I'm wondering what new options there are for vintage style banjos cases? I'm getting an old Gibson soon and want something to match the vibe.
I understand Golden Gate made a reproduction Redline case, but that was over a decade ago (pm me know if you have one to sell).
I'm thinking about an old Lifton, but I'm wondering if there are any other new options I should know about?
(p.s. I know these are generally less sturdy but I'm not worried about that)
Thanks!
BHO member Clancy Mullins has three vintage Gibson cases listed in his “Classified Ads” right now, I think.
You might check those for suitability, if they’re still available.
Edited by - srrobertsiii on 12/06/2024 08:18:07
i would keep in mind what a case is for before traveling with an old gibson in an old case. They are okay to keep your banjo in at home, but when it comes to moving your banjo around id suggest a modern new case that will actually protect your banjo. I have a good friend whos banjo got destroyed in a fender bender because it was in a vintage case, if it had been in a newer fiberglass case it would have probably survived the accident, but it was in an old 30s case that offered little protection. The price for a real vintage gibson case you could get a high qualitly new travel case and protect your banjo.
My advice is to forget "old and vintage" when it comes to banjo cases.
The old ones -- to my eyes -- were lacking in neck cushioning, padding, etc.
New cases are more "protective", even though they LOOK "newer".
Form v. function...
Get a brand new case, remove all the padding and replace with worn purplish felt.
Randomly stick electrical tape over a few spots on the exterior.
Smoke a few cheap cigars and leave the butts in the case.
Get ahold of that lady spamming for Maine Coon cats and put a few inside as well.
Leave case closed, in the sun for a few days.
Vintage Mojo!
Hi Louie,
I have found that Facebook Marketplace, E-Bay, auctions, etc. can sometimes net a nice affordable vintage case even if it comes with a low quality or less desirable banjo. I found great period correct cases for my 1934 and 1961 Gibson banjos. The case for my 1934 was with a less valuable less desirable low-end plectrum and the 1961 came with an undesirable broken parts banjo. I bought both for not a lot of money. So I always scan all the low-end, low-cost banjos with an eye for a possible case.
Like others have mentioned, I have nice modern cases to protect my banjos for serious travel, but I store mine in my house in the period correct cases or on a short trip to a local friend's house. I'm a bit of a 'completest' so I like keeping things matched. Maybe that's way I never get invited to cocktail parties . . . .
Corey
Red line cases (likeold GEIBs) were offered for a short time by an outfit called "Silver Line" or "Silver Leaf". No longer, not at least new on internet sellers. Perhaps on eBay?
I agree that modern cases like the Superior are MUCH better designed as far as neck support padding and latches.
I helped a widow friend sell her husband's 1932 PB 4 flat head in its original GEIB red line. A year or so later I recognized the case for sale on eBay!!! Because, really, it wasn't much of a case. Poor neck support and NO padding other than purple flannel lining. Few and poor latches too.
When I bought my 1902 Fairbanks Whyte Laydie #7, I made sure also to get a modern, protective and properly-fitting case for it. Not a travel case, because I don’t travel, but one I can safely carry it around locally in without worrying about incidental bumps or the case falling open. A case contemporary with the banjo would only put it at risk.
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 12/09/2024 16:10:02
I'm a big fan of vintage cases for vintage banjos. I traveled for years with my band using vintage cases. However, I know I was taking a chance. If I flew with an instrument, I had a custom Calton case made for old-time banjos. Now that I'm almost 80, I can hardly lift the Calton case. As long as you're staying at home, or going out for occasional jam sessions, I think a good, solid vintage case is fine. Gibson red-line cases were actually pretty good. If you're out playing jobs, with other band members, then something sturdier might be in order.
