Re: Looking for a octave mandolin case, not having luck
I've made a couple "coffin" cases, one for an 1890's Washburn bowl-back mandola, one for a National Triolian steel-bodied mandolin. Oh yeah, one for a Polk-A-Lay-Lee as well (4-foot-long "surfer uke"). I am in the bottom 5% of woodworkers, and the cases I made look awful, but they're quarter-inch plywood and relatively protective. The Washburn rode in the baggage compartment of flights to and from Phoenix, and emerged unscathed.
You might consider the same, at least as an interim solution. Don't worry about linings, good hardware, precise fit and finish. Everything you need's at your friendly hardware store; garage door handles work well on homemade cases, e.g. Lotsa padding, check the balance before you attach the handle, and I've painted mine white to reflect radiant heat.
Did I mention I also made a triangular case for a bowed psaltery? It went to Phoenix as well, but packed in a suitcase, so when I got back, I made the case. Doesn't get a lot of use; few gigs for psaltery players...
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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