From normpeterson@earthlink.net Thu Jan 01 21:35:21 2004
Subject:RE: Excellent prices on ATA flight cases

SKB is the way for me. Pricey but you get what you pay for. I used to lug around the old Anvil cases and I really appreciate the new lighter weight cases. SKB also makes a soft case with a 2 inch foam lining with wheels. I think the 76 key size was about $89.00 in Musicians Friend catalog. Looked to be pretty good for local gigging.
Norm

----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Lawson
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 1/1/2004 7:03:06 PM
Subject: RE: [CWSG] Excellent prices on ATA flight cases

I have first and second hand experience with these cases and would not
recommend them to anyone. I ordered one of the alleged "ATA" cases a few
years ago for a Roland RD600. It had 1/4" luan covered in thin
cloth/tolex-like material that ripped easily. The latches were recessed,
but they were tiny and not very high quality. I did not like it and resold
it quickly. This was the "ATA" case...nothing like the ones I customarily
use today, that use ABS over plywood and riveted extrusions including
washers on the inside so they cannot come apart. Heavy duty recessed
hardware is a must for road use.

The "lite" case is very fragile and will certianly not last if you gig a
lot. My guitar player buddy had one for his Marshall. He used it once and
on the first gig a latch was broken off and it was obviously very cheaply
constructed. It was paper thin cheap plywood (I'm guessing 1/8", if there
is such a thing), covered with contact paper. It was basically like hard
cardboard with a contact paper sticker. No real rigidity. Hardware cheap,
not recessed. Like Tony said, you get what you pay for and I would
recommend investing a little more in protecting your keyboards.

These cases might suffice for occasional trips out of the house, but not for
regularly gigging musicians. Hope this helps.

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