Bowlback cases

[Jim Garber]

I finally am at the point whne I need to do something to protect my Pandini. I realize it is in danger of damage and the viccissitudes of dry central heating air.

There are a few courses of action left. I am assuming that cases from Eastman are not to be had unless the importer changes his mind about making an order. This doesn't not seem to be happening. Our friend Linda who works in a violin shop that orders from Eastman pleaded with their rep and they basically said no go. Gordon seems too busy or not at all interested either. Also, I am not sure that their case will even fit my mandolin.

In any case (hah!) here are the possibilities:
1) Modern Case custom case: at last quote it was fairly reasonable at a little over $200 or so.
2) Kingham case (UK) also custom for well over $400 + shipping. They look beautiful but more than I want to pay.
3) Eugene's mandolino case maker from South America
4) order hardshell direct from Sr. Pandini which are decent for €150 plus shipping which prob ends up being the same cost as Modern but with more hassle since I am not sure how payment would work. On the other hand I can be certain that it would fit.
5) Order case from Japan which has its own problems.
6) Find an American casemaker who could make me one to my specs
7) Make one myself

Bear in mind that this mandolin is larger than my vintage American bowlbacks and, for instance, does not fit in a Harptone case, assuming that i could even find another one of those.

Any other possibilities out there that I may not know about?

Jim

[John Bertotti]

I saw the case Eugene's contact made. It was pretty nice.I saw RSW's case also for his Larson which I think is a kingham, and it was nice also but I think way more costly. Make your own or try Eugene's contact. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[onthefiddle]

Stentor (http://www.stentor-music.com/catalogue/html%20general/74.htm) seem to distribute the same case that is sold by Hobgoblin (http://www.hobgoblin-usa.com/local/home.htm) and Lark in the Morning (http://larkinthemorning.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_MAN101C_A_Concert+Mandolin_E_), so your local Violin shop may be able to get that if the latter two sources have been no good.
Lark in the Morning appear to have put their price up considerably - certainly I paid about half that price for the case from Hobgoblin. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
This Korean case is a little over sized for my Vega - though it's held well by the neck, so doesn't rattle about at all. I wish that I had a Pandini to try in it for you! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Jon

[Ali]

For what its worth guys.....I'd never have a case made by anyone other than Kingham now.....but then he lives a 45 min drive from me and I don't have to pay shipping. He's made a case for my Embergher, my 1764 Vinaccia and my 1985 Pecoraro Octave Mandola and they are all well finished, made excatly to my specs, with perfectly weighted handles and, in the case (ah!) of the Octave Mandola case, it has an "invisible" fibreglass reinforcement lining. They will aslo make zip up canvas cases to go over the hard shell if you want. And they all fit the instrument like a glove.
ALI
ps.He's also a very nice and efficient chap

[Arto]

Trekel has some hardshell cases for bowlback mandolins that are decent but not high-end. I don´t know if they are listed at their website, but they usually have them. They recommend sending them the measurements of your mandolin to make sure that it fits in - they said the cases are not necessarily big enought to house large modern German mandolin, so I´m not sure of your Pandini either. The cost was something around 160 euros, if I remember right. Paying for Trekel is easy, just fax your credit card details, and they are most reliable.

best wishes, Arto

[Jim Garber]

I have one of the Korean cases that Lark used to sell for $60. The vintage American mandolins fit but loosely, but the Pandini does not.

The Kinghams I figure would be the UK equiv to Calton, who doesn't make anything for bowlbacks. I am not sure I want to spend that much for one. I may just go with the Modern case (http://www.moderncase.com/mandolin.htm). The one I had quoted some time ago was the Ambassador (rounded corners) fitted for the bowlback. I would just be a little afraid that my sepcs may not be enough so I may send them some sort of assemblable form.

Jim

[etbarbaric]

I have to echo Alison's comments on Kingham... they aren't inexpensive, but they are the real deal. I live on the other side of the pond from them... but I usually just trace the instrument along a couple of axis and note a few key measurements on some taped-together typing paper. I send the pages off in the mail and a few weeks later a *perfectly-fit* custom case arrives.

I have ordered Kingham cases for everything from a tiny Cremonese mandolin (cutest case you ever saw) to a Renaissance lute... always with great results.

A good instrument deserves a well-fit case to protect it.

Eric

ps - That said, I do have several instruments that still are without cases. But I keep them out of harm's way in a small humidity-controlled room.

[Martin Jonas]

I'm happy with the Hobgoblin case, which at least in the UK was no problem to get at all. The Ceccherini has a bit of slack in it, but not enough to rattle around, and I make use of the slack by storing my chamois under the bowl. I'm surprised that it won't fit your Pandini, Jim -- is it much larger than a vintage Neapolitan? I guess the problem might be the elongated headstock shape: yours has the Embergher-style bishop's staff finial, doesn't it?

As it happens, the nicest of the cases I've seen is the old hard case that came with my mother's Miroglio back in the 1950s. My other Ceccherini now lives in that (on loan to my mother), and it fits like a glove. Looks classier than the Hobgoblin case as well, with a proper bowl shape to mirror the instrument.

Martin

[Jim Garber]

Yes, Martin, I think that the headstock is the thing that gets in the way. hey, maybe I will just saw it off. What a great idea... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[vkioulaphides]

Jim, the crucial issue with your Pandini is the fancy headstock, with its graceful finial. Soooooo...

For your other, case-less babies, go with the Lark-type, cheap cases; for the Pandini, however, go ahead and splurge! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif The instrument wasn't cheap, was it? You love it, don't you? So, spend the amount needed (e.g. on Kingham), spend it ONCE and breathe safer about your baby's well-being for life.

My $0.02. Well, your wallet, of course, to pay for my $0.02 advice. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Eugene]

I am still waiting on assistance regarding the relatively cheap but relatively well-made hardshell cases from Brazil. I get periodic notes from Mr. Faria telling me he will be sending me detailed instructions on preparing the tracings/measurements his case maker likes, but I've yet to receive them. Again, the case for my little mandolino clocked a very affordable US$90.

[Jonathan Rudie]

Elderly.com's website notes that a bowlback hard case will be available on 02/01/2005 #(tommorow) #Not much details on quality or construction.

[Jonathan Rudie]

(idle observation)

Eugene,

Just noticed we both became members of this board in Sept. 2002 , yet I am only a mere Two thousand and Forty Three posts behind you. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif (2610 vs. 67) Be careful I may be gaining on you.

Jonathan R.

[Jim Garber]

Jonathan:
The only thing I could find on Elderly's site was this chipboard case (http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/MCCB-RB.htm). Can you post a link for the hardshell one you found?

Jim

[Jonathan Rudie]

sorry Jim, that was the case I found. My mistake. I have seen the soft case (gig bag)they offer and it is very nice gigbag and well paded and designed.

[Jim Garber]

Whew! You got me going for a little bit there.

Those gig bags are imported from Germany. I got one from evanp a seller of many musica items on eBay. (At the moment he is not selling anything for some reason). I asked him about hardshell bowlback cases but he couldn't come up with anything.

Jim

[Jonathan Rudie]

Jim,

At least as of about three years ago, Harptone made a very nice hard case for Bowlbacks. (I own two and am pleased with them) (heavy to carry, but very secure) #The Harptone factory at that time was in New York and I understand they moved and I do not know where they moved). Hope this is of some help.

Jonathan R.

[Eugene]

Harptone was bought out by TKL. One of the first actions taken by the mega-big and profit-minded new owner was to cease production of the bowlback case.

That Sep. 2002 date signifies the launch of the latest incarnation of the board; i.e., we've both been here from the beginning, Jonathan. I was on the previous incarnations and believe you were as well. Still, you'd best do some typin'!

[Jonathan Rudie]

Eugene,

Thanks for the word about Harptone getting eaten up by TKL. #That is a shame about the Harptone bowlback case being phased out by TKL. #I remember speaking to a Harptone rep at the factory #a few years ago and he proudly told me Harptone had been making the same design and type of hard bowlback case since about the late 1880's.

Jonathan R.

[Bob A]

Just to make the situation even more pathetic: about ten years ago, when I purchased my Dad's Suzuki, it came with a wonderful case, shaped like the typical bowlback case when viewed from above, but full-depth; there is a huge amount of storage, and the thing is strong enough for two fat guys to dance on (if they had very small feet, and were cheek-to-cheek).

Needless to say, said case is no longer available, to say nothing of the idiocy of having such a vault for so semihemdemiprecious an instrument.

[Jim Garber]

I also spoke to TKL about the Harptone. I was hoping that they maybe had a few bowlback cases lying around in a warehouse. Funny but I was at a guitar show maybe five years ago and Harptone was there (pre-TKL). The salesguy was joking that he brought some of the oddball cases as samples: a dulcimer case and one for a bowlback. Ironic!

I have a nice Harptone that houses my Martin. I am due to get another that a friend has offered to me in exchange for some Web work. My Vega will probably go into that one.

The problem is that, once again, the Pandini will not fit into that case.

BTW I heard from Kingham. They could make a bowlback case for me within a few weeks for £210 (20% extra for cotton velvet). So, for about $395 ($475 for the premium lining) + shipping I could have a premium case.

Now to sell a few things so I can afford a case...

Jim

[Bob A]

Just heard from EGordon, who is still on hold waiting for a reply from the China hands. No answer either way at this time, but hope is not dead.

[lucho]

Eugene: I live in South America and I have a couple of bowlbacks without cases so I am interested in the case maker you contacted from Brazil. Could you add more info on it?
salu2,

[Eugene]

I have the case maker's card at home. I'll try to remember to PM specific contact info to you, lucho.

[John Bertotti]

Eugene would you send me the info also. I am hoping to have one for my Vega. Thanks John
reesaber@mac.com

[Jim Garber]

1) Modern Case custom case: at last quote it was fairly reasonable at a little over $200 or so.
He who hesitates...

I was just about to bite the smaller bullet and put in an order for a Modern Case when I got this email:

Hello and thank you for your inquiry but Modern Case has gone out of business.


The next choice and semi-sensible one is to order one thru Sr. Pandini. At least I would be assured that the mandolin would fit. BTW Linda (Hrimaly) checked out the prices and since I emailed him last the cost have risen €30.

Jim

[vkioulaphides]

Hmm... it seems that going into the business of building/selling bowlback cases is the kiss of death for just about ANY business. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

broker immediately!]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[John Bertotti]

Victor, I'm sure your kidding but in reality I wonder if going into the bowlback case business isn't an effort in trying to create more business. Sort of a last ditch effort. If you are correct Rob Anderson may be jinking himself by building me a case for the Vega. Maybe I should warn him! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Have a great weekend as soon as it gets here. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim Garber]

Hmm... it seems that going into the business of building/selling bowlback cases is the kiss of death for just about ANY business. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Yikes! I just checked on the Kingham web site (http://www.kingham.co.uk/) and got an error msg. I checked the links on both Dan Larson's and Ali Stephen's sites and they were correct. I will email and report back.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

I just heard from Bob at Kingham:

Our site hosts have been taken
over by another company and it will be a few days before our site is
restored.

Whew!

Jim