One of the most common questions we get is: what are the differences between the Bam violin cases?
This is a great question, since Bam cases offer several different shapes, materials, and styles. Plus Bam is one of the most innovative brands out there. So some of their newest cases may have features that previous cases did not.
In this article, we'll go into detail about the Bam violin cases, and what makes them such a reputable and world-renowned brand.
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Almost all professional musicians in the world have heard of Bam. If you play in an orchestra, there’s a very good chance that several other musicians have a Bam case to protect their beloved instruments.
What’s more surprising is that Bam has only been around for about thirty years. This is quite short compared to other reputable brands out there. But for the past three decades, Bam has continuously proven its ability to make some of the best violin cases.
Headquartered in France, Bam delivers their cases worldwide. They come out with collections of cases, similar to fashion brands. Each collection has a unique style.
The biggest difference between the Bam cases would be between their standard cases, and Hightech cases.
The standard Bam violin cases feature canvas / fabric covers on the exterior hard foam shells. These violin cases are under $500.
The Bam Hightech cases are hardshell cases. Hightech is the tripleply material used to create the exterior shells. The 3 materials consist of ABS, Airex foam, and another type of protective ABS.
These 3 materials form a "sandwich" with the Airex foam between the ABS sheets. So you get the protection of the sturdy shells, but the insulation of the Airex foam core.
These Hightech cases all feature airtight seals. And they're all over $500.
Some of the newest Hightech cases from Bam are the Hightech Polycarbonate violin cases. Which is also a tripeply structure. But the most outer layer is polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest plastics out there! It's also used to make shatterproof glass. And they're usually more scratch-resistant as well.
The Bam polycarbonate cases include the Ice Supreme, L'opera Supreme, and Cosmic Supreme violin cases.
Bam cases come in four different shapes: cabin, contoured, slim, and oblong.
The Bam Cabin violin cases were designed for air travel. The Hightech cases themselves are about 24” long. Which means they meet most of the major airline carry-on regulations.
However, they have no bow-holders, since the bow itself exceeds 24” long. A bow tube is included. 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 cabin cases have 3-digit combination locks.
The Bam shaped violin cases are available for both the standard Bam collections and Hightech collections.
Bam Hightech shaped violin cases
These contoured cases feature a simple and compact shape. They have 2 bow-holders, and a velcro strap for shoulder rest along the interior side of the case. They also have small removable accessory pouches, good for rosin and cloth.
These cases are very popular, because they are light, protective, durable, and compact. And many violinists who prefer to keep their bows with their instrument would choose this contoured case over the cabin. Since most major airlines will allow this case as carry-on.
These cases feature key locks.
Bam Standard shaped violin cases
These cases are zippered cases. There's a small pocket on the outside of the case for a Kun style shoulder rest.
The removable accessories pouch is quite spacious. And it's under the instrument. The back of the case also features a zippered compartment for sheet music.
The Bam slim Hightech cases are also known as the half moon violin cases.
These cases are more spacious compared to the contoured cases. They have 2 bow holders, and larger removable accessory pouches.
There’s a slim space to the side of the neck of the violin for a shoulder rest. However, this space is quite compact, so it can only fit a Kun style shoulder rest.
These slim cases can fit 2 bows. And they feature 3-digit combination locks.
The Bam oblong violin cases are available for both the standard Bam collections and Hightech collections.
Bam Hightech oblong violin cases
These oblong cases have 4 bow holders. They have large removable accessory pouches, and a velcro strap under the neck of the violin for shoulder rests. They can fit larger shoulder rests, such as Bon Musica shoulder rests.
All Hightech oblong cases feature 3-digit combination locks.
Bam Standard oblong violin cases
These cases are zippered cases. They can fit anywhere from 2-4 bows, depending on the collection.
Some also feature removable accessory pouches. And most of them have a space above the scrolls of the instrument for shoulder rest. When the case is closed, the top of the case acts as the lid for that space.
Most of these oblong cases also feature zippered compartments for sheet music.
In this section, we'll be focusing on the standard Bam violin cases. If you're interested in a Hightech case, you can skip to the next section.
Even though we'll be focusing on violin cases, the features of each collection will be the same for Bam viola and cello cases.
For example, if a Panther violin case features a scratch-resistant rubber exterior layer. The Panther viola and cello cases will also feature the same rubber exterior layers.
And because Bam has an extensive collection of cases, we'll only be touching on a few aspects that makes each collection unique.
Watch this video about the differences between Bam Hightech Cases.
To choose a Bam case, the most important factor is your budget. If you have a budget of $500, then you may want to choose one of the standard Bam cases instead of the Hightech cases.
If you do have the budget, and the lightness of the violin case is a top priority for you, we're confident that you'll be happy with a Hightech case.
If you have a larger shoulder rest that you prefer to keep in your case, we definitely suggest one of the oblong cases.
Keep in mind, Hightech slim cases are more spacious than the Hightech contoured cases, but the slim cases actually do not have enough space for a shoulder rest.
If you're a traveling musician that flies budget airlines with strict carry-on regulations, then you may want to consider a Bam cabin violin case.
If you're mostly flying major airlines, then the contoured case will be a good travel case, since most airlines still accept this as carry-on, plus you can keep your bows in the case.
Choosing the right Bam case really depends on your personal needs.
And probably the most important, choose the style you want! We've helped many violinists find Bam violin cases that actually had nothing to do with their initial criteria, because they saw a case that just looked absolutely beautiful!
Remember, these cases are durable. You may be carrying one for decades. Here at Great Violin Cases we hand select only the highest quality cases so you can choose one that you'll be happy carrying around.