Carbon Fibre Double Bass Flight Case - 18kg

Hi. This super looking Carbon Fibre Flight Case looks very, very similar to the Hybrid Flight Cases that you sell. Is that correct?

Yes - both the Carbon Fibre and the Hybrid Flight Cases that we sell are identical in all aspects of their function, design and fittings. The cases have been designed especially for travel on commercial passenger aircraft and to avoid or reduce the cost of excess luggage charges for touring musicians.

What is the difference between them then?

The difference is in the type of materials used and the manufacturing process.

What materials are used to make the Carbon Fibre Flight Case then?

Without going into too much detail of the exclusive manufacturing process - three layers of high quality opposing-weave carbon-fibre, a layer of Kevlar, an Airtex foam core material and a spray gel coat - are placed into moulds and infused with a toughened epoxy resin using a method called "Vacuum Infusion".

What is Vacuum Infusion?

Once all the various layers that make up the shell of the flight case have been placed into the moulds - they are made airtight and all the air is sucked out using a vacuum pump. Due to the vacuum crated - the mixed epoxy resin gets sucked into the mould - hence the name "vacuum infusion". Once the resin has travelled all the way through the mould it is left to cure for 48 hours.

What are the benefits of this highly technical process?

The method keeps the amount of epoxy resin required to an absolute minimum and creates a shell without any air being trapped in the laminate. The end result is a flight case of unbeatable strength, lightness and structural rigidity.

Are there any other benefits of using the vacuum method?

Yes - the absolutely amazing translucent finish through which the hi-tech "weave" of the carbon fibre can be seen - can only be achieved using this method.

I must say that the Carbon Flight Case looks absolutely stunning. Its an absolute work of art for sure! The makers must be highly skilled. Is that correct?

Yes - Gary & Doug - the two very, very cleaver guys that have designed and make these cases - have over 28 years joint-experience in the field of musical instrument case making and composite material production for the aerospace industry. Double bass player right around the world can truly be thankful that they have combined their skills to develop and produce this market leading product.

I'm sure that there must have been some big headaches along the way.

Yes indeed. Research, development, testing and perfecting the methodology of vacuum infusion has consumed nearly five years of Gary's life and an absolute pile of cash. I think that's probably enough said. Let's move on.

At 18kg - The Carbon Fibre Flight Case is so light. Is it as strong as the 23kg Hybrid Flight Case?

Yes - both are as strong as each other.

What does "strong" mean here?

Strong means - the strength to more than withstand the impacts, pressures and rigors during the purpose for which they are intended.

Does "the purpose for which they are intended" mean that it is designed to protect my valuable instrument while in the hold of commercial passenger aircraft?

Yes. This means trips and tours overseas on both short and long haul flights.

What does Garry say about testing the cases?

"I have tested the cases with a 5kg club hammer swung with as much force as I have and am fully satisfied that they are well able to cope with any impact sustained during flight travel. The bridge area can be stood on by more than one person without it caving in."

Why is the Carbon Fibre Flight Case so much more expensive than the Hybrid Flight Case?

Pure carbon fibre in raw material form is very expensive because it is both light and extremely strong. Consequently the material is in great demand from all sorts of manufacturers who want to make all sorts of things from it. In addition the Carbon Fibre Flight case takes about 12 man hours longer to make than the Hybrid Flight Case.

At 18kg - The Carbon Fibre Flight Case is incredibly light.

Yes it is. Players are always amazed when they pick it up for the very first time. What is more we are talking about a fully lined case here that is easily able to accommodate all models of instruments up to full size and larger. Instruments fitted with keyed or key-less low C-extension will fit in easily too.

What does "full size and larger" mean?

Although there has never been a standard size for a double bass - The Contrabass Shoppe has adopted the length of back (LOB) measurement (base of the back button down to the lowest extremity of the back) to determine the various classifications. Here are the measurements:

Three-quarter size: 107cm - 111cm
Full size: 112cm - 115cm
Five-fourths size: 116cm - 119cm

Can you give me an idea of what that means in terms of an actual instrument?

In terms of an actual instrument this large 5-String Double Bass by T. Davies of Birmingham will fit comfortably into the Hybrid Flight Case even with one of our New Image Lightweight Covers on. If you click on the link to the Davies bass the stats are at the bottom of the page. You will notice that it has both very wide upper shoulders and very wide lower bouts. The upper shoulders measure 54.9cm across. The lower bouts measure 72.1cm across.

Do you have an example of a very long instrument?

Yes - in terms of a very long or 5/4th size instrument this 5-String Double Bass by Joseph Hill of London has a back length of 116.5cm and also fits comfortably into the Carbon Fibre Flight Case with a New Image Lightweight Cover on.

You just mentioned a light-weight cover. Well - I like to use a cover when travelling with my bass. Does that work?

Yes. The strap system inside the Carbon Fibre Flight Case is designed to secure your pride and joy over the cover.

Is that the preferred method of transporting a bass in a flight case?

Yes. Most players prefer to travel with a cover on their instrument because it provides protection from the extreme cold while it is in the hold of the aircraft and because it can be used to carry the instrument about when you get to your destination. For those players who prefer to keep weight to an absolute minimum and travel without a cover there is a "Flight Case Cover-free Pack" that can be purchased as an optional extra.

With so many merciless baggage handlers about - I know just how important a good securing system is in a flight case. Can you tell me more about the strap system in the Carbon Fibre Flight Case?

Yes. The Carbon Fibre Flight Case has a unique cross-strapping system that consists of two pairs of industrial strength webbing body straps that cross over the upper and lower bouts of your instrument, a central strap that - as you'd expect - goes across the middle of your instrument and a leather neck belt with securing buckle. Even if an unsympathetic and careless baggage handler should throw your case onto its front or it falls totally upside down on to its head while coming down a chute or conveyor belt - your precious instrument will remain safely cocooned and "unmoved" inside the case.

That's brilliant. How do you know that it the system is so effective?

The system has been likened to the cross straps of the "Playtex Living Bra" which has and still is worn by millions of women right around the world. Absolutely nothing moves about! No seriously - extensive road tests carried out over the course of five years have comprehensively proven that the instrument remains securely held in position whatever the circumstances or situation.

Does the Carbon Fibre Flight Case have any other advantages over other cases on the market?

Yes - lots. For starters this is a sleek, modern, stylish, aerodynamically shaped case. If you're still not satisfied enough with it being the best looking case on the market - then take a look at all those well placed - heavy duty lifting handles. You'll find that there are quite a few more than on other makes of case.

I've seen some cases on the market with only two wheels.

Yes you probably have. Fortunately - Garry & Doug haven't messed about fitting two idy-bidy (slang for small) little wheels on to this Carbon Fibre Flight Case. No - they've fitted four wonderful individual castor wheels of 6.0cm diameter. What's more - each wheel is blessed with internal bearings for an ultra smooth ride and each is independently bolted (four bolts per castor) onto the carbon-fibre reinforced frame of the treble side lower-bout. This is absolutely fantastic stuff indeed.

The concept of closing toggles instead of metal catches looks quite ingenious. Can you tell me something about them?

Yes. There are no less than the 11 flexible rubber closing toggles fitted to the outside of the Carbon Fibre Flight Case. The toggles are simply drawn across the lid-case seal and latch over small corresponding pvc "toggle-catches" that are mounted directly opposite. The closing toggles are a truly perfect partner for the Carbon Fibre Flight Case for they are highly efficient at securing the case lid, they are simple of use, they are light in weight, they can't cause any injury, they are easy to replace in the event of damage and they look and feel great.

I've had a look at your really excellent video and huge view photos. With all the user-friendly features and specifications - this Carbon Fibre Flight Case has got to be a market leading product and an absolute delight to use. Can you tell me more about them?

Yes - sure. Starting with the Case Exterior:

1. Shape: The shape contours the profile of your instrument. It is modern, stylish, and aerodynamic.
   

2. Finish: The exterior has a translucent finish that allows the "hi-tech" weave of the carbon fibre to show through. The effect is visually stunning.
   

3. Lifting Handles: There are 4 heavy duty metal handles conveniently located for lifting the case - one on each shoulder, one on the bottom bout bass side with the fourth in the centre of the base. Each handle is sprung so that when not in use it remains flush to the case exterior - thereby reducing the risk of it being caught or snagged in transit. With a statistic of 10.8cm internal width - these handles can accommodate even the biggest of bass players or baggage handler's mitts (slang for hands). Even more generous is the UV resistant rubber grip surrounding each handle. They are designed to help prevent hands from getting fatigued and sore.
   

4. Leather Handles: In addition to the four flight handles there are no less than three top quality leather handles that are located conveniently for pulling or pushing the case when in transit. You'll find one located on each of the middle bouts, with the third on the bass-side of the peg-box. A fourth slightly smaller handle is located conveniently on the outer bass side shoulder to enable easy opening of the lid.
   

5. Closing Toggles: As mentioned previously - instead of using metal catches which always get broken off after a few trips abroad - Garry & Doug have come up with an ingenious toggle system. To close the lid - eleven - yes eleven - flexible toggles are simply pulled or drawn across the lid-case seal to anchor on a small-rounded durable pvc catch. To open the lid the toggles are released from the catches. It's quick and effective and because the toggles are made from rubber it is a relatively effortless operation. Incidentally the rubber is both UV and chemical resistant so you don't have to worry about it ever deteriorating or losing its elasticity. Other benefits of this system are that it is light in weight and there is nothing to cause injury. On the rare occasion that a closing toggle does need to be replaced - it is simply a matter of unscrewing the two corresponding mounting bolts on the inside lid with an Allen key. The task is really very simple and quick.
   

6. Padlock catch: To ensure that you are the only person who has control over who opens the Carbon Fibre Flight Case - there is a strong metal padlock catch riveted to the bass side centre bout. A small brass padlock with two or three keys is even provided as standard!
   

7. Hinges: To ensure that the lid of the Carbon Fibre Flight Case will close perfectly every time - the top is hinged onto the base by two - 2mm thick - high tensile steel hinges. Each hinge is secured by 10 heavy duty rivets.
   

8. Closing trim: The rims of the case-lid and base are protected by a trim made from chemical resistant pvc. For those of you who love stats - the trim has been fully secured with dozens of pop rivets. In fact more than 100 rivets have been used to secure all the trim onto the Carbon Fibre Flight Case! When you close the lid of the case the outer part of the lid-trim helps locate the top onto the base. When the case is fully closed a lip on the inside part of the lid-trim helps form a shower-proof seal with the corresponding trim on the base. Some previous buyers of the Carbon Fibre Flight Case have commented "It's virtually like closing the door of a luxury saloon car".
   

9. Scuff strips: The Carbon Fibre Flight Case has a minimum of 27 strategically positioned scuff strips on the middle -front, the entire back, the base and the pegbox areas of the case. These hard wearing pvc strips perform an important dual function. Firstly - because the strips absorb and distribute knocks, bumps and impacts along their length - the statistical probability of compromise to the structural condition of your instrument is significantly reduced. In short - scuff strips help protect your instrument. Secondly they serve to protect the outside of the case from nasty scrapes, scratches and friction damage. In addition we think that they look very stylish indeed. For those of you who would like to customise your case - a set of scuff strips made from "Brushed Aluminium" can be fitted as an optional extra.
   

10. Bump stops: To help protect and stabilise the Carbon Fibre Flight Case while it is in situ or in storage - eight heavy duty rectangular bump stops have been fitted to the outside of the case. Each bump stop is 6.2cm long and secured with two heavy-duty pop rivets. For storing the case in the upright or vertical position there are four bump stops on the very bottom of the case. For storing the case on its side after or during wheeling it along - there is a pair of bump stops on the upper shoulders of the wheel-side of the case. For storing the case on its back there is a pair of bump stops on the upper shoulders of the case back. Their function is to act as pivot-points and help reduce the amount of effort required - caused by both weight and friction - to push or move the flight case into the desired resting position.
    

11. Wheels: As you know a good set of wheels is absolutely vital to the way a flight case performs - so as mentioned earlier - it is such good news that Garry & Doug have really done their homework on this important matter. Instead of being satisfied with a single pair of wheels - the intrepid duo have fitted no less than 4 individual castor wheels of 6.0cm diameter. Each wheel is blessed with internal bearings for an ultra smooth ride and each is independently bolted (four bolts per castor) onto the carbon-fibre reinforced frame of the treble side lower-bout. This is absolutely fantastic stuff indeed.

Can we move onto the Case Interior now?

Yes - sure. The Case Interior:

1. Lining: As mentioned previously the Carbon Flight Case is one of the few cases on the market that is fully lined. It takes Garry two whole days to line one case from start to finish. All the work is done completely by hand. When you open the lid of the case you will be presented with an interior that has been exquisitely appointed in a soft and luxurious "ripple chenille" fabric. The lining serves to insulate the inside of the case from heat and cold and to protect both you and your instrument from a rough interior shell. If you've ever had one of those virtually invisible splinters or shards of fibreglass go into your hand or under a finger-nail from an unlined case - you'll already know and appreciate just how essential it is to have one that is fully lined. Talk about luxury for your double bass!
   

2. Lid holders: To help provide you with easy access and as much room as possible when stowing your instrument into the inside of the case - the lid is supported and retained in its fully open position by three industrial strength webbing straps. The straps are located approximately opposite the back button, the middle back and towards the bottom of the lower bout. It is possible to put your instrument into the case while the case is in the vertical position - but by far the easiest and quickest way is to fit it in with the case laying flat on the ground.
   

3. Pad system: For customising the fitment of your instrument into the inside of the case the Carbon Fibre Flight Case sports a unique pad system. The system is beautifully simple in its concept and is very quick and easy to use. It consists of five pads upholstered in the same fabulous ripple chenille fabric as the lining - that attach to the inside of the case by means of Velcro strips. Each pad is filled with four (may vary) pieces of foam. Obtaining the perfect fit for your instrument is simply a matter of adding or taking out pieces of the foam from the four pads that cushion the upper shoulders and lower bouts of the instrument until it is "snug" and well supported. Similarly if you have a fairly deep instrument, a swell-backed instrument or use a well padded cover you may find that - in order to close the lid of the case - you need to take some of the foam out of the large upper back-pad that is designed to cushion and support the vulnerable neck block area of your instrument.
   

4. Securing straps: The Carbon Fibre Flight Case has a unique and highly secure strapping system that is designed to go over the outside of your bass cover. The system consists of two pairs of cross straps, a central strap and a neck strap. The straps are fully adjustable for all sizes and shapes of instrument and secure your instrument in position across the upper, middle and lower bouts and mid-way across the neck. The five body straps are made from industrial strength webbing and are fitted with quick release moulded plastic toggle clips. The neck strap consists of a heavy duty leather belt and buckle. Securing your instrument into the inside of the case is simply a matter of adjusting the straps to length and then clipping or buckling them together. Through vigorous and uncompromising road tests over the course of five years the system has proven itself 100% effective in ensuring your instrument remains safely and securely held in position whatever the circumstances or situation. For those of you who like to travel alfresco there is a "Flight Case Cover-free Pack" available as an optional extra.
   

5. Bow holders: The Carbon Flight Case has two soft fabric bow holders fitted to the inside of the lid. The bow holders are covered in the same luxurious ripple chenille fabric as the case lining and are closed simply by pulling on the two ends of a draw string at the top of each holder. The bow holders measure 79.0cm in length and are designed to accommodate both French and German style bows whether carried loose or in a reinforced canvas-type bow case.
   

6. Storage compartment: The Carbon Fibre Flight Case has a storage compartment located at the lower neck position. The compartment is perfect for storing your pot of rosin, pencil, rubber, spare strings, spare bowtie etc, etc... For those of you interested in the stats - the maximum internal measurements are 19 x 15 x 8cm (average).

Thanks for all this detailed information. It really is so much more than any of the other case manufactures and outlets provide. I've now got a crystal clear idea of just how good the Carbon Fibre Flight Case is and - I really do want one.

What colours are available?

For the exterior of the Carbon Fibre Flight Case - you'll be well pleased to learn that there is a choice of 5 vibrant primary-colours available. The colours are golden-amber, dark-blue, dark-green, burgundy-red, carbon-black and purple-magenta. To see how your new Carbon Flight Case will look click on the image of the purple-magenta case pictured here.

• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Purple-Magenta
• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Golden-Amber with green lining
• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Dark-Blue with blue lining and optional "cover-free pack"
• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Dark-Green
• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Carbon-Black
• Carbon Fibre Flight Case in Burgundy-Red

Can you remind me about the exterior finish the Carbon Fibre Flight Case please?

Yes - the Carbon Fibre Case has a translucent finish through which the hi-tech "weave" of the carbon fibre can be seen. It is the natural black colour of the carbon fibre showing through the top "gel-coat" that make the coloured cases appear slightly on the dark side. Obviously a colour coat is not required for the carbon-black case so it is finished in a clear top coat.

Can you tell me what colours are available for the interior lining?

For the interior of the Carbon Fibre Flight Case there is a choice of four colours. The colours are dark-blue, dark-green, burgundy-red or light-silver lining. Please note that there may be some slight variation in the colour shade as it depends very much on what is available from the fabric supplier.

After I have purchased a Carbon Fibre Flight Case - are Garry & Doug confident that I won't encounter any problems with it.

Yes they are. The Carbon Fibre Flight Case comes with a full manufacturers guarantee against faulty materials or workmanship. The guarantee is for three years from the date of purchase. Obviously the guarantee does not cover damage due to accident, neglect, alteration or any unreasonable use or force.

The Contrabass Shoppe must think that the Carbon Fibre Flight Case is a pretty good product otherwise they wouldn't endorse it. Correct?

Yes - correct. In fact Tony Houska - The Contrabass Shoppe's MD - a professional bass player for 15 years and a person with a great wealth of knowledge about exporting valuable instruments has been a consultant to the double bass flight case project since its early days. Tony comments; "The unique design and user friendly features of this modern lightweight flight case are absolutely spot on for all touring bass players. Congratulations to Garry & Doug for their hard work and dogged determination in manufacturing this market leading product".

When did you first start selling the Carbon Fibre Flight Case and what sort of players are already using them?

The Contrabass Shoppe has been successfully selling the Carbon Fibre Flight Case since the middle of 1995. Since that time - they have been purchased by a large variety of both orchestral and jazz players from as far away Spain, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia and Hong Kong.

Have you had any feedback from players who have already purchased one?

Yes - the response to the carbon fibre flight-cases has been overwhelmingly positive. Click here to read some letters of recommendation.

Have any to orchestras or institutions bought the Carbon Fibre Flight Cases?

Yes - in July 2010 the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera took delivery of four cases in burgundy-red with matching lining and the Custom Scuff-strip Pack in Brushed-Aluminium.

I do understand that all flight cases are made to order - but can you say roughly how long it will take to make my case?

From receiving your confirmed order the average waiting time is about 21 working days - although many are completed in a much shorter time.

How many man hours does it take to make a case from start to finish?

About 50 hours of hard graft (slang for hard-work).

Do you need my full payment before you start making it?

Yes - because each case is made specifically to your order and choice of colour. In addition the raw materials are pretty expensive for Garry & Doug to buy in and hold in stock.

Can I recover the purchase cost from my tax bill?

Yes - providing you are using the case as part of your job you should be able to offset all of the capital cost against any tax liability that you may have. Please talk to your accountant about this.

I live in the EU. Is it possible to deliver a Carbon Fibre Flight Case to me by road freight?

Of course anything is possible - but in nearly all instances what proves to be the most economic - is if you can drive or fly over to the UK and collect the case yourself - returning home with it as hand luggage. If the flight case is sent by road freight it will first need to be "crated" in a plywood case to protect it from loads that often weigh many tons. Obviously you will incur the charges for wrapping, crating, handling and the actual cost of the freight. As a rough guide you should budget on a cost of UK£ 450 - 550 depending where in Europe you live. Should you still be interested in this service we would be happy to provide you with a firm quote and an estimate of the delivery time. Please contact us on flightcases@contrabass.co.uk

I live outside the EU. What is the "Export" price for the Carbon Fibre Flight Case and is it possible to deliver it to me by air freight?

With regard the "Export" or "Acquisition" price - if you reside in a country which is outside the EU or you are an EU customer who holds a valid VAT registration number there is no UK sales tax (currently 17.5%) to pay providing that certain terms and conditions are met. With regard to delivery by air freight - of course anything is possible - but in nearly all instances what proves to be the most economic - is if you can fly over to the UK and collect the case yourself - returning home with it as hand luggage. Maybe you have a friend visiting the UK who wouldn't mind taking it back for you as a favour or for a small commission. For more information on the likely costs, requirements and technical obligations associated with purchasing a Carbon Fibre Flight Case from a country outside the EU please contact us on flightcases@contrabass.co.uk

I'm flying into a London airport to collect my Carbon Fibre Flight case. Can you drop my case off for me at the airport?

Yes - there is a small scale charge for dropping off the Carbon Fibre Flight Case at the various London airports. Please click here for details.

I have to say - your review is certainly very comprehensive. Is The Contrabass Shoppe a main agent for the Carbon Fibre Flight case?

Yes. The Contrabass Shoppe has been awarded sole worldwide rights (retail) to promote and sell the Carbon Fibre Flight Case.

How about a final summary?

This is indeed the double bass flight case of the 21st century. New modern materials laid in laminate form and impregnated using vacuum infusion - have enabled production of this supremely strong case at - in most instances - less than half the weight of a conventional fibreglass case. Meticulous attention to detail, great styling and a number of unique and innovative features - all at an extremely competitive price means that the Carbon Fibre Flight Case receives the thumbs up as a best buy product.

Stats:

External:

Total length including bottom bump stops and top toggle: 210.0cm
Width across upper bouts including bump stops: 66.0cm
Width across middle bouts including leather handles: 66.0cm
Width across lower bouts including wheels: 84.0cm
Maximum depth at bridge: 51.0cm
Weight: 18.0kg (average)
No of closing toggles: 11
No of sprung metal handles: 4
No of leather handles: 4
No of wheels: 4
No of bump stops: 8
No (minimum) of scuff strips: 27

Internal:

Maximum width across upper bouts: 60.0cm
Maximum width across lower bouts: 74.0cm
Maximum depth at bridge: 49.0cm
No of securing straps: 6
No of side pads: 4
No of upper back pads: 1
No of Bow holders : 2
Maximum bow holder measurements: 79.0 x 8.0 x 8.0cm (average)

Internal Scroll Area:

Maximum height from top of accessory box: 49.0cm
Maximum width: 30.0cm
Maximum width across the top of the accessory box: 19.0cm
Maximum width 5.0cm below the apex: 17.0cm

Carbon Fibre Flight Case - 18kg Price: UK£ 2 950-00 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

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Front View	Quarter View
Front Open with Instrument	Front Open Empty
Back View	Side View