Instrument Case Makers, Know Any? Options

[Halka]

We recently acquired an ancient German bass clarinet. The clarinet itself is in quite good condition, but the interior of the case is falling apart, and I would like to replace it. The various bits of clarinet do not appear to be standard modern size so I am doubtful if a normal BAM case would work. We've looked at a Bass Bags case and rejected that already. I'm aware of Wiseman cases, but they seem to cost more than we paid for the clarinet itself...

The original German manufacturers of the clarinet are still in business - though they only make German system clarinets these days. I have had a friendly exchange of emails with them, and they would be delighted to hand make us a new case, or refurbish the old one, at what seem very reasonable rates. They need us to send them the clarinet, though, to ensure a perfect fit, and I'm a bit reluctant to do that.

All this has led me to wonder if there isn't someone in the UK that might make us a case. Our clarinet repair person mentioned Paxman (Cases) Ltd., but they no longer appear to be in business. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[notmusimum]

Have you checked Howarths to see if they have anything that might be suitable?

They seem to stock unusual cases and are generally very helpful.

The only other case manufacturer I know of is Tom and Will. We have a couple of their music bags they are very well designed and reasonably priced. I know they have just started making Oboe cases. I am not sure where they are based but they do have a website.

[Halka]

Have you checked Howarths to see if they have anything that might be suitable?

They seem to stock unusual cases and are generally very helpful.

The only other case manufacturer I know of is Tom and Will. We have a couple of their music bags they are very well designed and reasonably priced. I know they have just started making Oboe cases. I am not sure where they are based but they do have a website.

Yes, I spoke to Howarths who agreed cases for older bass clarinets are "a bit of a problem". I did order from (and return to) them the Bass Bags case I mentioned in my first post.

Just looked at the Tom and Will site but they don't do cases for bass clarinets.

What I'm really after is someone in the UK who can custom make a case at the same sort of price as the Germans have offered to do it for. I just can't help feeling that if they can do it someone in the UK must surely be able to do the same!

[notmusimum]

I'm sure there must be someone who makes cases in the uk to fit it for you.

What about approahing a suitcase or briefcase manufacturer? If they don't do things like that themselves they may know someone who does.

[andante]

What about the sort of craftsmen who repair antiques? You hear of people having fitted vanity cases / sewing boxes completely renovated. They might be able to adapt a case so that it fits.

[Halka]

For future reference:

I discovered Bob Kingham at Kingham MTM Cases Ltd in Chelmsford. His company makes cases, to measure, for virtually any instrument. He did a really good job of making a case for us, in about 2-3 weeks, and the price seemed very reasonable compared with that of "off the shelf" cases.