Technical data
| Line | Stylus Contoured |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 73.5 cm | Body length: 41.5 cm | Upper bout: 20 cm | Lower bout: 24 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 83x31x19.5 cm |
| BAM reference | SG5101S |
| Item number | BAM-SG5101SB |
Interior features
- Instrument bed of injected high-density polyurethane foam, protects the instrument against temperature fluctuations
- ABS reinforcements in the structure
- 2 bow holders
Exterior features
- Handle for travel on public transport
- Side carrying handle
- Large outer pocket on the back for sheet music
- 2 removable pouches in the large outer pocket
- Outer material of BAM Ballistic fabric, water-repellent, abrasion- and tear-resistant
Protection and climate
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.
Stylus is BAM's family of textile shaped cases, with a cover of Cordura or BAM Ballistic over high-density foam moulded to the instrument and ABS reinforcements. In the item number, S stands for the Stylus model, a trailing N for black, and a leading SG for the Saint-Germain version with coloured stripes on an otherwise identical model. Signature versions carry the prefix SIGN, for example the SIGN5141SN as an Oblong viola case with a 41.5 cm body.
The SG5140, with a 40 cm body, is too small for violas with a larger body; up to a 41.5 cm body we recommend the SG5141.
An ordinary impregnation spray for Cordura and textiles protects the cover against rain, and a test on a small area first shows how the fabric reacts. If a zip runs stiffly, especially round the corners, silicone spray or a little petroleum jelly on the teeth helps.
The slider of a zip can be replaced as a spare part by the owner. Replacing a cover or a zip is carried out by BAM's production in France. A forgotten code cannot be reset on a combination lock.
Our experience
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.
Frequently asked questions
What does SG mean in the item number?
SG stands for the Saint-Germain version with coloured stripes. The model underneath is the same as the Stylus without SG.
How do I protect the Cordura cover from rain?
With an ordinary impregnation spray for Cordura and textiles. Test it on a small area first.
The zip runs stiffly; what helps?
Silicone spray or a little petroleum jelly on the teeth, especially at the corners.
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.
