Foam inserts for case?
Hi. So I finally found a new case for my viola, a Bobelock model that allows for a ~18" viola, and that easily accommodates 17 1/4". The case adjusts to fit the length snugly and is in general a great improvement over the old case I'd been using. However...it also allows for lower bouts that are a bit wider than my instrument's. So, my question is, is there a place I can buy some ~1/2 inch thick velour (preferably blue) wrapped foam inserts that I can attach to the inside of the case with either velcro or glue? I'd like the instrument to have a little less potential side-to-side play. It's held snugly enough for most situations, but if, god forbid, it had a nasty accident, I don't want it to have quite so much room to swing about. I've tried googling foam inserts, foam insert violin, case insert foam violin, etc.--and I get back results either about foam inserts for shipping cases or information about violin cases that have removable inserts to accommodate 3/4 size instruments. Anyone know of something like that and where I can find it? Thanks!
Replies (4)
Check around and see if you can locate any local upholstered furniture makers/reupholsterers. If you locate someone, take your instrument and case with you, and show them your predicament. They will probably be able to cut some upholstery foam to the right size for you (for a nominal fee). It won't be hard to the find a fabric that you like and cover the foam with it (either by sewing, glueing, or velcro). Just be sure you tell them that you plan to cover the foam so they cut it thin enough. Good luck!
Can you buy one of those inserts for the 3/4 violins and trim it to the right size with an x-acto knife? Or buy a square of shipping foam and do the same?
Aside: 17 1/4"?!?!?! Yikes!
Don't know how common this is, but within 25 miles of where I live is a "Foam and Fabric" store that has about anything you could want. It supplied both 1/2" foam and nice fake fur that I have lined my home made cases with. Mostly surplus-type stuff sold very cheaply by the pound. An upholsterer should also be a good choice.
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January 7, 2011 at 05:48 PM ·
I have a similar problem with the Hidersine case that came with my Jay Haide. The case is a little oversize. Left unattended, the violin will move around a little, despite the securing strap over the neck. I use folded pieces of cloth at the top, bottom and sides to keep it secure. If I keep my old violin in the Hidersine case (I don't as a rule) it is a perfect fit as it is in its own case, because that violin is slightly oversize – still smaller than a viola, though :-)