Size Matters: Epiphone Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

dg27

dg27

New member
I badly need to find a replacement for my '69 Gibson EB-1 case.

I found an Epiphone case that is actually made for the Epiphone Viola bass, which I thought was their version of the Gibson EB-1. But from the pictures I've seen, it appears to be their version of the Hofner. I think the Hofner is wider at the bottom.

https://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-Hard-Shell-Case-Viola/dp/B000LPSL00/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

Here's the Gibson in question...

1969 Gibson EB-1_4260.jpg

I'm not looking for a perfect fit--just something that will work reasonably well. The last of the buckles fell off the Gibson case and it's not worth repairing.

Anyone how these compare?
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

The Hofner has smaller machinehead buttons and a longer lower bout. Thus, the fit of an Epiphone Viola Bass case may be wrong for the Gibson at both ends.

I would obtain a generic rectangular case and cut the liner foam to fit the outline of the EB-1.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Thanks, Funk.

I was avoiding a shaped case in part because I think they are a PITA in terms of storage--the original Gibson case was always odd man out.

The Epiphone case is, in fact, rectangular, but the liner foam is contoured to the Epiphone. I tried a couple of my cases: the Mustang is too short and surprisingly my Fender (G&G) Jazz case is fine in terms of length and width, but actually not deep enough. The case does close but doesn't seem quite right.

Thanks for your reply--I'll have to do some looking around.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Re: Size Matters: Epiphine Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Check out keyboard cases, and perhaps even some gun cases. But most likely, keyboard.

You can buy foam rubber to fill the case, mark your outline, and then get a professional cut by using an electric bread knife.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphone Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Thanks, Crusty. I never would have thought of keyboard cases. These are great ideas. I looked at a few rectangular bass cases at Sam Ash today and took measurements; the only viable option was pretty cheesy.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphone Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Keyboard cases will give you heaps of options, not only of sizes, but also construction. There'll be hard cases of many types, soft gig-bag types, and the newer kinda 'half-and half' types, that are like a gig bag with styrofoam inserts ... 'rigid gig bags' ya might say. And there'd probably be plenty of second-hand ones floating around, as well as new (check keyboard shops for ideas).

If you use a soft gig bag, you can cut panels from thin wood to line the large sides, and then glue foam to those that fit the shape of the instrument. Basically a keyboard case will provide the outer shell and you can improvise whatever you can think up to create a suitable interior. I'm sure somewhere you'd have stores that specialise in selling foam rubber of many types and thicknesses, and who can also cut it for you to any shape you want. Such places can be very useful for these kind of projects.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphone Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Thanks again, Crusty. I did see some of those half and half types, which were like rigid gig bags. And there are indeed plenty of places that cut foam. Great ideas--thanks.
 
Re: Size Matters: Epiphone Viola bass versus Gibson EB-1

Crusty rocks! (to clarify, the nice fellow nicknamed Crusty does indeed rock, notwithstanding that there are rocks, stones, pebbles and other like objects that have crust upon them.)
His background in fixing autos should clue you in about cutting foam... try a car upholstery place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top