BAM La Défense Hightech Contoured Violin Case, BAM-DEF2002XLA
BAM-DEF2002XLA
Hightech construction in the contoured design, which follows the shape of the instrument and therefore stays compact.
- Shells made with BAM Hightech technology: a three-layer structure of high-performance materials (ABS, Airex foam, further ABS layer)
- Suspension of the instrument on injected foam pads
- 2 comfortable, non-slip neoprene backpack straps with safety snap hooks
Technical data
| Line | Hightech Contoured |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Material | Hightech ABS shell |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 62 cm | Body length: 38 cm | Upper bout: 17 cm | Lower bout: 22 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 79x25x18 cm |
| BAM reference | DEF2002XL |
| Item number | BAM-DEF2002XLA |
Interior features
- Removable accessory pouch
- 2 bow holders
- Strap for a "Kun"-style shoulder rest
Exterior features
- 2 soft-touch latches with key
- Very comfortable two-material side handle
- Handle for travel on public transport
- Airtight seal between upper and lower shell
- Non-slip, wear-resistant rubber patches on the underside of the outer shell
Protection and climate
BAM's Hightech shell is built in three layers: ABS on the outside, a foam core of injected polyurethane or, depending on the model, Airex in the middle, and a third layer of PETG or ABS on the inside. BAM thermoforms these shells in France, with part of the production based in Thailand.
The interior is foamed in a single piece and set firmly into the shell; as the instrument is fitted, the padding yields to its shape.
The three-layer shell works as a buffer against swings in temperature and humidity. Open the case after moving into a different climate and the instrument meets the new conditions gradually rather than all at once. The upper and lower shells close on rubber lips, and models such as the 2002XLT and DEF2002XLA are regarded as almost airtight.
A shady spot suits the shell best: in full sun, for example in a parked car, it can warp or blister.
Dry air makes the maple of the scroll shrink and the pegs give, one to two millimetres of travel being normal; damp air makes them stiff. Below 40 per cent relative humidity, pegs may slip and glue joints may open; below 30 per cent, as dry heated air brings in winter, the instrument is at risk, and in the worst case the top cracks. It is above all sharp changes that do harm, such as constant travel between very different temperatures.
As wood moisture rises, the internal damping (energy lost within the wood) of spruce and maple increases, and an instrument can then sound duller; storage at controlled humidity in the case keeps the damping constant.
With BAM, the model number tells you the basic shape of a violin case: 2000XL is Slim, 2002XL Contoured, 2001XL, 2011XL and 2018XL are Oblong, and 2003XL is the Cabin case for hand luggage. Letters before and after the number denote colour and finish, while the moulded form stays the same. The inside and outside dimensions and the weight of this version are listed in the technical data.
The Slim shape holds the violin and two bows, with no room for a shoulder rest; it is cut close around the neck and pegbox, so violins with long pegs may reach its limit there. The Contoured shape follows the outline of the instrument and has room for the shoulder rest. The Cabin case is designed for hand luggage and leaves out the music pocket, string tube and bow holder for that purpose.
Technically, La Défense is BAM's Hightech case; the difference lies in the material and look of the outer skin, brushed in an aluminium finish with silver details. Beneath the outer skin, the same three-layer shell is at work, with its buffer against swings in temperature and humidity.
In the violin case, the 2002XLT and DEF2002XLA are identical in construction and differ only in colour; both are regarded as almost airtight. The DEF2002XLA data sheet gives 79 × 25 × 18 cm outside and around 1.6 kg.
Our experience
Our experience from shipping is clear: an instrument travels far more safely in a BAM case than in a cardboard box. Every case we deliver passes through our own quality check first.
We make small scratches on the shell almost invisible with ordinary car polish, and we leave alcohol and white spirit well alone.
In our experience an instrument needs a few weeks to settle after a change of climate, for instance after an overseas journey, and a local luthier then fine-tunes the set-up. For the heating season we recommend a humidifier in the case; in our experience the Stretto lasts around a month and humidifies the case quickly and evenly.
When another model suits you better
If you want to carry your shoulder rest in the case, the Contoured 2002XL has the right place for it; if you travel with music, the Oblong 2018XL with its outer music pocket serves you well, and the Cabin case 2003XL is built for the aircraft cabin.
If you prefer the same case in a carbon or tweed look, you will find it in the Hightech line, for the violin for example as the 2002XLT.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my case weigh a little more than stated?
The stated weight is the net weight without straps. Because the density of the plastic varies slightly, an individual case can weigh around 100 g more.
Can BAM cases be stacked?
No, BAM cases should not be stacked; give each case a place of its own.
Can a cracked shell be repaired?
BAM replaces the complete upper or lower shell in France, as a crack cannot be repaired locally. Smaller damage such as pushed-in feet can be fixed with patches.
How long can my bow be?
A 4/4 violin bow measures around 74 cm without the button, and fine bows are often slightly longer. The bow holders are screwed in and can be moved by the millimetre; if in doubt, measure your bow first and we will gladly tell you which case fits.
Can I add a music pocket later?
Yes, many models can be fitted with a music pocket later. We will gladly tell you which one fits your case.
Does La Défense protect differently from the Hightech case?
No, technically it is the same case. The difference lies in the material and look of the outer skin.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.
