Calton Cases

[Mischa Z]

Hi, Folks:

For about 30 years, I've always used Mark Leaf classical guitar cases, but these are passing into history. So, I'm looking at the Calton cases now. Does anyone have one? Can anybody compare one to the Leaf cases? Are there any more contenders in the "elite" arena of cases?

Thanks!

Mischa

[TheEvan]

I have one. I think the Deluxe actually weighs what Leaf does (quite heavy!) but is far less bulky. Recommended. Using a ase cover, I have have checked it without fear many times.

Recently I got a kevlar Accord case, which is quite amazing. It is at least as strong as the Calton Deluxe (honestly, it seems quite a bit stronger) and it weighs less than 1/3! Furthermore, it is smaller in every dimension that even a standard hardshell case. I'm thinking it will fit in overhead bins easier than anything but a possibly a gig bag. And if there's any problem, it can be checked easily.

[brian richardson]

TheEvan,
how much did the accord case cost?

[TheEvan]

I participated in a special group purchase, so I paid less. I understand retail price of the basic Accord is around $1300. Mine is upgraded though.

[Travis_Warner]

well, i've been told that the only dumb question is an unasked question, so here it goes. Why do you need the kind of protection for your guitar that cost 1300 bucks? What's the real difference between you cases and my Humicase and TKL cases?

[daniel711]

Second that!!! What are doing, going into battle with your guitars?? How much is your guitar worth anyway!!??

[Jubilee Valence]

Second that!!! What are doing, going into battle with your guitars?? How much is your guitar worth anyway!!?? :?: Guys, back in the good ol' days, Samsonite luggage had a commercial re: airline baggage handling "practices" & how to determine the facts behind the scenes in our friendly skies.They tossed a Samsonite standard sized suitcase into a REAL gorillas cage,in a real zoo! The resulting footage was real-time,extremely violent & a classic amongst commercials.( I think it was a tie...)--Jubi :twisted:..or a hockey game...

[Mischa Z]

Thanks, Folks, there has been some great response.

On the value of protection, well, many years ago, a student of mine bought a Mark Leaf case, which was virtually waterproof, something which helped stabilize the guitar's humidity in Alaska during the winters. Later, she was on a trip to Hawaii, in a small boat near the shore, and the boat overturned. The Leaf case came bobbing in to shore a bit later, and when she recovered it, she was incredibly relieved to see that the salt water had not reached her guitar.

Perhaps this "value" question has to do with what's in the case. My guitar would cost $20,000 to replace, so these prices don't seem quite so far out of line for me as they would to some others. If the guitar case is truly elegant, this could substantially help those who of us who play weddings and other "tux" jobs. I am thinking that the white Calton Case with black trim would really turn some heads with potential employers around here, such as those who run the most elegant Casino restaurants. A first impression can go a long way, and the top restaurant in Lake Tahoe could pay about $300/night, so the money spent on a case and a "first impression" could come back pretty quickly. The red Calton with a bright gold crushed velvet interior, or the silver Accord, would look pretty striking next to my Ramirez concert guitar as well. Again, the point is for folks to REMEMBER the artist and the guitar.

I guess the strength issue gets back to the airlines and to the baggage handlers, for the most part. I wish I had a way of actually seeing an Accord and a Calton case, but I expect to get one or the other in the near future. I would expect that you'd want something, at least a case cover, to protect the finish when traveling on the airlines. The weight issue can be an issue as well. for a long walk with a heavy case could ruin an audition--especially in hot weather, or with someone who had health problems, even if such problems were only temporary. Over a period of 30 years, I've had some grueling moments carrying my Leaf case, especially when I broke the shoulderstrap. In fact, this case can be a pain even with a shoulderstrap! The fact that the Calton case is much smaller is very important even if it weighs as much as a Leaf case.

Thanks again, folks. As you see, I'm still thinking out loud on this issue.

All my best,
Mischa

[TheEvan]

The only cases that can be safely checked today with impunity are the Accord & the Calton. And, I hear, the Pegasus. Well, you can get a custom Zero Halliburton, but that's another category of bulky, heavy & 'spensive.

If you fly with it a lot, you need it. If you don't, you don't.

[Mischa Z]

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