Eastman fibreglass bowlback cases [Archive]

Martin Jonas

Sep-17-2004, 7:20am

I don't know if everybody in this forum follows the General forum as well. If not, you might be interested to know that in the Kiyomi (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=18238;st=25) thread it has now been confirmed by the company's mandolin specialist that Eastman Cases (http://www.eastmancasecompany.com/) do make a fibreglass bowlback case. However, it's only available in Asia and not imported to the US or Europe. Gordon from Eastman has asked for people to express their interest in these cases, to assess whether it might be worthwhile for them to make them available. From what I've seen of the A- and F-style cases (and the bowlback case in the video), they do seem to look very nice and sturdy. It's a shame I've already bought the Hobgoblin case, but I might still be in the market for one of these.

Martin

Jim Garber

Sep-17-2004, 7:41am

Here's what he says:

Gordon from Eastman here. We don't import this particular case into the US because we feel that the demand would not make it worth our while. Do you guys think there is enough demand for us to think about bringing some over here?
Where are all you bowlback owners?
G.

--------------
Gordon
(guitar and mandolin specialist for Eastman Strings - Eastman Mandolins and guitars)

I wrote him to see if we could do a group order. Ideally I would like to see one in person but i imagine that the price is reasonable and there are pics of the flatback cases here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=8;t=17618;hl=eastman).

Jim

stevenmando

Oct-03-2004, 10:46am

Hi I woould love to get a bowlback case that is made of fiberglass and especilly from Eastman case company there is not enough bowlback stuff in the U.S.A and I think it would make a good market here , Im one that wants to promote the bowlback here in the U.S.A

Bob A

Oct-03-2004, 11:25am

My hobgoblin order is lost in the Zone; apparently tied up in customs. I'd love to get 4-5 eastman cases immediately or sooner, but have had not heard anything about current availability. (BTW, I live about 20 miles from Eastmangordon's office. Hint, hint).

If I do end up with some cases, I'll post extensive report about how various makes of bowlbacks fit into them.

EastmanGordon

Oct-04-2004, 10:07am

vkioulaphides

Nov-02-2004, 11:34am

Before this thread falls off the deep end, as it were, I would like to remind you, Gordon, (or others informed in matters Eastman-case-related) to kindly report upon first sighting. Thank you all.

Bob A

Nov-02-2004, 11:50am

I've sent Gordon about 3 emails over the last 3 weeks, with no response. I will continue to nag - in fact I'll send one now.

Jim Garber

Nov-02-2004, 12:24pm

I think Gordon was threatening to set up a table at CMSA so I will seek him out there if no one hears before.

Jim

PlayerOf8

Nov-03-2004, 6:45am

I'd love to have a couple of these cases, but my fear is that they will end up like our hunt for Lenzner Strings, and we'll just be frustrated with the wait.
I have an order with Steven for an F style case which may or may not be here for the holidays. I think Eastman is a little overwhelmed with their success of their instruments so bowlback cases here is the States may be just a dream.

George

Jim Garber

Jan-24-2005, 10:34am

I don't want to promise anything until I actually have some cases in hand and I don't want to overpromise on anything until I have concrete proof that this can be done. I haven't heard back from the workshop yet about availablility or delivery schedules but I will keep you all informed and as soon as I know something I'll pass along the info. Remember what Rabbit said in Winnie the Pooh... "It always takes longer than you'd think".
Feel free to keep bugging me though it helps to keep things current in the old grey matter. Like my wife says,"All good things come to those that nag...".
Gordon
I sent a few emails on this topic also to Gordon and haven't heard a thing. A friend works in a violin shop and has spoken to her Eastman rep. maybe she can get an answer.

Gordon, if you are "listening": let us know one way or the other. Don't let us hang here waiting. I am in need of a decent case for my highend instrument and would just like to know if there is a possibility or if there is none at all.

Jim

Bob A

Jan-24-2005, 5:27pm

I've been emailing Gordon about once a week when I think of it. Haven't heard back from him in a month or more, and his email address bounced on the last one. Perhaps he's fled the country.

I'm still in the market for several of these things. My $90 Korean cases are better than the canvas bags a few of my instruments still reside in, but they will require some modifications to be entirely suitable.

I live about 30 miles down the road from Clarksburg, where Eastman's offices are located. If I thought it would bear fruit I'd blow a day driving out there, but so much of my time is by definition spent on fool's errands that I'm hard pressed to fit another into my schedule.

berkeleymando

Jan-25-2005, 6:25pm

It seems like the market is there, biting, chomping for the desired product. Can the corporate world deal?

John Bertotti

Jan-26-2005, 1:13am

If this falls through there is also the man from South America that Eugene got his (mandolino?) from. I saw the case and it seemed nice to me. of course it is the only bowlback case besides RSW's I've seen. How about it Eugene, will he build cases only? John

Jim Garber

Feb-06-2006, 8:03pm

Looks like this thread was last posted to over 1 year ago...

Good things happen to those of us who are patient. I am happy to announce that thanks to the perseverance of Eastman Gordon, there are now Eastman bowlback cases now in the US. In fact I have one right now and it is a beauty.

Here are a few pics of the version in white. Very sturdy case with four string latches for closure and hardware for attaching the supplied strap.

The inside is more than adequately padded. It is made for the more standard bowlbacks. My 1920s Calace fits in perfectly.

weight: 6.25 lbs. (2.835 kg) and it has a nice sturdy leather handle.

I have only a few gripes. One is that the case cover doesn't stay open-- you have to keep your hand there to keep it open. Maybe a little longer cloth tape might work to keep it open slightly wider so it doesn't close on your instrument as you are taking it out of the case.

It does have a rather strong glue smell but I would think/hope that it would dissipate with time. It doesn't have incredible amounts of storage or a compartment for picks, etc.

And -- this is not Eastman's fault -- my Pandini does not quite fit. I realize that the Pandinis have somewhat deeper bowls than even the Calace mandolins. I can fit the Pandini in the case but I need to force the top gently down in order to close the case completely. There are two soft pads that are on the lid and I can possibly remove them or cut them down and reglue them to fit the Pandini.

I have been in touch with Steve of Gianna Violins (steve@giannaviolins.com) who told me today that he has some on order.

Jim

Jim Garber

Feb-06-2006, 8:05pm

Here is another shot.

Jim

Jim Garber

Feb-06-2006, 8:07pm

Here is my Calace in the case.

Jim

Bob A

Feb-07-2006, 9:27am

Whoa! Just what we needed!

This is great news for the Order of the Bowl. Brethren and Sistern, form a line!

John Bertotti

Feb-07-2006, 10:24am

Ah but is the cost over the top? How will a smaller bowlback fit, like my Vega? John

Jim Garber

Feb-07-2006, 10:36am

The cost is $180. The last time I checked with Kingham, a custom case would cost me over $400. Considering the paucity of decent hardshell cases, it is a relative bargain.

Jim

John Bertotti

Feb-07-2006, 11:21am

My square one from Rob was 250 so 180 sounds good.

Jonathan Rudie

Feb-07-2006, 11:36am

Great news Jim! #I honestly awoke this morning thinking about my need for more decent bowlback cases. #Thanks again for the good news.

Jim Garber

Feb-07-2006, 11:51am

Jonathan:
Steve Perry is pretty active on the Cafe and I have spoken to him at length when looking for a violin for my daughter. His webb site is Gianna Violins (http://www.giannaviolins.com) and he is an active dealer in Eastman violins and mandolins.

Phone toll free: 866-884-6546

Jim

Linda Binder

Feb-07-2006, 2:28pm

The cases look great. Thanks Jim for the email "heads up" about this news being posted on MCafe. I nearly missed it. As long as a Pandini headstock fits I think I'll contact Steve Perry and order one. I know I'll have to trim down the pads...that's all the adjustment that's necessary?
--Linda

Jim Garber

Feb-08-2006, 4:18pm

The cost is $180. The last time I checked with Kingham, a custom case would cost me over $400. Considering the paucity of decent hardshell cases, it is a relative bargain.

Jim
I should have said that the list price is $180. Steve Perry has them listed in the classified for $162. A good deal! Check it out here (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=17453&query=retrieval)

Jim

charliede

Feb-12-2006, 2:28pm

I received my case from Steve yesterday. It is very very nice. Black was all he had left so I took black. Shipping was very fast. The case includes a strap. Could'nt ask for more.

Jim Garber

Feb-12-2006, 3:36pm

I received my case from Steve yesterday. It is very very nice. Black was all he had left so I took black. Shipping was very fast. The case includes a strap. Could'nt ask for more.
Charlie:
What bowlback was your case intended?

Sounds like Steve has been cleaned out of his supply already. I have a feeling there are a few more of us here who could use one or two of these.

Jim

charliede

Feb-13-2006, 12:19am

It's a "Sistema de Meglio". The one discussed on or close to page 75 of the "bowlbacks of note" thread.

EastmanGordon

Feb-13-2006, 7:12am

Great to hear that you are all enjoying the cases so much. We sent out a new shipment of cases to Steve middle of last week so he should be flush again soon (perhaps already).

Here's something for you all to ponder now that the long wait for the cases is over. The Eastman bowlback mandolin is in production and we could see one in the states in the not too distant future. It was developed for the Japanese market so I have no idea about specs, style or any of that stuff however I did talk to our Japanese rep at the NAMM Show and he assured me that they were really good.

By the way, you have to thank Jim for all this, if he hadn't kept on nagging me none of this would ever have come to pass.
Thanks Jim!

Jim Garber

Feb-13-2006, 7:49am

Yes, I am the ultimate nagger, but thanks to Gordon, it actually happened. And I am aware of the difficulties in dealing with the far east.

I am looking fwd to hearing of the bowlback when that arrives.

Jim

charliede

Feb-13-2006, 11:23am

First a two point and now a bowlback, not to mention the cases, wow, Eastman is really stepping out! #I think that they deserve some kind of award.

I can't wait to see the Eastman bowlback, #I suspect it will resemble a Calace since they seem to be hot in Japan. While listening to an Italian mandolin company audio of thier mandolins, it occurred to me that the bowlback sounds very simular to the traditional Japaneese instrument. I believe it's called a sitar, and that traditionaloriental music would sound really good on a mandolin.

Jim Garber

Feb-13-2006, 12:36pm

Actually, I think you are possibly referring to a shamisen. I heard a concert of shamisen music some years ago and it had some resemblance to mandolin and some to traditional American banjo.

Actually, the classical mandolin in Japan started way back in the early part of the 20th century and has had a fairly strong following since. Raffaele Calace visited there as well as some of the American players back around 1905.

Jim

Jonathan Rudie

Feb-14-2006, 11:13am

My Eastman bowlback case arrived yesterday and I am overall pleased with the case and give it a thumbs up. #Thanks Jim for your persistence in nagging Eastman! #A job well done. #I obtained the case from the Appalachian Bluegrass shop in Baltimore (Catonsville, Maryland.) They are an Eastman Dealer. #I went for the white model, like Jim's above photos. I thought this color would be good for reflecting the sun and heat for outdoor summertime gigs. #The hardware is nice and the finish of the case almost looks as shinney as the clear coat finish of the paint on a new car. #The case comes with a nicely designed #strap. My other bowlback cases are Harptone cases (which sadly are no longer manufactured since TKL took over Harptone). # I took the Eastman case to a rehearsal last night and #friends thought it looked very "hip" and "very modern". #I guess that was part of Eastman's marketing design purpose for getting the younger folks in Japan interested. #The #Eastman case is definitely not as sturdy as my other the hardshell Harptone cases and does not afford as much protection as the Harptone cases. # If I had the ear of Eastman, it would be nice if the balance of the Eastman case was better designed. ( i.e. when the case is open it tends to tip over unless the mandolin is inside the case. #(I think Alex Timmerman & Jim Gaber may have mentioned this issue before) #It would be also be nice if the fiberglass outside shell could be sturdier and the overall padding beefed up. #The hardshell Harptone cases afford more protection. #For example, I once had a
a niece and nephew running around my home, who unexpectedly found their way into my music room and used the Harptone cases (with vintage bowlback mandolins inside) as seats. #The Harptone case is that sturdy, and no damage was done. #If someone (even a small child) sat on the fiberglass Eastman bowlback case, I think any mandolin inside the case would be in serious trouble. #Nonetheless, it is great to #have this Eastman case on the market and I am happy to have one. The Eastman case fits my 1920 Calace, which has a fairly large and deep bowl, like a glove.#Perhaps TKL will realize the market may be improving and reissue the Harptone model again or if the bowlback market heats up in the USA with the Eastman bowlback coming around the corner, Eastman will make an even better bowlback case down the road. Time will tell.

Jim Garber

Feb-14-2006, 12:10pm

Jonathan:
I agree with your assessment of the case. I am not sure tho that it is as un-strudy as you say. I tried to flex the top of mine and it does move somewhat, tho I think the fiberglass is pretty sturdy. OTOH I would not want to try the toddler test on my Calace either.

I have two Harptones that are indeed sturdier. I spoke to folks at TKL to first see if they had any Harptones lying around in their warehouses (nah!) and whether they would revive the line (nah!). They referred me to their custom shop (Cedar Creek, I think) and they said they would not be interested.

I even spoke to Calton and a few other case makers. So far, Eastman is the only one to come thru.

I can be a nag on many fronts...

Jim

Jonathan Rudie

Feb-14-2006, 12:12pm

Jim,

I found that at least my Eastman case could fairly easily be flexed with the top open, #by placing pressure on the side of the bowlback case. #But trust me Jim, I am not complaining and am very happy to have the case and intend to order more. I was just comparing the case to the Harptone for the benefit of others. #I for one appreciate your efforts on this front! #The sales people at the Appalacian Bluegrass shared with me that the Eastman represetative warned them that the Eastman cases are not suitable for airplane luggage bagage checking (i never would anyway). #I guess we are lucky to play instruments that can be carried aboard.

JR

Jim Garber

Feb-14-2006, 12:48pm

Gordon asured me that he appreciates any of our comments and will relay them to the powers that be, to improve the product. bear in mind that that might have to be translated into Chinese. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

Martin Jonas

Feb-14-2006, 12:54pm

vkioulaphides

Feb-14-2006, 1:08pm

You guys are freaking me out... anyone gets near any of my mandolins, and Meek, Little, Old Me turns into a charging rhinoceros— just ask my wife and daughter! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif The only thing I would expect from a case is protection from the minor, occasional bumps getting on the plane (CABIN!), ditto on buses and subway trains, etc.

I have no case-less bowlbacks so, for once, I will abstain; even my de Meglio, eventually to be my ex-, has its antiquated, boxy, (original?) case; housing it in a nifty, state-of-the-art Eastman will be up to its future owner, whoever s/he might be.

Jim Garber

Feb-14-2006, 1:14pm

Not having seen the Eastman case, I don't know how they compare, but I would be perfectly happy having a toddler sit on my Korean (Stentor/Hobgoblin/Lark) cases with Embergher inside. Wouldn't check them in luggage, though (fine as hand luggage).

Martin
Yikes, Martin. Maybe those English toddlers are more docile than the American variety, but not only do they sit but they like to throw as well. Please, leave that Embergher with me for safe keeping in our toddler-less environment. I will take good care of it.

Jim

Bob A

Feb-14-2006, 1:24pm

Well, my first attempt to score an Eastman case missed the boat, but I will be getting a white and a red with the next shipment, I hope.

Regarding stringth, remember that an egg is very sturdy if the shell is not comnpromised. I'm thinking that a sealed latched case might well provide serious pro, so long as the design is such that stresses are passed thru the edge seal.

A hefty 2-year-old has sat on my cheap Korean cases with no problems, and even stood on one briefly, blown off the case by the sheer decibel pressure of my gentle request. Mandolin , case and toddler all survived.

No way would I ever let an airline toss a mandolin into a cargo hold. Even in a Calton case, there are many opportunities for disaster, and you'll never ever get any settlement that would reflect the true value of the instrument out of an airline. To say nothing of the hassle of finding a replacement for a nice old Embergher, for example. If you're not a professional, your homeowner's insurance might cover it, but who needs the hassle? Check your underwear, carry your mandolin.

vkioulaphides

Feb-14-2006, 1:39pm

*whew!* THAT's more like it...

Yes, the cargo hold is NO place for an instrument, ANY instrument, partly because it gets so terribly COLD in there. I remember from my many trips to Italy, with bass (in a rigid trunk, of course): the instrument had to be tuned waaaaaaaaay down (as it would go waaaaaaaaay sharp with the cold), and still the night in the cabin was always guaranteed to be a sleepless one. Sometimes, the soundpost(s) would fall; bridges would consequently start to bear heavily upon the basses' bellies... Upon arrival, the poor instrument(s) of the entire bass-section needed DAYS to adjust to the heat of Italian summers.

So, if you can avoid it, do; the overhead compartment is juuuuuuuust right for the nifty, portable mandolin. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Bob A

Feb-15-2006, 10:02am

Recently bought a viola for the granddaughter; it came all the way from Winnipeg, and took about 2 weeks. The seller indicated he'd shipped literally hundreds of instruments with no problem. He insisited on detuning and removing the bridge for shipment - warned that the soundpost might flop. It did not, and the instrument was fine when it finally arrived. I myself was pretty much a nervous wreck, however, wondering why I had not suggested and paid for overnight airfreight.

I'm told that cargo holds are heated. Insofar as the odd pet is shipped down there, and most often arrives alive, I suspect it may be true. It's the baggage handlers that give me the willies, though. From hamfisted handling to opportunistic lightfingered felonious assault, there's too much risk to balance against the hoped-for reward of being reunited with a viable instrument at the end of the flight.

My heart goes out to any traveling professional who must pack an instrument larger than a viola. Victor, your tale of traveling with a doghouse bass across the Atlantic is truly terrifying. Must be nice to be off the road.

vkioulaphides

Feb-15-2006, 10:59am

Au contraire (to my knowledge), pets are in a separate area that IS heated, as opposed to the "general" cargo hold, which is not. I can only attest to the fact that the trunk would emerge from the belly of the Iron Bird frozen cold; you could hardly touch the hardware for fear of frostbite. Then, of course, the ground-level, July heat of Italy... truly remarkable, that this bass has been with me for some 25 years, intact and working just fine!

Obviously the cold —which SHRINKS the instrument and does not expand it— would not cause the soundpost to drop; as Bob writes, it is the )(#$*&!(&$^(&# baggage-handlers that do the damage. BTW, it was not one but NINE basses (plus a dozen-or-so cellos in crates, plus contrabassoon, plus percussion...) *sigh* To paraphrase and revise the old AmEx commercial: don't leave home. Period. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Bob A

Feb-15-2006, 3:24pm

One wonders if the holds are even pressurised. Imagime a temp change of some one hundred degrees in a half hour, combined with air pressure in the near-vacuum range. Must do wonderful things to wood and varnish.

Victor, it may be messy, but home (such as it is) is without question my preferred environment. Toys, food, books and central heat/air, and a DSL line. There's no place like home, Toto, even if it isn't (thank the gods) Kansas. (Sorry, Scott).

vkioulaphides

Feb-16-2006, 7:01am

As with all instruments, a major issue is exactly how the instrument is held/padded/suspended INSIDE the case. A friend's bass was once literally decapitated when the aforementioned (i.e. *$%*(!&$&@!%&$) baggage-handlers simply pushed and DROPPED the trunk from a standing position, crashing down onto their dolly; the scroll hit the inside of the case with such force that the entire pegbox snapped off the instrument! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Some case-builders use suspension straps, whereby the instrument is suspended mid-air inside the (obviously, larger) hard shell; you can imagine just HOW big that needs to be for a bass... A Scandinavian maker came up with an ingenious idea: the inner padding of his cases are balloon-like: you inflate them after you have placed the instrument in the (fiberglass) case, so that it is essentially surrounded by AIR-pockets, not hard padding that could squeeze and squelch it. The sum total weight is also considerably less this way.

I must clarify, however, for the record that the traveling bass-player (assuming, that is, that s/he travels WITH an orchestra, not solo) travels light, elegant, and luxurious, far more so than, say, a violist. The reason is simply that bassists have their instruments pre-packaged at their HOME theater, and do not see them until they arrive at the theater of their destination; everything is handled by stage-crews, roadies, etc. Au contraire, a poor violist must carry a (presumably) hard case, instrument, a couple of bows in it, etc. So, curiously enough, size is not the critical factor.

As for the bass-player traveling solo, well... life is a rough business. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Victor (flying to Athens tonight, with no more than a nifty, little back-pack) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif