This is in part a tribute to Bill Collings. 3-4 months ago I ordered a Collings F mandolin case knowing they were backed up on orders. Like a few people, I knew he had struggles with cancer but was unaware where it had headed of late. Sadly, as someone who has lost more than my share of close musician friends to this horrible disease I can't say I was surprised. Shocked, yes, but it's a horrible disease. Period. When it decides to take you, it will.
The case arrived shortly after Bill's passing, so it caused a bit of reflection. It's a thing of beauty, function and design like I've never seen in a case, and I've owned more than my share. As many mandolins pass through my house, so do high end and low end cases. It was another reminder of the fiery passion the man had for doing things the way he wanted them done, and so many of us are so happy as a result.
The case is everything I want and anticipate, and more. It's balanced like no other case I've ever owned. It feels better in hand. The handle is of better quality than any other case I've owned. My Nugget Deluxe F sits in it like it was custom designed for only my instrument, but we took no measurements. The latches are Collings manufactured. They couldn't find one that measured up to Bill's standards, so they took the most cost ineffective step possible: they researched and designed their own, and it *is* better. It's neither flight case nor your everyday case so many mandolins reside in, including more than a few I've owned. It may look like your standard black case from a distance - it is not, and photos can't do it justice. The interior isn't a garish color or texture, but the exact bed you want your baby sitting on. Oh, and it doesn't flop backwards when you take the mandolin out. For someone doing local gigs, not playing music for a living, it's everything I want and then some. It's comparable to other high end cases in price, and yet for my tastes it's a bargain. I can't imagine desiring another, and it's the first high end case I will not buy a case cover for. It's that beautiful.
Most of us play music because it gives us sheer joy and makes the tough days a lot better. So imagine that. A products that not only makes you happy, but exceeds your expectations at every turn. Isn't that a hell of a deal? Thanks, Bill.
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