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Thread: Customizing a Travelite?

  1. #1
    Is there a "talent" knob? Christian McKee's Avatar
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    Default Customizing a Travelite?

    I have an unusually shaped mandola for which the original case has given up the ghost. I'm expecting a travelite from Elderly shortly, and I'm going I have to cut the interior to fit the instrument's bass and treble bouts, and possibly the point towards the end. I'm pretty sure I can trace the outline easily enough, but I'm not sure about tools for cutting the foam, or material to line the cut surfaces. I've seen this approach used before, and I know the case is big enough, just wondering if anyone has direct experience and can offer tips, tool suggestions, etc.
    Christian McKee

    Member, The Big North Duo
    Musical Director, The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    http://www.stewmac.com/tsarchive/ts0084.html

    The type of case shown in the newsletter is very similar to a Travelite.
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
    2011 Weber Bitterroot A
    1974 Martin Style A

  3. #3
    Is there a "talent" knob? Christian McKee's Avatar
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    I love it, thanks!
    Christian McKee

    Member, The Big North Duo
    Musical Director, The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra

  4. #4
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    A hacksaw blade might cut the foam just as well for a lot less money. That's what we use on minicell for kayak outfitting.
    Bill
    IM(NS)HO

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    But then you wouldn't have to buy anything from Stew Mac!

    Honestly I think anything really sharp would do. Hacksaw blade steak knife xacto whstever. The important takeaway here is to take a trip to your local Piece Goods Shop (fabric store and craft store in one). I found everything I needed there. The case I modified was a cheap Travelite copy. Got extra foam and spray contact adhesive no problem. I even found a really close match to the fabric which was a black plush. It blended right in. NFI.
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
    2011 Weber Bitterroot A
    1974 Martin Style A

  6. #6
    Registered User mtucker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    Quote Originally Posted by multidon View Post
    The case I modified was a cheap Travelite copy.
    You mean there's actually a cheaper 'copy' ?

  7. #7
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    I have cut all sorts of foam with an inexpensive electric knife. Kept the bladed clean with a rag and WD-40. I like using contact cement in an aerosol can for attaching upholstery.

    I use to work in assistive technology where modification is what one had to do.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  8. #8
    its a very very long song Jim's Avatar
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    Default Re: Customizing a Travelite?

    I recently did this to a case, used the serrated blade on my swiss army knife to cut the foam. Worked great.
    Jim Richmond

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