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The Ultimate Guide To BAM Violin Cases
The Ultimate Guide To BAM Violin Cases
The Ultimate Guide To BAM Violin Cases
Table Of Contents
● Who is BAM?
● What are BAM violin cases known for?
● Intro to BAM violin cases
1. Standard BAM violin cases
2. Hightech BAM violin cases
● The violin case shapes
● The materials used
● The BAM violin case collections
● Hightech violin case collections
● Standard violin case collections
● Choosing the right BAM case
We’re also happy to help you find your ideal case through our free online survey. It
takes less than a minute to fill out, and one of our team members will make some
recommendations based on your responses.
But first, let’s talk about BAM.
Who Is BAM?
BAM is a French company that specializes in manufacturing musical instrument
cases. Their mission is to create cases that are not only protective and durable, but
also very stylish.
Even though many other case brands have been around a lot longer, BAM has
definitely made a name for themselves in a very short amount of time with their
beloved cases and constant commitment to new and innovative designs.
Probably the most important factor of an instrument case, it has to be protective!
These cases are built to protect valuable and fragile wooden instruments.
Top violinists around the world trust BAM with their violins that are worth five to six
figures.
Durability
These cases can last for decades. That’s because BAM does not skimp out on the
little stuff. Such as hardware components (zippers, hinges, etc.).
For example, BAM has worked with reputable travel luggage brands to design their
combination locks for their cases.
Style
Many brands can make protective and durable cases, but very few can make them
as stylish as BAM.
What’s very unique about the BAM cases is that they come in collections, almost
like fashion lines.
Innovation
If we had to pick one word to describe BAM cases, it would be innovative. They’re
constantly coming out with new collections, new levels of protection, and new
accessories to go with their cases.
We love seeing a brand that is constantly pushing the limits when it comes to
protecting valuable instruments.
Intro To BAM Violin Cases
For this article, we will focus specifically on violin cases. If we wanted to create a
guide for all their instrument cases, we would probably have to write a book!
BAM violin cases come in all kinds of collections. However, we can divide these
collections into 2 main categories:
1. The standard BAM violin cases
2. The Hightech BAM violin cases
What’s The Difference Between The Standard And Hightech Violin
Cases?
1. Protection - Hightech cases are a lot more protective than the standard
cases.
2. Weight - Hightech cases weigh almost half as much as the standard cases.
Generally around 3.5 - 4.4 lb.
3. Weather-resistance - Hightech cases are a lot more water-resistant than the
standard cases.
4. Cost - Hightech cases also cost about twice as much as the standard cases.
The Different BAM Violin Case Shapes
BAM violin cases come in four different shapes: cabin, contoured, slim, and oblong.
The cabin and slim are only available for the Hightech cases.
These light and compact violin cases are designed for air travel. The cases
themselves are about 24” long. Which means they meet almost all of the airline
carry-on regulations.
However, they have no bow-holders, since the bow itself exceeds 24” long. A bow
tube is included (if purchased from Great Violin Cases). The bow tube can fit up to 2
bows.
2 Elastic bands are also included to secure the bow tube to the case. This way, if the
airline does not allow the bow tube as a carry-on because of its length, it can be
checked in.
After all, it’s a lot safer to put the bow under the plane, than the instrument itself.
The bow tube can also fit in standard check-in luggage.
These cases also feature 3-digit combination locks that are TSA-approved.
These shaped violin cases feature simple and compact shapes.
They all feature 2 bow-holders.
For the standard contoured cases, there’s a zippered shoulder rest pocket on the
outside of the case.
Quick Note: We have received comments that the zippered shoulder rest pocket is a
little tight. I can fit Kun style shoulder rests, but nothing larger.
The standard contoured cases also have zippered sheet music pouches on the
backside of the cases.
For the Hightech contoured cases, there’s a velcro strap for a shoulder rest to the
side of the neck of the instrument.
All BAM shaped cases have small removable accessory pouches, good for rosin and
cloth.
Also known as the BAM half-moon violin cases, these cases are a little more
spacious compared to the contoured cases.
They have 2 bow holders, and larger removable accessory pouches. You can fit
pens and pencils in these pouches.
They feature 3-digit combination locks.
The only downside of this case is that it doesn’t really have a space for shoulder
rest, as demonstrated on The Violinista’s Youtube video.
However, if you’re not one to use a shoulder rest, or you carry it somewhere else,
this is one of the most unique and stylish cases out there!
BAM Oblong Cases
The BAM oblong cases are the most spacious cases.
The Hightech oblong cases all have 4 bow holders. Whereas most of the standard
oblong cases have 2 bow holders.
Most of the oblong cases have removable accessory pouches as well.
The Hightech oblong violin cases have velcro straps under the neck of the
instruments for shoulder rests of any size, as demonstrated in this Youtube video.
The Hightech oblong cases do not have sheet music pouches. However, there are
certain ones “with pocket”, where you’ll see a zippered sheet music pouch on top of
the case.
Most of the standard oblong cases feature zippered sheet music pouches on the
backside of the cases.
Hightech
We’ve seen this word several times throughout this article. But it’s basically what is
used to make BAM’s hardshell violin cases.
The Hightech exterior shells are a combination of 3 high performance materials:
ABS, Airex foam, and another type of ABS).
BAM chose these materials as part of their mission to build light, protective, and
durable violin cases that are ALSO temperature-resistant!
Which is why they don’t make carbon fiber violin cases. Even though carbon fiber is
an extremely light, protective, and durable material.
Carbon fiber can heat up on a hot summer’s day.
For some of the BAM Hightech cases, they may say black carbon or silver carbon in
the title. But that’s just “the look”.
The case itself is still made of temperature-resistant Hightech shells.
Polycarbonate
This material has been a relatively new innovation among BAM.
You can find these polycarbonate cases in their Supreme L’opera violin cases and
Ice Supreme violin cases.
Why polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest plastics out there! It’s also used to make
shatterproof glass.
One especially great feature is how s cratch-resistant these cases are compared to
standard hardshell cases.
And because it's plastic, i t doesn’t absorb heat like metal. Making the cases more
temperature-resistant as well.
ABS Reinforcements
This is another common feature you will see within the standard BAM violin cases.
Because all standard cases feature high-density foam, that doesn’t necessarily
mean the exterior is hard.
So on most of their standard collections, the cases are reinforced with ABS. Which
makes the exterior of the cases more rigid and tough.
PVC fabric is not as rigid as ABS. You’ll find PVC fabric reinforcements with the BAM
Artisto violin cases.
This means the cases are not as rigid as the ABS reinforced cases.
But they’re also slightly lighter at 6.6 lb.
No Reinforcements
No BAM case description will list that the case is not reinforced!
But we think it’s important to mention, as we do sell online, and a case may look
more rigid than it actually is.
A case without reinforcements would just simply be a high-density foam case, such
as the BAM performance violin cases.
This allows the case to be incredibly light at 4.8 lb.
But you definitely would not want to sit on the case. Again, think of it as a
Tempur-pedic mattress.
Great suspension and temperature-resistant properties, but the rigidness is between
a gig bag and a hardshell case.
The name can get a little confusing, since almost all hardshell BAM violin cases are
made of the Hightech shells. But this collection is also called the Hightech
collection.
To make it easier, we’re calling these the original Hightech violin cases.
These are also some of our best-selling violin cases.
You can find the cabin cases within this collection if you’re a traveling musician.
BAM La Defense Hightech Violin Cases
Shapes: shaped, slim, oblong
Weight: 3.5 - 4.8 lbs.
Price: $626 - $886
The La Defense violin cases are some of the most beautiful violin cases you will
find. They feature elegant brushed-aluminum shells.
The straps are bright orange.
These cases make perfect gifts for professional violinists.
These cases have the most unique shapes out of all the Hightech cases.
They feature 100% polycarbonate shells along with 2nd generation locks that are
even more durable.
These cases are also more scratch-resistant than the original Hightech cases.
The Cosmic cases feature the same polycarbonate shells as the L’opera Supreme
cases.
Looking at the case is like looking into the depths of the galaxy! Hence the name,
Cosmic.
You can see the surface of the case in greater detail with this short video of the BAM
Cosmic violin case.
The most colorful violin cases out of all the BAM cases.
These are limited edition though, so they may be discontinued.
However, you can always double check with us by contacting us directly.
Similar to the 100% polycarbonate Supreme cases mentioned before.
The only difference is their Ice white exterior shells.
These cases are scratch-resistant too! Which is pretty rare for a white hardshell
violin case.
These violin cases can fit 4 bows.
There’s a compartment above the scroll of the instrument for shoulder rest and
accessories.
The Artisto cases are PVC reinforced cases. So they’re not going to be as rigid as the
Saint Germain cases, which are ABS reinforced.
Eastern-European inspired violin cases.
They feature beautiful embroidery along the exterior of the case.
The exterior fabric is also tougher than the original BAM classic cases. So they’re
more water-resistant and tear-resistant.
Classy-looking professional violin cases.
Exterior 1200 denier cordura fabric is water-resistant and tear-resistant.
There’s a leather pouch on the front sides of the violin cases for small accessories.
BAM Stylus Violin Cases
Shapes: oblong
Weight: 5.3 - 6.4 lbs.
Price: $292
Also one of the original BAM violin cases that have been around for decades.
These simple oblong cases feature 2 bow holders.
They’re ABS reinforced for extra protection.
They’ve got a front pocket for accessories along with a zippered compartment on
the backside for sheet music.
Budget
Probably the most important factor when it comes to choosing a violin case.
If we could get light, durable, and protective cases under $100, why not!
That’s because they’re just not that cheap to make.
Quality cases require quality material.
Set a budget that you are comfortable with.
Take into account the value of your violin. A lot of times, the value isn’t necessarily
equal to the appraised price.
A $1000 violin may not need a $600 case to protect it.
But if that same violin has been handed down for generations, and protecting it for
decades to come is important to you, the value of that violin is a lot higher than
$1000.
Your Lifestyle
Another thing to consider is your lifestyle as a musician.
Are you at a school where other students can easily scratch or ding your case?
Do you live in hot or cold climates?
Are you a traveling musician that has to worry about carry-on regulations? And
definitely do not want to check-in your instrument?
Or maybe you’re not a violinist, and you’re simply looking for a case to protect an
antique violin that will be sitting on a shelf somewhere?
And you want to make sure that the violin isn’t ruined by dangerous or humid
temperatures?
Your Style
Music is art. You’re an artist! Choose a case that fits your style.
Remember, it’s a case that you will be carrying with you for decades.
Choose one that you’ll be proud of carrying around!