Posted by js on February 15, 2002 at 17:09:01:
In Reply to: Case Repair (help) posted by Mark LeGault on February 15, 2002 at 14:26:20:
Go to your local music store and ask them to call D.E.G. Music, a wholesale (only) music outlet in Wisconsin.
D.E.G. will send your music store the L brackets, long/large-gauge "sheer" rivets (similar to pop rivets - but "sheer" rivets will hold better with wood), the wheels, and tuba/sousaphone case handles. Be sure that you have your music store specify the HINGED handles that install from the inside with BOLTS. This handle is fairly expensive, but will last a lifetime.
You also might be able to get the casters (wheels) at your local hardware store. Be sure and get HEAVY DUTY casters (at least 4" wheels and TOUGH) and non-swivel. The wheels should ABSOLUTELY be bolted on with nuts, bolts, and washers, and NOT just screwed on with wood screws. The bolt heads should be on the inside of the case with the threads going out. You will need to temporarily remove liner to do this.
You will also need to go to your local hardware, department, or auto parts store to purchase a pop rivet gun (sheer rivets look just like pop rivets and install with a pop rivet gun). These guns are under $20.
For really badly damaged parts of sousaphone cases (missing wood), I suggest using auto body repair materials: fiberglass cloth and Bondo (available at the above mentioned outlets). Temporarily remove the case liner and install these materials from the inside - according to instructions, and then smooth from the outside with more Bondo.
There are brand new wood super-duty "lifetime" cases (with wheels) that are called "BIG BRUTE". I've sold these to universities, etc., for somewhere between $500 - $600 (yep, they cost a good bit more than standard duty cases).
If considering new cases, don't get SKB plastic cases, unless you only need them to last a few years.
Have fun,
Joe
Mid-South Music
Memphis, TN