Technical data
| Line | Hightech |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Material | Hightech ABS shell |
| Weight | 2.45 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 61 cm | Body length: 36.6 cm | Upper bout: 20.5 cm | Lower bout: 21 cm | Thickness: 12.2 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 78.2 x 27.5 x 13 cm with bow case, 64 cm long without bow case |
| BAM reference | ICONIC2003XL |
| Item number | BAM-ICONIC2003XLC |
Features
- Lower bout: 21 cm
- Thickness: 12.2 cm
- Bow case for 2 bows, interior dimensions 75.2 x 5.5 x 6 cm
- Bow case, exterior dimensions 78.2 x 7.5 x 6 cm
Interior features
- Suspension of the instrument on injected foam cushions
- Compartment for a small tracker behind the tail pad
- Strap for a "Kun"-style shoulder rest
Exterior features
- Shells made with BAM Hightech technology: three-layer structure of high-performance materials (ABS, injected solid polyurethane foam, PETG)
- 2 comfortable, non-slip neoprene backpack straps with safety screw hooks
- 2 combination locks
- Very comfortable two-material side handle
- Airtight seal
- Non-slip, wear-resistant rubber pads on the lower outer shell
- Guide rail for the bow case
- 2 integrated locks
- 2 sliding clips
- 2 compartments for violin bows
- Magnetic bow fastening
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.
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.
For air travel we also recommend a luggage strap and a ‘Handle with Care’ sticker; with normal handling the Hightech case protects well, even with other luggage on top of it.
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.
Is the 2003XL meant for hand luggage?
Yes, the 2003XL is built as a cabin and overhead case.
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.
