Our English Model Case is made entirely ‘in house’ and  based on a Laminated Shell. This is the single most important part of the Case, and it’s imperative that a distinction is made here between the two main methods used in case construction, so that players can make a correct and informed decision as to which is best for their individual needs.

Because of time/cost constraints; most Cases are made from flat sheet material that is then heated or steamed and bent to shape. They are then  assembled using a simple PVA glue, and often rely on many tens of industrial staples to hold them together. Cases made in this way will be very unlikely to afford full protection. Timber that is heated and bent to shape will always try to revert to it’s original form.

Our English model Case starts with 11x sheets of Sapele Veneer glued and sandwiched together to make the case sides, then placed around a mould until the specialist pressing glue is fully cured. The lid is made in a similar way, and then when again cured – the lid, sides and (flat ply) base are assembled together with Araldite. The shell is at this point one unit that is fully bonded together, the glued joints actually being as strong as the materials they hold together.

This is a very expensive and time consuming method. However, we presently restore many English Made Cases constructed in this manner, and in most instances even at 25 years old or more when stripped back, the actual structure of the shells are as good as the day they were made. This then provides clear proof that Cases made in this way are very strong, and will with care last for many decades of professional use. Hence; taken Long Term –  it’s not such a huge investment after all, far from it.

The completed Case Shell is covered in  English Rexine, and fitted with steel cabinet hinges, a leather handle, Brass “D” rings for strap attachment, and a high quality lock. Two webbing lid stays are also fitted at this point.

For the interior of our Cases we use English Pure Cotton Moss Green,  Burgundy, Cream or Burgundy & Cream Velvet. Our Bow ‘twists’ are made of ABS and will not damage fine Bows. The Bow Tip Holders are of velvet covered Brass, so will not become brittle in time and break, unlike plastic based items. The bows themselves sit on flat bow laths, the lower of which holds a semi-concealed acrylic string tube. Leather is used for the compartment lid pulls and neck tie down.

Each Case is lined by one craftsman from start to finish, and when completed is joined by a three layer matching blanket and pure silk Instrument Cover.

Each finished Case is then handed to our resident seamstress, who makes a Canvas cover to fit that individual  Case. The cover has a full size music pocket, and also at this stage has slots cut in it through which the strap “D” rings pass, as these are actually fitted to the wooden shell – not the cover. A subway strap is fitted to one end.

The finished Case is then inspected, cleaned and packed, ready to pass to it’s new owner.