 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Bryanwalker
Date: 2013-05-26 16:36
A few months ago I bought an old Covey all-wood oboe case for cheap. My plan is to restore the case and modify it to house my Howarth XL oboe. The case needs all new latches and possibly hinges. Does anyone know a good source for the french-style latches?
Also, since I am modifying the interior to fit my Howarth, which is a substantially larger oboe than a Covey, I had to remove the velour/velvet interior and re-mill the interior of the case. I am thinking of just visiting my local fabric store and buying a similar fabric. Is this a good plan or is there a particular type of fabric that is best suited for instrument cases?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-05-26 17:15
Good quality cotton velvet will be fine as that's what most companies use.
Are the latches completely useless or do they just look untidy? I don't know who makes or supplies oboe case latches, but contact any manufacturers to see if they can help you source them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bryanwalker
Date: 2013-05-26 22:46
The case was missing the locking mechanism on the right side latch, so new latches are definitely in order. I tried to email the Covey shop, but they are rather notorious for not responding.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-05-27 04:33
I turned a standard clarinet case into one that fits a full Boehm system. I used a material called panne velvet. It is like velvet but has a crushed appearance (I think at Joann's it is called crushed panne velvet). It is brilliant for covering case interiors because it has a degree of stretch, so it fits around dents and corners. Unlike some velvets, it also doesn't shed.
You may want to look into flannelette as well if you don't like the plushness of velvet. I use this to line the double reed cases I make, as it doesn't take up as much space as the nap of velvet. It is very easy to work with, and even adheres well with double-sided craft tape.
Rachel
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Author: Oboelips
Date: 2013-05-28 20:35
I've re-lined many a case--oboe, clarinet, double oboe/ehorn, double A & Bb clarinet, etc. The fabric that is used in cases as lining is a heavier gauge than what you get at the fabric store. It does have a somewhat stiffer backing. In the past, I have gotten fabric from the Gemeinhardt Flute company in South Bend, Indiana. No great color selection--what they could sell me was Royal Blue, but they sent quite a bit for a very reasonable price.
I do agree that a heavy Cotton Velvet (not rayon) would work (I did a 1924 Loree Case for a 1921 Loree, and it HAD to be Purple!). I use a good, heavy Cotton velvet that I ordered from a South Carolina Mill. Sadly, many of the USA Mills are now gone.
While upholstry velvet might be tempting, its backing is TOO stiff--I'd stay away from that--it's not going to be able to hold the "nuances of the shape". With Panne, it's not as heavy as it used to be, and you might get some glue bleed-through. If you find a good heavy panne, it may just do the job admirably. I glue with either contact cement or hot glue, the contact cement being preferred.
Latches? I've no idea..do a google search--purse/luggage/case suppliers?
If the outside of the case needs to be redone, you'll need a leather artist to make a nice job of it. Sometimes hard to find, but I married one!
Time & patience will make the end product worth the work you're putting into it. Good Luck!
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