View Full Version : Cases for F2's and F-4's
Does anyone know of an inexpensive case that is similar to the function, protection, and price of a Travelite case that will fit the "shorter" necks of the Gibson F-2's and F-4's?
I really like the Travelite and use it for my A-9, but it is made for the neck lengh of the F-5's and I need a case like it for the shorter neck F mando's.
Anyone?!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Jim Garber
Jun-26-2004, 5:21am
Am I missing something here? The necks on F4s and F2s are only slightly shorter and should fit fine in any case made for an F5. You may just have a little more room at the top.. I don't think it is more than 1 inch tho.
Jim
Yes Jim, I understand your question and confusion.
I have a Travelite case. It was made for the F-5 model. It will not take an F-4. Yes, the body of the F-4 will fit, but the peghead does not clear the place where the neck rests. As you probably know, the F-5's neck connects to the body on or near the 15th fret; the F-4 connects the body at the 12th fret. Therein lies the problem.
Jim Garber
Jun-26-2004, 9:23am
That must be peculiar to the Travelite. Some sort of neck support that gets in the way?
My F4 is in a std Canadian shaped hardshell. I would imagine that most hardshell F cases would work, like the TKL or superior. Perhaps a place like FQMS or Elderly could tell you for sure. I am not sure about the foam cases tho, but I would ask there also.
Jim
evanreilly
Jun-26-2004, 9:37am
I think Elderly is selling repros of 'Vintage' cases.
I have a rectangular case & it fits both F-5 & F-4 models very well. As a matter of fact, It fits the F-4 much better than the old original case, which lets the instrument rattle around too much. It holds it very snugly without movement. I got the case with a new Gibson F-5, but I am sure it is the 'generic' rectangular TKL case.
Jim Garber
Jun-26-2004, 9:45am
I think this is the vintage case (http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/GGVC-FMANDO.htm) that Evan is referring to.
Jim
sunburst
Jun-26-2004, 10:08am
That must be peculiar to the Travelite. Some sort of neck support that gets in the way?
Nope, not peculiar to travelite.
The question was about inexpensive cases, but I had to order a Calton case specifically for a customer's F2. The storage compartment/neck rest wont allow a short neck in a F5 Calton case.
Folks, thanks for the responses...I have the original case that fits fine for home storage, but I am looking for a good Travelite-like case for traveling and the like; to be able to carry with a strap over the shoulder and the mando will be stable and safe inside (as Travelite does). Any ideas?
evanreilly
Jun-27-2004, 7:52am
Maybe a case cover for the original case with D-rings for a strap? I use this combination on most instrument cases. Adds portability and storage space.
The vintage case does not offer the protection like a travlelite type case does, nor does it give me the function of easy traveling which is why I am looking for as I posted in starting this thread. Any ideas?
Duc Vu
Aug-02-2006, 8:30pm
Over the last 2 years, has there been any new info on this topic: Travelite (foam shell) type case for short necked F's?
Thanks.
djweiss
Aug-02-2006, 9:22pm
I've just purchased an Eastman case for my F4. It's similar to a Bobelock, and has plenty of storage, as well as backpack straps. Got it from The Mandolin Store...
DJW