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If I make custom cases

#22
gruda said:
I made a case once for a friend it cost me about 50 bucks to make, I put zebra print fabric really cool and covered it in tolex all i did was make a frame from mdf, and the sides were thin plywood
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What did you use for hardware/hinges/valances, etc...? I generally spend about $50 just for good hardware!
 
#25
reading this thread, I (correctly/incorrectly?) have these thoughts about your cases. I write these from the perspective of an instrument builder and not from that of a consumer

- these cases currently are not high-end quality (you note inexpensive materials) and potentially would not represent my product well when a customer first opens their UPS/FedEx shipping container. Believe it or not, the case is the fist thing a customer sees of their new custom instrument - it sets the tone for what is inside, and reflects how a builder views their offerings. the outside of a case should establish the identity of excellence, and invite anticipation that opening it will result in an enhanced level of experience. the interior of a case should frame the beauty of the instrument it securely holds, while also gently and firmly keeping the instrument in place without movement from shock or accidental drops.

- they currently have not established a reputation for consistent excellence in construction, and are not proven to withstand years of customer abuse. if I was to choose your case to protect one of my custom builds, how can I be assured that two years from now it will still be protecting the instrument I labored to produce for my client?

- you are still wrestling with the formation of your business plan. if you choose to offer high-end cases and I choose to take the risk of using your case to protect my instrument, what kind of guarantee do I have that two months from now you won't switch your model to compete with those cheap $75 Chinese cases sold at GC? should I have purchased a case for an instrument I was building as a stock offering, I would be risking any guarantee that your case brand would bring added value to my offering - and should you choose to go cheap while I still have this bass up for sale, your change in focus could have a negative impact on the price I'm able to sell this bass at since your brandwould have lost value

just a few of my constructive thoughts here for you to consider. I wish you all the best should you decide to go forward with your case building endeavour


all the best,

R
 
#28
scotch said:
I don't know... I think >$150 for a molded, quality, plastic case is reasonable. The SKB ATA cases are really pretty darned good! What should a molded hardshell cost in 2009 dollars?

Here's (what I consider) a great value for a case that will last for years:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=620711

$129

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That's a nice case and I own a couple. A molded hardshell is not a perfect carrier or protector for a guitar. If a full-sized adult fell on it, the contents could still be damaged. It's really just a step above a gig bag, protects from minor bumps and keeps the dust off. A long hard fall and you find out these molded HSC's are not all that sturdy. It's not an ATA, and I just think they're overpriced. That's why the used resale is under 50% of retail. My .02 cents.
 
#30
electracoyote said:
That's a nice case and I own a couple. A molded hardshell is not a perfect carrier or protector for a guitar. If a full-sized adult fell on it, the contents could still be damaged. It's really just a step above a gig bag, protects from minor bumps and keeps the dust off. A long hard fall and you find out these molded HSC's are not all that sturdy. It's not an ATA, and I just think they're overpriced. That's why the used resale is under 50% of retail. My .02 cents.
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Agreed- if you jump on it, that's a bad idea! There's probably no practical "perfect" solution for protecting your instrument during transport. There's always a scenario that could result in damage... (How often does someone 'fall' on a case?)

I have ultra-duty Anvil-style road cases that have been damaged (although, the contents were unscathed). It's all about protection-to cost- to weight ratios. That said, the better plastic cases are surprisingly sturdy and protective. I can't even count how many times I've seen one of my plastic cases tossed & dropped by tarmac crew or local cartage- with no damage to my instrument!

Of course, the truth is that when I tour- I prefer a gigbag or two! I like to keep my instruments w/ me (hotel room, bus, aircraft cabin, etc...). If necessary, for truck/bus trailer transport, I use my road cases or a sturdy plastic case. If I cannot carry a bag on a plane, my bag goes in a SKB bass safe. After over a decade of hard international touring, I've only had 2 instruments damaged. One where the headstock of my Jazz emerged on the baggage carousel sticking out of the destroyed plastic stock-case (all that happened was some minor scratches & 2 of the tuning keys were busted). The other incident involved airlines (again!)- it was an Epiphone El Capitan acoustic, everything looked fine externally, but when the case was opened I had a 2-piece neck!

Honestly, I think that says a lot for the quality of todays cases!
 
#32
I think if you tested URB and the EUB market you fill find a real need for this service. Because there in so little out there. 500$ would not be to far out there for Specalty cases for this market. Contact some of the EUB builders, there is so little for products of this type. But for a nice hard case for my Bug bass with a custom finish 500 bucks would be a very good deal.
 
#33
There are 2 niche markets you might be able to exploit
to your advantage.

Burns Basses, especially the Bison and Scorpion. None fit in
a standard case due to the size of the headstock and shape
of the bodies.

Vintage guitars. Many vintage pieces are sold sans cases
as the cases never help up over the years.

If you paid 100,000 for a vintage Les Paul (I have heard of a few),
you might find a correct OHSC on eBay. Or not. I had a friend who sold a
LP OHSC for 6000 dollars. A case, mind you. From 1959.

A vintage replica period correct/ hardware correct case might be a
viable niche.

Just my two cents. I think a handmade case has to offer
something to fill needs that commercially produced cases are
not addressing.
 
#34
bassdaddyfive said:
... a nice hard case for my Bug bass with a custom finish 500 bucks would be a very good deal.
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agreed. I still kick myself for not snagging one of these before Azola discontinued them

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this definitely isn't a case you're going to screw together from materials purchased at Home Depot or Walmart

all the best,

R
 

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