F-4 cases

[jfeldman]

Does anybody know of a rectangular case that's made for the shorter neck F-4? It seems like everything's built for F-5 dimensions.

[mandroid]

Main issue is where the neck cradle is , ?

[jfeldman]

Yes, exactly.

[spufman]

The TKL Prestige archtop A case works great for my teens A1, so I would imagine that their Prestige archtop F would work for an F4. No first-hand experience with it, though.

edit - oops, you want rectangular, nevermind. maybe the Hiscox?

[mandroid]

Have an extra Prestige FG Rectangular F body outline (I have no F4 to test fit)

cradle In placement for A4 neck OK, but its (1922) A body wont fit in the Case cavity for the F body..

F bodies seem to have changed little as the Neck redesign happened ..

Kalamazoo probably kept using the same body forms..

[Jill McAuley]

This one should work - I used to have one and they fit short necked A's:

http://www.americanmusic.com/Access-...e-AC3MN11.html

[jfeldman]

Thanks, Jill. It looks like the right dimensions but appears to lack an accessories compartment, or maybe I'm missing something.

[Jill McAuley]

They do unfortunately lack an accessories compartment. I used to keep accessories in the space under the headstock area, in a soft bicycle tool bag. I think they omit the compartment to make it fit a wide range of mandolins (I know some folks who use them for their electric mandolins too), but it's definitely a downside.

[DHopkins]

I have my F4 in a Guardian case. It cradles the neck just fine and has enough compartments for your lunch and a change of clothes.

[jfeldman]

Thanks, David. The headstock clears, i.e., doesn't rest on the neck cradle? What model of Guardian case is it?

[DHopkins]

The case is a CG-046. http://www.guardiancases.com/cg046.html

Here's what the neck and head look like in the case. One warning: mine had some neck repairs in the 60's before I owned it. I assume the neck is the same length. You can see the compartments under the neck, under the strap and above the neck. The first two have covers but the one at the top is open.

[Ron Cox]

Is the Eastman 814/914 the same length as an F4? I had the worst time with F5 cases and ended up getting the case from Dennis.

My 814 looks so much like an F4 (why I bought it) that I would think it's worth checking into, though I am no expert.

[jfeldman]

Ron,

Can you give me a couple of measurements on your Eastman? (1) From the end pin to the forward tip of the heel, and (2) from the forward tip of the heel to directly under the nut where the head starts to angle down.

Do you know the brand of the case? Can you post a photo? Thanks.

Jay

[Benjamin T]

I decided to go for a new Calton. Works great and has the RFID chip in there too.

[Ron Cox]

Sorry I was so late in replying, but the Calton case will be infinitely superior to what my Eastman fits into. My case is actually the stock Eastman case. I won't bother with the pics since you are going with the Calton.

Good Luck! Not that you will need it with that case, but I wish you it anyhow

[jfeldman]

That's not my post on the Calton.

[Ron Cox]

Oops, I'll get thos measurements for you shortly

[jfeldman]

Okay, thanks. If it's not too much trouble, a photo would be greatly appreciated.

[Ron Cox]

Sorry for the late reply, but life sometimes gets in your way.

Here is a link to the gallery https://rjcoxphotography.smugmug.com/Eastman-Case/


And here are the photos if all goes well









I hope this helps. My case is 28in inside top to bottom (of mandolin) 14 for the lower bout and 10.25 for the width of the body. As you can see there is room to breathe around the head stock

[Ron Cox]

btw, not promoting anyone's sale in particular, but there is a case in the classifieds you might take a look at. doesn't have the storage compartments that mine does, and is a diff color, but worth contacting the seller for pertinent details.

NFI, just saying.

[jfeldman]

Thanks, Ron. I'll get in touch with Eastman.

[Ron Cox]

Call dennis at the mandolin store. He found it for me in his back room and he has eastmans in stock. He may have a spare

[jfeldman]

Thanks again, Ron. Do you remember what it cost?

[Ron Cox]

Check with Dennis at the Mandolin Store. He'd be able to tell you if would fit, and if he has one, what it costs.

[jfeldman]

Ron,

I got a case from Eastman. It appears to be the same case as yours. I had to make a couple of adjustments to the contour - the top point and the body curlicue - but other than that, it's quite perfect. Many thanks for steering me to Eastman.

Jay