New case or 2nd beater mando

**johnM** · Feb-26-2006, 3:15pm

Ok here's the deal. I'm coming into about $600 and I want to know what to do. I currently have a monster Davis F5 with a rectangle TKL case and the mandolin is FREEKIN FANTASTIC, my question is should I buy a "beater mando" for under a grand or should I invest that money in a Calton or Bobalock case. The TKL is a fine case but with this monster I want every posible mode of protection. Plus I really like to carry a case on my shoulder and the TKL doesn't quite fit the bill.

How important is a 2nd manodlin anyway? I'm really bad with MAS and have traded more things than I care to admit but the Davis is stayin' right here. I'm not sure why I need another "low end" mandolin to take up space.

What would you recommend.

Love the Cafe.

**Mojo** · Feb-26-2006, 3:20pm

Sounds like you've answered your own question: When would you actually play the beater when you've got such a killer mando already?

Buy a case that makes you comfortable and does what you need it to do, then you'll be comfortable taking the mando nearly any where you want to go.

If you decide you really need a beater down the road, get a sub $200 pac rim, a gig bag, and a good set-up.

Loren

**otterly2k** · Feb-26-2006, 4:56pm

I'd say ask yourself this-- if you were going camping with buddies or to a festival... would you rather have your Davis with you, or would you be worried about it being vulnerable and wish you had something you cared about less? If the answer is the Davis... get a great case so you can bring it everywhere with you. If the answer is you'd be worried... get a second mando that you like well enough to enjoy playing in those places where you'd rather not bring your cherished monster.

Either way, you're buying protection for the Davis. Either by putting a good case on it, or by providing a "stunt double".

**celtic_knut** · Feb-26-2006, 5:09pm

Another possible angle - if you buy the beater and keep it at your office instead of your home, would you get more practice time in over the course of each week? (I ask because I'm thinking about doing the same.)

**jim simpson** · Feb-26-2006, 5:14pm

A friend related the story of someone he knew who had a beater with hook Velcro on the back of it. When he came to a traffic stop or red light, he would pull it off of the headliner in his van and get some pickin' in!

**mandroid** · Feb-26-2006, 5:47pm

Martin backpacker or a Webber sweet pea, would be my suggestionfor a 2nd that can go with, anywhere.

Would busking with your mandolin on a long flight be better received than the inflight movie ? talk about a captive audience..

**Repent34** · Mar-03-2006, 10:41pm

Originally Posted by (celtic_knut @ Feb. 26 2006, 18:09)

Another possible angle - if you buy the beater and keep it at your office instead of your home, would you get more practice time in over the course of each week? (I ask because I'm thinking about doing the same.)

I asked myself the same thing so I bought the $29 mando from musician's friend (Rogue) to leave at work. I took it to work a few days ago and did manage to get in a few practice minutes during my lunch break. Anything just to keep my head in it since I'm a total newb. I did take it to my local guy and had new D'Adario strings and a setup done. Does sound better than when I got it.

chris

**G. Fisher** · Mar-06-2006, 5:33pm

If you want a case to hang like a back pack I suggest a Travel Lite case. You can get one for around $60.00. I have 2 of them and I think they're grest. Mike Marshall also uses one for his Loar.

**jp_mandoplayer** · Mar-06-2006, 6:28pm

If you want a second one for 600, check out Gianna's Eastmann A-515s and get the VOODOO

**250sc** · Mar-07-2006, 11:13am

I don't know how you feel about it but once I've played a mando that I really love I don't want to play anything that doesn't measure up to it.

When I bought my Collings I kept my old mando but never wanted to play it so I sold it to someone who could appreciate it.

**Dfyngravity** · Mar-07-2006, 12:05pm

buy a bobelock for 200 and save the extra 400 for a rainy day.

**Greg H.** · Mar-07-2006, 12:22pm

I think everyone needs a second mandolin, not just to take camping or practicing at the office, but for the sake of your sanity. Frets wear out. At some point the Davis will have to be taken in for a fret job (and maybe a bit of setup work once the new frets are on). That's probably a good week or two (at least) without the primary mandolin--scary thought isn't it.

**bjc** · Mar-07-2006, 12:43pm

Quote (celtic_knut @ Feb. 26 2006, 18:09)
Another possible angle - if you buy the beater and keep it at your office instead of your home, would you get more practice time in over the course of each week? (I ask because I'm thinking about doing the same.)

I practice before work and during my lunch hour. I bought a beater just for this reason, but I found out that it was getting more time in on the beater than I was on one of my "main" mandos. So now, I normally bring one of my babys in to play and I feel like it's working better for me.
It is a little hassle, but it's a small case...better then Tuba...

**GBG** · Mar-07-2006, 12:51pm

Buy a Calton and a Travelite for around $600 and sell the TKL.

**bradeinhorn** · Mar-07-2006, 9:29pm

More support for travelite here....

save the remaing 540, and consider it a good start on something you really want.

**johnM** · Mar-08-2006, 12:48am

Thanks for everyones help, I sold the TLK and ordered a Bobelock. Should get it in a few days and will reserve judgement until then. I'm getting a strong feeling that I should get a Travelight in place of OR as a 2nd case for the festival season but i'll wait until the bobe arrives.

**G. Fisher** · Mar-08-2006, 3:14pm

I ordered a Bobeleck and sent it back. For what I look for in a case it didn't hold the mando tight enough. But it may work for you.

**johnM** · Mar-09-2006, 12:30am

the bobe should be here by friday, i'm having definite reservations though. We'll see how it holds, i'm thinking i may just go and get a travelite...............ugg

**GBG** · Mar-09-2006, 8:38am

I ordered a Calton about a month ago, gave away my old TKL that didn't fit (top was too tight against the bridge), and bought a Travelite as an interim case. I will probably keep the Travelite as a light alternative to the Calton.

Think of the Calton as your motor home and the Travelite as the sub-compact car you tow behind to festivals, etc.

**dr.jazz** · Mar-11-2006, 8:21pm

I have 18 decent mandolins on the wall - Webers, Eastmans, Gibsons etc. I ALWAYS play my Heiden. I ALWAYS take my Heiden with me when I travel. I ALWAYS carry it in a Calton. (there is nothing better!) - I have two new Heidens arriving in a week. I'm excited. :-)