Just In Case

[Tim Twiss]

How do you transport your instrument to gigs? I remember Bob Winans having a case fit with foam to hold 2 instruments. What is the best case for a Boucher type banjo?

[Trapdoor2]

Jim Hartel provided a soft sided case with the Ashborn, which it fits nicely. I would prefer a hard case though. The Knowles fit perfectly into a classical guitar soft-case.

As I recall, Bob's case was a converted Strat case and just barely deep enough to take the two banjos. Rifle cases might do well, check with Gander Mountain or Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops.

[Tim Twiss]

I thinks Bob's was a bit bigger, more like something that would fit a "V" or a "Warlock" (for you Ex-Rockers out there)

[John Masciale]

I use a standard press board case for my Boucher (Sam Ash - ~$40). I've never really had a problem, other than I would love it to be more waterproof.

My gourd banjo is a bigger problem. I presently use a soft sided guitar gig bag. I've toyed with the idea of making a custom case, but figuring out the materials is sort of an issue. I built the gourd banjo, and it is possible that the case will end up costing me more than the banjo did.

[Brian Welch]

My next project after I finish my Boucher-style banjo (hopefully over Thanksgiving break!) is to make a case for it, maybe something like this one or this one from the Banjo Factory.

The Banjo Factory has two styles of cases available at the bottom of this page:
http://www.banjofactory.com/books__accessories.htm

[Zeke D]

i actually made a custom case out of poplar to fit my Boucher banjo. i added alittle bit of foam and then covered it w/ a period cloth. i almosted finished and will post pictures when 100% done.

[Ron Carnegie]

My Stichter was a real difficulty, being so exceeding long! I carry mine in an electric bass case made by Coffin, and in fact shaped like a coffin! It isnt really deep enough though.

Ron

[Tim Twiss]

Anybody using regular hard shell banjo cases with a little modification, like removing the compartment to fit the 5th peg?

[Ron Carnegie]

I did that with my first minstrel banjo. Well it was a fibreboard case, but I just altered the little box inside.

[Jim Dalton]

For my Boucher style (and my other 19th c. banjos), I use one of several gig bags meant for electric guitars (much better use, don't you think?

Which one I used depends on what else I'm carrying to the gig. I don't fly with instruments anymore -- don't get me started with that! When we don't want to drive to a gig, we take trains and in that case, I'll put several instruments in a trunk separated by foam and blankets.

I've been considering alternatives lately, so I'm quite interested in what you all have to say.

[Tim Twiss]

I had a nice period coffin case, but it went with the Sweeney I sold. It was nice, but mostly went unnoticed at gigs and the esthetics gained were not worth the tradeoff of limited protection. With the Boucher I have now, I am looking only for solid protection. Gig bags are okay, but always pressure the pegs too much. I think I will be okay with a slight retrofit on a HSC, possibly removing the center compartment and modifying it for neck support would be good. I suppose it will need a slight bit of foam or something to reduce rim gap.

[John Masciale]

I'm presently designing a case for my gourd. I've given up on looking for commercial cases. I've a design in mind. I'm planning on using 1/4" plywood. There will be some framing and foam inside. I'll use some thin aluminium angles on the outside of the case, with ball corners. I'm still working out the details, but I'll keep you posted.

[Tim Twiss]

I think I found a good solution. As a retailer, I made pretty good search for cases, as quality gig bags have been a problem in my business. I found a source, and had them send their banjo bag with my other order. It is a perfect fit for a typical Boucher, and offers good protection for light travel (non-airline). It has a stiff support, where most gig bags are too soft and lack protection.
I will post some pictures later. The brand name is ACCESS.