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Thread: Case options for flat top

  1. #1
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Case options for flat top

    Okay, this has been rehashed many times. But with so many things changing wanted to ask again. What are the current recommendations for a quality hardshell for a flat top mandolin? From what I can see, the Superior fiberglass and Bobelock are probably out. The old Breedlove is now impossible to find. Either fiberglass or arch top plywood. What I would prefer is not add a ton of foam to a case to get a fit.

    The TKL for Collings will work, which leads me to a secondary question - what is the difference between the TKL8851 and TKL8851 Ltd? Besides handle and hardware color.

    Thanks.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  2. #2
    Mandolin & Mandola maker
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    Default Re: Case options for flat top

    I have been through this before. It is difficult to find a case that fits properly, most of the Chinese made cases are too big. What fits is the TKL 7851 and the TKL Vectra. Although the Vectra is designed for a F5 it does have a firm fit for my Classical flattop mandolins so that there is no movement. The Superior fiberglass will fit, but it is not ideal (too big). The Superior CD-1521 Deluxe plywood case does fit, although there is very little clearance for the tuning knobs. Availability for the Superior cases is an issue. In future I will be using the TKL 7851 when the Chinese cases I have run out. I am sick of the problems that come with cheap cases, the only advantage of Chinese made is the cost. The TKL 7851 is nothing flash (but is better quality than most Chinese cases), but it does fit and is affordable, and does not have the problems associated with the Chinese made cases (poor QC and availability). TKL have assured me they don't intend to stop making it. The TKL Vectra case is very nice, but is costly so I will only be offering it as an upgrade for additional cost. The TKL cases are a lot cheaper in the USA, I have to import them and transport costs are high from the USA. I did get a fiberglass case made in Hong Kong that was quite nice and the fit is good (Musiccompo), but that is now effectively no longer available. I am using that particular case from my own classical flattop mandolin.
    Peter Coombe - mandolins, mandolas and guitars
    http://www.petercoombe.com

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  4. #3
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Case options for flat top

    I bought the Crossrock fiberglass case on Amazon, but the fit is not exact.
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  6. #4
    Resident Hack
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    Default Re: Case options for flat top

    It seems like pretty much all mandolin cases besides the most generic A and F microgroove cases that were stocked up are on the slow train right now. I've looked at a few cases from the big names that nobody knows when they will be seen again.

    I would love to get a black TKL Vectra but they haven't been in stock anywhere. TKL doesn't answer emails or the contact form on their website. The thing is on sale price but their website has hidden the add-to-cart button for that item.
    What I play
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    Epiphone Genesis guitars
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  7. #5
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Case options for flat top

    Update - Ordered a TKL Vectra. It fits the Coombe perfectly. In comparison to a Road Runner case it's a little bit taller and less deep. Definitely better made. Only downside so far, the neck pocket isn't that big. Spare strings have to sit under the headstock. And a Snark doesn't let the pocket lid close completely. (Prefer the Snark HZ as it's easier to see in full sunlight). Other tuners, like the Uni-Tune or Poly-Tune should fit better.

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    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

  8. #6
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Case options for flat top

    Nice case!
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    1969 Martin 00-18




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