Cases from Japan

[Bob A]

Streborcaj is off to Japan, and may be able to do something about bowlback cases. The initial impression is one of high cost, but we can always hope. There are photos posted. I'll be back with the link.

[Bob A]

Here's the link (I hope).

[Jim Garber]

Hmmmm... I wonder why these are so much more than the flat cases. The latter go for a little over $100.

Jim

[Jonathan Rudie]

Hi Bob,

I would be in for two nice bowlback cases if the price is right.

Jonathan R.

[Plamen Ivanov]

I don`t like them too much. These metallic colors... And the price is high. The case has probably some electronics inside (it`s Japanese, how else?) - remote opening, DVD installed, or something...

[Jack Roberts]

I'm off to look at the cases today, as well as some upper-end Japanese made bowl backs, assuming I can find the shop.

The prices are high because it is Japan. I have seen the same cases vary in price by about 15% at diffent shops.

Here is a link to a website that carries many bowlback cases. (You may have to adjust your browser settings to see the Japanese text.)

http://www.ikegaku.co.jp/accessories5.htm

[Jim Garber]

Jack:
It looks like the fiberglass ones are about $172 according to XE site's conversion.

I can;t figure out the others -- many of them look exaclty the same with different prices. If you can translate, that would be great.

Jim

[Jack Roberts]

This shop has lower prices than a few of the others I checked. Unfortunately it was closed yesterday for the national holiday. What I was hoping to do is talk to the owner and see if he wants to export a few. If he is interested, I'll let you know his prices, options, etc.

Anyway, if I can get there on Saturday, I will. Otherwise it will have to wait 'till next time. They have some nice looking but expensive mandolins on the website. I wanted to try them out.

Here is the translation from top down:

Mandolin superlight cases JYE 18,480
Colors: black, blue, brown, burgandy

Mandola superlight cases JYE 25,200
Colors: blue, black

Mandolin superlight case, leather JYE 21,000
Colors: black only

Mandolin "Miracle" case JYE 21,160
Colors: black, navy, wine red, grey

Mandola "Miracle" case JYE 25,200
Colors: black, navy, wine red

Mandolin "block" case JYE 16,800
Colors: black, navy, wine red, grey

Mandola "block" case JYE 20,160
Colors: black, navy, wine red, grey

Mandolin duo (external padding) case, JYE 20,160
Colors: black, silver

Mandola duo (external padding)case, JYE 23,520
Colors: black, silver

Mandoin touring case JYE 23,520
Colors: black, silver
(even more padding than the duo case)

Mandola touring case JYE 26,880

Professional case (grey only)
Mandolin JYE 26,880
Mandola JYE 30,240
Mandocello JYE 33,600

Aranjuez mandolin hard cases：JYE 20,160
Colors: black, white, grey, yellow, navy, wine red, silver

(below this are all guitar cases)

[Jim Garber]

They seem to have four categories of mandolin listed here:

Ochiai I have heard are pretty nice upscale mandolins. The Fujimaru look pretty nice but I have never heard of them. The Calaces are imported, I assume. And they have four vintage Italian instruments but no prices.

Jim

[Bob A]

It would be good to know what level of protection over a typicazl Korean hard case these might provide, as well as how adaptable they are to differently-sized instruments.

Still, they seem rather dear. I hope Plami is right: it'd be nice to watch a dvd on the case while traveling.

[Alex Timmerman]

Hello all,

I like the material of which these cases are made a lot; but how well does it ´stand´ when it´s put on the table (on the floor) and you take out your instrument. Often the case just ´falls´ in an other position WHILE the weight (your mandolin!) is taken out.
This move causes the lid to fall in it´s closing position and -if you are not quick enough to stop it with your left (or free hand) can cause terrible damage on your mandolin´s soundtable. #

I have seen many mandolins and guitars with damage caused through this unexpected move of the case.

A solid and firm standing case is best.



Best,

Alex.


PS. If one wants to carry the case on the back, perhaps it ´lays´ better in this way.

[Alex Timmerman]

If I needed one, I´d probably go for somthing like in the attachment here.

[Alex Timmerman]

similar to what the old guys used...

[Jim Garber]

Carlo Aonzo got one of those lightweight rigid foam cases from Japan, However he said that it cost him close to $400 for one. I think for that price I would go for a Kingham and have it made exactly to my specs.

Jim

[Plamen Ivanov]

These look much better! The listed price is equal to $170.

[Jack Roberts]

Ikegaku Mandolins warned me that not all bowl backs fit in all cases. Those with scrolls need consideration when choosing a case. He did say that the hardshell cases (as shown in Alex's posting above) fit most mandolins, even those with scrolls.

I think I would be careful about buying a case without fitting the mandolin in it first.

[Jim Garber]

FLASH!! This just in...

Jim,
be careful what you wish for because it might come true. I have 20 bowlback cases being loaded into a container in the next couple of days bound for our distribution warehouse in Pomona, California. I doubt that we will have them in time for christmas but it won't be too long after. I am also informed that the Eastman bowlback mandolin is in production and we will have a couple of samples in time for the NAMM Show in January. So there....!

And you thought I was ignoring you.........

Gordon

Jim

[Jack Roberts]

Zowie!

[Plamen Ivanov]

"Eastman bowlback mandolin" sounds intriguing.

[mandolinoman]

I must say that those bowlback mandolin cases from Japan are very beautiful. #I noticed the person is carrying the mandolin case by a strap. #Very interesting. #That is the first time that I saw.

George