Cases Available for Odd Instruments?

**Dave Caulkins** · Dec-13-2004, 12:21pm

Hello Again!

My new mando has yet to arrive, but this doesn't mean that I'm not looking to buy it a present for the holidays. I just traded my primary mandolin, a Rigel A+, for a Vega 205 cylinderback (yes, the cylinderback MAS won out over my lust for a Rigel Jethro. This mando will fill its place as my primary, with a Flatiron A5 for my more 'BG' toned work). I'm sure the case it comes with has seen better years, as it is rare to see a 90 year old case in good shape.

What is available for these odd shaped instruments? I've considered Calton & Pegasus custom ordering, but it definately out of my budget right now. I'm open to high end gig bags as well (as I'm not flying around the country, and when travelling the mando never leaves my side). I've considered TKL (again, I suspect a custom order but not as price restrictive), Levy's, and a number of others I've come across. I'm concerned about the winter climate here in Vermont, so insulation is a must even if it is by aftermarket covering. My budget suggests the case be $300 or less. Any input?

Casing out Cases,

Dave

**Linda Binder** · Dec-13-2004, 12:42pm

Hi Dave,
I have kept mine in a Canadian Archtop A-style case and it's a good fit. I know Elderly carries them for about $70.
-Linda
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/MCEV-A.htm

**Rob Anderson** · Dec-13-2004, 1:38pm

Hi Dave,
I make custom hardshell cases, give me a call.
Rob Anderson-Dunamis Designs # 920-740-3274
Thanks

**John Flynn** · Dec-13-2004, 1:49pm

Dave:

Modern Case Company can make Ultralight, Hardshell ("Ambassador") and Flight Cases custom for any instrument. Several months ago, thier quote to me on a hardshell for a Rigel A+ was $170, with a 5-8 week turnaround time. People have discussed on the board that they do good work and I found them pleasant to deal with. I did not wind up ordering from them, but I was tempted.

**boatman** · Dec-13-2004, 3:44pm

Go figure: I just bought a Vega cylinder back w/original case, and am thinking of getting a decent gig bag to carry mando & case in. I really like the compactness of the original case vs the Calton in which I keep my modern "A" Hamlett. I figure the gig bag will offer a little extra impact protection, ease of carrying (shoulder strap) and in a light color, some thermal protection when in the sun. I sure do like the sound of this 88 year old mandolin; I'm enjoying playin O'Carrollan more than ever! Thanks, Hrimaly , for your correspondence: I opted for a rosewood model.

**Linda Binder** · Dec-13-2004, 5:32pm

I'm glad you got one boatman! I'm sure O'Carrollan sounds great on it. They really have a unique sound.
-Linda

**sunburst** · Dec-13-2004, 5:49pm

Boatman brought his "new" cylinder back by for me to see right after he got it.
The case looked just like an old Gibson "A" case with two upholstered blocks glued inside. One block on each side to support the outside edges of the back so that it wouldn't rock side to side too much.
Looked like a fairly easy modificatrion to a standard "A" case to me. I'd say you could find a hard shell case for an "A", make sure it fits pretty well, cover a couple of wooden blocks with fuzzy case material, and glue them in to support the edges. I bet that's what they did at Vega.

BTW, that's a nice mando Boatman got.