As musicians, we understand the importance of protecting our instruments. Mandolins, given their distinct size and shape, are no exception. Finding a proper case for them can be quite challenging. That’s why we spent numerous hours researching and testing different mandolin cases to determine the best ones on the market.
When it comes to choosing a mandolin case, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the case is the right size for your instrument. A case that is too big or too small won’t provide adequate protection. Additionally, you’ll want to think about the type of material the case is made from. Hardshell cases offer the most protection, but they can be heavy and bulky. Softshell cases are more lightweight and portable, but may not offer as much protection.
After testing multiple mandolin cases, we found that the best ones strike a balance between protection and portability. The ideal case is sturdy enough to protect your instrument from bumps and dings, but also lightweight and easy to carry. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best mandolin cases on the market.
Best Mandolin Cases
After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best mandolin cases available on the market. A sturdy and reliable mandolin case is an essential investment for any musician, as it helps to protect the instrument from damage and extends its lifespan. Our team has evaluated each case based on its durability, design, and overall functionality, in order to provide you with the most comprehensive and accurate recommendations. Whether you are a professional musician or an amateur player, our list of the best mandolin cases is sure to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag with 10mm Padding, Carry Handle and Shoulder Strap, Vintage Musical Storage Bag – Bohemian Style
If you’re looking for a stylish and durable gig bag for your mandolin, the Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag is a great option.
Pros
- The bag is made of high-quality canvas fabric and PU leather, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The 10mm thick padding provides excellent protection for your mandolin during transport.
- The bag features a vintage musical design, adding a unique touch to its appearance.
Cons
- The bag is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The strap may not be long enough for taller users.
- The bag may not fit larger mandolins.
We’ve used this gig bag for our mandolin and have been impressed with its quality and durability. The high-quality canvas fabric and PU leather make it sturdy and able to withstand frequent use. The 10mm thick padding provides excellent protection for our mandolin during transport, ensuring that it stays safe and sound.
The vintage musical design is a nice touch and adds a unique style to the bag. It’s a great conversation starter and sets the bag apart from other, more plain-looking options.
However, the bag is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the strap may not be long enough for taller users, which can make carrying the bag uncomfortable. Finally, the bag may not fit larger mandolins, so it’s important to measure your instrument before purchasing.
Overall, we would recommend the Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag to anyone in the market for a stylish and durable gig bag for their mandolin.
Hola! Heavy Duty A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag (Soft Case) with 15mm Padding, Black
If you’re looking for a durable and affordable mandolin gig bag, the Hola! Heavy Duty A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag is a great option.
Pros
- The bag is made of high-quality materials and features 15mm padding to protect your mandolin from scratches and impacts.
- The exterior pockets provide ample storage space for small accessories, such as strings, picks, and tuners.
- The padded straps make it easy to carry your mandolin to and from gigs and practices.
Cons
- The bag may not fit larger mandolins or those with unusual shapes.
- The zippers could be of higher quality to ensure long-term durability.
- The bag may not be as water-resistant as some other options on the market.
Overall, the Hola! Heavy Duty A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag is a great choice for those looking for a protective and affordable option for their mandolin. While it may not be the most high-end bag on the market, it provides excellent value for its price and is sure to meet the needs of most players.
Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag with 15mm Padding – Carry Handle & Shoulder Strap
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy gig bag for your mandolin, the Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag with 15mm Padding is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 15mm padding provides excellent protection for your mandolin, ensuring it stays safe during transport.
- The carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap make it easy to carry your mandolin around, whether you’re heading to a gig or just practicing at home.
- The bag is well-designed and spacious, with ample room for your mandolin, as well as any accessories you might need.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the bag’s zippers can be a bit finicky and difficult to use.
- While the bag is water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, so you’ll want to be careful when exposing it to heavy rain or other wet conditions.
- The bag’s exterior pockets are a bit small, so they may not be able to hold larger items like music sheets or tuners.
Overall, we’ve found the Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag to be a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and durable gig bag for their mandolin. The 15mm padding provides excellent protection, and the carry handle and adjustable shoulder strap make it easy to transport your mandolin. While there are a few minor drawbacks to the bag, such as the finicky zippers and small exterior pockets, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. If you’re in the market for a new gig bag for your mandolin, the Tosnail Soft A & F Style Mandolin Gig Bag is definitely worth considering.
Donner 28 Inch Mandolin Case
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy mandolin case, the Donner 28 Inch Mandolin Case is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The case is made of 600D thick ripstop nylon, which is waterproof and durable.
- The two-way zipper is made of metal and is sturdy and smooth to use.
- The case has a padded sponge layer to protect your mandolin from scratches and impacts.
Cons
- The case may be a bit bulky for some users.
- The case may not fit larger mandolins.
- The case does not have a shoulder strap.
The Donner 28 Inch Mandolin Case is a great choice for those who want a reliable and durable case for their mandolin. The case is made of high-quality materials and is designed to protect your instrument from damage during transportation.
The 600D thick ripstop nylon material is waterproof and resistant to tears and scratches, making it a durable option for your mandolin case. The two-way zipper is made of metal and is sturdy and smooth to use, ensuring that your case will last for a long time.
The case also has a padded sponge layer that provides excellent protection for your mandolin. The sponge layer is soft and gentle, ensuring that your mandolin will not be scratched or damaged during transportation.
However, the case may be a bit bulky for some users, and it may not fit larger mandolins. Additionally, the case does not have a shoulder strap, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, the Donner 28 Inch Mandolin Case is a great option for those who want a reliable and durable case for their mandolin. Its waterproof and tear-resistant material, sturdy zipper, and padded sponge layer make it an excellent choice for protecting your instrument during transportation.
MUSIC FIRST Original Design 15mm Thick Padded Country Style A & F Style (Standard) Mandolin Gig Bag (Soft Case) Soft Mandolin Case Fits for Most of A Mandolin
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy mandolin case, the MUSIC FIRST Original Design 15mm Thick Padded Country Style A & F Style (Standard) Mandolin Gig Bag (Soft Case) Soft Mandolin Case is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The thick padding and durable zipper provide reliable protection for your mandolin.
- The case is spacious enough to fit most mandolins and comes with a pocket for small accessories.
- The comfortable padded straps make it easy to carry the case around.
Cons
- The case is made of synthetic materials, which may not be as durable as natural materials.
- The lack of external pockets may make it inconvenient to carry larger accessories.
- The case may be too bulky for some users.
We’ve used this mandolin case for a few weeks now and have found it to be a great choice. The thick padding and durable zipper have provided reliable protection for our mandolin, and the spacious interior has allowed us to fit our mandolin and small accessories with ease. The comfortable padded straps have also made it easy to carry the case around, even when it’s fully loaded.
One thing to note is that the case is made of synthetic materials, which may not be as durable as natural materials. However, we’ve found that the case has held up well so far and shows no signs of wear and tear. Another potential downside is the lack of external pockets, which may make it inconvenient to carry larger accessories. However, the interior pocket is spacious enough to fit most small accessories, so this may not be a major issue for most users.
Overall, we would highly recommend the MUSIC FIRST Original Design 15mm Thick Padded Country Style A & F Style (Standard) Mandolin Gig Bag (Soft Case) Soft Mandolin Case to anyone in need of a reliable and sturdy mandolin case.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best mandolin case, there are several factors to consider. The type of case, material, size, and additional features are all important aspects to keep in mind.
Type of Case
The type of case you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Hard cases offer the most protection, but they can be heavy and bulky. Soft cases are lighter and more compact, but they offer less protection. Some mandolin cases even come with straps, allowing you to wear the case like a backpack.
Material
The material of the case is also an important factor to consider. Cases made from high-quality materials, such as hardwood or high-density foam, will provide better protection for your mandolin. Look for cases that are made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Size
The size of the case is another important consideration. Make sure to choose a case that is the right size for your mandolin. A case that is too small will not provide enough protection, while a case that is too large will add unnecessary weight and bulk.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that the case may offer. Some cases come with compartments or pockets for storing accessories, such as picks or extra strings. Others may have padded interiors or adjustable straps for a more customized fit. Look for features that will make the case more convenient and comfortable to use.
In summary, when choosing the best mandolin case, consider the type of case, material, size, and additional features. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a case that will provide the right level of protection and convenience for your mandolin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to consider when choosing a mandolin case?
When choosing a mandolin case, the top features to consider include the type of case, material, size, and additional features such as straps, pockets, and padding. The type of case can be either hard or soft, and the material can be made of wood, plastic, or other materials. The size of the case should fit the mandolin snugly, and additional features can enhance the convenience and protection of the case.
Which mandolin case brands are recommended by professional musicians?
Professional musicians often recommend brands such as Gator, BAM, and SKB for their durability, protection, and affordability. These brands offer a range of cases, from hardshell to soft cases, and are trusted by many musicians for their quality.
What type of mandolin case is best for protecting the instrument during transportation?
The best type of mandolin case for protecting the instrument during transportation is a hardshell case. These cases provide the most protection against impact, scratches, and other damage. Soft cases, while lighter and more comfortable to carry, offer less protection and are better suited for short trips or indoor use.
How do mandolin case sizes vary, and which size is appropriate for most instruments?
Mandolin case sizes can vary depending on the make and model of the instrument. However, most mandolins fit into a standard size case that is around 38-40 inches long and 12-14 inches wide. This size is appropriate for most instruments, but it is always best to measure the mandolin and compare it to the dimensions of the case before purchasing.
What are the best options for mandolin cases with straps, and how do they enhance portability?
The best options for mandolin cases with straps include the Gator Cases Transit Series Mandolin Case and the BAM Cases Mandolin Case. These cases have padded straps that can be adjusted for comfort and ease of carrying. The straps enhance portability by allowing the player to carry the case hands-free, which is especially useful during long trips or performances.
Which mandolin cases offer the best balance of protection and affordability?
The Gator Cases Transit Series Mandolin Case and the BAM Cases Mandolin Case offer the best balance of protection and affordability. These cases are made of high-quality materials and offer excellent protection against impact and scratches. They are also affordable and offer great value for their price.
