battle tank of a case
just like a main battle tank, this case is purpose built, and possesses limited inside-storage options. there is absolutely no room inside the case for the violin shoulder rest, or mandolin shoulder strap. i, literally, wrapped my shoulder rest with a rag, and wedged it between the violin body and mandolin neck. see online photos for an idea of how/why. the small compartments are so small as to be non-functional except for a few picks, and rosin, maybe.
size-wise it is both heavy and bulky, but carry-able through an airport. it is bigger than my standard travel suitcase, which fits, standardly, and nicely, in an overhead aircraft bin. on larger aircraft, such an airbus 321 or boeing 737, the case will fit, but will occupy, all on its own, an entire bin. the flight attendants will not be happy with you, and will ask you to gate check it down in the luggage hold. on smaller, regional aircraft?…forget it, this case will be checked to the luggage hold. the only reasonable travel with this case is by car.
that said, again, this is a tank of a case, and will protect your instruments from damage in any combat zone, if, and it’s a big if, you can actually get it to the combat zone.
