GatorLightweight Case - Mandolin

Never thought I'd give this style of Gator case only 4 stars. I own this Gator guitar and banjo case. They are great. But, in my opinion, Gator missed their market on the mandolin case. Folks using these cases, as evidenced at bluegrass jams, are beginner to intermediate players. Just like me, we carry instruction manuals, PDFs from Banjo Ben Clark and chord charts. I can fit a 336 page song book in the outer pocket of my other cases. I can't fit a single 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper in the mandolin case outer pocket without folding it. No, it's not a size limitation. There is room to expand this outer pocket 3/4 of in each minimum in all 3 directions or more. Com on Gator. Fix it please. The front neck brace and storage lid combine to give full neck support. The lid closes perpendicular to the neck. The neck brace near the body is lower than the front brace. The storage box is a bit more than 3" x 6". My Eastman is a good fit but my narrow strap has to come off and be stored. So I had to get a smaller pick case to fit a tuner, strings, picks and strap into the storage box. I have a McClung wood arm rest and the case handles it nicely. The material, workmanship and protection are all there but, in my opinion, Gator missed it's MARKET with this case. Keep on playing! What a great instrument! So much joy. John Buckley

All in all I am quite satisfied with this mandolin case, though perhaps not as enthusiastic as other reviewers. I had a very hard time finding one that would fit my 1915 Gibson A mandolin. I appreciate the help of other reviewers who answered my questions. Although this is a F case, my A fits well enough. There is a little more wiggle room in the body than I wanted, so I used a microfiber car cleaning cloth to pad the body compartment and that solved the problem easily.Storage is good in the area under the neck, where I keep a digital tuner, spare strings and a string winder; and as others have said, the exterior pocket is too small for music, but easily holds a small plastic fishing tackle box which works well for keeping picks, nail clippers and emery board, and other small odds and ends.It is well-made, sturdy and somewhat bulky. The handle is not the easiest in the world to use, a little too flexible for my taste, but it certainly works. I have not used the backpack straps but keep them in the front pocket along with the little tackle box just in case I decide to try them someday. It is reasonably light-weight. I am confident that my mandolin is well-protected.Addendum: Having used this case for over a year now I am delighted, and am upgrading my review from 4 stars to 5. My sweet old mandolin has all the protection it deserves, the case is easy to carry, and the pockets hold all the accessories I need. Other musicians have admired it and ordered it for themselves.

Nowadays the type of case can vary dramatically - from free *a/k/a "none - to exorbitant. From cardboard to wood (leather bound) to cloth to fiberglass. This one isn't the cheapest, nor the most indestructible - but its other qualities speak highly of it. My instrument is cushioned by a well shaped interior with velveteen covering; there's room for the extras like extra strings, picks, capo, peg winder and more in the compartment, and then it's protected by polystyrene body. That reduces the weight dramatically (compared to wood cases). The shell is covered in a heavy cloth bag with an exterior pocket that also has a pocket, closed by a nylon zipper, and equipped with a front handle and rear straps.That means - the instrument is protected, cushioned, easy to carry and has room for most things. My one complaint (and a minor one at that) is that the larger exterior pocket isn't large enough to fit your typical song book. Other than that, however, you can't beat this one.

I got this for a teenager who is taking lessons and sometimes has to travel with her mandolin. We wanted something light but that would actually protect the instrument from the bumps and clunks of getting on and off buses, walking around town, etc. I think this case strikes a great balance between light and protective. Sure, a heavier case would provide more protection, A vinyl gig-bag style case would be lighter.. but this is good protection in a surprisingly lightweight package. It seems very well-made, and for the money it's a great choice.

This is a well made soft case. It's light weight and has good padding. That being said, despite the product description saying so, it's not a great fit for A style mandolins. There's a lot of room for the instrument to shift around. It seems more geared towards F style mandolins. If you have an A style I'd look for something else.

I have a very good hard case for my Morgan Monroe A style mandolin that came with my mandolin. However, I fly a lot and wanted a case with outsides storage and backpack straps. This case fit the bill. The foam is so firm I think this case protects the mandolin as well or better than my hard case. It is very light weight, but also strong and solid. Outside pocket holds my phone, tablet and a few other flat items. Top mesh pocket holds paper, passport, tickets, etc. Pretty good fit. Cut out for F style is used to fold my strap and I stuff microfiber cloth on other side for tight fit. Internal compartment larger than most for tuner, picks, etc. Overall I am very happy with case so far.

As so many others have commented, this is an excellent case. It is light, durable and will fill the role of both a gig bag and a hard case. There is ample room for most knick knacks a musician might need: tuner, humidifier, monitor, strings, music, etc. I play an A style mandolin and it fits mine snugly. (Gator says the pack is made for both F and A style, and it is true.)The one small critique I would make is it is a little shallow. I have a Kentucky 272 and there is a fair bit of convexing in the sound body. The case is a little snugger vertically than I would like. But still quite functional. I'd like to see Gator give maybe a quarter inch more play vertically.Still, awesome case and very happy with it.

Fantastic case. Exactly as described. Well made and very sturdy. Would definitely buy again if the need arises

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Was looking for a travel case for an older Stradolin two point mandolin and purchased the Gator based on the reviews and provided measurements, was very happy to find it a good fit and good quality. Lots of options for cases and for the price I think this is excellent; case is very light, appears to be very strong, it's well made and the way they have designed the inside looks like it could also fit either and A or F style mandolin. Only negative to mention is I would agree with the previous comment about the handle, seems strong enough but a bit awkward to hold. Impressed with Gator products, also have a pedal board from them and again an excellent product at a decent price.

We had just a flat, zippered bag for my son's mandolin before, and this Gator is a great upgrade! It fits his Washburn A style very nicely, and the cubby is an appreciated upgrade to keep his tuner better protected. It zips up snugly, but not overly tight, and the outside pouch is handy for a spare set of strings (not included). Very happy with it!