Case recommendations

**Tom F** · Feb-05-2008, 3:39pm

Can anyone recommend an F5 style case to house a decent instrument? Case is preferrably rectangular, but would also consider standard.

No more than $170?

Thanks !!

**MikeEdgerton** · Feb-05-2008, 3:46pm

Sure, any of these. I've used them all.

Eastman Fiberglass

TKL

Canadian

**JHo** · Feb-05-2008, 3:49pm

Although shaped and not rectangular, I've been very happy with my Eastman fiberglass case. My one gripe is that there isn't a lot of internal space, but otherwise for $130 I found it hard to beat. Plus it comes in white, which I like. As for the space limitations, now I'm keeping an A mandolin in it, so I do have some extra space where the scroll and points would have been. And I upgraded the shoulder strap, which made it much comfier. Seems like most cases don't come stock with stellar shoulder straps.

**mandroid** · Feb-05-2008, 3:49pm

Elderly offers a variety to see on their site.
TKL I had seemed OK big loose storage area around the headstock, smaller lidded compartment too .
the thermoplastic [ABS] shelled teardrop cases like Gator /Saga are , it seems another option, weigh less , and D rings to allow you to carry more stuff in your hands.

**Jonathan Peck** · Feb-05-2008, 3:55pm

Cedar Creek makes a very nice rectangular case if you can find a used one in good condition.

**Mr. Loar** · Feb-05-2008, 3:58pm

I'm surprised you didn't get the old, "you could have searched for this topic".

Guardian cases are really cool. My "The Loar" case has a built in hygrometer. It was less than $100.

**Frank Russell** · Feb-05-2008, 4:15pm

I just bought a replacement Travelite case from Musician's Friend for $49. That's a steal. I've tried Eastman, Bobelock, Gator, TKL, Weber, Golden Gate, Canadian, all the under $200 choices, and I always end up with a Travelite. Mine is an F-style case, but worked well with my Givens A, and held my hard-to-fit Randy Wood 2-point very well also. Headstock has plenty of room, mandolin does not move at all, lightweight, and has backpack straps and a hygrometer. I prefer them to models costing lots more. Frank

**Brad Weiss** · Feb-05-2008, 4:24pm

I've got an Eastman case, and a Travelite case. #The Eastman case is very solid, excellent value. #The Travelite is all the case I think anyone will EVER need- honest!. #Built in hygrometer (probably not that accurate, but it's there), a nice size internal compartment for strings, straps, etc. the foam is very protective, and the padding over the neck joint, tailpiece, and headstock will cushion any blows. Clasp to close the lid, plus a zipper on the nylon for more security. Super cheap.#Best of all, it weighs NOTHING. #I wish I could figure out how to get my Phoenix to fit in one (but it fits in the Eastman, so I'm covered...)

**djweiss** · Feb-05-2008, 4:45pm

Will a Phoenix fit into a Travelite?

**Brad Weiss** · Feb-05-2008, 5:06pm

Originally Posted by (djweiss @ Feb. 05 2008, 17:45)

Will a Phoenix fit into a Travelite?

Nope....

**NoNickel** · Feb-05-2008, 5:07pm

I have both an Eastman fiberglass, an Eastman Rectangular and a TKL shaped case for sale. Allare in very good to almost new shape. If you are interested you can PM me.

**MikeEdgerton** · Feb-05-2008, 6:32pm

I used to carry a small zippered camera bag attached to the strap on my Eastman Fiberglass case to carry the extras in. It was a well built light weight case.

**JEStanek** · Feb-05-2008, 7:43pm

So far my favorite cases have been the Eastmans. I had the rectangular and I have a Fiberglass one (many cool colors to choose from). The rectangular had velcro to secure the neck into the case, I liked that... The Zipper and magnetic flaps not so much but man... there was lots of storage space in there.

The Eastman fiberglass is just pretty cool looking and fits my Breedlove KO just fine. Not much extra space in there though.

Plenty of people have housed Loars in Travelites so I guess they must do an adequate job..

Jamie

**johnM** · Feb-05-2008, 7:50pm

Gerald Anderson of Dunamis Designs will custom make you a wonderful rectangle case. I'm not sure what they go for but they're custom made to your colors and built very well.

I have mine in fake aligator outside and wild pink inside, it has abundant storage and is just a great case.

Just my 2c....

**JEStanek** · Feb-05-2008, 8:26pm

JohnM,
Could you give us a link or store that has those, please. I did some googling and came up with nothing definitive.

Thanks

Jamie

**scgc.om** · Feb-05-2008, 8:35pm

I love keeping my Collings in a TravelLite - not as much protection as the Caltons I have for more expensive mandolins, but oh so LIGHT!! Highest recommendation!

**johnM** · Feb-05-2008, 9:05pm

Sorry folks, sometimers is setting in. Its ROB Anderson, here's the link to a thread. I don't know how to remane it so here it is.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....nderson

JM

**Ivan Kelsall** · Feb-06-2008, 5:40am

I currently house my 'Fern' in an Eastman 'Violin style' rectangular case. It's by far the lightest,strongest case i have. It has the benefit of having an outer,zippered covering which will house,sheet music,strings etc.& a couple of inside lidded pockets for a strap,spare picks,wire snips & other bits & pieces anyone might wish to carry.
Mine cost me £65 UK ($130)& it's been well worth it for the lightness alone,
Saska

**Susan H.** · Feb-06-2008, 5:55am

I'm currently using the Eastman retangular case that came with my 615. Great case, but will it stand up to travel on an airplane? Nope, the luggage handlers will not see it! I'm carrying my baby on board. Would the Eastman fiberglass be better for that adventure? Thanks.

**AlanN** · Feb-06-2008, 6:15am

Yep to Travelite. A very small nit is that when it's open, the lid wants to close. If I stuff the bottom handle under the thing it tilts it back enough to keep that from happening. Small complaint, though. It's a dandy.

**MikeEdgerton** · Feb-06-2008, 7:35am

Originally Posted by (Mandomama @ Feb. 06 2008, 06:55)

I'm currently using the Eastman retangular case that came with my 615. #Great case, but will it stand up to travel on an airplane? #Nope, the luggage handlers will not see it! #I'm carrying my baby on board. #Would the Eastman fiberglass be better for that adventure? #Thanks.

Probably not. Personally I wouldn't check a mandolin and as much as I loved my Eastman Fiberglass case, I would never have checked it. To be honest I didn't care that much for the Eastman rectangular case either. I might check my Calton and I might check a Travelite if I was absolutely forced to. YMMV.

**Mr. Loar** · Feb-06-2008, 7:58am

Hannigan's Gilly was in a Calton Case.

**Steve Perry** · Feb-06-2008, 12:37pm

Another vote for the Travelite. #Great protection, lightweight and relatively inexpensive. #Will it stand up to airline baggage handlers or being run over by a truck? #No, but neither will anything else in your price range. #I say getcha one! #

**old9600** · Feb-06-2008, 12:54pm

Thanks for starting this thread. I am also looking for a case in this price range. Right now, I'm leaning towards a Collings Case. Here is a picture of one. I really like the handle, the small size and the durability. I have a Collings guitar and the case has held up vey well.

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/MCCF.htm