Technical data
| Line | Hightech Polycarbonat |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Item number | BAM-SUP2200XLWO |
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.
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 Oblong cases 5201XL and 2201XL close with metal locks, the Contoured 2200XL series with plastic locks.
BAM's editions are built on the Hightech base forms: the moulded form stays the same, and letters before and after the model number denote colour and finish. Whenever the colour or material changes, BAM issues a new item number.
The code XLC stands for the colour black carbon and does not mean carbon material. CUBE is a limited series in a special ABS of its own, and BonBon is two-tone, with the ‘finition’ describing the colour of the locks, rubber and handles.
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
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.
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.