Having been a Violin Dealer for many years in the West End of London (in a previous and all too awful life to commit to the page), Desmond has sold many hundreds of Cases. Nothing, but nothing, shows a players disregard for property or otherwise than the condition of their Case: In the late 1970’s when dealing, Desmond ordered for a Customer a Custom built Gordge Viola Case. It came back six months later totally wrecked! Our English Model Cases are likewise built with heavy usage in mind, but will not withstand what amounts to ‘gross abuse’. We have taken many hours to make each case with great care and by hand, please afford us the courtesy of looking after it.

The following steps may help:

• Please remember when opening your Case, to return the zips back to their stops before opening the lid of the case.
   
• Always close the inner compartments with the flat of your hand, and not your finger tips, and this will avoid marking the velvet pile.
   
• Check on a regular basis the condition of the handle where the rings pass through – replacements are available. Likewise, check (if used) the shoulder strap on a regular basis.
   
• Canvas is not a waterproof material unless treated, and we suggest that the cover be re-treated every six months. This is a very simple process, and waterproofing spray is readily available from any ‘outdoor’ shop. (Better still, in heavy rain, use the thick cellophane bag the Case came packed in).
   
• To clean the interior; we only ever use compresses air with an in-line water trap. With GREAT CARE one can use a vacuum nozzle on a low suction, but make sure that you protect the velvet from the nozzle with your fingers, or the velvet will mark.
   
• Resin will collect on the Bow Twists and eventually turn black in colour. This build-up can be removed with care and a little lighter fuel on a cotton cloth.
   
• Just like the tyres on a Car, Canvas covers take the lions share of the day to day wear on a Case. Like tyres, as such they are replaceable items that will indeed need replacement from time to time (at a fraction of the cost of a set of tyres)