jannusguy2 Posted November 6, 2012 Posted November 6, 2012 So, I snagged a late 1930s Lifton case off Ebay awhile back. Generally in pretty good shape but needed a couple of things addressed. I found a period correct handle it needed and was looking to have repaired a hinge and some interior straps. I sent it to Cedar Creek/TKL for evaluation. They replaced the handle with the one I supplied at no charge but refused to make the other repairs I wanted. When I asked why, I was told that they opted not to do them as they felt it would negatively impact the long term value of the case. I found that a bit odd. Wouldn't that concern be mine alone? Did they do me a favor or not? Here's the case:
zombywoof Posted November 6, 2012 Posted November 6, 2012 Wow - cool case it what appears to be really nice condition. A great score. You could always tie some rope around the case Jethro Bodine style if the hinges won't hold. Getting hung up on not having something put in the condition to do what you need it to do because it may hurt the value seems nuts. I guess you could prop the case up in a corner and look at it. I can't see why Ceda Creek would have cared though - it is no skin off their nose. A good place to have cases repaired is at a place that sells and repairs luggage. Unfortunately, they are not so easy to find in our throw away and replace society.
j45nick Posted November 6, 2012 Posted November 6, 2012 Rob, that one's a beauty! Not sure what the repairs would have been, but it looks good as-is. The most common issues I have had on old cases are the plated bumpers pulling out. I wouldn't remind having those replaced at all, but it requires removing the lining to do it properly. Hinge repair and inside straps (the lid strap, or the pull ribbon on the accessory compartment?)sound pretty minor to me, and hardly seems like it would compromise the value of the case, any more than re-gluing a loose brace would compromise a guitar. So, what size guitar fits in that little gem?
Guest J-Doug Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 I'm all for preserving vintage gear but if the case needs the work in order to be made functional and intact it should be done. That's almost a direct quote from Mr. Gruhn himself. I don't really understand why Cedar Creek wouldn't. A broken vintage case is still a broken case... +1 for a luggage repair shop but definitely talk to them about the repair and what they intend to do/use before you let them proceed.
jannusguy2 Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 I'm all for preserving vintage gear but if the case needs the work in order to be made functional and intact it should be done. That's almost a direct quote from Mr. Gruhn himself. I don't really understand why Cedar Creek wouldn't. A broken vintage case is still a broken case... +1 for a luggage repair shop but definitely talk to them about the repair and what they intend to do/use before you let them proceed. I'd like to address all the comments but I don't know how to use the multi-quote function. Anyway, I was scratching my head as to why TKL would be so concerned about future value vs repairs. I mean, I know they could do what was needed. I even tried to press the issue but they still refused. They replaced the handle (I supplied replacement) for free which was appreciated. Anyway, I will look around our area and see if I can find a luggage repair place. Even if I don't get the interior lid straps replaced I'd like to get the hinge repaired. Maybe I'll try to glue it in place myself. TKL wouldn't fix it as they didn't want to dislodge the interior material and they said glue would mess up the tolex on the outside. Maybe I have an investment grade case here... Before: After:
BluesKing777 Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 Nice Case! Sounds like they were scared to touch it! On the subject of vintage cases, is there a shop that specialises in vintage guitar cases (For Sale/Repair) or is pot luck on eBay now? The case for my Dobro fell to pieces and I couldn't get anyone to repair it, so I bought a new one to fit, but it looks too new and doesn't suit. Nice tweedy one like the one above would be great. BluesKing777.
jannusguy2 Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 Nice Case! Sounds like they were scared to touch it! On the subject of vintage cases, is there a shop that specialises in vintage guitar cases (For Sale/Repair) or is pot luck on eBay now? The case for my Dobro fell to pieces and I couldn't get anyone to repair it, so I bought a new one to fit, but it looks too new and doesn't suit. Nice tweedy one like the one above would be great. BluesKing777. It's pretty hit and miss. Def check Ebay. Google Mandolin World Headquarters. He's got some cool old stuff. Also google" vintage dobro cases", select "images" from menu on left and you might find on there for sale... good luck!
L5Larry Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 I'd like to address all the comments but I don't know how to use the multi-quote function. Let's see if I do. I will look around our area and see if I can find a luggage repair place. You might also check with a local shoe repair place. Luggage repair and shoe repair take the same tools and machines. Even if I don't get the interior lid straps replaced I'd like to get the hinge repaired. If you don't get the strap replaced you will eventually over-open the lid and rip the hinges off again. Maybe I'll try to glue it in place myself. TKL wouldn't fix it as they didn't want to dislodge the interior material and they said glue would mess up the tolex on the outside. The wrong glue can also affect the guitar finish (if there is a guitar in it, of course). Cedar Creek is, as most of you know, a subsidiary of TKL. It use to operate as a completely independent company, but has recently undergone management changes. I have heard of many problems from retailers and dealers since this change.
BluesKing777 Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 It's pretty hit and miss. Def check Ebay. Google Mandolin World Headquarters. He's got some cool old stuff. Also google" vintage dobro cases", select "images" from menu on left and you might find on there for sale... good luck! Thanks - no luck but that Mando WH is a very dangerous site.....(They have a nice vintage 17 inch archtop case FS, but I don't have a 17 inch archtop, but..........also a nice looking G LG3 like mine! BluesKing777.
jannusguy2 Posted November 8, 2012 Author Posted November 8, 2012 how about something like this? not old but nice http://store.gotofmi.com/regucaviguca.html
BluesKing777 Posted November 8, 2012 Posted November 8, 2012 how about something like this? not old but nice http://store.gotofmi...gucaviguca.html That does look pretty nice. I have given up on the chase mainly because my Beatles book mentioned in another thread is stuck in Customs in Phoenix for some reason and it has reminded me that I am not going to import stuff for a while - I just started recovering from getting my Gibson L50 through Customs here with 2 weeks of phone calls.... I have not seen any nice cases here - I am sure they are around if I could find a clue. I am still looking at that rotten Mando site..... BluesKing777.
j45nick Posted November 8, 2012 Posted November 8, 2012 how about something like this? not old but nice http://store.gotofmi.com/regucaviguca.html Looks nice, but for some reason, the internal dimensions listed for the dreadnaught model would leave the guitar rattling around, which is the last thing you want. The great thing about a lot of modern cases is that they fit like a glove.
fortyearspickn Posted November 8, 2012 Posted November 8, 2012 JG, That case is beautiful! Now I've got CAS! I got a 'like new' H'bird TV but the original owner kept the case so I'm now really motivated. On your actual question though, I'd avoid a Mom&Pop luggage repair shop. Had a nice leather briefcase done a couple of years ago - combo lock and handle. They did a job that was just adequate cosmetically and functionally. Price was commensurate and not a vintage/investment grade piece so I was happy. Cedar Creek may have felt it was too far out of their comfort zone and margin for 'subjective error' to risk. As we all know from watching Antique Roadshow - you destroy the value of a 'vintage/antique' if a repair is done that isn't 100% consistent with the tools, materials and skills it was originally built with. Sort of like owning a Rolex you can't wear for fear of being mugged - you have to decide how to fix the case so you can use it... Also love the rug. Navajo wool I assume? Great shape, no colors bleeding.. Any crazy lines? I've got two in my music room Saddle Blankets that were actually used a bit. Hanging on the wall. G'luck. Jim
jannusguy2 Posted November 9, 2012 Author Posted November 9, 2012 JG, That case is beautiful! Now I've got CAS! I got a 'like new' H'bird TV but the original owner kept the case so I'm now really motivated. On your actual question though, I'd avoid a Mom&Pop luggage repair shop. Had a nice leather briefcase done a couple of years ago - combo lock and handle. They did a job that was just adequate cosmetically and functionally. Price was commensurate and not a vintage/investment grade piece so I was happy. Cedar Creek may have felt it was too far out of their comfort zone and margin for 'subjective error' to risk. As we all know from watching Antique Roadshow - you destroy the value of a 'vintage/antique' if a repair is done that isn't 100% consistent with the tools, materials and skills it was originally built with. Sort of like owning a Rolex you can't wear for fear of being mugged - you have to decide how to fix the case so you can use it... Also love the rug. Navajo wool I assume? Great shape, no colors bleeding.. Any crazy lines? I've got two in my music room Saddle Blankets that were actually used a bit. Hanging on the wall. G'luck. Jim CAS-I like that! Call the CDC! I think I'll just ponder what to do with the case. It's as much a cool artifact as it is anything else. Happy to have a proper handle on it and it will work if needed. As for the rugs, I purchased them at a now closed rug store a dozen years ago. Got 2 of them but I'm not really up on their origins... I do like them and tend to look for similar styles... I think they're Kilim rugs.
BluesKing777 Posted November 10, 2012 Posted November 10, 2012 Rumble Seat Music often has nice guitar pictures arranged around what look like Navajo rugs: http://rumbleseatmusic.com/Acoustics%20page.html BluesKing777.
casbonano Posted November 11, 2013 Posted November 11, 2013 i know this is an old thread, but does anyone know of anyone who makes vintage correct cases. specifically i m looking for a cali girl type case for my sj-200 standard.
jannusguy2 Posted November 11, 2013 Author Posted November 11, 2013 Let me know if you're interested in this one:
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