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Thread: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

  1. #1

    Default Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Any recommendations out there for some basic protection for my soon-to-arrive Eastman 315 F-style? So much of the info on-line just doesn't give enough detail on specifics -- I'm hoping for something that fits this mandolin well and I know there are many Eastman owners out there who might know! Thanks in advance...

  2. #2
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    The standard Eastman gig bag fits perfectly and doesn't cost much. Depending on where you are getting your instrument from, a new one should include the gig bag. If not, TMS has them:

    https://themandolinstore.com/product...tyle-mandolin/
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Thanks, Kevin -- I've seen those, but am looking for at least some other options for this mandolin. So many case brands out there -- there have to be some alternatives!

  4. #4

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    There have to be some inexpensive options out there besides the Eastman gig bag, gang!

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    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Well, you are not very likely to find something better -- and better fitting for an Eastman -- than Eastman's very own gig bag -- for just $25 on sale! Tell us if your budget is larger. There are hardshell case options, too, but these tend to be much more expensive. How much are you willing to spend, and what level of protection are you seeking?

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    Registered User Bren's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    TGI extreme!

    Their "TGI 4838 Extreme Padded Flatback Mandolin Gig Bag" fits carved top & back F-style fine
    Bren

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    Registered User Elliot Luber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    I bought one of these, also have a Gator bag. Both are good, not hard cases, but good, light and convenient with substantial protection.

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    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Quote Originally Posted by Elliot Luber View Post
    I bought one of these, also have a Gator bag. Both are good, not hard cases, but good, light and convenient with substantial protection.
    Well, this is just my opinion, but it's probably shared by many players with experience: No gig bag offers "substantial protection." A gig bag may well protect against various scratches and scrapes, and other light abrasive injuries, but it's pretty useless against shocks, drops, or crushing forces. A gig bag is perfectly fine for carrying around the festival grounds or visiting a friend's house for a jam (neither of which we can do these days, alas), or hand-carrying to the local pub, etc. But a gig bag is nearly useless for serious travel, e.g., road trips with other people and baggage, air travel, train travel, etc. A gig bag is flexible: it transmits nearly 100% of any external load to the poor instrument inside! The padding doesn't really help in that respect. Any baggage placed -- accidentally or on purpose -- on top of a gig bag can easily crack the mandolin inside. Any short drop, and the instrument can likewise break.

    The better the instrument you own, and the more you travel and/or play with others, the more likely you are to get a hardshell case (or hard foam case). But if the OP is looking at an Eastman gig bag, on sale for a mere $25 (!), and is seriously wondering about other, possibly more inexpensive options, it would be hard to go much lower in price. The "TGI 4838 Extreme Padded Flatback Mandolin Gig Bag" costs 60% more ($40), for example, and (IMO) offer no significantly better protection. The ultralight Gator GL mandolin case is hard foam covered by nylon fabric, and is a really excellent choice on a budget. However, it is NOT a gig bag. It offers MUCH better protection, esp. against crushing forces and drops. But it costs $90, which is over three and a half times the price of the Eastman gig bag, so it doesn't exactly qualify as an "inexpensive option."

  9. #9

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Look around for the best price on a Gator XL case, lightweight and the hard foam provides more protection than a gig bag.
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Eastman are not unusually sized or shaped. ..

    Measure it and shop by having sellers quote their dimensions & see if they match..

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    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Quote Originally Posted by esslewis View Post
    There have to be some inexpensive options out there besides the Eastman gig bag, gang!
    No, actually there doesn't have to be. Sometimes what you see is what you get.
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  14. #12

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    I have been using the Travelite cases for years. Light and strong.

    https://gregboyd.com/product/travelite-mandolin-case/

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    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Another vote for the Travelite if you want light. Was lucky enough to find a "used" one and have hauled the Weber Gallatin around in it with no problems.
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  16. #14

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    I don’t have one, but a picking friend of mine does, and I’ll throw in a vote for the Travellite too!

  17. #15

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Eastmann--->Travelite--->Crossrock fiberglass. Depending how much you want to spend that would be my path.

    I was a fan of higher end gig bags like Reunion Blues and Access. They are good but in my mind the Crossrock fiberglass case kind of makes them obsolete. Weighs about the same, costs about the same, protects better and comes in light colors that won't collect heat in the sun.
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    Registered User BBarton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Low cost is a pretty subjective term -- I've had different ones and found that some are OK and others suck (IMO); i.e., you get what you pay for!
    Protection plus lightweight = Travelite.
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  19. #17
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    If you use a Tone Gard, make sure the case will fit Mandolin + Gard.
    For trucking around town with Mando and attached TG, I use a Guardian CG -018 MF hard shell case; around $100.
    Last edited by J Mangio; Feb-08-2021 at 2:38pm.
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Musicians Friend is a US source of cheap cases .. if it doesn't fit you can send it back...
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Gator’s oblong hard shell case fits well and offers bettrthan gig bag crush protection. I like Travelite and the Gator similar style case. Mike Marshall carries his Loar in a Travelite.

    I’m currently using a Reunion Blues gig bag frequently with my Kelley, but am now intrigued by Crossrock...and (more $$$) Bobelock. But, I’m careful with it and would use a hard case if traveling...

  22. #20

    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Hey thanks, all — I’ve been absent for a few days. Still mulling over options here. I can see the logic of spending a bit more than an Eastman gig bag costs, but I seriously don’t see needing a whole lot more protection than that. Still, some of these semi-hard cases or heftier gig bags do look like possibilities. Seriously am trying to probably stay under $75 or so, I suppose. I’ll check all these options out — thanks again.
    EDIT — just for the record, I WAS asking for suggestions on cases that fit the Eastman 315 well — not just cases that it would fit into.
    Last edited by esslewis; Feb-11-2021 at 1:18am.

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    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    I paid $89 with free shipping for my gator case at Sweetwater (nfi). I can't speak to whether your Eastman would fit well in it, I have my Morris flat top in it which fits nicely. It does have a cutout for that curly bit, though. That's where I keep my polish cloth

    If you call them up with measurements, they will check it out for you. That's what I did.

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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    I'd go for a Gator hardshell GC-Mandolin case. I've been using their fiddle cases for a while - they're very similar. They're not 'drive-over' tough, but the next best thing, and good value (some big discounts online). The only place I'll be using my free Eastman gig bag is in the house, and if I still had young kids not even then.

  26. #23
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Low-cost cases/gigbags that FIT WELL for an Eastman 315

    Measure the size of the mandolin in front of you, then ask the seller to measure their case size ..

    I don't have your mandolin so cannot measure it for you ...
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