Hybrid Double Bass Flight Case - 23kg

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

Yes - both the Hybrid and the Carbon Fibre 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 Hybrid Flight Case then?

Without going into too much detail of the exclusive manufacturing process - layers of carbon-fibre, Kevlar, glass-fibre matting, woven glass and an Airtex foam core material - are "wet-laminated" in a polyester resin to produce a case of unbeatable strength, lightness and structural rigidity. I think that's probably enough said. Let's move on.

Are the cases made in the UK?

Yes - Gary & Doug - the two very cleaver and highly skilled guys that 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.

Is the Hybrid Case as strong as the Carbon Fibre 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 not just make the Carbon Fibre Flight Case?

It all comes down to cost. 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. Unfortunately not everybody's budget will stretch quite as far as the Carbon Fibre Flight Case.

So does cheaper materials mean a cheaper flight case then?

Yes - exactly.

How much cheaper?

The Hybrid Flight Case works out around about UK£ 1000-00 cheaper.

Wow - a grand (slang for UK£ 1000-00) off. That sounds like a very special deal.

Yes - indeed it is.

Wait a minute. You're having me on. There must be some sort of catch.

Thanks for that. Here at The Contrabass Shoppe we don't approve of the term "catch" - unless its a "toggle-catch" - like the 11 lightweight ones fitted to the outside of the Hybrid Flight Case. It would be far more appropriate to use the term "trade-off".

OK - so what is the trade off?

The trade off is in the weight. The Hybrid Flight Case weighs in at 23.0kg (average) as opposed to the Carbon Fibre Flight Case's feather weight stat of only 18.0kg (average).

So you are telling me that the difference between the Hybrid and the Carbon Fibre Flight Case is just 5kg (average).

Yes.

Well that doesn't sound like much extra weight to me. Can you explain please?

You are right - 5kg is not that much weight in relative terms. However in comparison to the Carbon Fibre Flight Case - the extra mass if lifted as a dead weight is quite a bit more awkward for the human body to manage. More importantly it should be something that you factor in to your flying and touring commitments. It is quite possible that those few extra kilos when added up together with your suitcase, concert uniform, shoes, cuddly toy etc. may just push your total baggage allowance into the zone of excess luggage charges.

What does 5kg convert to in pounds?

5kg converts to 11lbs. For the sake of a few extra kilos - I'm quite sure that many of you will recognise that the Hybrid Flight Case is of course - much, much better value. As already stated - the two cases are virtually identical.

Hmm decisions. On the other hand any excess luggage charges could - over a long period of time - feasibly add up to more than the initial cost of a Carbon Fibre Flight Case.

Yes - that is possible especially if you do a lot of long haul flights.

The Hybrid Case is still a lot lighter than most of the other flight cases that I've seen on the market.

Yes correct - it is. 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight Case?

Yes. The Hybrid 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 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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.

I've had a look at your really excellent photos. With all the user-friendly features and specifications this Hybrid 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 gloss finish 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: 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight Case have commented "It's virtually like closing the door of a luxury saloon car".
   

9. Scuff strips: The Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight Case Interior now?

Yes - sure. The Case Interior:

1. Lining: As mentioned previously the Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight Case is and - I really do want one. What colours are available?

For the exterior of the Hybrid Flight Case - you'll be well pleased to learn that there is a choice of 13 vibrant primary-colours available. The colours are terracotta-brown, maroon, pirate-red, post-office red, orange, yellow, light-green, British racing-green, navy-blue, light-blue, purple, rose-pink, and platinum (very slightly off-white).

To see how your new Hybrid Flight Case will look click on the image of the orange case pictured here, or on the links below.

• Hybrid Flight Case in Orange
• Hybrid Flight Case in Terracotta Brown
• Hybrid Flight Case in Maroon
• Hybrid Flight Case in Pirate Red
• Hybrid Flight Case in Post Office Red
• Hybrid Flight Case in Yellow
• Hybrid Flight Case in Light Green
• Hybrid Flight Case in British Racing Green
• Hybrid Flight Case in Navy Blue
• Hybrid Flight Case in Light Blue
• Hybrid Flight Case in Purple
• Hybrid Flight Case in Rose Pink
• Hybrid Flight Case in Platinum

One quick question about the exterior finish of the Hybrid Flight Case. Is it exactly the same as the Carbon Flight Case?

No. The exterior finish of the Hybrid Flight Case is plain - or in other words a "solid colour". The Carbon Fibre Case has a translucent finish through which the hi-tech "weave" of the carbon fibre can be seen.

I have to say that the range of colours available for the exterior finish is pretty impressive. What colours are available for the interior lining?

For the interior of the Hybrid Flight Case there is a choice four of 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 Hybrid Flight Case - are Garry & Doug confident that I won't encounter any problems with it.

Yes they are. The Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 instrument has been a consultant to the 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 Hybrid Flight Case and what sort of players are already using them?

The Contrabass Shoppe has been successfully selling the Hybrid 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 sold any to orchestras or institutions?

Yes - we sold two platinum coloured cases to The Royal Academy of Music in London, two to the National Philharmonic Society of Lithuania and six to the Gyori Filharmonikus Zenekar in Hungary.

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 38 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight case. Can you drop my case off for me at the airport?

Yes - there is a small scale charge for dropping off the Hybrid 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 Hybrid Flight case?

Yes. The Contrabass Shoppe has been awarded sole worldwide rights (retail) to promote and sell the Hybrid 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 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 wide choice of exterior colours coupled together with a number of unique and innovative features - all at an extremely competitive price means that the Hybrid 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: 23.0kg (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

Hybrid Flight Case Price: UK£ 1950-00 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

Shipping: Please click here for more information.