Collings cases - equal to Hoffee or Calton?

[mcgroup53]

I look at the new Collings cases on their website, and I get the idea:

http://www.collingsguitars.com/cases/

Build a superior conventional case using better materials and design. But when it's priced as high, almost, as a Calton or a Hoffee, I'm not sure I get the point. Have to admit, I haven't seen one yet. I'm sure Jim Baggett will have a couple next week at Winfield.

Anyone out there examined these cases yet? What's your take?

[houseworker]

Discussed at great length here: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...se-at-elderlys

[Tom Sanderson]

I have one for my F5. I have owned several Calton and Pegasus cases (I sold my Pegasus when I got the Collings). By equal do you mean just as strong? Will it stand up to being run over by a car? No, but that's not what they're trying to be. They are in a totally different league. All of the cool looks of an old Geib (?) case with everything done to perfection down to last detail. My mandolin fits so nice it's like they made the case around it. Total support for the neck and headstock. There is a small (really small) storage compartment that might hold a clip on tuner and a few picks, but that's about it. I bought a Colorado Case Cover that has a nice size pouch on it, so storage for me is not a problem. It weighs 2 pounds less with my mandolin in it than my Pegasus case weighed empty, and it's way smaller. If you're a traveling musician , it's probably the wrong case, I'd stick with the Caltons etc., but if you just play as a hobby and/or have a higher end instrument that you don't take out much, They are great. I used to travel (fly) a lot for work and always had a Calton, but now I don't so it really works for me. As far as price goes, you can spend 60 grand on a Corvette, or a Ford F150. They are both transportation, they will both get you to Walmart, but they are in 2 different leagues

[Ivan Kelsall]

Post removed.

[Jstring]

Nice post Tom... I think that's a perfect summation of the previous 10 page thread about these cases.

[mandroid]

The Impression You Make just carrying in the case into the Gig, before you open It,
May have some value.

[mcgroup53]

Makes sense, got it!

[Smiley]

...I bought a Colorado Case Cover that has a nice size pouch on it, so storage for me is not a problem.

Tom, Did you have a custom insulated case made or are you using one of their standard cases? Thanks in Advance.

[Tom Sanderson]

Tom, Did you have a custom insulated case made or are you using one of their standard cases? Thanks in Advance.

I had a custom Colorado case cover made from a tracing of the case. I can post some pictures if you're interested.

[Smiley]

Pictures would be wonderful. Thank you.

[Tom Sanderson]

Pictures would be wonderful. Thank you.

[Smiley]

Thank you Tom. I'll send in a tracing for one.

[mandroid]

Did say "conventional" ie Wood.. Hoffee , Calton OTOH are composite .

Molded cases using Catalyzed resin and Glass or Carbon Cloth, so structurally And, how they are made quite different.

More akin to Corvettes and McLarens.