BAM Conducts A Masterclass Training for Vermont Violins Staff
VERMONT VIOLINS NEWSROOM – The structural integrity and thermal boundaries of instrument protection took center stage at our South Burlington shop this week. Vermont Violins was pleased to engage in an exclusive, remote masterclass conducted by the Carole Boutry of BAM Cases, the world's premier authority on structural string instrument protection.
The custom, deep-dive training session provided our staff with advanced technical insight into polymer compounding, foam density physics, and preventative case maintenance.
By detailing the precise mechanical boundaries between BAM's various product lines, this training equips our retail staff with the definitive tools needed to guide touring professionals, educators, and students toward the ultimate preservation of their bowed instruments.
- Training Entity: BAM Cases (Originally 'Boîte à Musique')
- Key Presenters: Carole Boutry, BAM USA
From a Norman Garage to Global Supremacy: The Evolution of BAM
During the session, the BAM team unboxed the rich, 46-year history of the company. Founded in Normandy, France, in 1980 by Laurence and Philippe, BAM began as a visionary dream born in a garage.
Philippe, a skilled amateur guitarist who constructed his own fiberglass sailboats, realized that the high-tensile, waterproof composite resins he used to build marine hulls offered the perfect barrier framework to protect delicate stringed instruments.
While BAM spent its first decade perfecting custom fiberglass shells, the engineering team quickly pioneered a shift from variable fiberglass layers to Molded ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). ABS brought absolute dimensional uniformity across all production molds, eliminating the local thickness variations common in manual fiberglass layering.
BAM's historical milestone includes being the very first company in the music trade to introduce wheels onto a cello case (originally known as the historic Shuttle model)—an invention that permanently redefined travel ergonomics for cellists worldwide.
The Physics of High-Tech Architecture: The Three-Ply Sandwich
At the heart of the training was an architectural breakdown of BAM’s industry-defining High-Tech Technique. Our team examined physical cross-sections of the proprietary shell matrix, which functions as an organic protective sandwich:
The Exterior Outer Ply: A thin, streamlined sheet of premium ABS providing impact resistance, sleek aesthetics, and aerodynamic deflection.
The Core Insulation Layer: An injected foam layer made of a high-density expanded polymer (historically derived from aerospace-grade Airex foam). This serves as the primary thermal wall, slowing down external environmental shifts and deadening high-impact shock waves.
The Interior Foundation Layer: A thin, high-tensile backing sheet composed of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)—the same resilient polymer framework used in heavy-duty commercial bottles—which is layered directly beneath premium interior velvet.
This rigid three-ply composite architecture yields unmatched mechanical strength while significantly reducing case weight. Because the three layers are unified under intense heat and precise spray-glues, the BAM team emphasized a critical real-world maintenance rule: always keep your case completely closed and latched when your instrument is out. When left open under direct, extreme sunlight or seasonal heatwaves, the thermal boundaries can expand, causing the un-latched rim configurations to warp. Keeping the heavy-duty, overlapping H-shaped weather seal locked maintains the structural memory of the entire frame.
Mechanical Suspension and Injected Foam Cushioning
Beyond the shell, our staff received advanced training on BAM’s internal suspension mechanics. While generic economy cases utilize blocks of low-grade, hand-cut packing foam that crumble, tear, and degrade over a decade, BAM manufactures their instrument support cushions using custom-formulated Injected High-Resilience (HR) Polyurethane Foam.
This foam mimics the long-term ergonomic memory of premium automobile bucket seats:
Instant Structural Recovery: Under heavy thumb pressure, the foam compresses to absorb localized kinetic energy but instantly shifts back to its original geometric configuration without leaving permanent indentations.
Isolated Shock-Wave Mitigation: The injected block isolates the physical weight of the instrument, trapping external drop waves within the internal matrix rather than allowing the vibration to break through the violin's soundpost or pegbox.
The training clarified how BAM balances cost and labor across its global footprint. While the legendary High-Tech lines continue to be crafted inside their premier factory in France, lines like the vibrant Bonbon (built on the exact same high-tech three-ply geometry) achieve budget accessibility by utilizing high-volume ABS runs and leveraging advanced labor structures at BAM's state-of-the-art facility in Kosovo.
Meanwhile, BAM’s fabric-covered oblong cases are meticulously built in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring full structural foam inserts and massive, industrial-grade YKK zippers.
Pro-Tips for Field Maintenance: Dual-Zipper Placement Strategy
The training concluded with invaluable advice for string players regarding zipper care. BAM detailed the conscious engineering behind their colorful zipper tabs. Many players mistakenly wrap their dual zippers all the way to the far left or right corners of the case when hurrying from a rehearsal.
Our team learned that players should always lock both zipper sliders directly in the center front of the case. Over a decade of use, the internal jaws of a single zipper pull can expand slightly from vertical stress. If both sliders are brought to the middle, it ensures a dual-locking mechanism. Even in the rare event that one slider experiences tension fatigue, the independent opposite half remains securely locked in the center, preventing accidental frame opening or unexpected drops. Furthermore, center positioning provides an instant visual confirmation that the case is buttoned and ready for transport.
Unbox Elite Protection at Our Showrooms
As Vermont Violins prepares for upcoming retail expansions, and our massive new store launch in Lebanon, New Hampshire, our team is fully stocked with BAM’s complete array.
Whether you are seeking the sleek, blacked-out architecture of the Supreme Orchestra Contour, the bright unisex styles of the Bonbon, or want to preview the limited-edition Olympic-Tribute Blue, White, and Red Viola Case, our masterclass-trained staff is ready to fit your instrument. Stop by our South Burlington branch or browse our website today to experience the pinnacle of instrument safety.
SWEET LIKE CANDY. SERIOUS ABOUT PROTECTION.
If you have been searching for the best lightweight violin case that refuses to compromise on protection, meet the BAM Bonbon Hightech — the most exciting addition to BAM's acclaimed lineup in years, and one of the finest values we have encountered in our decades of curating cases for serious musicians.
SPECIFICATIONS:
INSIDE DIMENSIONS :
Total Length: 78,5 cm
Body Length: 37,6 cm
Upper bout: 19,8 cm
Lower bout: 22,7 cm
Thickness: 7,2 cm
OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS :
81x27x12,5 cm
Why We Recommend This Case
At Vermont Violins, we evaluate every case we carry with the same rigorous standard: would we trust it with our own instruments? The BAM Bonbon passes without hesitation. It is built on the same proven Hightech platform as some of BAM's most expensive cases — the same triple-ply shell construction, the same male/female airtight seal, the same precision-engineered latches — yet it arrives at nearly half the price point. That gap exists because BAM made two smart decisions: they shifted production from France to Croatia (keeping it entirely European-made) and secured advantageous bulk pricing on premium materials. The result is a case that gives you the engineering of a flagship at a student-accessible price.
The name "Bonbon" is a nod to the French macaron — the elegant two-toned confection whose playful coloured shells inspired this case's signature dual-colour exterior. It is a case that is as fun to look at as it is technically impressive.
Construction: BAM Hightech Triple-Ply Architecture
The outer shell is built using BAM's proprietary Hightech technique: a triple-ply laminate of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), injected solid polyurethane foam, and PETG. Here's why each layer matters:
Outer ABS layer — a rigid, impact-resistant thermoplastic that distributes force across the shell's surface, preventing localised damage from drops and impacts.
Injected polyurethane foam core — provides thermal insulation and energy absorption. This foam layer is responsible for the case's exceptional R-value, meaning it resists both heat transfer and temperature fluctuation — critical for instruments exposed to Vermont winters, scorching summer car interiors, or humid coastal environments.
Inner PETG layer — a lightweight, resilient polymer that maintains structural integrity and contributes to the case's ultralight total weight.
The valence (the band running around the case perimeter) features a deep male/female airtight seal — a tongue-and-groove closure system that prevents air from transferring in or out. This is not just a premium touch; it is functionally important. An airtight seal dramatically improves humidity stability inside the case, protecting your instrument's varnish, seams, and tonal response from the atmospheric swings that damage instruments over time.
Security & Carry
Two BAM latches with key locks secure the closure — a meaningful detail that prevents accidental openings during transit. The bi-material side handle provides comfortable one-handed carry, while two anti-slip neoprene backpack straps with security screw hooks allow hands-free transport without risk of the straps detaching under load. A subway handle offers a third carry option for crowded commutes. Anti-slip and anti-wear rubber patches on the bottom outer shell protect both the case and whatever surface it rests on.
Interior: Thoughtfully Appointed
Inside, the violin rests on injected foam suspension cushions that cradle the instrument without contact pressure on delicate arching or varnish. Two bow holders, a strap designed specifically for Kun-style shoulder rests, and a removable accessory pouch round out an interior designed for working musicians — not just display.
This case checks every box we care about: it is colorful and fun without sacrificing function, it is priced accessibly without cutting corners on construction, and it delivers environmental protection — humidity, temperature, and impact — that rivals cases at twice the cost. Whether you are navigating a New England winter or a cross-country flight, the BAM Bonbon Hightech Violin Case is a case we confidently recommend.
The Hightech expertise made in France
REFERENCE : 2002XL
WEIGHT : 1,6 kg
INSIDE DIMENSIONS : Total Length: 62 cm
Body Length: 38 cm
Upper bout: 17 cm
Lower bout: 22 cm
OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS : 79x25x18 cm
INSIDE FEATURES :
Suspension of the instrument on injected foam cushions
Inside removable accessory pouch
2 bow holders
Strap for a "Kun" style shoulder rest
OUTSIDE FEATURES :
Shells made of the Bam Hightech technique : a triple-ply structure made of high performance materials (ABS, Airex foam, another type of ABS)
Outstanding protection and ultralight weight
2 comfortable neoprene anti-slip backpack straps with security screw hooks
2 soft-touch latches with key
Very comfortable bi-material side handle
Subway handle
Male/female airtight seal
Anti-slip and anti-wear rubber patches on the bottom outer shell
BE ORIGINAL!
Calling all music enthusiasts! The all-new 2024 BAM cases have arrived, and they're hotter than a summer crescendo! Experience superior protection and sleek style delivered straight to your door. Don't miss out – these cases are a must-have for any musician who values both safety and sophistication.
People will no longer have to ask which case you have!
REFERENCE: GRAF2018XL
WEIGHT: 2.57 kg
INTERNAL DIMENSIONS:
Total length: 61 cm
Body length: 37cm
Width high: 17 cm
Bottom width: 21 cm
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
80x25x17 cm
Great same expertise now in a range of prices to fit every budget
REFERENCE : 1001S
WEIGHT : 5,5 kg
INSIDE DIMENSIONS : Total Length: 131 cm
Body Length: 84 cm
Upper bout: 36 cm
Lower bout: 46 cm
OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS : 133x50x30 cm
INSIDE FEATURES :
Total suspension of the instrument on injected foam cushions
2 bow holders
Scroll and neck straps
Elastic band to secure the endpin during travel
String pocket
Sheet music pocket attached inside
2 padded strips on the sides of the case, made of breathable fabric
OUTSIDE FEATURES :
8 soft-touch latches with key
Male/female airtight seal
Anti-shock textured ABS shells
Anti-slip and anti-wear rubber patches on the bottom outer shell
"Graffiti" logo
2 comfortable neoprene anti-slip backpack straps with security screw hooks
2 side handles
REFERENCE : 5301XL
INSIDE FEATURES :
Suspension of the instrument on injected foam cushions
Inside removable accessory pouch
4 bow holders
Strap for a "Kun" style shoulder rest
OUTSIDE FEATURES :
Shells made of the Bam Hightech technique : a triple-ply structure made of the highest performance materials.
Outstanding protection and ultralight weight
2 comfortable neoprene anti-slip backpack straps with security screw hooks
2 combination locks
Very comfortable bi-material side handle
Subway handle
Male/female airtight seal
Integrated back cushion/music pouch
*This article was released by Vermont Violins on June 24, 2026. For media inquiries, product information access, or scheduling availability regarding our imported instrument collections, contact us directly at info@vermontviolins.com* or text us at 802 648 6371