Case for my bakelite...

James Inkster · From: Ukee, BC

Hi guys,

I've got the original case my bakelite grew up in, but it's pretty beaten up (and just getting moreso gigging here in rainy vancouver!) and i'd like to preserve it to whatever extent i can... and a bit more protection wouldn't hurt -- it seems the guitar flops around a little bit inside that old plywood box.

So, i figured i'd take a look at an alternative case...

I see the Hatton cases look nice. Has anyone used one with a bakelite? Pros/cons?

What about the Blue Heron softshells that Todd Clinesmith uses? Is there a lap model, or is that custom made?
Pros/cons?

any others?

thanks!

Stephen Abruzzo · From: Philly, PA

Your best inexpensive (relatively so anyway) bet is probably to get a 3/4 size guitar gigbag. I just bought one for my Pettingill FPS and it fits great. My FPS is 33" long, 11" wide at the lower bout and it fits quite nice in the 35" long, 13.5" wide gigbag. Generous padding too, weatherproof and $40 USD.

You better measure your out first (length and widest part).

My FPS was just a bit too wide I think for one of those hardshell rifle cases that some love to use. If your bakelite isn't too wide, it would probably fit in a dulcimer gigbag quite nicely.

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

While a gig back is likely sufficient for any wooden made steel guitar.......

I wouldn't place any one of my 12 Bakelites in anything other than a hardshell case. The olde Bakelite tends to be brittle. I'd be afraid of ANY sharp jolt to the neck of the g'tar.

Just my opinion for what it's worth.

Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

Ray makes an excellent point. But, even though it's made of wood, I wouldn't trust my Pettingill in anything but a hard case. Kevin Hatton built this one and it fits to perfection. It's worth every penny for the peace of mind it provides.

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Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.

Dan Schwartz · From: Bloomington, MN

I was never a fan of gig bags until I got a Blue Heron. I love these cases. I now have two - one for my Marcio Weissenborn, and just recently got one for my Fender Dual Pro. He does great work and the instruments fit like a glove. He has a selection of standard sizes, but mine were custom.
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TheNeighborhoodTrio.com
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Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Rick...........that's a beautiful case.

What price range is it in? Fully custom for you or off of the shelf?

When I referred specifically to my Bakelite guitars, I was being politically correct so as not to offend anyone in today's forum. Actually, I wouldn't trust a single guitar I own to a gig bag.

Any group of folks that worry so much about "cabinet drop", the height of strings above a fret board, etc., IMHO, should RUN from placing these valuable instruments with their exotic finishes and fabulous wood selections in a flexible gig bag.

Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

Thanks for the compliment, Ray. The photos don't do it a bit of justice. It's completely custom made. I sent a tracing and provided exact measurements. It took Kevin about 8 weeks to finish. Every line in the tweed matches it's counterpart. Stunning. Speaking of political correctness, I sent a PM regarding the price range, but it bears repeating that it was worth every penny.
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Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.

Ray Shakeshaft · From: Kidderminster, Worcs, UK.

I too have just acquired a bakelite and I was looking for a case. I found that the oblong violin ABS cases (after a little re-adjustment to the inside)were perfect and reasonably priced too.

Bill Creller · From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

A broke bakelite is an experience you wont like or ever forget. I'm for a tough hard-shell case that fits good without the instrument flopping around inside it. The original cases were a generic production type I believe. My original case is in excellent condition, but the guitar fits loose. A towel or some padding is a good idea if it leaves the house.

James Inkster · From: Ukee, BC

Thanks guys...

I think for now I'm going to try to find a large viola case and see how that fits... might be the best bang for the buck... I need something asap, and cheap is good, as long as it does the job.

thanks!

David Soreff · From: North Las Vegas, NV

I use a baritone ukulele case for my bakelite, and cut down the neck support section and it fits like a glove. Doesn't move and is quite secure. Would I check it on an airplane....uh....NO! Would I carry it on and feel safe with it in the rack....YES!! Try it out.

Alan Brookes · From: Brummy living in Southern California

What Ray says is absolutely right. Bakelite loses oil from evaporation over the years and becomes EXTREMELY brittle. Treat it as you would an old lady, and DON'T use a porous gig bag, which allows air in and speeds up the loss of oil.
Have you ever noticed how rare it is to see an old MultiKord with its plastic tuner and bridge covers intact ? They've all become brittle and shattered. Sad

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