Overall Comments

Calton Deluxe cases are a fibreglass shell with a padded soft lining. They are designed to fit the specific instrument and for that reason give good support all around without instrument movement during transport. An equipment pocket is built in under the neck section of the case and, although a little small, has enough space for tuner, picks and capo. The neck supports are well spaced with the addition of padding under the centre section of the neck. They provide good support for the neck and are designed to prevent lateral movement as well as movement up and down. From close inspection of the indentations in the interior lining you can see that the whole neck is supported and unable to move without being squashed or pressured at certain points. The pot is also unable to move with 360 degree lateral support. The design is very clever here as the lining indentation clearly shows that support is placed evenly on the resonator and heel stock by the body of the case with lid support around the stretcher band and on the tail piece, just touching the strings, but no pressure at all on the bridge. The fit of my banjo gives me the impression that I could, with lid open, turn the case up-side-down and the banjo would not fall out! Probably not, but the fit is that good.

Hinges and latches are top quality steel and strongly riveted to the case body with plates on the interior to prevent the rivets from pulling when under tension. The case has a number of little bumper feet both on the base and the side providing impact protection in those areas where the case will contact the ground. These feet are screwed on and could be replaced if they wear out, which I doubt as they seem to be made of a very hard plastic material. The joint of lid to case body has a rubber seal making it water resistant. The handle is leather and, like all of the fittings, strong and riveted to the case body. “D” rings are provided for shoulder strap attachment. The case lid is an arch top design further adding to it's strength and impact resistance.

The case with my Huber Lancaster inside weighs approximately 10kg. That’s heavy if you plan on carrying it around a festival site, but then these are flight cases and designed for strength and impact resistance. If you are after the best protection for your instrument while travelling I would highly recommend a Calton case.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

In my opinion quite simply the best.

When I rang Kieth Calton to place my order I was reassured by the ammount of measurements he required, that I was making the right decision. The case is tailored to fit the Banjo absolutely perfectly.

The interior is massively padded and then treated to some nice plush fluff. A generous pick box sits in the centre.

The 5 catches close with a gratifying SNAP! The hinges are solid as a rock. the handle is trustworthy and solid. The outer construction is as hard as nails with no joins in it; other than the one that lets you put your banjo in! the closing edges have a rubber seal all the way around that makes the fit when you close the lid that little more solid. There are 13 little plastic bumpers screwed to the outside of the case in all the places where it is likely to get bumped most frequently; which is another reassuring feature. The case also comes with two 'D' links to attatch a shoulder strap to. They are reassuringly heavy!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

i bought this calton deluxe case through a fellow BHO member and it
was less then a year old. i got it at a great price and it arrived in just a few days after he recieved his money.
it is a fantastic case, a shade heavier then my old cedar creek but not
much difference. the banjo is nice and tight in the case, the compartment is big enough, it cradles the neck just right and is solid as a rock. all and all this is a superior case and i would recommend it to anyone wanting the best protection and style to boot.

terry m
n.c.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

I wanted to pick one of these up for upcoming travel to Banjo Camp and JDM had a great sale on them. The case appears to be pretty near indestructable. I have mine open to air out a little as per the enclosed instructions to get rid of some of the adhesive smell.

The only think I would change is doing away with the key lock on each of the case closing clasps and replace with a small hasp for one of the TSA approved locks. I'm not sure that the locks that are built in to the clasps are TSA approved - I guess I'll find out!

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

EXCELLENT!! ........... Absolutely the best case ever, I bought mine at IBMA 2007 and i called Calton to get the metal name plate customized. This is the tightest fiting case i've ever seen, I already dropped mine and I can see it's gonna be tough!! ......... The components are Excellent and the Quality is very good!! I would reccomend one to anyone with a Higher priced instrument..... I BOUGHT A HUBER ...... THEREFORE I BOUGHT A CALTON!!

Overall Rating

10