[Conrado]

I had this on a related thread, but nobody responded. So here goes.
I have the original case that came with my 1929 Chu Berry Alto - interior purple velvet is in fairly good shape, exterior not as good, but still has original Penn State banners on the outside - needs some restoration of some of the hardware, the handle, and mostly the edges of the wood case have the outer covering worn off. Here are a few shots:

Case w/banners:

Exterior Shot:

Exterior, showing wear on edges:

Close up of hardware and handle:

Corner hardware that needs replacement:

Interior shot:

Interior - tear (most worn part of interior):

More interior:

I'd like to keep this case, but fix it up in close as possible to original condition. Does anyone restore vintage cases?

 

[Grumps]

I think it's fine to fix these old cases up for a sense of originality, but I won't put my horns in them for gigging. There's just too much room for the horn to rattle around and I find modern cases much more protective. But for restoring an old one, try an upholsterer in the yellow pages.

 

[jamiejazz]

Same for me-I want to fix up my old Mkvi alto case. Anyone know anybody in London who does such things?

I find that it actually holds the horn really snugly. But it's heavy, so I only use it if I'm driving to a gig.

Jamie O'D

 

[oldbluesman]

Grumps,

Getting a new case would be nice but what about vintage horns with the bell keys on the left and right side of the horn. My Buescher TT fits snugly in the original case but the case was about to fall apart. Duck tape solved my problem for now. Are there any cases that fit vintage horns?

 

[cymru97]

Are there any cases that fit vintage horns?

I've got my Buescher NA (split bell keys) in a Gator Case. The fit is nice and snug and it's every bit as good as a Protec. Haven't tried it in the hard plastic version, but the rigid fabric coverd one is perfect.

 

[claxton]

As far as the outside of the case--the wood, hardware and tolex--you might have some luck with a shop that makes boutique tube amplifiers. They do a lot of work that is similar to instrument cases. As far as the inside, I would think a shop that does custom upholstery for automobile restoration and hot rods would be the ticket. None of it is going to be cheap, though.

Just some suggestions...

 

[Conrado]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. But, Claxton, who makes botique tube amplifiers? (I'm not even sure what they are - like old amplifiers?)

I was considering doing the upholstery part in TJ as I am in San Diego - thought it might also be cool to have the hardware silver-plated to give it an elegant touch.

 

[Seasax]

Grumps,

Getting a new case would be nice but what about vintage horns with the bell keys on the left and right side of the horn. My Buescher TT fits snugly in the original case but the case was about to fall apart. Duck tape solved my problem for now. Are there any cases that fit vintage horns?

hiscox are also meant to fit split bell key designs,

there is a good modern case for almost anything now.

 

[claxton]

Google "building tube amplifiers San Diego" and you'll get a few hits. Leave off the "San Diego" part and you'll get some hits for big mail-order internet suppliers. You may also decide to order the parts form one of the many amplifier parts suppliers. By "boutique tube amplifier shop", well, yes the idea is to get the vintage sound produced by amplifier in the fifties and sixties by using vacuum tubes instead of newer electronic circuitry. Most of the major amplifier manufacturers such as Fender and Marshall have tube amps to offer, but there is a market for custom made amplifiers to get a specific sound.

 

[Grumps]

Grumps,

Getting a new case would be nice but what about vintage horns with the bell keys on the left and right side of the horn. My Buescher TT fits snugly in the original case but the case was about to fall apart. Duck tape solved my problem for now. Are there any cases that fit vintage horns?

I gig with my TT alto and keep it in a Protec contoured case. My 10M is in a Hiscox (but they're tough to get in the States now).

 

[Conrado]

Alto Conn Case Hardware - part replacement

I am now looking at places that do upholstery as a way to restore this case and all the original hardware is in good shape except for this bottom corner cap:

Corner hardware that needs replacement:

Does anyone know who i can find a replacement for this corner cap?

By the way, I have been completely unable to find anything that remotely resembles a custom tube amplifier maker anywhere in San Diego, and only one upholstery shop said they might take a shot at it (and not cheap).

Thanks!

 

[Dave Dolson]

I have my Buescher Big B alto (left-side bell pads) in a shaped proTec. Works fine. If you can't find anyone to do your case repair, you may have to buy a new case - which wouldn't be the end of the world AND would probably protect your saxophone better than that original case. DAVE

 

[JerryJamz2]

Does anyone know who i can find a replacement for this corner cap?

Any repair shop that does case repair usually stocks these or they can order them from several suppliers. I'm not sure of their minimum purchase requirements, but www.ohiotravelbag.com is where the majority of BIR suppliers purchase theirs for resale.

Here you go;

http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/Graphics/Catalog_Web/P27 Catalog/Section B-1/pages/page 43.htm

 

[Conrado]

Any repair shop that does case repair usually stocks these or they can order them from several suppliers. I'm not sure of their minimum purchase requirements, but www.ohiotravelbag.com is where the majority of BIR suppliers purchase theirs for resale.

Jerry - Thanks for the lead, especially the link. WHen you refer to a "repair shop" - that has been the biggest challenge, i.e., identifying who would implement the repair. The nearest thing i have found so far is an upholstery shop and they have never done a repair of this sort before, so it doesn't inspire confidence. Can you suggest how to find a shop that does such type repairs (I also tried luggage repair, but no cigar).
Thanks - Conrado

 

[JerryJamz2]

Conrado,

Re-read my post as I edited it to include a link at the bottom to the exact page and info you need. We carry a large assortment of common case repair parts in my shop. I can only advise as to a possible repair shop/tech. If you go to www.napbirt.org and go to the tech locater, you might find someone near you.

 

[Conrado]

Conrado,

Re-read my post as I edited it to include a link at the bottom to the exact page and info you need. We have all those parts in stock in my shop. I can only advise as to a possible repair shop/tech. If you go to www.napbirt.org and go to the tech locater, you might find someone near you.

Jerry - That was extremely helpful -- it's amazing that these sorts of resources exist! I live in San Diego. My sax tech doesn't do cases, so i take it that there are sax techs out there that do this sort of thing, right? Anyhow, if you have any specific tech recommendation, that would be great, otherwise, I'll check out that napbirt link. Thanks again! Conrado

 

[wenger02]

Maybe you will be interest in vintage purse frames:

http://www.bagisgood.com/purse-frame/index.htm

 

[Chris J]

I have bought handles from these guys:

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/

They do case restoration, and have all the bits of metalwork you could want

Clunky web site but here are a couple of starters
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/howto/howto.html
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/howto/parts/suitcaseparts.htm
http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/howto/parts/