Keyboard Case - Building my own - Tips?

[John]

I'm getting ready to build a case for my K2500XS. On the last forum someone gave me a really nice link to a place that sales the materials. I no longer have that link. Anyone have any good tips or references to places where I can order some of the materials from?

Thanks, John.

[merijn]

Ask Standbuilder! :D

[Cary]

What kind of materials are you looking for? I might be able to help.
Definately gonna want to see pics when you're done.

[John]

Things like: The hinges, latches, corners, handels, some kind of trim to make a nice seal between the top & bottom, the "egg-carton" foam on the inside, etc.

There are stores that sell this stuff. Does anyone have a recomendation?

[John]

I was thinking about using 1/2 inch plywood. Comments?

[Shreddy]

Here is the problem with building a case out of that material, WEIGHT.

For an instrument that is heavy as a tank I wouldn't want to carry it around in a case that weighs the same amount or more hence doubling your load. If the instrument weighs more than 50 lbs and you want a case with good protection get a SKB, MTS or other plastic case. If your gigging and moving your instrument from home to practice to gigs there is no way that your going to want to have something that weights 100+ lbs. My Roland XV88 (51.5 lbs) in the SKB Model 5817W thinline case (32.5 lbs) with wheels weighs around 85 lbs and that’s a pain in the ass I couldn't imagine adding an additional 20lbs to that. The only reason that I can think of putting a board in a large wooden case is if your touring and the instrument is going to see lots of road time on tour trucks other wise spend the extra money and get yourself a plastic case with good protection.


Ed

np The Mars Volta

[Cary]

Weight is going to be a primary concern indeed. 1/2" plywood will weigh a ton. Plywood prices are still stupid-high too.
What is your budget?
For lightweight materials you may consider using abs sheet plastic and extruded aluminum angle with a rigid closed cell foam inside.
http://www.vikingcases.com/index.html These guys make ATA cases that are virtually indestructable and lightweight. Look in the construction section for design ideas. These things really hold up.

[agamemnon]

Just look at the REALLY overpriced SKB case and make sure yours has nothing in common with it. I have to of those turds and they are both falling apart rather badly, and I'm not using them that much.... :evil:

[Shreddy]

Mine SKB sticks a little in the one corner but its been a very solid case for me for over a year, it has to go up and down a flight of concrete stairs each time my board leaves the house for practice or shows. I had broken a latch on it and they sent me 2 latches and it was pretty easy to replace. The cases are expensive but I needed something when I bought my board and that was the case that they sold at Guitar Center.

Ed