New case day - Hoffee

[Eric Platt]

Decided that Brentrup needed a sturdier case for travel than the Airloom. After a lot of thought, decided to call Bluegrass Mandolins and check on the silver-gray Hoffee. It was soon on the way here.

Wow! What a stunning case. Very impressed by the quality. The mandolin fits very well even with a Tone-Gard and armrest. The gel coating seems to hvae little silver flecks that reflect the sunlight. My photos don't convey that well enough.

For storage, I'd say it's about the same as the Airloom. The full neck support lid is better. Fits the case tighter so basically no chance of things falling out. Yes, it is heavier. For my peace of mind it's worth it.

Here are a couple of photos. Figured better do it now before any scratches (and stickers) cover it up.

[addamr]

Nice case. Always one of my favorite color schemes. Congratulations.

Adam

[Jim Garber]

Here are a couple of photos. Figured better do it now before any scratches (and stickers) cover it up.

Or before the grass grows over the case and you might not find that mandolin.

[pops1]

Nice Eric, I used to haul my Brentrup in a TDK, but a few years ago I found a used Calton and got it. Fit is perfect. Yes it is heavy, uuugh, but it's a lot of protection. It's a speckled white so don't have to worry as much about sun.

[Jim Garber]

Is the Hoffee made of carbon fiber and is it lighter than the Caltons?

Most of my mandolins are in TKL or similar. Not real need that I can see for a more protective case than those.

[Cheryl Watson]

The Hoffees are carbon fiber and they are lighter than Caltons. I have bought two from Bluegrass Mandolins along with case covers. They are great cases and very good looking as are the Caltons. I had a custom Hoffee in red (it is a dark, more burgundy red) with gold interior made for my Ellis F5 custom. It fits perfectly and it is gorgeous! The only downside is that they scratch fairly easily, but the scratches can be buffed out very easily with McGuires or Stew Mac products. The case covers solve that problem when I take my mandolins out for jams and gigs and also offer more insulation. At home, the case covers are off.

[mandroid]

I like fiberglass better ... than wood cases, that lack D-rings for straps, to carry them in other ways than in my hand..

[Eric Platt]

Is the Hoffee made of carbon fiber and is it lighter than the Caltons?

Most of my mandolins are in TKL or similar. Not real need that I can see for a more protective case than those.

Totally understand this. As of now, don't plan on flying with it. But will be traveling around 4 states this summer playing music and felt the extra protection was worth it.

And while probably heavier than a shaped TKL case, it's definitely lighter than a traditional F5 style rectangular case. Plus, don't have to remove the strap when it is in the case.

[Eric Platt]

Noticed in some other Hoffee threads that folks were hoping to find an easier way to open the case. It does a good job sealing things out. But that means a little extra work to open.

Well, on mine the upper part of the latches protrude out about 3/16" making it easy to grab one to open the case. Not sure if this is a recent change or not. Definitely easy.

[Mandolin Cafe]

Hoffee has announced they've tooled up to make fiberglass cases, a direct competition for Calton it would appear, and the price point is going to be quite a bit less. Don't have the date for when those become available but don't think it's long.

[MontanaMatt]

Hoffee has announced they've tooled up to make fiberglass cases, a direct competition for Calton it would appear, and the price point is going to be quite a bit less. Don't have the date for when those become available but don't think it's long.

That is great to hear. I think there are lots of case lovers that loath their current case but are not going for the top priced case. I’ve been waiting for a tough case that site between NF Airloom and Hoffee/Calton, and isn’t plastic like the Hissocks.

[Glassweb]

That is great to hear. I think there are lots of case lovers that loath their current case but are not going for the top priced case. I’ve been waiting for a tough case that site between NF Airloom and Hoffee/Calton, and isn’t plastic like the Hissocks.

Your wish will be granted soon... I believe the new Northfield shaped, carbon-fiber case will fill the void. They've been shipping them with their higher-end mandos but have not released them for general sale as of yet. If NF really wants to compete with Hoffee and Calton they should probably offer some exterior/interior color options.

I have no doubt they will be more affordable than either Hoffee or Calton...

[Jcdraayer]

That is great to hear. I think there are lots of case lovers that loath their current case but are not going for the top priced case. I’ve been waiting for a tough case that site between NF Airloom and Hoffee/Calton, and isn’t plastic like the Hissocks.

Count me as one of those examples, though it’s more “desire a bit more” from my cases than loath. I have an Airloom for my F5 and a TKL for my snakehead. Both are fine cases but with two very rambunctious young boys, I wish I had something more sturdy for both. I was contemplating a Calton last year but now with the recent $200 price hike, it’s no longer on my radar

Hopefully the Hoffee fiberglass or NF carbon cases will fill that void in the market

[Eric Platt]

Same here. Have an Airloom, which is nice, but with upcoming trips and festivals, something more sturdy (and waterproof) was needed. Didn't want to wait for either the new NF CF Airloom, or the Hoffee fiberglass. Although both will probably be nice.