Technical data
| Line | Hightech Contoured |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Material | Leather cover |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 80 cm | Body length: 43 cm | Upper bout: 21 cm | Lower bout: 26 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 83x31x14 cm |
| BAM reference | ET2200XL |
| Item number | BAM-ET2200XLC |
Interior features
- Removable accessory pouch
- Two bow holders
- Strap for a "Kun"-style shoulder rest
- Adjustable in length up to 43 cm
- Maximum lower width: 25.4 cm
Exterior features
- Upper shell hand-stitched with genuine cowhide
- Lower shell in brushed aluminium finish
- Two BAM locks
- Side carrying handle
- Airtight seal between upper and lower shell
- Non-slip, wear-resistant rubber pads on the underside of the outer shell
- Design in genuine leather & aluminium look
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.
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.
For the viola, the Hightech cases come in the Contoured 2200XL shape and in Oblong shapes such as the 2201XL, 2202XL, 5201XL and 5202XL. The 2200XL is designed for violas from 15 to 17 inches, the 2202XL adjusts up to a 43 cm body length, and the compact 5202XL covers 15 to 16 inches. The inside and outside dimensions and the weight of this version are listed in the technical data.
The Oblong cases 5201XL and 2201XL close with metal locks, the Contoured 2200XL series with plastic locks.
L'Étoile adds a cowhide cover to the Hightech shell, on the top for L'Étoile and on both sides for L'Étoile Royal. The leather is applied in the sewing room and adds a little mass: for the viola case, the data sheets give the leather version ET2200XLN around 0.2 kg more than its Hightech counterpart 2200XL, with the same outer dimensions.
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 are looking for a case without animal materials, choose a version without leather, for example from the Hightech line or La Défense.
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 wide can the lower bout of my viola be?
The cases are around 28 cm wide inside; the data sheets give 26 cm at the lower bout, and with the suspension on pads about 25 cm remain for the instrument.
Is the leather genuine?
Yes, BAM uses cowhide.
Are L'Étoile cases vegan?
No, the leather versions are not vegan. Only models without leather are vegan.
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.
