Old Cases, what do you do?

[Narayan Kersak]

What do you do with your old cases when you get a new one. Seems like a PIA to ship them somewhere else for a couple of bucks. Does anyone even really buy old cases? I got this airlite that came with my Mowry that I got over ten years ago, and its functional, but does have some wear on the outside, where my cats used to like to use it as a scratching post after I got home from the session, and the little pad that holds the neckup has de-glued. It still works just fine, but got another case recently. Is it really worth trying to sell or should I just chuck it? Are they recycleable?

[William Smith]

It depends on the case! If it's an old M and W from the teens that was used for Gibson's, Any old Gieb and sons that were used in the teens up to the 1940's, Paganoni cases, MModel cases. I've paid serious bucks for Pag cases, old rectangular 30's F-5 cases, I'm in the process of buying a repaired 1924 Tenor Lute case, etc....It all depends on what you have that someone may want?

[Narayan Kersak]

Doesn't sound like I got any of those. ; )

[EdHanrahan]

Having had only well-worn, but far from "vintage", cases just lying around, what I have done is:
1) Await the next yard sale find.
2) Donate to an accomplice who desperately needs an upgrade, like if their 4 lb. chipboard case is mostly 3 lb. of grey tape.

[mandroid]

Black Gaffers tape is Great, for the bare wood patches om my 20's cases..

[allenhopkins]

Who knows -- you might buy a new mandolin, sans case, that will fit in your old case.

Could happen.

[Ryk Loske]

I thought that was why houses had attics?

Ryk

[Narayan Kersak]

Hah... I live in a two room condo! The reason I had to get a new case was because my wife told me I can only have as many instruments as will fit under the bed! However, we just got a bigger bed, which I was excited about, obviously. Then I discovered this bed is lower than our previous one, so some of my cases don't fit!!! Counterproductive... You see? They need to be 6 inches or less, and I could jam the travelite under there, but I'm not sure if that would compress through to the mandolin in the process.

[William Smith]

I've sold cheaper cases here on the café for 75-100 bucks! I tried to sell a nice 20's banjolin case for 50 bucks but no takers-must've been the banjo part that scared em off! But like Allen said above keep it ya may need it?

[JeffD]

Bad marital advice: Keep the empty cases lying about the place, and add a few more from junk shops. Tell the spouse you are collecting old cases. Nobody need know how many of those cases will have mandolins in them, now or in the future.

No, don't do this.

[Louise NM]

They make nice impromptu cat beds.

[EdHanrahan]

... just got a bigger bed, which ... is lower than our previous one, so some of my cases don't fit!!!

Wood scraps are your friend. 5/8"', 3/4", 1", whatever it takes. A 2" square placed under each bed leg, maybe w/ a divot to keep the bed leg centered and stained to approximate the bed leg and/or carpet, and your cases will disappear once again!

[Paul Busman]

You could freecycle them.

https://www.freecycle.org/

I get rid of lots of things that are still usable, but I no longer want in this way. Just gave away two old storm doors. I've also given away un needed computer parts, duplicate tools, kids toys and clothing, etc. Whatever it is, someone out there needs it.

[fiddleround]

[QUOTE=Paul Busman;1605978]You could freecycle them.

When I found a used Calton for my F4 I left the old (non original) case on consignment at my favorite instrument shop. I told them I just didn't want to see it again. To my surprise I received a check in the mail 6 months later. Win-win.