Bob Stolkin
Mar-18-2009, 11:08am
Just got my Pegasus case. For those of you that have a Pegasus (or several), I'm preaching to the choir. But this may be helpful to those that haven't checked them out, and are curious.
I have to say, I'm pretty excited about this arrival (even though it is only a case). The Pegasus really seems to be an extraordinary design. It is lovely looking in person, even better than it looks in the pictures. It is one of those products where the designer (Sam Gifford) managed to perfectly marry the form with the functionality. Everything about it seems well thought out, from the shape, to the interior layout, to the hardware. While not exactly light (about like a Calton), it feels very nimble and well-balanced when picked up. The mando lays perfectly inside, with the headstock laying very lightly on a "ramp", something I'm surprised more case builders don't do.
I've been using a Calton for awhile, and I certainly don't want to knock it, as it is a very nice product. But in my opinion, the Pegasus seems superior in every way. Nicer shape, nicer hardware, feels better to carry, and protection appears to be possibly even better. One thing that's cool is that the shell arcs with the overall silhouette of the mando, so it can be narrower than the Calton, while still providing at least as much clearance around the instrument. There is a ton of space and cushioning around all parts of the instrument (particularly around the headstock), but somehow (due to the shape), it feels smaller and more wieldy.
I even love the latches, which are the spring loaded ones that just "retract" back from the shell. This is cool because there are six latches, but for use around the house I may only close a couple of them, and there's not a bunch of loose hardware flopping around by leaving some open.
As I said, it's just a case, so I don't want to get overly hyped about it, but sometimes a product just grabs you for its beauty and functionality. And, it is there to protect my beloved Altman, so it is kind of important.
Finally, Sam Gifford is a real pro. Very patient (I changed my mind a few times before settling on the Cream color/Navy interior), and a truly nice man. And, the current exchange rate (with the British Pound) puts these right in the ballpark with a Calton.
I have to say, I'm pretty excited about this arrival (even though it is only a case). The Pegasus really seems to be an extraordinary design. It is lovely looking in person, even better than it looks in the pictures. It is one of those products where the designer (Sam Gifford) managed to perfectly marry the form with the functionality. Everything about it seems well thought out, from the shape, to the interior layout, to the hardware. While not exactly light (about like a Calton), it feels very nimble and well-balanced when picked up. The mando lays perfectly inside, with the headstock laying very lightly on a "ramp", something I'm surprised more case builders don't do.
I've been using a Calton for awhile, and I certainly don't want to knock it, as it is a very nice product. But in my opinion, the Pegasus seems superior in every way. Nicer shape, nicer hardware, feels better to carry, and protection appears to be possibly even better. One thing that's cool is that the shell arcs with the overall silhouette of the mando, so it can be narrower than the Calton, while still providing at least as much clearance around the instrument. There is a ton of space and cushioning around all parts of the instrument (particularly around the headstock), but somehow (due to the shape), it feels smaller and more wieldy.
I even love the latches, which are the spring loaded ones that just "retract" back from the shell. This is cool because there are six latches, but for use around the house I may only close a couple of them, and there's not a bunch of loose hardware flopping around by leaving some open.
As I said, it's just a case, so I don't want to get overly hyped about it, but sometimes a product just grabs you for its beauty and functionality. And, it is there to protect my beloved Altman, so it is kind of important.
Finally, Sam Gifford is a real pro. Very patient (I changed my mind a few times before settling on the Cream color/Navy interior), and a truly nice man. And, the current exchange rate (with the British Pound) puts these right in the ballpark with a Calton.