If You Could Design Your Own Concertina Case...

[Samantha]

When I made the case for my main session instrument I used corregated cardboard to provide a lining with a little give (about two layers between the instrument and the wood of the case). I made the blocking by gluing layers of corregated cardbord and then trimming them to shape with my bandsaw.

 

Larry, how much has the corrugated cardboard "given" (squashed) over time? I would worry that once it's squashed, that's it and it'd have to be replaced, but theoretically packing foam would "bounce back"?

Samantha

[Larry Stout]

So far it has held up well. There was a bit of squashing that it needed at the beginning because the case was just a bit tight across the flats. That crushing has remained resiliant: that particular spot was along the corrugation rather than crossing it-- I suspect that the other direction would both be harder to deflect and lead to more permanant damage to the cardboard. I doubt that the case will hold up for the 150 years that the one that came with my 1851 Wheatstone did (though that case puts the instrument in the wrong orientation for storage, so I don't use it any more-- it's pretty, though.

[ragtimer]

What would your ideal concertina case be like? I ask because I'm just about to build one (a little hobby of mine), and rather than just a wooden box with no real padding (the norm from what I've seen), I want it to be nice, with proper padding, room for accessories, plenty of strength, and maybe even some way to carry some sheet music (yes, I know most of you don't use the stuff). I'm just brainstorming here, and would appreciate your input. Removable lid? Shoulder strap? Locking latches?

People badmouth Stagi concertinas, but the cases that come with them are fantastic. Built like tanks of wood (plywood?) with black stag covering, metal corners, plush inner lining, lockable latches, snug fit to the instrument, and yes, I have used mine as an emergency seat to sit and play on.

 

There's room inside for a folded up towel to wipe off the ends after a session, and a few sheets of music can fit bent over the sides of the 'tina. Though I would like a separate compartment for msuic and any relatred gadgets (tools, mikes, water bottle, nuts and chocolate rations, etc.).

 

However, it's already pushing the limits of airline carry-on, which I may want to do someday, so I wouldn't want it much bigger. And a separate soft gig bag can handle the other items. --Mike K.