pcmancini - Posted - 09/12/2011:  10:02:19

Hi all, I need to buy my son a decent but cheap case for him to use traveling back and forth from school with his banjo.  I read with some interest on here about the Carionn available from Amazon for about $42.  amazon.com/Carrion-C-2901-Fret...001FB5Z4O

Any thoughts on this case or others?  This is probably the top end of my budget (for now).

Thanks,

Paul

FXHERE - Posted - 09/12/2011:  10:05:39

Guardian cases are excellent for the money--The last one I bought was 39.95 from Musicians Friend..

Dead Reckon - Posted - 09/12/2011:  12:09:50

Pcmancini, as I am not independently wealthy, I use a Carionn banjo case for my daily player that I take to jams and meetings. It meets my needs well for $42. It arrived in a timely manner and came well packaged. It seems well crafted, light weight, plush, has a key lock, chrome fittings and carries nicely . The handle hardware is a little thin, but I am aware of that. It came imbued with a strong offending odor. Possibly from construction adhesive. After several days of airing out on the back porch. The offensive odor abated and is now serviceable. It protects my Jo nicely for everyday use. However I would not recommend it for shipping by airplane or any other heavy duty service. I really like the fact that it only has 3 hasps instead of five like my other cases, making for less hassle to open and close,as i do that often.    Al

scooter46 - Posted - 09/12/2011:  13:37:58

I bought one of the $39.00 cases from musicians friend it's a nice case but a goodtime openback had to much room to slide around for my liking. After  a few modifications It's fine.

Tinfoot - Posted - 09/12/2011:  14:31:59

I've been using only gig bags for my banjos, but I bought a Guardian hard case for my mandolin, so I can vouch for its overall quality. Was 40 bucks (off Amazon via a off-site retailer- I think the seller was Musician's Friend, like FXHERE's ), and pretty solid, nice, plush interior, and all in all, a really good buy. For any little extra space around the body and/or neck, nothing a ratty, yet clean, t-shirt couldn't fix, I reckon. I'd go Guardian for a banjo case based on my mandolin case.

Helix - Posted - 09/14/2011:  03:08:28

I require the $50 Guardian case when I sell a banjo, I buy them back for 50%, no one has taken me up on that, they ship very nicely. I buy insulation noodles and cut them to fit in the case.

So if you can get one for $42 and it works, then wear it out.

ltjgcag - Posted - 09/14/2011:  05:29:37

I use the Guardian case.  Never airline traveled with it, but around town and on 400 miles car rides, it has been just fine.  Here's a couple pics of the pipe insulation noodles that Helix refers to that  I use to tighten up the case for my open back HeliX:

erikforgod - Posted - 09/14/2011:  05:39:00

I have my embroidered Goodtime gig-bag...although not a case, if you wrap your banjo in towels inside it cushions it pretty well. When I brought my banjo back to Argentine with me...the flight attendants let me store it in the galley...they were very nice and accomodating. I am conisdering a case as well though for my Goodtime eventually.

steve davis - Posted - 09/14/2011:  07:11:32

I like my Silver Creek cases.2 guitar and 1 banjo so far.5 latches /banjo...6 latches/guitar.Strong $65-$70...great handles.Arched tops.

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Edited by - steve davis on 09/14/2011 07:26:43

chancy - Posted - 09/14/2011:  08:40:28

Are these two cases the same thing? They have the same picture. If they are the same thats a big diff in price.

amazon.com/Silver-Creek-Vintag...mp;sr=8-7

amazon.com/Guardian-Hardshell-...f=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1316014595&sr=8-5

pcmancini - Posted - 09/14/2011:  09:33:14

I actually did buy the Carion. Will let you know how it works out for my son.

Thanks guys,
Paul

steve davis - Posted - 09/14/2011:  10:49:59

Wow,chancy,they sure look the same.

mikehalloran - Posted - 09/14/2011:  18:05:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by chancy

Are these two cases the same thing? They have the same picture. If they are the same thats a big diff in price.

amazon.com/Silver-Creek-Vintag...mp;sr=8-7

amazon.com/Guardian-Hardshell-...f=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1316014595&sr=8-5

---

Only the pictures are the same. The Silver Creek cases have a few differences.

The Carrion are good, inexpensive banjo and guitar cases imported by SAGA. The mandolin cases are too flat for many mandos so I don't stock. They have a 90 day warranty unlike lifetime for the Guardian.

yumagah - Posted - 09/15/2011:  08:50:37

I've been using a Carrion for about six months now. It's sturdy enough for my 13 lb. Gold Tone, which is a heavy banjo. It's good enough unless you are a pro taking it to gigs regularly.

pcmancini - Posted - 09/15/2011:  09:56:41

Went with the Carrion. Inexpensive, free shipping just seemed like the ideal combo. He just needs it for going back and forth from school so either car rides or the occasional airplane (carry on only). I am sure it is not the best out there but hopefully it does the job.

Thanks
Paul