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Thread: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Normal?

  1. #1

    Default Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Normal?

    Hey guys,

    I just received a Travelite in the mail.

    The case is gorgeous, and fits "around" the mandolin body just great. However, it doesn't seem like it has enough vertical space inside. The case doesn't close all the way without applying pressure. This causes the case to press down on the mandolin's bridge.

    I'm worried this might damage the mandolin, but I'm also not sure if this is normal for the Travelite case. My other mandolin case closes flush without needing to apply pressure, as do all my guitar and bass cases.

    Is it supposed to be this snug vertically?

    Best,
    Rob

  2. #2
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    What kind of mandolin? Not all are created equal. Post pics if possible.
    I own a Travelite and there are pads on the lid that presses against the tailpiece cover and neck. No pressure on bridge.
    Adrian

  3. #3

    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    The mandolin is a Silverangel. Photos below:

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  4. #4
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    I have a Travelite for my Girouard F-5 and I can see imprints from the strings very clearly in the underside of the top. However the case closes easily and I have not had any issues. Bridge height, measured in the middle of the bridge, is 19mm or 3/4 inch. If the bridge height was much higher, I could see where it might be a problem.

    I will add mine is an older Travelite and the padding is somewhat different than yours.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  5. #5
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    I thought Silver Angels were a bit bigger than std. size. I know of a friend's example and it is. See if you can put another brand F-5 mandolin in the case to see how it fits.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  6. #6

    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    Quote Originally Posted by jim simpson View Post
    I thought Silver Angels were a bit bigger than std. size. I know of a friend's example and it is. See if you can put another brand F-5 mandolin in the case to see how it fits.
    I don't have another F-5 mandolin to test with.

    I wonder if I can mold the roof of the case to accept a thicker mandolin. It would be a shame if this didn't work out...the case is very high quality.

  7. #7
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    Quote Originally Posted by woo_rob1 View Post
    I don't have another F-5 mandolin to test with.

    I wonder if I can mold the roof of the case to accept a thicker mandolin. It would be a shame if this didn't work out...the case is very high quality.
    I guess the challenge would be separating the inside fabric from the core foam. The foam itself could be contoured with a knife and/or sanding disc. Once re-contoured, the fabric could be re-glued to the foam.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  8. #8
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    When I got my Travelite case it wouldn't close when the tone-gard was on the mandolin.
    I just took the mandolin out, and I used the palm of my hands to squish the padding at the back a bit.
    I think a little squishing will work for you.
    It will still be perfectly protective.
    Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
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  9. #9

    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    Quote Originally Posted by CWRoyds View Post
    When I got my Travelite case it wouldn't close when the tone-gard was on the mandolin.
    I just took the mandolin out, and I used the palm of my hands to squish the padding at the back a bit.
    I think a little squishing will work for you.
    It will still be perfectly protective.
    I did exactly this. It fits better now, but still a little snug. I will keep working at the area, it should eventually mold in to a safe fit.

  10. #10
    Layer of Complexity Kevin Knippa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Travelite Case - doesn't close without applying pressure. Nor

    I used the handle of a screw driver to compress the foam in points where the contact was too close in my Travelite, not so much on the top, but to accommodate leaving a Tone-Gard on my mandolin. I essentially embossed the shape of the Tone-Gard into the foam.

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