Building a coffin case

[Matt Haugen]

I came across a beautiful, but useless piano. Well, not useless, I am going to salvage the wood for a coffin case for an old parlor I have. I know building this type of case is a pretty simple process, but was wondering if anyone knows of some plans floating around out there that I might use as reference. Any input is appreciated.

[FRANK]

I WOULD LOOK AT HOW CABINETS ARE ,ADE AND GO THAT ROUTE IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU MAY NEED TO BUY SOME ROUTER JIGS OR MAKE THEM YOUR SELF

[Rick Gentry]

Hello Matt.

A coffin case is simple cabinetry. You may join the corners with mitres or butt joints, depending on how much surface area you want to glue with. I assume all the joints will be upholstered, and in that case you may use countersunk screws in addition to the glue.

Start by tracing your guitar, head to toe. Go to the foam store and choose your thickness, and to the fabric store to choose your lining. add the thickness of the lining to the outline of the instrument. This dimension is the inside of the case. You may also want a thinner piece for the bottom and the lid of the case, which should also be covered in fabric.

There will be a little trial and error in gauging the interior height dimensions, but if you lay everything out on paper, 1:1, then it should all work out and you will have a beautiful custom made fitted case.

I would suggest getting a couple of books on basic upholstery, it isn't rocket science. You wrap the fabric around whatever you are going to wrap it around and secure it with spray adhesive or I have even used silicon and hot melt. The attachment part of this is all hidden so it needn't be pretty. If the pads you make are a little (1/8 - 1/4) too big in any dimension, it will still probably work, because you want things snug and professional. You may not want the fit as tight around the instrument though, so watch a little closer what you are doing there.

The outside dimensions are determined solely by the thickness of your plywood and whatever laminating material you choose. Case hardware is available from various sources, but Rockler may have old-timey looking brass hinges and leather grips, so your creation will patina well. You may want to rivet the hardware to the case before you upholster the inside.

Please post pictures of your progress. Good luck.

[Matt Haugen]

Thank you so much for all of the info. It is greatly appreciated. I will certainly add pictures along the way.
_Matt

[Tom Krebs]

I would get a close look at an old Martin case. You might even find the proper size case? Look at their joints and construction, and take it from there. Getting all the angled joints looking clean and symmetrical might be a challenge. Find a vintage guitar shop, and see if they'll let you take some photos and measurements. Good luck.