I'm looking for a better mandolin case for my Eastman MD315. My cheapish $50 F5 case isn't deep enough, and the bridge gets pressure applied when I close it. Looking for recommendations for cases under $150. Thanks.
I'm looking for a better mandolin case for my Eastman MD315. My cheapish $50 F5 case isn't deep enough, and the bridge gets pressure applied when I close it. Looking for recommendations for cases under $150. Thanks.
Travelite. Widely available for $70 to $80. Light and protective.
Thanks Eric, I've been searching the web for one and the Travelite looks nice and sturdy . I have one of those for my fiddle and I like it. Very good quality for the price. I want there to be a little wiggle room between the bridge and the padding of the case top. I didn't want to spend a fortune either. Still deciding.
Last edited by Gene Summers; Dec-18-2013 at 1:34pm. Reason: added text
It's true. For the price, Travelite is hard to beat.
John Hamlett
www.hamlettinstruments.com
I have my MD315 in a gator case. Gets the job done, protects the instrument, and fits with a tone-gard on the mando.
Tone Guard fits in my Travelite. Has handy straps for festival travel. Big Plus.
I've owned a few Travelites and they are very lightweight and are a true suspension case with a good amount of space in the headstock area. The hinges pulled out of the foam of my oldest one after many years, but it sure does not matter, I just pulled them out completely and just use the case without them.
Another vote on the Travelite. It may just be my favorite case at the moment after trying a number of others.
Have you seen the Eastman MD 500 series cases: same hard foam as the Travellite, but shaped for 'A' & 'F' models like little guitar cases; comes with a strap as well; they're my favorite for daily on the go or light travel.
Got my 'A' style case from a friend who didn't like hers...you might contact your closest Eastman rep about purchasing one if interested...
1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed
"Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
"If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
"I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
"Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel
Ive Got my Mix in an Eastman Fiberglass case,
come in under $150, too. [new ones fit F4 & F5]
I like having the backpack straps .
Gasket seal on the edges of FG cases in general is really nice headed out in the Wet.
Just "Not to be used as a personal flotation devise".
writing about music
is like dancing,
about architecture
So far the Travelite has more votes, but the Eastman cases are second. I will call my local music store tomorrow and see what they have, and can order. Carry straps are nice, as well as rain gaskets, something to consider. I did get a gig bag with the M315, but wanted a good case with a little more bridge room. Thanks for all your help!
Another Travelite devotee here. Thay're hard to beat for lightness & have enough space in them for all your bits & pieces.Plenty of room in the headstock area, & if you use the "D" rings & 2 back straps,you'll never know it's there. I can't help but think that for the price,it must be the best case out there,
Ivan
Weber F-5 'Fern'.
Lebeda F-5 "Special".
Stelling Bellflower BANJO
Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.
This is the case that I have too I think....Eddie offers it with all of his mandolins...it's really nice with a built in hydrometer
Blevins Custom F5 dark-burst
http://www.mylanderpages.com/epfeiff...rass_argentina
I was presently surprised that my mandolin cafe sticker adheres just fine to my Travelite case.
I've used a Gator ABS case for quite a few years for all except the Webers with no problems at all.
Dave H
Eastman 615 mandola
2011 Weber Bitteroot A5
2012 Weber Bitteroot F5
Eastman MD 915V
Gibson F9
2016 Capek ' Bob ' standard scale tenor banjo
Ibanez Artist 5 string
2001 Paul Shippey oval hole
Everyone, a BIG thank you for your comments, advice and cool mandolin case pics! May you all have the Merriest of Christmases!
Update: I went with the Eastman fiberglass case, in black, from my local music store. I help them unbox it too, just like on Christmas morn. They even gave me a little jingle for my old case, which helps. It looks like a well built, water resistant case, and it has plenty of head room for the bridge. The mandolin fits perfectly inside, with little to no wiggle room side to side. It came with a strap as well. Christmas came early! Thanks again for all the great suggestions. Merry Christmas!
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