DG1 - Giacomel J-5 case fit

**Tristram** · Feb-08-2012, 10:09pm

The standard Eastman case my DG1 came with has had it's day. Zippers are all broken (that happened almost instantly) and one off it's tracks.

What cases has anyone had success with? Can't go the Calton route, I know they have a template, but want to explore cheaper options.

Thanks for any help you can give.

**mandroid** · Feb-08-2012, 11:06pm

could get the zipper repaired, There is a cover attached to the outside of the case. go up in Zipper size
#10 is a bomb proof coil zipper, 10mm wide .. Seattle Fabrics .. I got a case re zippered.

the #10 is used on my touring bike's Panniers , Bob Beckman didn't cut corners,
25 years and those still work.

**Tristram** · Feb-09-2012, 3:50am

Thanks, that'll serve as a last resort if I can't actually find an alternate case. Getting the zipper back on it tracks and having it stay there is gonna be tricky. Generally like these Eastman cases but this one has some ease-of use-issues - getting the mandolin in and out of it frequently is not as smooth a process as I'd like e.g. lid won't stand open consistently, magnetized rainflap has a mind of it's own, compartments don't close that well, the latch doesn't close without extra fiddling - it's the little things...

**mandroid** · Feb-09-2012, 11:52am

FWIW, David Grisman (acoustic disc etc,inc), imports the Real Giacomel's J-5,
you might contact him for the cases supplied with those ..

or contact the Builder himself in Italy, for the cases he buys for his instruments.

**Tristram** · Feb-09-2012, 9:13pm

They're both good idea, thanks. I guess as an owner of a lowly copy, it didn't occur to me to contact them directly...

**Eddie Sheehy** · Feb-09-2012, 9:26pm

I keep mine - DGM1 - in an Eastman Fiberglass F5 case. It fits snugly. I got the case from Robert Fear at folkmusician

**PJ Doland** · Feb-09-2012, 9:49pm

I can verify that it fits in the newer Eastman fiberglass cases. VERY TIGHTLY, but it fits.

**Tristram** · Feb-10-2012, 7:46pm

Thanks Eddy and PJ, I saw one on the classifieds awhile back that came with a silver hardcase and wondered whether it was the Eastman fibreglass. That was the case I was after, really. Streamlined, ergonomic and fairly inexpensive.

Elderly also tell me they got a great fit out of the Hiscox case. The hiscox looks like great protection but is still a little bulky for my tatses. Still, the fact that Patrick went around the store trying to fit the DG1 into lots of different cases was an all star gesture.

Next question is, will it fit into an Eastman fibreglass case with a toneguard... thinking that may be pushing it!