Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 30

Thread: Best alternative to Travelite case?

  1. #1

    Default Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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.

  2. #2
    Pittsburgh Bill
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    1,067
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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)

  3. The following members say thank you to Pittsburgh Bill for this post:


  4. #3
    Registered User almeriastrings's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Almeria, Spain
    Posts
    5,442
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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.

  5. #4
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    San Rafael, Ca
    Posts
    700

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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)

  6. #5
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Gator Mandolin Case.jpg 
Views:	239 
Size:	130.8 KB 
ID:	158444
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

  7. #6
    Registered User mcgroup53's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Indianapolis, IN
    Posts
    306

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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

  8. #7
    mandolin slinger Steve Ostrander's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Capitol of MI
    Posts
    2,795

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite 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

  9. #8
    Registered User Kalasinar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Kent, England
    Posts
    150

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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

  10. #9

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Ostrander View Post
    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.
    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.

  11. #10
    Guest
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Redmond, WA
    Posts
    187
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jesse Appelman View Post
    Yeah, the Travelite has been on backorder for at least 18 months on every online retailer I can find (Amazon, Elderly, etc).
    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.

  12. #11
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,634

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    It seems that dealers are showing a delivery date of 08-04-2017.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  13. #12
    Guest
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Redmond, WA
    Posts
    187
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Elderly is showing one in stock.......

    https://www.elderly.com/travelite-f-mandolin-case.htm
    In my browser, that pages says: "On order, expected arrival date 09/03/17".

  14. #13
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,634

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Mike, yea just saw that. I edited my post.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  15. #14
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandolin case.JPG 
Views:	173 
Size:	69.9 KB 
ID:	158472
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

  16. #15
    Registered User varmonter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    150

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Does anyone know if the travelite f model
    Mandolin case fits an a5 model mandolin?

  17. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    12,258

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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.

  18. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,172

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall View Post
    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

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandolin case.JPG 
Views:	173 
Size:	69.9 KB 
ID:	158472
    I think you'll find that they are made/marketed by "Schuster", Ivan. They seem particularly popular with the Czech builders - my Holoubek came in one.

  19. #18
    Registered User Steve-o's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Northern Michigan
    Posts
    1,218

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by varmonter View Post
    Does anyone know if the travelite f model
    Mandolin case fits an a5 model mandolin?
    My A fits like a glove.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Travelite.jpg 
Views:	259 
Size:	118.1 KB 
ID:	158475

  20. The following members say thank you to Steve-o for this post:


  21. #19
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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.

  22. #20
    Registered User varmonter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    150

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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..??

  23. #21
    Registered User Cheryl Watson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    St. Augustine, Florida, USA
    Posts
    1,508

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Varmonter, My Kimble A5 fit really well in my Travelite F-model case with no problems.

  24. #22
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario Canada
    Posts
    1,174

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    I've used a gator light case for years with no problem.
    Cary Fagan

  25. #23
    Registered User varmonter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    150

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cheryl Watson View Post
    Varmonter, My Kimble A5 fit really well in my Travelite F-model case with no problems.
    Thanks cheryl.. i also see a case made by musicians gear. Anyone own one.??

  26. #24
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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

  27. #25
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: Best alternative to Travelite case?

    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.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •