Whilst on the subject of cases!

[rosincloud]

Dear Bouzoukists

I've run a search through the Cafe looking for a supplier of ABS Bouzouki or Octave Mandolin cases . . . but without success. I've been using a gig bag for 2 years now and it frightens the life out of me when I have to travel with it. My nerves gave out at 5 day folk workshop in the UK last week when I witnessed 2 instruments being potentially consigned to the scrapheap as a result of players using bags. (One losing his mandolin when forgetting to zip the bottom of the bag . . . and another bag letting in water when a tent flooded in a storm).

I have ABS cases for my violins and find they are light (almost) waterproof and VERY strong. I'd love one for my Octave M. but can I hell as like find one!

#I've tried dozens of suppliers worldwide but the best lightweights that are on offer at present seem to be PVC covered plywood . . . which I'm reluctant to use because of their flexibility. . . . any Ideas from you chaps?

#Regards, Rosincloud. (UK)

[Bob A]

Only zouk case I've seen is on the hobgoblin website. Plywood and vinyl.

[Jim M.]

My zouk fits quite nicely in a standard banjo case. I don't have an ABS case, but I know that Gator makes an ABS case for banjos:

http://www.gatorcases.com/sections/prdct/hp-01.htm

You might also want to ask finecases.com. I had a very good experience buying a case from him, and he occasionally posts to this board. And, if you're in the UK, you might give Trevor a call at The Acoustic Music Shop (see link on Cafe front page). He really seems to know his stuff. Other than that, your options are probably a custom case from Calton or Pegasus.

[rosincloud]

Thanks to Jim M. & Bob A. . . . I think that just about confirms what I thought. I found Hiscox make an ABS guitar case that might also be suitable for Zouk

Cheers, Rosincloud.