Hoffee vs. Ameritage vs. Hiscox vs. Eastman

**nobullmando74** · Jun-29-2012, 9:09am

Jeff thanks for posting. I am really pleased with the case you made for my Campanella mandolin. The fit and finish are perfect. I'd love to get you to make one for my Froggy Bottom when I have the money to do it. Thanks for making such a awesome case.

**nobullmando74** · Jun-29-2012, 9:30am

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Some photos of my Hoffee and what is inside the storage compartment. Yep thats six packs of strings and a strap. Plus misc parts, picks, etc. I still have room for more.

**Rolfe** · Jun-30-2012, 12:26pm

There is a strong possibility that Eastman will no longer sell their mandolin cases to the public, that all case production will be just for Eastman instruments. I recently had a Hiscox case damaged (desroyed) on its way to Mandolin Brothers, a severe dent on the edge (I can't imagine what it was whacked or crunched with to produce this dent), but the mandolin, a delicate Jazz model, was untroubled. So, while not indestructible, the case does what it is intended to do: protect the mandolin.

**Gary Hedrick** · Jun-30-2012, 12:48pm

Nicely stated Mr Hoffee.

**f5loar** · Jun-30-2012, 1:07pm

I've been buying heavy duty F5 cases way back to the early 70's Buck "Rough Rider" 8 plywood 3/4 thick rectangle case after quickly wearing out some Gibson factory cases. I've seen cases go into rough fiberglass with the original Mark Leaf cases to the smooth fiberglass with Pegasas and here recently with the lighter weight carbonfiber cases. I have found it hard to beat the quality and looks of the new Hoffee case. As far as I am concerned I can't see an F5 case get any better.

**nobullmando74** · Jun-30-2012, 1:59pm

I used a Mark Leaf with a classical guitar for a couple of years. Man o' Man that was a HEAVY case to lug around.

**pjlama** · Jul-20-2012, 4:08pm

Just to tie this thread up I wound up buying a couple of used Caltons. I know I said earlier that they were overkill for me but now I feel secure, I wound up spending a little over $400 each. I've owned so many over the years so I'll just keep them and put whatever my current stuff is in them, problem solved. So if you buy a used mandolin from me don't expect a Calton

**mtucker** · Jul-20-2012, 6:33pm

Originally Posted by mtucker

invest in a good case and just keep it. The Hoffee looks like the real deal to me...

too bad, the hoffee might have made you really really happy!

**pjlama** · Jul-22-2012, 12:16am

Originally Posted by mtucker

too bad, the hoffee might have made you really really happy!

A Hoffee is not out of the question but I basically got two Caltons for the price,of,one Hoffee so I'll be good for a while I'm sure. I am however taking homeless Hoffees in on donation for those that cannot house them.

**doc holiday** · Jul-22-2012, 9:34pm

I did have a chance to see a recent Hoffee, and they are the ultimate in protection with lots of room for accessories for sure. A little larger than the Caltons, but better safe than sorry. I wish the older shaped Hoffee case was still available for those of us who need a smaller case which wouldn't ever be checked baggage.

**hank** · Jul-22-2012, 9:52pm

Doc. Did I misread? Jeff said the new cases are smaller depth wise than the old ones by 1/2". Has anyone been flying and had a problem fitting their Hoffee in the overhead storage?

**doc holiday** · Jul-22-2012, 10:11pm

Hank, I don't have one & yes Jeff said he's cutting them down 1/2." I have one mando in a Calton & want a smaller lighter case....& liked the old form-fit (F-4 style) 1st generation Hoffees....to fit my A-style mando. Overhead storage comes in all sizes (I've been flying in Dash 8s lately) & flight crew seem to be a little more helpful & understanding lately.

**JeffD** · Jul-23-2012, 10:18am

For me the advantage of the Hoffee would be how light it is.

I don't store anything in the case but the mandolin and the wiping rag, so storage limitations are no limitation.

I have some Eastman cases and one of them took my bowlback through airport luggage without incident. The case came back with a huge black tire print type smudge, but nothing was hurt.

**hank** · Jul-23-2012, 11:06am

Thanks Doc, the Geib case that came with my 1913 A4 is so good it's the only one I'm not replacing. It would be fantastic as an A model carry on flight case. It would also be a good case to model a smaller carbon fiber case with. The padding is sparse so I added a bit of support to the neck and peg head area but otherwise it's perfect, small, lite, sturdy and well made. On the other hand the Geib that came with my 23 F4 is horrible in every way. I don't even trust it at home so Jeff is building me a replacement Hoffie for it. I was lucky enough to pick up a refurbished used Peg for my F5. I like it a lot even though it's heavy compared to any other case I have used.

**yankees1** · Dec-26-2012, 11:07am

Originally Posted by Hoffeecases

I normally do not post on forums however I think there is some misinformation here that needs a response. It is true that Michael Heiden was involved in helping me get the new mandolin cases off the ground. During the design process, I sent Michael CAD drawings of the new case that included the dimensions. He approved the drawings. I understand that Mr. Reischmann purchased one of the first cases we made from Michael. I did not deal directly with him. Michael informed me that the cases were too big in terms of the depth. He asked to return all of the cases he ordered and have them cut down in size. I responded that this was impossible and I could not do it. I can see how Mr. Reischmann may have taken this as “I would not do anything about it”. I am not a magician. I cannot change the size of a case after it is made. I designed the new case to be as protective as possible. It is slightly bigger in the headstock area than a Calton. I have been told that there was in issue with the Calton cases in the headstock area so we addressed this issue. I did take Michael’s suggestion and we are now making them about a half inch thinner than before. This is as thin as we can make them and still provide the best protection in my opinion. As for the finish flaw, I was never informed about a flaw on Mr. Reischmann’s case. I found out about it on this forum. If anyone ever has a problem with a case, I take care of it the best way possible. I try to provide the best customer service I can. I cannot take care of a problem if I am unaware of it. I stand behind every case we make. If anyone ever has a problem they can contact me directly. I personally respond to every email and every phone call.

Jeff Hoffee
Hoffee Cases

Sounds reasonable to me ! Michael Heiden is making me an A5 Artist and I requested a Hoffee case ! I want the best protection for a Heiden !

**mandroid** · Dec-26-2012, 1:01pm

I have a FG Eastman, keep my MixA5 in it.. light, compact overall, I would not submit it to baggage handlers
without double boxing it in a sea of styrofoam popcorn.

I have Pegasus for my only F5, it made by Lebeda.. ..

My Aussie made Prestige rectangular needs a new home..

**JFDilmando** · Dec-26-2012, 5:07pm

I have had no problems with Hoffee going into overheads on aircraft... small commuter flights are another issue... but in those cases, folks have put the mandolin in the closet... it also will fit under seat, but will stick out into your foot space.... so you will need to "hide" the sitckout from staff but placing your feet on top, or on sides... depending upon the staff, they will or will not be picky about things in the foot space... if you are up against the window, you are in better shape as you don't block any movement out towards the aisle.... I fly alot, and I have NEVER had anyone demand that I gate check a mandolin.

**Ivan Kelsall** · Dec-27-2012, 2:48am

As a matter of interest (or not !) - i just had a look at the cases section on the Janet Davis website.There's a little note at the top of the page which says :- "NOTE: The Hoffee Cases are recommended for Air Travel.These cases are built with extra reinforcement for traveling, and can be checked in at the counter with your luggage". Oh yeah !!!. I'm sure that the comment is meant well,but would you do it ?,
Ivan

**yankees1** · Dec-27-2012, 7:11am

Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall

As a matter of interest (or not !) - i just had a look at the cases section on the Janet Davis website.There's a little note at the top of the page which says :- "NOTE: The Hoffee Cases are recommended for Air Travel.These cases are built with extra reinforcement for traveling, and can be checked in at the counter with your luggage". Oh yeah !!!. I'm sure that the comment is meant well,but would you do it ?,
Ivan

No !

**mandroid** · Dec-28-2012, 12:47am

hey PJ, that eastman one of the new ones that fit older A4's?

**almeriastrings** · Dec-28-2012, 3:34am

Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall

As a matter of interest (or not !) - i just had a look at the cases section on the Janet Davis website.There's a little note at the top of the page which says :- "NOTE: The Hoffee Cases are recommended for Air Travel.These cases are built with extra reinforcement for traveling, and can be checked in at the counter with your luggage". Oh yeah !!!. I'm sure that the comment is meant well,but would you do it ?,
Ivan

The last time I flew anywhere, we were delayed getting off the 'plane for 45 minutes die to a gate fault. Meanwhile, the luggage did come off and was going around and around on the conveyor completely unattended ... anyone could have grabbed whatever was on there and just walked right out with it.....