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Thread: Northfield Recurve Case

  1. #1
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Northfield Recurve Case

    How much storage space do these cases have. The photos on the NF site are not very revealing. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    I just ran through a few old threads and unless I missed it I don't think anyone has actually commented on how big the accessory pocket is. That's amazing as there are some deeply detailed discussions about it.
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    8.5"W x 4"H x 2"deep. A pack of strings fits in snugly, not quite wide enough for two side by side.
    Mitch Russell

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    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Click image for larger version. 

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    A visual of the storage space - bigger than most cases.

  5. #5
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Very helpful photographs, thank you John. I was about to pull the trigger on an Airloom case. Looks like the Recurve will do just fine. You too Onassis! Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    You’re all really making me want to get one of those! How are the latches now, are they all coming with new latches compared to how they originally came out?
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

  7. #7

    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Just a heads up that the lid flops all the way over--no ribbons to hold the lid upright. My only complaint about the case and I no longer own one.
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  8. #8

    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Quote Originally Posted by dang View Post
    You’re all really making me want to get one of those! How are the latches now, are they all coming with new latches compared to how they originally came out?
    In April of 2019 Adrian (Northfield Instruments) wrote here about the status of the latch:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...72#post1710672

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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Quote Originally Posted by dang View Post
    You’re all really making me want to get one of those! How are the latches now, are they all coming with new latches compared to how they originally came out?
    I bought a used green one, the latches are a bit dodgy but work fine, with a little care. I like the case - lightweight, good instrument seating/protection and the mandolin is easily placed within and removed.

  11. #10

    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    All this latch talk has me realizing how important they are. I just bought a Hiscox guitar case with the most well designed latches I’ve ever had, both from a secure closing and nothing to gouge a finish. I’d have to consider Hiscox for a mandolin case despite the bulk. And why would anyone design a case not large enough for a pack of strings?
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    I have one of these with my N5S. Overall I like the case, though a few negatives IMO. The storage area is small. A set of strings in packaging will not lie flat, though it will fit at an angle. There are no "feet" on the wide underside, only on the edge side. So the case will directly touch whatever surface it is on when opened up. As another post said, there is nothing holding the lid from flopping open. Lining up the latches (at least on my example) is difficult. I need to push the top slightly sideways to get the first latch lined up. Then the two other latches will be lined up. This is the most bothersome issue for me. On the positive side. Lightweight, looks great, seems to offer adequate protection of the instrument.
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  14. #12
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Frankly, I can't justify the higher-end cases. I have used TKL arched cases for all of my A-models and they work just fine. I have bought a few Small Dog covers whch helps for storing some things but they are solid and work fine for me. I like the looks of the Recurve cases but can't see why I need one.
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    The storage area is small. A set of strings in packaging will not lie flat, though it will fit at an angle.
    Don't know what kind of strings you're using, but a pack of Mangan's will lie flat in mine. Snuggish, but they go right in. The compartment seems maybe 1/2" smaller in width and length than my old Travelite. I like the fact that the lid opens to lie flat. Constantly having the lid flop back closed while I'm removing or installing the instrument has always been a pain and a potential source of damage. Now when I open the lid, it stays open. I'm also fine with old latch style. It takes literally 1 second to make sure it latches properly, and then it stays latched. Overall, I dig the case.
    Mitch Russell

  16. #14
    Registered User Drew Egerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Lane, I replied to your Youtube comment but I'll add something here also.

    I've had the green recurve case for about 10 months now.
    It was one of the first sold I believe with the new latch design. They work fine as long as the top and bottom of the case are lined up. Sometimes it's a little bit of a hassle to get them lined up just right. Once you get them latched, no issues coming open.

    I have a pack of D'addario strings, a couple extra single strings, a tuner and a string winder and a baggie of extra rubber grommets in mine and it fits OK. The strings do sit at a little bit of an angle but it's not been a problem.

    The worst experience I have had with it was at Swannanoa last year when I was jamming under a tent and a very heavy thunderstorm came through. I had the case on the ground in front of me thinking it would be out of the rain, but didn't realize how much water was going across the ground. The green case is NOT waterproof! The bottom of the case was soaked to the point that the padding inside and everything in the storage pocket was also wet.
    It took a couple of days of paper towels, fans, sitting out in the sun, etc. to get it dry. No long term problems.

    Overall I still really like the case. It is NOT something you want to stand on or throw around, but it is so much lighter than my Calton. For local gigs or jams or carrying around at a camp, it's great.
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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    After reading above posts:

    Hmmmm...

    I love the look of those cases but it sounds like I would wait for at least a redesigned version 2.0. I hope Northfield and Jakob Winter are reading this thread. Obviously, the big advantage is more environmental and than practical. The latch line-up problem would be a real drag. And the fact that it sounds like it absorbs water. Granted most wooden cases would not do well if soaked in a rainstorm. And it doesn't sound like this ~$300 case is even all that protective.
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  18. #16

    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    We bought a Recurve for my wife's Model M. The natural finish with the clear coat. Mostly like it but the outside surface does tend to take nicks quite easily and it is a bit heavier than she would like. I stuck with my Superior fiberglass for my NF A5.
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  19. #17
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    The Recurve was a contender however I got a great buy on a NF Airloom Deluxe case. It has a gracious plenty of storage space, my Collings fits like a glove. The only thing I could say was a negative is the weight. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

  20. #18

    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Looks like there is a new Airloom case coming out. There's a 4th Gen Artist model for sale at Elderly that comes with "Airloom Tūra Carbon Fiber case (new for 2022)." Seems like it could be a new version of the Recurv case but with a carbon fiber exterior instead of the the fabric exterior. No other info about it anywhere online that I can find.

  21. #19
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

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    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  23. #20
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Wonder if it might replace the Airloom Deluxe which is currently out of stock on the Northfield website.

    Sort of strange as Northfield usually announces things like that on social media.

    A few fiddlers I know really like the violin Airloom because of the light weight.
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    Registered User Drew Egerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    very interesting...
    My green recurve case is currently with a mandolin I have on consignment, so if it sells I will be looking to replace it with another lightweight option. I did keep the deluxe rectangle case my 4th gen came in. Love it, but it is heavy to tote around for something like a camp.
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    Registered User Russ Donahue's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Quote Originally Posted by Drew Egerton View Post
    very interesting...
    My green recurve case is currently with a mandolin I have on consignment, so if it sells I will be looking to replace it with another lightweight option. I did keep the deluxe rectangle case my 4th gen came in. Love it, but it is heavy to tote around for something like a camp.
    I have two Bobelock cases that I use and like a lot. Reasonable storage - especially with the case cover. Light on the shoulder with a strap.
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  26. #23
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    Will bump this thread and say am really happy with mine. Am using it with the Brentrup. Fits like a charm. Like that there is extra space above the bridge.

    The new latches seem well designed. Seems like very little chance of them popping open once closed. The case also closes just fine without any needing to push things around.

    As to the storage compartment. Right now have - 2 sets of strings, a couple of spare singles, polish cloth, 4 batteries, small container of picks, pocket knife, nail clippers and string winder. All easily fit. Strings are D'Addario that I take out of the cardboard and just keep in the plastic wrapper.
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  27. #24
    Registered User Drew Egerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Northfield Recurve Case

    I'll add to my previous post about the Deluxe case being heavy.....I lugged that thing through the airports from Charlotte to San Francisco and walking around Benicia last month. HEAVY!!!!!! It did fit in the overhead storage bins but I was lucky on all flights to find space without luggage already in it.

    I just picked up a beautiful amber finish F5S and it came with a grey Recurve, so I will be using that for my main local carrying around for now.

    I swapped a couple of emails with Adrian and he has me on a wait list for the new carbon fiber case when they are ready.
    I did get a chance to check out one that Mike Marshall had and it was very nice. HALF the weight of the rectangular Deluxe and more storage than the Recurve.
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