View Full Version : Travelite-like case for a Gibson F-4
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, an excellent case, 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. The peghead of the F-4 does not clear the resting place for the neck, as it does for the F-5's.
I had posted this question a few weeks ago in another area and got some comments but no suggustions for something like what I was looking for for me to check out.
To add to what I said above, I am looking for a case that functions like the Travelite, where a F-4 mandolin is very secure and well supported in the case when you carry it by a strap over your shoulder; for travel!
With all the smart and experienced mandolin lovers out there, I bet someone would know of a good suggestion or two. I am starting to get a little desperate http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif . Thanks!
John Flynn
Jul-06-2004, 9:58am
You can have Modern Case Company custom-make you a case. It runs less than $200 and it takes 5-8 weeks. For a nice F-4, it would be worth it.
http://www.moderncase.com/index.html
Fuzzyway
Jul-06-2004, 10:59am
A friend of mine had Modern make him a case for his standup bass which turned out great. I think it only cost him about $350, which for a bass is cheap.
Love my Modern mando case.
best, fuzzy
Thanks for your comments.
The Travelite case goes for around $60. I am looking for a Travelite-like case in that general price range. Any other notions?
I guess folks are vaction...:)
Can you just remodel the travelite by removing the lining and shortening the neck rest, and then regluing the lining? A lot of those use materials you could trim out with a box knife or a veneer saw. All you would need to remove would be the portion interfering with the peghead, and then you would have the case you need at an affordable price, with a few minutes of labor added in.
Rroyd, I like your out of the box thinking...I was looking for an easier way (buy another case to fit the F-4) so I did not consider deconstruction and reconstruction of the interior space mainly because the Travelite interior is so well constructed and solid.
After reading your post I looked more closely at the Travelite and I might be able to do it but it is going to take a lot more than a few minutes with how it is constructed. I will have to move the entire neck rest under the nut (and the storage box wall) back to the tail about 1 1/4" by cutting and reglueing the foam and trying to preserve the lining best I can. I will also have to reduce the height on either side of the nut rest by about 3/4' by cutting the foam to receive the peghead so that neck will lie in place okay. I will probably have to cut off part of the storage cover lead as well. I also probably have to fill-in with new foam and patch-in velvet where I can't reuse the original interior stuff.
So, if need be, and I can't find another similar case, I may go for it at the risk of ruining a good case. I am not Mr. Handyman http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif .
So, just in case, before the point of no return with the exacto knife, any other thoughts for a case that will take fit an F-4 with the same function and protection of a Travelite case?
Has anyone used the Stew-Mac case for an F-4? Is it a good one (good support where the instrument does not move around when you carry it by the shoulder strap)?
"So, just in case, before the point of no return with the exacto knife, any other thoughts for a case that will take fit an F-4 with the same function and protection of a Travelite case?
Has anyone used the Stew-Mac case for an F-4? Is it a good one (good support where the instrument does not move around when you carry it by the shoulder strap)? "
Just asking again before I cut-up a case....anyone used a stew-mac case?