Looking for a lightweight but protective mandolin case with backpack straps - something like the Travelite or TKL Zero Gravity, both of which seem to be out of production. Any advice? Not interested in soft gig bags.
Looking for a lightweight but protective mandolin case with backpack straps - something like the Travelite or TKL Zero Gravity, both of which seem to be out of production. Any advice? Not interested in soft gig bags.
Have you checked out the GATOR cases?
Big Muddy EM8 solid body (Mike Dulak's final EM8 build)
Kentucky KM-950
Weber Gallatin A Mandola "D hole"
Rogue 100A (current campfire tool & emergency canoe paddle)
Yes - the Gator is a very good case of that type. Nice zipper and decent storage compartment.
http://gatorcases.com/products/guita...e-gl-mandolin/
Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
Northfield Big Mon #127
Ellis F5 Special #288
'39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.
It is odd that they seem to be not available at the retail places for a few months.
I did however find a used one for sale on banjo.com for $60.
Not sure if you are interested in a used one, but they are very good cases.
I love mine.
https://banjo.com/product/used-trave...ndolin-case-2/
Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
Fiddles: 1920s Strad copy, 1930s Strad copy, Liu Xi T20, Liu Xi T19+ Dark.
Guitars: Taylor 514c (1995), Gibson Southern Jumbo (1940s), Gibson L-48 (1940s), Les Paul Custom (1978), Fender Strat (Black/RWFB) (1984), Fender Strat (Candy Apple Red/MFB) (1985).
Sitars: Hiren Roy KP (1980s), Naskar (1970s), Naskar (1960s).
Misc: 8 Course Lute (L.K.Brown)
The Gator case is the only one that springs to my mind. I own both a Travelite & Gator,i prefer the Travelite because of the better (IMO) case interior - more padding,but used carefully,the Gator case is a good case & good value. I'd doubt if the Travelite's are out of production - although ?. They've always seemed pretty available in the USA,but here in the UK & in Europe,unless you want to buy a minimum of 30 cases,it's a no-go for most music stores. I was told this by the UK's import arm of Hobgoblin Music - 'Gremlin Music', when i asked them to import one for me.
In the attached pic.,the "D" rings are positioned on the lower case edge reinforcing.
Ivan
Weber F-5 'Fern'.
Lebeda F-5 "Special".
Stelling Bellflower BANJO
Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.
I own a Gator foam case for my Kimble. It's ok, IMO. Not crazy about the zipper, which tends to get stuck in the case lining. But it's light and offers reasonable protection, I carry it backpack style to gigs and on planes. It's no Hoffee, but for this style of semi-rigid foam case, it's as good as any I've seen.
Would love to see MONO produce a mandolin case
I can't believe Travelite cases are out of production. Maybe it's just a backorder situation.
I have a Travelite and I love it.
Living’ in the Mitten
I've only ever seen the Gator cases as being somewhat similar to Travelite. I tried the lightweight Gator case with my Eastman but had to send it back. First issue I found was the zip got stuck easily in various places due to the fluffy interior lining. Second issue I had was that it didn't fit my Eastman in terms of depth/height inside - couldn't close the case. Shame, as the Gator is otherwise very well made and solid. Sending the Gator back to the online retailer was a pain in the neck...
I really really want a Travelite but living in the UK, it's been impossible. If they are truly out of production, then that's the final nail in the coffin for any hopes of my getting one by fluke chance here.
Last edited by Kalasinar; Jun-23-2017 at 11:36am.
Paul Shippey Tone Mandolin
Paul Hathway Octave Mandola
Montana Lutherie Ranger Mandolin
Yamaha Stage Custom Drum Kit
Yeah, the Travelite has been on backorder for at least 18 months on every online retailer I can find (Amazon, Elderly, etc). The sites will show an expected availability date a few months into the future, but that date just keeps getting pushed back. Maybe it's not out of production, but it shows no signs of being available anytime soon.
I looked it up out of curiosity: I ordered one from Musician's Friend on 10/1/16. They're out now, of course. In our private conversation I said it was from Elderly, but I'd assume Elderly must have been out-of-stock if I lowered myself to ordering from MF. Maybe Robert Fear has some feedback on their status? folkmusician.com lists the Travelite as discontinued. Makes me think I should hang on to my spare as a collector's item.
It seems that dealers are showing a delivery date of 08-04-2017.
Charley
A bunch of stuff with four strings
Mike, yea just saw that. I edited my post.
Charley
A bunch of stuff with four strings
From Mike Stewart - "Makes me think I should hang on to my spare as a collector's item.". ''Used'' Travelites will possibly now sell for around $1,000 US - well,you could try it !!,
There is another case that could be a possibility if you're willing to import from the EU - the 'Capek' mandolin case. I know for certain that Lebeda mandolins were shipped in those at one point,so,they should be able to fit almost any "A" or "F" style mandolin. If i'd known that they were available,i'd have bought one instead of my Gator case !. http://capekinstruments.com/cases.html
Ivan
Weber F-5 'Fern'.
Lebeda F-5 "Special".
Stelling Bellflower BANJO
Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.
Does anyone know if the travelite f model
Mandolin case fits an a5 model mandolin?
If they are indeed discontinued and never-to-be anymore, that would be too bad. It filled a real niche as a unique, well-made, extremely lightweight and truly affordable alternative to the big-honkin', heavy monsters.
Over the years, obtained 2 of them, gave 1 away. I don't really use it, but it's nice to have, even more-so now.
My Ellis "A" style is housed in my Travelite case = perfect fit. Ray - Cafe member HoGo (Adrian) sells them i believe.They can be purchased directly from Capek though. As i said,i wish i'd found them prior to buying the Gator case,they seem to be a very nicely made case indeed,
Ivan
Weber F-5 'Fern'.
Lebeda F-5 "Special".
Stelling Bellflower BANJO
Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.
Great thanks. An ellis a5 is exactly what i want to
Put in it.
Does anyone know the story on travelite?? . Guitar center has the case listed saying due 8/17..??
Varmonter, My Kimble A5 fit really well in my Travelite F-model case with no problems.
I've used a gator light case for years with no problem.
Cary Fagan
I have an Eastman fiberglass case.. believe me in comparison to a Cal or Peg, it's lightweight.
and showerproof, I back pack carry my Mandolin in it, on my bicycle.. in the rain.
writing about music
is like dancing,
about architecture
Varmonter - I'd e-mail the Guitar Centre & ask them for a bit more info on the Travelite availability. If they are going to get some in stock,personally,i'd be prepared to wait for one. Musician's friend UK quotes :- "Available 08-04-2017" (as per the Guitar Centre) -so it looks as if something's going on. They're also still listed on the Saga home page,
Ivan
Weber F-5 'Fern'.
Lebeda F-5 "Special".
Stelling Bellflower BANJO
Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.
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