The subject of cello cases seems o be a hot topic at the moment and I've got a question for all you folks out there.

I've recently had my (18th century) 3/4 size cello returned to me from the person I loaned it to. Unfortunately the person I loaned it to managed to put a split in the case in a place where it cannot be repaired.

A company named Headcase used to make 3/4 size cases as a special order, but regrettably they no longer do so - the moulds they used broke and they've never made up any new ones. I've emailed them and am currently trying to twist their arm into making them again, but in the meantime I've had to resort to borrowing a styrofoam case, which is far from adequate given the value of the cello.

I had a spare one myself at one point, but ironically sold it to someone on the forum who was also wanting a case for a slightly more expensive 3/4 size cello. I've had a look on ebay and also Googled for small cases, but I've not found anything that fits the requirements.

Anyone out there got an unwanted 3/4 size hard shell cello case?

Believe it or not, I've literally just received an email from Headcase, saying they will make new moulds up from the masters so that 3/4 size cello cases can be made again.

I suppose it could be a question of when, but I'll keep the foum up-to-date on this, as I know there are a fair few people out there wanting similar cases.

This site has a lightweight hard 3/4 size cello case in their catalogue. Don't know if it's the sort of thing you're looking for or not.

Thanks for the mention of this case, but it's the same styrofoam (polystyrene) case I'm borrowing at the moment. The description calls it a 'hard' case. They are far from hard cases and the zip fastening is a bit Heath Robinson as well. Provides adequate protection for a school cello, but not long-term housing for a 240 year old instrument I'm afraid.

Bobelock do 3/4 size hard shell (plywood) cello cases.

I don't know whether this will help, but when my daughter was younger, Hiscox made a materiel surround to fit around her 3/4 size violin, so that it would fit snugly inside one of their full size cases. They may be able to provide you with something like that until your new 3/4 size case can be made.
Violinma

Regrettably no dealer in the UK, or even Europe.

At risk of sounding like I'm making a string of excuses, which I'm not, I can't really afford the expense of buying a full-size case and having it fitted out for a 3/4 instrument. I also know how heavy Hiscox cello cases are, even without an instrument inside!

Keep the ideas coming though folks!

You could buy one from a reputable US dealer that ships internationally. The dollar is fairly low at the moment so it might not be too expensive.

Bobelock, Eastman and Heritage also do fibreglass 3/4 size cases, again I think they are only available in the US.

The shipping costs are horrendous, not to mention the customs fees when it arrives in the UK. It would be cheaper to get one from Alan Stevenson in Norwich. He makes 4/4 cases and converts the interior for a 3/4 size cello. I was just trying to avoid having to have a full-size case when I'm sure someone in the UK or Europe must make small cases.