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Thread: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

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    Registered User mee's Avatar
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    Default What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Ok maybe this has been talked about before but I am kind of looking for a new case and there are so many out there. I have a Gator case, it's nice enough but I would like something else. Either oblong or shaped. Of course what I really want is Gibson case for my Gibson F9, it did not come with a hardshell but now I think they do. I called Gibson and they don't sell them. And unless I am willing to pay $$$ for a vintage one that's a bit too beat up, I am not going to find one. I was considering TKL oblong.

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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by mee View Post
    Ok maybe this has been talked about before but I am kind of looking for a new case and there are so many out there. I have a Gator case, it's nice enough but I would like something else. Either oblong or shaped. Of course what I really want is Gibson case for my Gibson F9, it did not come with a hardshell but now I think they do. I called Gibson and they don't sell them. And unless I am willing to pay $$$ for a vintage one that's a bit too beat up, I am not going to find one. I was considering TKL oblong.
    Paganoni my friend Paganoni A bit pricey if/when ya can find one but has the kool factor when one doesn't have or can afford the vintage rectangular Gibson F-5 cases.

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    Registered User mee's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by bluegrasser78 View Post
    Paganoni my friend Paganoni A bit pricey if/when ya can find one but has the kool factor when one doesn't have or can afford the vintage rectangular Gibson F-5 cases.
    Defintately a bit too pricey for me at $1000. But thanks for the tip, I'll keep an eye out.

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by mee View Post
    Of course what I really want is Gibson case for my Gibson F9, it did not come with a hardshell but now I think they do. I called Gibson and they don't sell them. And unless I am willing to pay $$$ for a vintage one that's a bit too beat up, I am not going to find one. I was considering TKL oblong.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-F5-Ma...oAAOSw4CFYvcYq

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    I used a rectangular TKL case for a long time. It served the purpose, but was a bit heavy. It was wearing out, so I got a Hiscox, which is MUCH lighter, and has more storage. However, I had to do a lot of modifying to get my Collings to fit snugly, and it is still loose at the thin neck support. It is very rigid, but bulky (MUCH thicker).

    I just got one of the new Northfield cases, and like it so far. My Collings fits great without re-padding. It has decent storage, but not as much as the Hiscox. It is much more compact than the Hiscox, or TKL, and also heavier. I'm trying to get used to the carry handle, which is not as comfortable as the other two cases.

    If I didn't have to carry so much stuff to gigs (I'm the band "foley artist") I'd be happy with the shaped case my Collings came in.

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    I've had a Calton case for mine since 1993 and it's been great.

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    My F5G came from Gibson in a Travelite case. My friends fern came in a TKL oblong. Don't get hung up on the brand name and there is no way an F9 case is a vintage case. My mandolin lives in a Calton.

    Keep in mind that any case a Gibson mandolin ships in was probably made by somebody else.
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Isn't that a TKL oblong case with a "Gibson" logo on it?

    I have several cases - Calton (UK x2), Ameritage, Eastman, TKL - and they all serve their purpose. Depends how much rough treatment you're expecting them to take.

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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    My current favorite, in terms of price, appearance, function and weight is the Bobelock Arrow case. It is not a flight case, it is not as crush resistant as a Calton or Hiscox, the interior is not as snug as a custom fit case (like Calton), but it has a sleek appearance, has a case cover with a large pocket and a strap, some interior storage, has wonderfully functioning latches, a good seal, hygrometer (to monitor humidity), is light and easy to carry, and is not ridiculously expensive.
    As I said, it is not a flight case, but most of the time we just carry our instruments from the house to the car, and from the car to the jam or gig. It is easily up to that challenge... with style.

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    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    I echo Ray's thoughts: I use a Calton with case cover when traveling by airplane but prefer a lighter Eastman fiberglass case for jaunts about town. I tend to rotate mandolins in their cases, depending on when & what case it last resided in. Bebelock Arrows look pretty cool, but a bit more $$, size and weight than the Eastman fiberglass cases. Haven't tried the Travelite, Hiscox or Hoffee, and moved a mandolin out of an older rectangular case because of the size & weight. The TKL-type cases also work fine for short trips & I've been known to put shoulder straps on the handles so they can be slung over a shoulder when I'm carrying other gear.

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    I have this strange attraction to different bags and boxes. I have no clue as to why. I only know that I find myself wanting to purchase cases and bags I don't really need. Calton cases have served me well in guitar , mandolin and fiddle including a combination mandolin fiddle case. Heavy ...yes , protective ... oh yeah! Yet each time a Peagsus, Hoffee or Paganoni pops up in the classifieds I have to look away lest it be on it's way in the mail next week. So, for inexpensive cases meaning a hundred dollars or so I vote for TKL 's Silver Creek line. For a more substantial investment I will have to say Calton. Built in Canada or Austin either is an excellent case. R/
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Pegasus case for my Lebeda. Great minimal shape for travel, super protective and rain resistant, custom color and interior choices. A bit on the expensive side, but I've been very happy with it over the last few years.

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    That photo was soon after buying it. It now has a few scratches in the gelcoat after travel to many gigs, and semi-weekly pub sessions. Looks a bit more used/loved now (and with more stickers). Interior pockets are minimal, but enough to hold a StroboClip tuner, picks, and strings. That's all I need.

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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    I love my Hoffee!
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Pegasus:

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    Smile Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    For a budget case I like the GATOR Journeyman. I bought one from Sam Ash recently, and I feel safe recommending it. Well made, and I like the look of it, too.
    'Absolute Favorite' case, though? Definitely the new Collings vintage-type deluxe case, 'though for me it would be a little pricey for an F9.

    http://www.samash.com/journeyman-man...se-gjmmandox-p

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Not sure what you are after. Does it have to look on the outside like there is an F on the inside?

    My favorite case is the Reunion Blues Continental mandolin case. NFI I just find it does what I want, strong, light, and is not without its own cool look.

    Not specifically designed for an F style, but will accommodate any style easily. With Tone-Gard BTW.
    Last edited by JeffD; Mar-08-2017 at 2:54pm.
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by mandopixie View Post
    'Absolute Favorite' case, though? Definitely the new Collings vintage-type deluxe case, 'though for me it would be a little pricey for an F9.
    I've got the hots for the Collins case as well. If I get a bonus this year, and if the taxman doesn't take it all, I may just spring for one.
    Last edited by MikeEdgerton; Mar-08-2017 at 4:24pm. Reason: fixed quote syntax
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    Registered User dwc's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Hoffee case. Just a fantastic case. I could probably jump up and down on it and not damage my mandolin. The latches and hardware are all of impeccable quality, tons of internal padding and a large pocket for gear.

    They are expensive, but I feel they are worth it. If you can find a factory second, you can get a good deal. Apparently the carbon fiber is hard to lay down perfectly evenly, and sometimes it goes a little wrong and smears. Mine is a cosmetic second; there are two more places where the carbon fiber didn't lay down perfectly and so there are two nickel sized smears. I still bought it with full factory warranty, but at a substantial discount.

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    My F9 came new with a TKL shaped case, when I was traveling up and down the East coast,
    I opted for a Hiscox. If your looking for function over fashion, get yourself a Hiscox.
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by foldedpath View Post
    Pegasus case for my Lebeda. Great minimal shape for travel, super protective and rain resistant, custom color and interior choices. A bit on the expensive side, but I've been very happy with it over the last few years.

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    That photo was soon after buying it. It now has a few scratches in the gelcoat after travel to many gigs, and semi-weekly pub sessions. Looks a bit more used/loved now (and with more stickers). Interior pockets are minimal, but enough to hold a StroboClip tuner, picks, and strings. That's all I need.
    Ditto, [I only have 1 F, my Peg is Green, bought used, here]

    (the fiberglas eastman A5 case is green too)


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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by mandopixie View Post
    For a budget case I like the GATOR Journeyman. I bought one from Sam Ash recently, and I feel safe recommending it. Well made, and I like the look of it, too.
    Good to know! One of the few tweed cases available these days and I like tweed cases.
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    Mike Parks woodwizard's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Calton all the way! Great case!
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    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    A Gibson mandolin case would in all probability be a rectanguar case. So,why not go ahead & buy a good TKL rectangular case ?.
    I have one,a TKL 'American Vintage' rectangular case,bought from 'First Quality' around 10 years ago & it's excellent.
    The 'Bobelok'' 'rect.' case looks very nice as well. I used to own a Hiscox case,but for me,it was far too bulky & had too much free space doing nothing inside it.

    The ''Silver Creek''case seem to be well liked & are more like Gibson cases than others,
    Ivan
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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall View Post
    I have one,a TKL 'American Vintage' rectangular case,bought from 'First Quality' around 10 years ago & it's excellent
    I like the TKL rectangular one but haven't found it for sale anywhere. Thanks for all the info

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    Default Re: What is your absolute favorite F style mandolin CASE?

    Quote Originally Posted by UsuallyPickin View Post
    I have this strange attraction to different bags and boxes. I have no clue as to why. I only know that I find myself wanting to purchase cases and bags I don't really need. Calton cases have served me well in guitar , mandolin and fiddle including a combination mandolin fiddle case. Heavy ...yes , protective ... oh yeah! Yet each time a Peagsus, Hoffee or Paganoni pops up in the classifieds I have to look away lest it be on it's way in the mail next week. R/
    I can totally relate. I am happy with my mandolins (I've been MAS free for years) , but for some reason I have this attraction to cases that I don't need,just want.

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