I've decided to build my own case for my Conn 8DS. I know I'm wasting my time, but I'd like to do it anyway. What I'm stuck on is how to do the interior padding. What sort of materials are used in instrument cases? And where might I find them?

For padding I go down to the Upholstery Fabric Store. There happens to be a large one in my area. But any good upholstery store regardless of size should have padding/foams. Then you can cut it exact to your needs with an electric knife, or bread knife. For smaller cuts use a tomato knife. The key is the serated blade.

I don't think you're wasting your time! This sounds like a really fun project. You might look into expanding foam for the interior padding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA7RocP92cQ

Valerie Wells
http://bebabe.wordpress.com/
http://www.beforhorn.blogspot.com/

I'm dying to know how your horn case is progressing. )

Valerie Wells
http://bebabe.wordpress.com/
http://www.beforhorn.blogspot.com/

When I'm done, I'll take some pictures and try to figure out how to upload them here somewhere. But it saddens me to say that the project is put on hold as I start college. After I become more accustomed to the title of "Freshman", I'll try to remember to get back to that ASAP.