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I need a Cedar Creek custom case for an L-00 build in progress. I haven't ordered a case from them since a less-than-optimum experience with them about five years ago. Anybody ordered a custom from them? If so, how did it go?

Thanks,

pat

edit

P.S. PMs welcome!

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I was looking for a case that would fit the 14" lower bout on my L-00. The price I was quoted by Cedar Creek as the starting point put them out of the search. Ameritage was cheaper.

I might not have asked the question the right way though. I'm still caseless.

I recently ordered a cedar creek custom fit case for a build. It fits great, except at the waist where it has about a 1.5" gap. When I asked why it wasn't tight all the way around, they said I had to specify that I wanted it that way. Hmm, apparently "custom fit" is a relative term. That being said, I am very happy with the product in all other regards. I guess I will know for the future to be more specific.

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

TKL / Cedar Creek / (the former) Harptone - I just can't buy from them unless they're the only one making the product. Prices are too high, service is slow (on custom stuff), and shipping costs seem extravagant. Their product is decent though. I love their Zero-Gravity mandolin case. For guitars, I much prefer the Ameritage product, and they will do full custom for reasonable dollars. They might even have a case model that will fit it with some custom padding.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Cedar Creek makes custom cases for my size 2's. They were great to work with and the cases are very nice and fit perfectly. I've re-ordered several times and the turnaround was satisfactory.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

thanks for the feedback, guys.

Don, Sounds like your experiences were about like mine. I'd heard there was a change in personnel that smoothed things out. Were your dealings with them recent?

Terence, Were yours custom cases? Meaning they used a "stock" shell and shaped the padding to fit ?

Chris, How long did it take between your order and receiving the case?

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I have been using Cedar Creek for my custom mandolin and mandola cases for around 4 years. Got sick of the case nightmare of cases that would fit once or twice, but the next time would not fit at all. Cedar Creek cases fit perfectly every time. It might take a couple of cases to get it abolutely 100% exactly as you want, but after that is plain sailing, perfect every time. I have had no problems dealing with them, emails get answered, and estimated delivery times are usually pretty accurate. The only problem is the delivery times are around 3 months which is longer that I would like, but if you plan in advance for 3 months it usually works out ok. Sipping costs are extortionate like everything else because I live across the pond, but I can only blame USPS for that. Even after that they still work out cheaper than the local custom case maker.

Mine were custom Pat, you fill out a sheet with all the dimensions of your instrument. They have them on file now and if I'm starting a build I order the case at that time so it'll be on hand.

I usually use their stock "Builder's Series" cases for commissions and the TKL Professional for ones that go to the store. They were backlogged on the "Builder's" ones recently so I ordered the TKLs. They got rid of that dorky figure of eight vinyl handle and have a nice leather covered one that looks a million times better.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Count me as another happy Cedar Creek customer. They have built custom cases for three odd ball instruments (a deep tricone, a long scale small bodied 12 string, and a short scale OM 12 string. All fit perfectly, the tricone and one 12 strings have nice little pockets for the tailpieces. They are expensive, slow and in my opinion, worth the wait.

I've been using Cedar Creek cases in a custom size built to fit the 1973 Romanillos GAL plan guitar. I can't honestly say what model series it's from, as I called them up after buying an extra one off of Waddy Thompson and just said "what he's getting". I'm surprised at the comments above about them being expensive. I paid way less per unit on the ones I've ordered than I did for the one Ameritage case that I have, which was one of the lower priced ones to start with.

The cases have been very nice and I will continue to order from them.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

My experience was always just fine. The prices I was getting were lower than the Ameritage quotes I got too.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I ordered a case for a Mark Stanley Acoustic Bass Guitar from Cedar Creek. I filled out the spec sheet they sent me and then sent it back to them. They followed up with an email that questioned some of my measurements so I measured again and they were right. Nice of them to find my mistakes before they made the case. The case fit perfectly. It did take about three months and shipping was pretty high - but the case is a monster, so I guess the shipping is in line. They were the least expensive of the 4 companies I got quotes from and I will use them again if I need a special size case - Mike

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guitarsbygiltzow.com

I think I’m going to try and follow up with them to get an official quote.

To be fair to them, my initial request was to TKL looking for a stock case that would be a close fit. They forwarded that request to Cedar Creek with a minimum price quote stated for Cedar Creek cases. That minimum price was not an official quote so I really need to follow up.

Cedar Creek is 80 miles from my house. I usually go down there once a year and get all of the cases that I will need for that year. I usually build to stock sizes, so I haven't had to order a custom case. The last time I went, I finally talked them into a factory tour. They had been putting me off for several years on the tour each time I went down. I saw why. The tour was extensive and took one of their executives a long time. I had no idea how big their operation was here. It was quite thrilling to see their jigs and processes. Some of their technology is over 100 years old, some so new I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. It's a family business. They employ a lot of people. They care about the quality of the product and about their relations with their customers, even a small one like me. I've been dealing with Cedar Creek for several years. I can't imagine them not making it right if you have a problem. I recommend them without reservation.

Thanks again, guys. I think I'll give the another try.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com