from our friends over at Upton of how they make a tube for shipping a bow.

For everyday use, you likely don't need 4" diameter pipe. You can likely get away with 3" for French bow, but set it on the table and measure the highest distance off the table (likely at the end of the button) to see what you need for clearance, or take a bow to the hardware store with you to see what it will fit in. Length for a full size French bow is typically around 70-72cm, but double check as button and head lengths can vary. You don't need a coupler like in the video, Eric just explains that he did that because of the length of pipe he had cut, so that takes out that whole step. Essentially just an end cap on one end and a screw cap on the other. get some foam for either end, and away you go. If you are making a bunch, the cost would come down as well as one thing of contact cement would be fine for multiple cases.

If you are looking for a more elegant solution, or DIY is not your thing, pool cue cases are an option. I play German so they typically do not fit in a pool cue case, so I don't have a whole lot of suggestions. I just thought I would share the video, as it really doesn't look like a very difficult/time consuming project. The video is under 5 minutes, and while Eric does not put foam in the ends he does use a coupler, so if you used that minute or so to put some foam in the end of the case, I think you could still do it in under 5 minutes of construction time.
 
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#8
For French style, aftermarket fishing rod cases come in a variety of lengths.

I found one about 30 inches long at Cabellas. About 2.5 inches across (triangular in shape), pvc material covered with Cordura nylon, zip closure a one end.

I don't remember cost, but was pretty inexpensive. Mine came out of a bucket or bin at the local store.

Edit: found some online, Invalid Link Removed

There should be many retailers having something similar available, didn't mean to plug Cabela's specifically.
 
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#11
Tom Lane said:
Nah, you were hooked... catch and release.
Click to expand...

Reely, Tom?
Golden-Baitcasting-Fishing-Reel.jpg
 
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