• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Vintage Bass Case Repair

Shadi

Shadi

Supporting Member
Feb 22, 2008
690
1,021
Carbondale, IL
www.facebook.com
#1
Hello,

I have a 1965 Jazz bass with the original white tolex case. Overall it's in really good shape, but the black leather ends, white piping and stitching are just falling apart. The inside plush has also lost a lot of it's foam? support and seems to be shrinking on the top. I've asked other people before and they all mention going to a 'luggage' repair place to have it fixed, but I was wondering if there was any dedicated shop that can repair or restore the case. Thanks so much!!!
 
#2
I have no experience with these guys, but here is a place who may restore your case. Probably expensive.


and this one as well:

gmvintagerestorations.com

Other Services

New! Les Paul Lifton case aging GM Vintage is happy to announce our newest related service... Lifton case aging! Send us your brand new custom shop case with phony looking covering and shiny hardware... and we'll send you back a piece of ---- you can be proud of! Service includes treating...
gmvintagerestorations.com

They mention doing a 1956 Fender case restoration on the page lined above.
 
Last edited:
#4
to this point, if you have the real classic fender G&G cases with the old school stamped steel cheney latches, watch out for them!

1787622656910.webp


cheney is gone and the modern replacements look similar but don't fit. i was lucky to find one for my expensive newish P-bass case from just a couple years ago when they still used these. being stamped steel, they're almost always fixable because the metal bends instead of snapping off, and can be re-bent and reassembled

i figured out that my problem was a habit of closing up empty cases and leaving a latch undone, that's what led to them getting broken off
 
#7
Makes sense to take it someone who does this kind of work exclusively. I've tried my hand at Tolex wrap, and it's harder than it looks! A dedicated case restorer may have a line on period correct hardware that some random furniture restorer will not. Cool project, please post photos of your results! I looked into building my own Flight Case, and there are companies with ALL the parts, but outrageously expensive!
 
#8
Shadi said:
Hello,

I have a 1965 Jazz bass with the original white tolex case. Overall it's in really good shape, but the black leather ends, white piping and stitching are just falling apart. The inside plush has also lost a lot of it's foam? support and seems to be shrinking on the top. I've asked other people before and they all mention going to a 'luggage' repair place to have it fixed, but I was wondering if there was any dedicated shop that can repair or restore the case. Thanks so much!!!
Click to expand...
Good thread. I have a case for a vintage Ibanez that has deconstructed JUST enough that I would not use it to transport the bass, but also as a (now) original and vintage item that was originally with the bass when it was made, it's also too good to throw away. Thanks.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back