Have calton now want park&beach case

[Rick Schmidlin]

I want take my mando with me on walks,what is the best safe light weight case to use.

[Martin Jonas]

I suggest the Travellite case. It's light, it's sturdy, it's cheap and it's comfortable to carry on your back because of the backpack straps.

Martin

[AlanN]

Yep, an inexpensive, easy, quality case.

[Cary Fagan]

I had this same question and after deliberation between the Guardian GL lightweight case vs the Travelite (which more people have), I chose the Guardian because it's a bit thinner and has a good size pocket on the outside. My new mandolin came in a travelite and now I can compare them. Both are good, look similar, but there are differences.

Travelite is a bit thicker so it has more protection (But is isn't heavier-it might even be a bit lighter). It's better made all around (and the shoulder strap clasps are metal rather than plastic) and my mandolin fits in it more snugly so it doesn't shift. The metal clasp means that it has one extra layer of security in terms of accidental opening. It has a hygrometer and a slightly bigger interior pocket.

With the Guardian I need to put in a cloth beside the mando so it is snug. On the other hand, it's nice that it's a bit smaller (which makes it a little more comfortable on the back) and that pocket is really handy; I don't have to take another bag with me most of the time. The extra clasp on the travelite is not really needed (not like the zippers are going to magically unzip) and is a pain if you're taking the instrument in and out a lot.

In sum, I enjoy using the Guardian more because of size, the pocket, and the easier opening and closing. It feels safe enough; I take my mando on my bike. But the travelite does offer more protection and will probably last longer. Either one is really good; it's great not to have to take the car.

[AW Meyer]

Gator makes a good light case -- similar to the Travelite, lots of protection. Stew Mac also sells one that's pretty much the same. I have one of the Stew Mac cases and a friend has the Gator. They're almost identical, except the Gator has a handy mesh pocket on the outside. They're about the same price -- approx. $65 USD. With taxes (GST &PST), #currency exchange, and Canada Post handling fees, mine ended up costing about $100 CDN. Musician's Friend was selling the Travelite for $49 UDS, but they won't ship to Canada.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Gator makes a good light case -- similar to the Travelite, lots of protection. Stew Mac also sells one that's pretty much the same. I have one of the Stew Mac cases and a friend has the Gator. They're almost identical, except the Gator has a handy mesh pocket on the outside. They're about the same price -- approx. $65 USD. With taxes (GST &PST), currency exchange, and Canada Post handling fees, mine ended up costing about $100 CDN. Musician's Friend was selling the Travelite for $49 UDS, but they won't ship to Canada.
I will check and see was Rufus Music has, also Tommy Lee downtown.

On a off note Mr.Eh I playing on my front porch in Kits yesterday and met a interesting fiddler named Dan, who say he has been around here since 68 and spotted the mandolin as a Collings right away, seemed insturment and bluegrass savy. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[mandopete]

...what is the best safe light weight case to use.
I just put 'er in a shopping bag!

Paper or plastic?

BTW - I bought my first mandolin (an Epiphone) at Rufus.

[cwtwang]

I love everything about the Travelite except for the fact that it is black (I solved that with a case cover) and that the hardware is attached by screws that pull right out of the foam. Now my TL has no hardware save the front latch which is also starting to malfunction and the top and back shift. The zipper still works but I would not trust this case as checked luggage even with the custom Colorado case on it. Still, it is light to carry around festivals and such.

Other light cases I have tried don't give enough room at the end for the headstock. One good hit would most likely snap the neck/headstock.

I'm still looking for lightweight AND protective in a long-lasting case and have not found that yet. No hardware is going to be solid with its screws in foam. But I guess what can you expect for roughly $60? The Travelite is great for the money. I'd buy another one but I know the same thing will happen again over time and if the case suffers a really hard blow, the screws will just let loose.

Cheryl