Every Day Case

[Jonathan Peck]

I'm seeking opinions/preferences for an everyday case for my mandolin. I'm leaning towards a Calton Deluxe, but I'm also considering the lightweight Colorodo soft case with shoulder straps. The Calton will cover all of my needs, but isn't as easy to lug around on foot on a daily basis.

All opinions welcomed

-jonathan

[Eric F.]

Travelite. It's light, it's protective, it's inexpensive. Plenty of people use them to haul some very pricey mandos.

[AlanN]

ditto to TL.

[Jerry Byers]

Another vote for the Travelite.

[Jonathan Peck]

Thanks...I just ordered the Travelite....(and the Calton). I'm definitely gonna have some splainin' to do

-jonathan

[tope]

You'll love the Travelite, I ship my mandos in them. Very lite and rugged, I truly believe that if my mando had to fall 3 feet from the tailgate of a pickup I'd rather have it in the TL than a highend hardshell .

[Rick Crenshaw]

I have a Travelite and like it, but I found a Modern Case Company case on the classifieds for $100. Best money I've spent on mandolin accessories so far. Best of both worlds. Far more durable than the Travelite. Easier on the shoulders and back than the Calton. WAY more storage. FWIW, I like the Calton's a lot. But my clumsy self does a lot of damage swing those cases around the house. I've put more'n one dent in the door casings with my guitar Calton and my mandolin Calton can be dangerous, too, just cause I'm so freewheeling with it.

[Eric F.]

The Modern's nice, but they aren't made anymore.

[jim simpson]

Would someone please create a Travelite like case without the zipper? It could have 2 or 3 buckles and even a snap or turnbuckled flap but no zipper.

[otterly2k]

If you're considering a soft case or gig bag, I'd heartily recommend the Boulder Alpine gig bag. Well-appointed with straps (including removeable backpack straps), hanging loops, pockets, and well padded... all zippers are covered. Very durable materials and solid seams and sewing. Choice of 3 colors. All that for about $30-35. IMHO, can't beat it in a gig bag. Not the same protection as a hardshell, of course.

[dochardee]

The Calton Deluxe isn't that big a deal to lug around, I was pleasantly surprised when I got mine just how light and compact it is for the degree of protection it provides. When I'm not playing, the mandolin goes in the Calton. That way I won't kick myself if an accident happens.

[B. T. Walker]

My recommendation is a Travelite. The only thing wrong with them is they are bulky, and they aren't that bulky, especially when compared to a guitar case.

Captain Crunch, there wouldn't be no 'splainin' needed if you'd stuck solely with the Travelite. So sorry.

[Kevin K]

Mike Hardee, I'm with you on your statement. My Calton deluxe is not that big a deal to carry around and just like my mandolin, I bought it to enjoy, so I might as well use it wherever I go. Like you said, you never know when an accident might happen.

[Doug Edwards]

Would someone please create a Travelite like case without the zipper? It could have 2 or 3 buckles and even a snap or turnbuckled flap but no zipper.
Zippers are such a love/hate feature. I think they are so much more secure as far as preventing the case from falling open, but then they are such a hassle getting the instrument in and out of the case.

[mangorockfish]

I really like my oblong Eastman. The closure of it is very secure, latch, zippers and snaps, but would like to get a Golden Gate Vintage or a fiberglass Eastman to take on the truck with me so it doesnt get so dirty.

[mandroid]

Ive used a waterproof backpack and the original 20s gibby A case for quite a few years.

My new [to me] Pegasus case works quite well on my back , even on my bicycle, its one strap overhead, across my left shoulder.
the curved back side of the case, against my back.
and the D ring on the bottom edge of the case ,
[stock Calton and Gator ABS, has both d's on top, seems reasonable for walking, with more stuff in your hands, though]
Peg's strap other end clips to one of the handle rings, so the strap goes across my chest, ala bike messenger bags.

If you drive everywhere that may not matter.

[Jonathan Peck]

I recieved the Travelite case from Elderly yesterday. Even had a little hygrometer in it, though I'm not sure how acurate it is. When I stuck my instrument in, I noticed that instead of the neck being centered, it was on an angle in relation to the side of the case. The top tuning knob (closest to the top of the headstock) was actually touching the side of the case on one side.

This is a shaped case so there's no adjustment. The sidewall of the case is some kind of rigid foam. This makes me a little weary because there will be contact with the headstock and the side of the case if the case is dropped. I haven't yet checked it with a different instrument , but I suspect the the results will be the same. Has anyone else noticed this?

[Tom Sanderson]

I use Calton cases with a Small Dog Case cover. It's the best of both worlds, my mando is very well protected, and the case cover saves the dents in the door frames etc. The case cover also keeps the case looking new, and it has a zipper pouch on it for storage. I've used this combo on my last 2 guitars and currently on 2 mandos. I think it's the perfect setup.

[Big Joe]

I love my Travelite, my Gator similar to is, my Caltons, and I just got a Pegasus. Great work Sam! I love that case. It is a good compromise between the weight and protection. It has quite a bit less weight than my Calton, and more protection than the Travelite. Besides, they are really cool!!! Especially the Tartan interior. I think Sam had to use one of his old Kilts to line it http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .