View Full Version : cases for flat top mandolins
hi, i have a very nice custom coffin case, but it is very heavy. i have a hardshell case for my kentucky 150s, and was wondering if there was a travelite, supercase, or even hardshell but lighter option for my mandolin. it is an induced arch (kindof like a flat top plus), and would prob fit it a flattop case if such a thing exists. i want protection, but would love something lighter for transport.
thanks for any info you could offer.
ira
ps= sped teacher salary- can't afford too much!
hey folks- does a product like this not exist? i know that there are plenty of flattop mando users out there, what do you use??? only gigbags?
John Flynn
Jun-24-2004, 7:47am
I got a Rogue A case from Musician's Friend, I think for about $23, for my Parsons flat top. It is very well made. It is a little large, but I added some padding and now it works very well. I also got a triple tennis racquet case for about $35 that fits the Rogue case like a glove that I have adapted as a case cover.
racuda
Jun-24-2004, 7:48am
What about this?http://www.stewmac.com/catalog/images_1sm/4836_1sm.jpg
StewMac (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Accessories/Cases/Mandolin_LiteCase.html)
Mid-Missouri makes a fine HSC for their mandolins ,if they will fit. Call or email them.
Jeff_Stallard
Jun-24-2004, 7:52am
How heavy is too heavy? How much are you willing to spend? I build cases, and there's another guy on here who does laquered fabric cases (pretty neat looking).
Also, you could take a featherlite case and replace the interior with foam cut to the shape of your ax.
Jeff_Stallard
Jun-24-2004, 7:53am
You could probably use an arched-top case with minor modifications (if any).
Martin Jonas
Jun-24-2004, 8:12am
One problem is that there seems to be a lot more variation in the shape and dimensions of flattops than in arched-tops. For what it's worth, I use this (http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/mandolins.html) cheapo Chinese case (HSC1020) intended for an A-style for my vintage German Majestic flattop. I had to redistribute some of the padding, but it's a decent fit and works fine. However, many "Celtic"-style flattop mandolins seem to have longer necks and wider bodies than mine, and I don't know whether they would fit. The Majestic does not fit in the Travellite case my mother bought for her Kentucky KM-380s.
Martin
Jim Garber
Jun-24-2004, 12:31pm
Is these a strangely shaped flattop? I would think most flattops would have the same A style contour.
I haven't seen these (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040624122034024044106177578705/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/540613/) in person but the price is right and free shipping. Seems like a nice lightweight case.
Otherwise they also have these (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040624122034024044106177578705/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/544411/) and also free shipping.
Jim
Steve L
Jun-24-2004, 4:47pm
What responses have you gotten from the staff when you've brought your mandolin to the music store and asked to see cases for it? They don't have anything in stock that fits?
thanks everyone for response.
i only have one store (approx 45min-1hr away) with any real mando choice and haven't gotten there. i think at 30 bucks, and a return policy, i'll go ahead and order the featherweight case, but looks awful big for my little axe. does it need to be extra snug in the case (sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, i really don't know)? if so, can any inept with their hands type (me) alter it by adding materials? if so, what kind and how?
Jim Garber
Jun-25-2004, 10:34am
ira:
I am going crazy with curiosity. What is this little mandolin you have? Is it a customn instrument? More info... please.
In any case (no pun intended) if it is too small just find some scarf or twoeling or cloth to pad it. Ideally it should not rattle around too much in the case. Your only other alternative is to have a custom case made. The reasonable ones would be from Modern Case Company. Those run about $150 or so.
You think you have problems. I have beemn trying to find decent inexpensive cases for my bowlbacks. Good luck on that.
Jim
jgarber- check it out: http://www.kennaquhair.com/sn174/
Jim Garber
Jun-25-2004, 2:57pm
So, does this little oddball mandolin fit in your Kentucky case? I am assuming not. if not then you may have a problem. If so then you don't. I also assum that the coffin case was made by the maker.
This is a problem with custom instruments that do not conform to the norm. Tho I have seen some strange loooking intruments that would still BION fit into std cases.
Jim
Mike Crocker
Jun-25-2004, 7:18pm
I've been using a Gator F style case, hard foam lined, plastic shell, for my flattop A style Moon. A very nice fit, and the strap rolls up in the scroll area. Before that I used a Travelite case which also fit well.
Peace, Mooh.
you know jgarber, i feel like an idiot, as i have not even tried my beautiful finely shaped, unique instrument (i am an oddball but she certainly is not) in the kentucky case.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!
i am going to hit myself in the head, try it and get back to you.