Mandola Hard Cases

**Freddyfingers** · Oct-20-2018, 9:39am

I just ordered a mda315 from the mandolin store, with k and k installed. I asked the same question, and they simply replied no case. Being naive, I wondered how the mda815 was shipped and did it have a case. Are they that different in size? I am assuming that since no one here suggested it, that they are different. Either way, I am eagerly awaiting the Mandola, and will look into making a case out of something.

**MikeEdgerton** · Oct-20-2018, 10:16am

Originally Posted by Freddyfingers

Are they that different in size?

Yes

**Explorer** · Oct-20-2018, 11:23am

Originally Posted by Freddyfingers

I just ordered a mda315 from the mandolin store, with k and k installed. I asked the same question, and they simply replied no case. Being naive, I wondered how the mda815 was shipped and did it have a case. Are they that different in size? I am assuming that since no one here suggested it, that they are different. Either way, I am eagerly awaiting the Mandola, and will look into making a case out of something.

Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton

Yes

That's really weird. My previous MDA815 mandola was 29" long, and the new MDA315 is supposedly 29" long, yet that photo from Mike has the two mandolas with not just different outer dimensions, but even radically different scale lengths.

Which of the two Eastman pages for the two different mandola models is wrong?

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mda315_new

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mda815

Or, is that actually a photo of an Eastman mandola next to an Eastman mandolin? Because that's the size difference between that pair normally.

**MikeEdgerton** · Oct-20-2018, 3:26pm

That's my Gibson F5G mandolin and my Korean made no name F style Mandola that I suspect was probably based on the Siminoff kit.

**Explorer** · Oct-20-2018, 5:18pm

Ah. Since Freddyfingers was specifically asking if there is a size difference between the two different Eastman mandolas (MDA815 and MDA315), and not between a mandolin and a mandola, I was surprised to see your picture in answer to that specific question.

Thanks for the clarification!

**MikeEdgerton** · Oct-20-2018, 6:42pm

Originally Posted by Explorer

Ah. Since Freddyfingers was specifically asking if there is a size difference between the two different Eastman mandolas (MDA815 and MDA315), and not between a mandolin and a mandola, I was surprised to see your picture in answer to that specific question.

Thanks for the clarification!

That's what happens when I misunderstand the question. Moving too fast. Sorry.

**MikeEdgerton** · Oct-20-2018, 6:51pm

By the way, anyone considering trying on the Kala U-Bass hard cases it's about 2 inches too narrow. I thought I had an answer to the OP's question. It's close but not close enough. Might fit a narrower A style though. I am now looking at my Telecaster case and wondering how hard it would be to cut one down.

**testore** · Mar-05-2019, 11:46am

I am having some very fine cases made to fit the H2 style mandola. They will start production soon. I’m not sure when they will be available exactly yet but they are coming. They will be priced under $300 shipped. Arch top 5 ply plywood construction, Black cordura cover, green crushed velvet interior , leather handle. Send me a PM for details.

**A 4** · Mar-05-2019, 4:21pm

PM sent - this would be a great service to those of us without cases!

**William Smith** · Mar-05-2019, 4:49pm

Yes a GREAT service for sure.

**Castrinato** · Feb-13-2021, 11:57pm

Originally Posted by testore

I am having some very fine cases made to fit the H2 style mandola. They will start production soon. I’m not sure when they will be available exactly yet but they are coming. They will be priced under $300 shipped. Arch top 5 ply plywood construction, Black cordura cover, green crushed velvet interior , leather handle. Send me a PM for details.

Bump,
I am very curious in one of these f style mandola hard shell cases. Apologies but I’m having difficulties locating the private message function. Please let me know how to get in contact. Thank you.

**luthierseye** · Mar-04-2021, 1:27pm

Originally Posted by Toycona

I use a tenor banjo case with some padding around the body.My Girouard mandola fits just fine.

Another fan of tenor banjo cases for om’s

**Anglocelt** · Mar-12-2021, 5:36am

Here is a hard foam case from Thomann in Germany, Mandola case #346548. It fits my Girouard mandola pretty well and is the only mandola case I could locate in the EU/ UK. I paid 80 Euros plus 8 Euros for rapid shipping to the UK. That was shortly before Brexit so the shipping costs + duty are likely to be higher now.

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**Ray(T)** · Mar-12-2021, 7:04am

Originally Posted by Anglocelt

Here is a hard foam case from Thomann in Germany, Mandola case #346548. It fits my Girouard mandola pretty well and is the only mandola case I could locate in the EU/ UK. I paid 80 Euros plus 8 Euros for rapid shipping to the UK. That was shortly before Brexit so the shipping costs + duty are likely to be higher now.

Since brexit, Thoman have reduced their prices (i.e. removed the VAT) and this is now collected by the shipping company who, it seems, think of a number and bill you for it. After paying this, they hang around for a couple of weeks before delivering the item.

The good news is that, if your bill comes to less than £135, Thoman will charge you the VAT, ship the goods and they should be delivered with no further charge - check out Thoman’s shipping policy.

**journeybear** · Mar-12-2021, 10:53am

Originally Posted by Castrinato

Apologies but I’m having difficulties locating the private message function. Please let me know how to get in contact. Thank you.

First, welcome to the Café!

It's been a month, so maybe you've figured this out already. To send a PM, it's easier than you think. Just click on the user name and go to their profile. Right under the profile picture is the option, "Send a private message." And proceed.

**mrmando** · Mar-12-2021, 3:04pm

Originally Posted by journeybear

It's been a month, so maybe you've figured this out already. To send a PM, it's easier than you think. Just click on the user name and go to their profile. Right under the profile picture is the option, "Send a private message." And proceed.

Except that Gary has private messaging turned off in his profile.

It is not really cool to post users' contact info without their permission, but if you click "home page" in Gary's profile you'll get his blog. It hasn't been updated in 13 years and has no contact info, but it will give you the facts you need to find a way to reach him by Googling.