Calton - A or F?

**Don Christy** · May-21-2009, 7:27pm

I will soon be the proud owner of a Gilchrist Model 1.

I'll be receiving it in a Calton case, and have the choice of an A or F insert. I'm trying to decide which insert to get.

Christie Carter of Gruhn said:

"The F case insert has the point and an ever-so-slight ridge under the scroll area. The F case insert will accommodate both the A and the F mandolin but the A case insert will only work with the A style case."

So it certainly seems like either would work.

I'm leaning toward the F so that it would be more flexible, but thought I would seek the opinion of the knowledgable folks at the cafe.

Thanks,
Don

**sunburst** · May-21-2009, 7:32pm

Either one will work fine, but when you develop scroll envy and have to have an F, you can keep the case with the "F insert"!

**Bob Caldwell** · May-21-2009, 8:11pm

Don, I'm on the Ajr list also and I opted for the F insert. My old Calton would fit an F2, a Flatiron F and a Collings A, so it is a very flexible case.

Bob Caldwell

**sunburst** · May-21-2009, 8:16pm

Bob, you either had a BIG Calton, or you mean one at a time.

**Don Christy** · May-21-2009, 8:18pm

Thanks guys,

I'm thinking the F-insert.

Don

**Perry** · May-21-2009, 8:20pm

I'd go with the "F"; having an "A" case is no more protective then the "F"
and much more limited. Better resale potential with an "F" too.

On the other hand you can get the "A" case and always keep your Model 1 in it's brand new dedicated case. The Calton's when new will "mold" a bit to it's first mando occupant.

No wasn't that a big help

Perry

**Dale Ludewig** · May-21-2009, 8:26pm

Get the F.

**Potosimando** · May-21-2009, 8:39pm

No question about it--the F Calton. I have kept my A's in F-style Calton's for years...good space for the strap or a wipe-down cloth (get one of Ted's Jupiter micro cloths, by the way...that instrument surely is worthy of the Jupiter micro cloth).

**MikeEdgerton** · May-21-2009, 9:54pm

In my mind if I was buying the a Gilchrist A style I'd get the A case. It's just cooler to have your A in an A case. YMMV.

**Don Grieser** · May-21-2009, 9:55pm

Don and Bob, you're in for a treat. Those Model 1's are wonderful. There's a couple videos of mine at http://www.dongrieser.net/movies.html When are they due in?

**Don Christy** · May-22-2009, 6:38am

Mike: I hear you. The sentiment you mention is one of the things that gave me pause. I was wondering if it could even impact the resale value of the Gilchrist, but I really doubt that. I do have another Calton for an F, so I wouldn't necessarily benefit that much from having an extra F case. I thought I had decided, now you've re-ignited my dilemma.

Don: thanks for the good word. I'm very excited! I think they ship from Steve at the end of June. He'll be in the states to set them up the first week of July, after the mandolin symposium.

Great videos! Your model 1 sounds terrific.

Don

**sgarrity** · May-22-2009, 7:38am

I have two A-styles, both of which live in F-style Caltons. The extra room where the scroll would normally be is a great place for a small humidifier in the winter

**Perry** · May-22-2009, 8:50am

I was wondering if it could even impact the resale value of the Gilchrist

You're thinking of selling already?

Seriously though, to my thinking, a $400 case has nothing to do with the resale value of a 7k mando.

I have a Model 1 coming too and I'm thinking it's gonna be my "go to" mandolin for a long time.

I happen to have an extra Calton lying around otherwise I would take Christie up on her offer; that's a good deal. Since I have an "F" mando and case I would put the Model One in a brand spanking new "A" case.

Speaking of the Model One; what kind of music do you all plan on using it for?

I play in a b#njo-less band; we play some grass, some old-time, some blues, some Celtic, some jazz and some funk...I'm thinking this Model One is gonna be the "one"

**Tripp Johnson** · May-22-2009, 4:37pm

Don, I'm right there with you. I'm on that list as well and can't decide on an A or F insert. Reckon I'm leaning towards the F. I keep an A in an F Calton now and as mentioned already it is nice having the space. Now if I could just decide on exterior/interior colors.

14strings, fwiw I plan on playing a lot of old-time as well as some blues, jazz, folk, classical, funk and whatever else I can get away with. Looking forward to hearing and playing this mandolin in lots of contexts. It's been a long wait!

**trevor** · May-24-2009, 12:44am

I went for the F.

**Don Christy** · May-24-2009, 11:56am

I decided to go with the F and the colors that Christie said that Gilchrist uses (mint green ext and red interior).

I currently mostly play bluegrass, but play some Old time and blues. I've been thinking about exploring more swing and jazz ...

Don