Calton Cases

[jljohn]

Originally Posted by Yrksman

I take your point about headstock protection but versus a Calton there is no space for a strap or anything much other than a capo and a few picks. My Hoffee is relatively early and I had the handle moved to better balance it. In its favour, the Hoffee is significantly lighter than my Caltons.

Ok, that makes sense--I think Jeff's earlier cases were indeed slimmer and may have had less storage. In each of my cases (made in 2014 and 2017), I have room for a strap, spare strings, string winder and cutter, polishing cloths, hygrometer, picks and capo in a case, spare batteries, etc.

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

So what case is stronger than a Calton but weighs considerably less, with MORE room inside to store accessories? This is the one I picked.

http://www.karuracase.com/

I just bought one of these. I went back and forth between a few brands, but Karura seemed like the best mix of light weight and rugged durability. I have faith it will endure. BTW, I purchased it from AGF Sponsor Dream Guitars. Great communication and service.

[dberkowitz]

They are lovely cases; however they don’t have the flexibility in that they have limited shell sizes to accommodate the miriad of modern guitars with different depths relative to size and or scale lengths.

[Carmel Cedar]

Originally Posted by jljohn

Calton makes a great case, but if I were selecting a new flight case, I'd take a Hoffee any day of the week.

Me too. I'm up to 3 Hoffee cases for my best guitars. Like their looks, ergonomics (ease of open/close) and lower weight vs Carlton and MainStage I've owned in the past. Going on faith that Hoffee provides crush-protection in the same ballpark as Carlton.

Think we can get Consumer Reports to do some crush-testing assessments and rate the various case options for us?

[Tloftis]

Might want to check out a Price case. A better case IMHO than the Calton and less expensive, Gary’s cases are well known in the banjo world, not so much around here. He only makes a Dreadnaught case though. A don’t forget Hoffee.

[kbrooks]

I have a Canadian Calton from the apparent Laffoley era. I recall my luthier
had a tough time getting it, but once it arrived it was great. No issues at all
for 8 years.

Edit: Sad that he did shady things that hurt Mr. Williams and others.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by kbrooks

I have a Canadian Calton from the apparent LeFort era. I recall my luthier

had a tough time getting it, but once it arrived it was great. No issues at all

for 8 years.



Whether LeFort “stole” from Mr. Williams is above my pay grade. I do recall

“lack of delivery” posts from that time regarding alleged lack of business expertise on LeFort’s part. Sad if he also did shady things that hurt Mr. Williams.

Not LeFort (?).

Jim Laffoley.

I know what happened, and I know how he screwed Al Williams...and to a lesser extent, a whole bunch of other people.

[pattste]

I've heard about the Laffoley/Workhorse Cases situation from three different sources. There is no doubt in my mind that some people were wronged by him. I don't know the specifics of how Workhorse became Main Stage, who paid what to whom. My understanding is that Keith Calton's issues are with Laffoley, not Main Stage. In fact, I have heard only good things about Main Stage Cases and the two owners. The two Calton dealers in Canada are also Mainstage dealers and had no reservation in recommending them. Main Stage's list of clients is a who's who of the Canadian music scene and some of the biggest names in lutherie offer their cases.

I need a case for my new OM built by a local luthier. The guitar's measurements are not exactly standard Martin OM. I sent both Calton and Main Stage an email exactly a week ago today to ask about the possibilities. Main Stage answered the same day. I also spoke to one of the owners last Monday. They had an overstock case listed on their site and he happily offered to re-fit the case to my guitar free of charge. It ships early next week.

Calton never replied to my email, which is unfortunate because they were my first choice going in. I have a Calton (Austin) for another guitar which I love.

[kbrooks]

Larry Pattis I edited that post in response to your info, and thanks for the name correction ... not sure where that came from. .... If there are any LeForts around I apologize.


I am glad that there are more choices from honest builders, nowadays.

[Cincy2]

I just purchased a Kevin Ryan guitar that came with this new Austin build Calton. This is the first one I've seen in several years since before all the drama. I have to say this is a very impressive piece of work. Solid, heavy, very tight seal around the cover, reinforced latches. This thing must be nuclear bomb proof. Yes they are expensive and heavy but I don't believe you could ask for better protection.

[kbrooks]

That case looks impressive, the reinforced latches look like a good improvement.
Proper home for such a fine guitar :-)

[jhmulkey]

Originally Posted by pattste

I've heard about the Laffoley/Workhorse Cases situation from three different sources. There is no doubt in my mind that some people were wronged by him. I don't know the specifics of how Workhorse became Main Stage, who paid what to whom. My understanding is that Keith Calton's issues are with Laffoley, not Main Stage. In fact, I have heard only good things about Main Stage Cases and the two owners. The two Calton dealers in Canada are also Mainstage dealers and had no reservation in recommending them. Main Stage's list of clients is a who's who of the Canadian music scene and some of the biggest names in lutherie offer their cases.

I need a case for my new OM built by a local luthier. The guitar's measurements are not exactly standard Martin OM. I sent both Calton and Main Stage an email exactly a week ago today to ask about the possibilities. Main Stage answered the same day. I also spoke to one of the owners last Monday. They had an overstock case listed on their site and he happily offered to re-fit the case to my guitar free of charge. It ships early next week.

Calton never replied to my email, which is unfortunate because they were my first choice going in. I have a Calton (Austin) for another guitar which I love.

+1 Yep, Main Stage is great. If reputable luthiers and dealers have no issue with them, neither do I.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by jhmulkey

+1 Yep, Main Stage is great. If reputable luthiers and dealers have no issue with them, neither do I.

I know more than one builder who uses them, but are unaware of the underlying history/circumstances.

Ignorance of the facts is not knowledge.

[jhmulkey]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

I know more than one builder who uses them, but are unaware of the underlying history/circumstances.

Ignorance of the facts is not knowledge.

Perhaps you should inform them. Obviously you have a personal relationship with these builders if you know they are "unaware of the underlying history/circumstances."

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by jhmulkey

Perhaps you should inform them. Obviously you have a personal relationship with these builders if you know they are "unaware of the underlying history/circumstances."

I’m spending my limited time and energy while on this planet playing music and addressing greater injustices.

I did inform one builder (who uses Mainstage cases) about the circumstances, some time back...and the very typical human-behavior was that the builder did nothing.

In the vernacular of the day, sad.