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Jan 25, 2025 - 11:27:20 AM
15 posts since 1/21/2025

I searched these forums for reviews of Crossrock cases and couldn't find anything recent.

I recently bought an early 1970's Alvarez Whyte Eagle and it came in its original 50+ year old case that has seen better days. I will keep the case of course, because it is "vintage" and goes with the Whyte Eagle, but I would like a better case to keep the banjo safer while traveling.

I have been looking online for different cases. I'd like the best case ever made and I want to pay a max of $150 for it. Apparently those two things are mutually exclusive.

While searching online I kept seeing the Crossrock cases. At first I was going to zero in on a wooden Crossrock tweed case in Malachite Blue, but the more I searched and researched, the more I kept seeing their fiberglass cases. I really liked the look of those cases. They appeared to be very durable and tough and I liked the colors. What I don't get is the prices for them seem to be all over the place. i think I have narrowed them down to these differences...

Open Back banjo case
Resonator banjo case
2020 version
2023 version
Carbon Fiber version(s)

But that still doesn't explain the wildly different prices other than to say that the carbon fiber versions are radically, wildly expensive.

I was leaning toward one of the mint blue or white fiberglass ones because I liked the color, but was still tryin gto justify the expense in my mind, when I stumbled on an Amazon listing for a Crossrock model CRF2023BJNV in Navy Blue. The model number is CRF2023BJNVBL and it was listed for $299. This appeared to be at least $75 cheaper than any of the other listings, and colors.

I figured that the color of the case is the least important aspect of it, as long as it isn't black. EVERYONE'S banjo case is black, and I wanted something different. The Amazon listing had the Navy blue one and a Black one that you could choose from. All other features aside from the color were identical and the black one was $405, while the blue one was $299.

It was more than I wanted to spend, but I it was a comparatively good price, so I pulled the trigger on it. The next day the same listing went up to $405 for both the blue and black version. It seems that maybe they had made a mistake in their listing from which I benefited?? I don't know. Did I get a $105 discount because I settled for navy blue? I don't know but it appears that way. My luck, they had a damaged one that they lured me into buying with a discount. it was amazon prime though so I feel safe.

I don't have it yet, so I can't offer my impressions of it but I also couldn't find anyone else's opinion of it. Apparently the NV at the end of the model number, just before the color identifier, means "New Version" and there don't seem to be any reviews on it.

As best I can tell, the Crossrock model numbers translate thusly...

CRF2023BJNVBL

CR = Crossrock
F = Fiberglass
2023 = Model number
BJ = Banjo
NV = New Version
BL = Blue. The black one has the same model number but it ends in "BK".

Crossrock's website has it listed for $389 and about it they say this...

Overview of the CRF2023BJ Fiberglass Resonator Banjo Case – New – Universal Fat Style

The fat-style banjo case is designed for the purpose of a universal case for most 5 strings tenor banjos with a resonator. Can be customized to fit a Mastertone banjo with removable padding strips.

Once I get it I will take some pictures and post my thoughts, but I was hoping someone on her has one and cuold lend me their opinions of it.

Edited by - Banjorado on 01/25/2025 11:36:19

Jan 25, 2025 - 11:49:49 AM
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16375 posts since 12/2/2005

In the menu section at left, click on the magnifying glass (search) icon.

Enter crossrock

You'll find a fair amount of discussion.

Jan 25, 2025 - 5:56:39 PM
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1961brd

USA

16 posts since 1/19/2015

I have a 2022 white Crossrock 5-string, resonator banjo case and its fine. Sometimes, for some unknown reason, I have to kind of "squeeze it back into round" around the resonator part of the case, after the banjo has been cased, lid closed and ready to be latched. My case has taken some hits and kept my instrument safe, but it does seem to wear, chip and ding easily, HOWEVER...its priced right since top-of-the line Hoffee's and Calton's come in well over $1,200.

Edited by - 1961brd on 01/25/2025 17:57:18

Jan 25, 2025 - 6:37:28 PM
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15 posts since 1/21/2025

Thanks.

Yeah. I did do the search and read what I could, but there doesn't seem to be much on the "new" 2023 model.

The general consensus on the Crossrock fiberglass case is mixed. Had I not found the blue one listed for $299 I probably wouldn't have bought one; sticking instead with the tweed covered wood one for half the price.

While looking for information on the Crossrock case though I did find out about the GoldTone case which looks nice and is always $299 and seems to only come in white.

It seems to me that the Crossrock cases are mostly the same case, priced from $299 (if you are lucky) all the way up to $405. I don't understand the wildly differing prices on the same case. Hence my confusion on what's what. Crossrock's website is not helpful, I assume purposefully so.

Regardless, I'll take some pictures and post my review when I get it.

Edited by - Banjorado on 01/25/2025 18:38:53

Jan 30, 2025 - 5:36:15 AM
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1471 posts since 8/12/2003

A year ago I purchased the CRF2023MBJNVBL - Fiberglass Banjo Case-Fits Mastertone & Most 5-String Styles, with Interior Compartment, Backpack Straps, Hygrometer, TSA Lock-Navy Blue . So far, so good. Depending on the type of strap on your banjo, can be a tight fit, but works fine on mine. Great latches & handle. Well made, although as mentioned, the slick fiberglass can be prone to scratches.

Jan 30, 2025 - 6:00:25 PM
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8683 posts since 9/5/2006

for the price they are decent cases

Jan 31, 2025 - 5:31:22 PM

15 posts since 1/21/2025

The case should arrive on Monday. Since my UPS driver is a petulant child who thinks it funny to screw his customers by not EVER delivering their packages, I suspect I'll have to go pick it up on Tuesday.

BTW, I have complained to UPS, as have my neighbors who also think it sucks that we can't rely on UPS. But he is a union driver so we're screwed. Apparently if he thinks he should screw us, then its ok for him to.

Once it gets here I will review it.

Feb 2, 2025 - 9:06:25 AM

8683 posts since 9/5/2006

quote:
Originally posted by Banjorado

The case should arrive on Monday. Since my UPS driver is a petulant child who thinks it funny to screw his customers by not EVER delivering their packages, I suspect I'll have to go pick it up on Tuesday.

BTW, I have complained to UPS, as have my neighbors who also think it sucks that we can't rely on UPS. But he is a union driver so we're screwed. Apparently if he thinks he should screw us, then its ok for him to.

Once it gets here I will review it.


i was in on the original design of the crossrock fiberglass case,, by email which made it very hard... a few phone calls but mostly emails.  after about 6 months they sent me the first proto type.... not good.. i sent it back told them the changes to make yada yada yada.. after the 3rd design it was an acceptable case for the price point we were after.  i have not saw one of the latest models ,, but hopefully they got all the Ts crossed  and Is dotted.

Feb 2, 2025 - 10:44:58 AM
Players Union Member

mrbook

USA

2148 posts since 2/22/2006

I bought the blue tweed case a couple months ago and it is probably the most beautiful case I own - it's only a few feet away as I type, and I like to look over at it. I like the colors of the fiberglass cases, but after reading the mixed discussions here on the hangout I bought a white Superior case, which, the first time I took it out of the house over my shoulder, suffered a broken metal clasp after I walked 10 feet, and the case fell off my back to the cement porch. Still a good case a couple years later, but I only carry it by the handle. If I bought another I would try the Crossrock or Goldtone. I also have a Crossrock hard foam case that is light and more protective than the gig bag I had been using to go to jams where I park 2-3 blocks from where I play. I can't carry a hard case that far anymore.

Feb 2, 2025 - 2:44:36 PM

151 posts since 6/6/2015

I bought one of the Crossrock cases a while back. The one I have was one of the faux leather models, since discontinued. The lid seemed to be slightly sprung when I first received it, I mentioned that to them on the review. The lid latches fine, just seems to be slightly off. The other issue with mine is the faux leather shows every dent where anything touches it, and they do not go away. Maybe that is why they discontinued that material. Other than that I was/am satisfied with the case, and would purchase another one when needed.

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