Need a new hard case

[billruns]

I just got an amazing 2013 Northfield F, but the case it came with has a top that is "thin as a bats wing." I am looking for a better hard case. Has anyone had any experience with the Ameritage rectangular cases?

[MikeEdgerton]

I thought Northfield had a new super case? Perhaps they'll exchange your current case for one of those.

Yup, it's here.

Oops, I see that's a 2013 model. I'm going to guess you didn't buy it new.

[BrianWilliam]

I like my bobelock arrow. Lots of space around the headstock. Fits with the strap, toneguard, and snark. Not a lot of internal storage but it comes with a bag with a full length pocket. Me likey

[terzinator]

I like my bobelock arrow. Lots of space around the headstock. Fits with the strap, toneguard, and snark. Not a lot of internal storage but it comes with a bag with a full length pocket. Me likey

I always think it's kind of silly to just toss a "+1" in threads, but I came to say pretty much this. ^

[BrianWilliam]

If anything, I'm silly so I'll +1 your +1

[sblock]

If you want a top-end flight case for lots of travel, look into Hoffee or Calton. If you want great portability with only occasional travel, a TraveLite (or equivalent) case is hard to beat. But why not just get the new Airloom case from Northfield? It's not only made for your instrument, but it's probably the best value for the money.

[Jim Garber]

Personally, for my purposes a simple shaped arched TKL or Canadian case suit me fine. The Airloom case certainly looks ice but I would find no need to spend $380 for a deluxe case unless I was a touring musician or protecting an expensive instrument.

[BrianWilliam]

My Made in Canada case didn't fit a tonegard. But the main reason I switched was that my headstock scroll was too close to the edge of the case. Probably not an issue 99% of the time....

[Austin Bob]

If you want a top-end flight case for lots of travel, look into Hoffee or Calton. If you want great portability with only occasional travel, a TraveLite (or equivalent) case is hard to beat. But why not just get the new Airloom case from Northfield? It's not only made for your instrument, but it's probably the best value for the money.

I agree with Sblock. The TraveLite is probably the best bang for the buck. Less than $100, and very good drop protection. If you need crush protection, the the hard cases like the Airloom, Calton or Hoffee are the way to go. One advantage to the Hoffee is that you can add Thinsulate lining, as well as an insulated case cover if (like me) you want/need a bit of additional protection from hot or cold weather conditions.

[billruns]

I had a Hoffee case for the Ellis F5 I sold, but I cannot justify that much money for a $2,750 instrument. I agree the Travelite cases are great value, however I am looking for a rectangular hard case.

[George R. Lane]

A Travelite just showed up in the classifieds.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/101689#101689

[Jim Garber]

My Made in Canada case didn't fit a tonegard. But the main reason I switched was that my headstock scroll was too close to the edge of the case. Probably not an issue 99% of the time....

Frankly, I do not keep my tonegard on any mandolin. Tony did send me the newer, non-marring plastic guards but still, I prefer to take a few seconds and preserve the finish.

[BrianWilliam]

Yeah, my new tonegard has left marks on my finish. It's minor but it's there.

But, I never take the tonegard off, so is the damage there?

[Roger Moss]

Yeah, my new tonegard has left marks on my finish. It's minor but it's there.

But, I never take the tonegard off, so is the damage there?

Yes.

[MikeEdgerton]

Yes.

And you know this how? I've had mine on for 10 years on my Gibson F5G and there are no marks.

[BrianWilliam]

Maybe I'm doing something wrong but my tonegard has marked up my finish. The good news is the tonegard damage is way less than my play wear - and the back of my mandolin has no new button/zipper/wear.

Back to cases, if you want to use a tonegard and leave it on all the time, you need a case that has the space. I'm good at stating the obvious

[Roger Moss]

And you know this how? I've had mine on for 10 years on my Gibson F5G and there are no marks.

I can feel the damage on mine through the case.

[mandowilli]

My Collings MF5 with tonegard fits easily in a Hiscox case and it is very strong, if you are not opposed to a rectangular case.

Lots of storage and lightweight.

[UsuallyPickin]

I like these ... R/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...-mandolin-case

[terzinator]

The other case I have is a Hiscox. Larger than other cases, but man, it's really light. Elderly has 'em.

Linky.

[MikeEdgerton]

To get back to the OP's original question that I derailed...

Has anyone had any experience with the Ameritage rectangular cases?

Has anyone used one of these cases?

http://www.ameritage.com/store/produ..._F_Styles.html

By the way, the Ameritage site is very slow. You might want to go have lunch (perhaps a ham sandwich) after you click on the link.

[AlanN]

I had one. Very smart-looking, slick. The inside compartment was a bit weird, advertised as a suspension system of sorts. It cradled the instrument well-enough, just not substantially so, for my tastes. Padding-wise, Calton and Hoffee beat it. The hardware was so-so; I think that aspect has been upgraded. Handsome and solid case, no doubt. I had a Small Dog crafted for it.

[terzinator]

The hardware was so-so; I think that aspect has been upgraded.

Speaking of hardware, and the Bobelock above... One of the cooler aspects of the Bobelock is the latch.

Here's my Sprite in its safehouse. Click on the pic to see a bigger version, where you can see the latch. It is a work of art, really. The case seals tight as a drum, and when you press the latch tab, then the little claw comes down almost hydraulically on the upper tab. (It's not really hydraulic, but it's darned cool.)

[JeffD]

I have really fallen for the Reunion Blues Continental cases. Light as a soft case, and can take anything except a stab wound. More than adequate for every day, and in reality probably fine for checked baggage, though I would go with a hard case for that.

[Jill McAuley]

Speaking of hardware, and the Bobelock above... One of the cooler aspects of the Bobelock is the latch.

Here's my Sprite in its safehouse. Click on the pic to see a bigger version, where you can see the latch. It is a work of art, really. The case seals tight as a drum, and when you press the latch tab, then the little claw comes down almost hydraulically on the upper tab. (It's not really hydraulic, but it's darned cool.)

Have you flown with the Bobelock? I've always liked the look of them but just worry that they're on the long side, what with the storage compartment being at the top and adding to the overall length.