Problems Calton Cases of Canada?

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 05:23 AM

There is new custom maker of cases in the USA. Check out www.carbonfibercases.com

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Trudy
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 10:21 AM

I have heard that the cases at carbonfibercases.com, are not nearly as strong and the quality details are questionable. Anyone have first hand experience? Although, it is still not really applicable to this thread as Calton is best known for fiberglass cases.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Amos
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 11:31 AM

An alternative carbon-fiber product by Karura, Thailand.


A

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 11:51 AM

Amos - GUEST BT put a plug in for Karura - They LOOK good but they are NOT Cheap $1300 is as much as a lot of guys would pay for a guitar ! So GOD knows whar they would sell for in UK !!!

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,LOL
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 12:23 AM

Lead...Buy a better guitar!

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 07:30 AM

Smart Arse GUEST LOL - I have a D35 Martin in a Calton case !

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,seanpat
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 04:17 PM

I tried to get Calton on phone two times both during and after regular business hours. I was trying to buy a guitar case for trip to Ireland. No one returned my call. Then I located a Calton case in Michigan. I am told that Calton is having lots of problems with delivery and quality and that high end guitar dealers are looking to replace them because of reliability. When I got my case I put my guitar in it checked it but when I got it in Ireland my guitar case was soaked inside and my Martin om 28 was ruined, warped from rain. My case was locked and it was pouring rain when I left, but I am shocked that a case that costs this much is not water tight. I am sorely disappointed.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,GitGuy
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 12:28 AM

Seanpat...very sorry to hear about any ruined guitar, especially a Martin. I never travel without a case cover on my Calton. Besides many other benefits, they are waterproof. Well worth the money. There are no UK dealers but i bought mine very easily from the Colorado case company in the states. I don't have a website, but should be easy to find.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,ChicagoSandy
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:43 AM

I own two Caltons, one for my M-36 and one for my D-18GE. Haven't flown with them yet, but they do insulate well against summer heat and humidity and have also protected my guitars during long winter drives. For flying, I recently bought a Voyage-Air OM and was able to bring it into the cabin (on the regional SD-LAX puddlejumper, I zipped it apart and stored the computer compartment of the case beneath the seat so that the guitar section would fit in the smaller overheads). I just ordered their dread too. That's the only guitar with which I'll fly.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:42 AM

GitGuy.... Calton don't need dealers in the UK you can order them direct from Keith Calton (I assume the problem "Canada branch" is some sort of franchise). I have three of the UK cases. The oldest (guitar) isn't waterproof but I did buy it in 1976! The latest (mandolin) I had made around 18 months ago. It was delivered within the 4/5 week estimate and I didn't part with a penny until Keith 'phoned me to say it was ready. To all of you out there - don't confuse the UK operation with the problems people are reporting for the Canadian ones.
Ray

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,GitGuy
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 10:21 AM

Gee Ray thanks for pointing that out. The last 50 or 60 posts haven't really been clear on that. Thank god you were here to straighten us out!

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Duane in Seattle
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 04:34 AM

Yes, we've had problems...

The cases are perhaps the best, but their customer service and follow through stink!

We ordered a case, and recieved a case that was not what we had ordered. Getting in contact, or rather, getting Jim to call back or e-mail back was difficult to say the least.

We are still waiting for our customer's case.

Jim, I saw a post many posts above that said that if someone has a problem to contact you directly: It doesn't work.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Tee
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 09:39 PM

Well add me to the list of customers Calton has lost due to poor service. Is this a one man show? I get no return calls and no returned emails. Not what I expect from a company with a reputation like this. After reading this thread I guess I should consider myself lucky that I never got to actually place an order.

I wish the company was for sale as it sounds like a great business that could be huge with good management. My guess is they are short on cash, as is often the problem. If you're reading this Mr. calton, take an honest look around and see if your not making a mistake in your running the business. I'm one customer off to buy from your competitors.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Scott in Phoenix
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 04:17 PM

I ordered a Calton case in August of 2009 via a guitar maker. It still hasn't arrived. I was promised the case in Feb, then March, then April. Finally, in May I spoke on the phone with Jim Laffoley. He said it would get taken care of immediately. When a few weeks passed, I emailed and he replied saying it was being built and would ship in 2 weeks. That was 4 months ago. Still no case. He no longer replies to emails, nor phone calls. And the guitar maker told me that Jim's cell phone appears to now be disconnected.

I would avoid Calton at all costs. I doubt my case will ever arrive.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 04:27 PM

If I think of it when I am passing by his shop I'll drop in and see what's up.

Odd indeed.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Mike B
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 05:37 AM

Here's a good one:
http://www.caltoncases.com/categories/The-Calton-Roadies/
..wonder how those with unfulfilled orders feel about that?
..and as a bonus: they're now "factory direct". Who hoo! You dealers can finally breathe a deep sigh of relief...

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,George Worthmore
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 03:05 AM

Regarding Trudy's question about Carbonfibrecases.com . When I got no response from Calton I went to Carbon Fibre, because of a referral from a well respected guitarist. I ordered one through the luthier and the case came in about a month. The top was not arched to give it maximum strength. It was actually concave. The inside dimensions were wrong. The case around the upper bout was not snug. the inside fit-and-finish was not good, especially the construction of under-neck storage compartment.
There were surprisingly no "ears" to hold the neck in place so the headstock banged back and forth in the case when closed. If I used the case they sent me it would definitely damage my guitar. Carbon Fibre true to it's word took the case back ( he wasn't happy though) and issued a refund. He just needs to make some important adjustments and he may get it right. I finally just got a big clunky Cedar Creek old fashioned wooden hardshell for $125. I figure screw it ......Im not going to fly a ten thousand dollar guitar anyway. Anyone who can make an airline-proof guitar case for a fair price with a reasonable turn around time, is going to make some money.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Sarah McQuaid
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:36 PM

I have Calton cases for both my 1965 Martin D-28 and my custom-made Andy Manson guitar. Both cases came from Keith Calton in the UK, were delivered on time and have served me extremely well. That said, I always try to either bring the guitar onto the plane with me or gatecheck it.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Tobias
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 12:12 PM

Well what a surprise to find this thread. I order from Calton Case about 12 weeks ago through a dealer. I still don't have my case despite being told one lie after another about how it would ship on this date or that. the dealer is trying everything, but they are getting lied to as well. What a screwed up company. I'm about ready to cancel the order, and go with a case made by my dealer.

My dealer tells me that the new owner of Calton has serious anger issues and has even thretened my dealer with violence. He also said he doesn't care about all the individual customers who are complaining. He compared them to a group of women in a sewing circle, calling them "stitchers and bitchers". If I was a woman, I would never do busines with this mysognist again.

What also kills me is Calton Case keeps posting in an othe forum about all these specials that they make, but they can't take care of an old customer who has ordered months ago. I'm thinking of starting a website that highlites the problems of Calton Case and sends people to alternatives that actually build a better case...hope I get mine soon.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 08:23 PM

Calton Cases (Canada) is (I am fairly sure) a Franchise operation that changed hands a year or so ago and is NOT the same as Calton Cases in UK .I have spoken to Keith Calton (in UK about this problem and though he is , understandably concerned there is not a lot he can do about the problems ! I hae used Calton cases for my D35 since 1977 and have several other (UK Produced) Calton cases all of which are excellent .

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,A Dealer
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 09:30 PM

I am a Calton dealer. I have sold hundreds of Calton cases over my longtime association with Calton Calgary. I believe the New owner of Calton is trying very hadrd to alienate the dealership network that the previous owner of the company had spent decades developing. This way he can increase his profit by eliminating the "middle man".

My current status is with a dozen or more cases undelivered. Some on order for many months now. I have been promised these cases several times. My customers are somewhat upset as you can imagine.

All in all, it is very frustrating.   

I suppose the only positive part is that the cases really haven't lost any of their quality. If you DO get your case, you will not be disappointed.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Johnny Green
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:15 AM

I am really surprised someone can be so stupid as to pull their entire dealer network. Calton cases used to be "too hard to get" and "too expensive". Now there going to be 50% more expensive and one can only speculate as too what problems buyers dealing with this guy will have when he doesn't even respect long-time dealers.

If this situation isn't reversed, Calton will quickly go kaput, there are other makers of cases like this that will be happy to absorb Calton's market.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 11:55 AM

The Canadian organisation seems to have a totally different set up to that in the UK. As I said in an earlier post, I bought my first case from Keith back in the 70's but I can never recall seeing a Calton case for sale in a shop in the UK. The system in this country seems to be that you contact Keith Calton, send him the dimensions and tell him what colour you'd like and, five or six weeks later, you exchange your money for a case.
Ray

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,A Dealer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 11:19 PM

I know Keith well. He and his son ship perhaps a couple hundred cases a year out of his home shop.   No point in having a dealer network if you can't supply them.

The Calgary operation used to turn out thousands a year with about 10 employees. This is why they built a dealership network.   I believe that Keith received a royalty for every case sold.

Current delivery from Keith (as of last week) is several months. - I had hoped to get a couple of cases from him for a good client. No joy there.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 05:39 AM

Maybe he's picking up some trade from the US! All I can say is that Keith told me 5 weeks when I enquired and, 5 weeks later, I was sitting at the breakfast table when he 'phoned to say it was ready.

If someone says 6 months and it turns up 6 months later, that's OK by me.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Johnny Green
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 08:06 PM

I guess your right that they might as well stop having dealers if they can't supply them. It is very fatiguing though when you have a customer who wants a flight case and only will accept a calton and you can't get one because they decide who they will and will not serve.

Most people fell resentment when they offer up money for a product that is advertised at a price and are basically ignored. I guess that is something people expect in a modern consumerist society. I come from the "jazz world" where we go to a music store that is oriented towards orchestra and band instruments and order a case and don't really care who makes it.

For some odd reason bluegrass guys only want calton cases and the owner of calton seems indifferant to their demand. Whatever. If you want a fiberglass case so bad just go to your local music store and go with what they sell. They're really all the same.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Jim in SoCal
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 12:14 PM

Interesting to find this thread. Finally, some insight into what is going on. I ordered a custom case on March 30 and was told delivery would be in 7 weeks. Six months later, no case and no communication.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Tobias
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 07:50 PM

No Johnny Green, they really aren't the same. There are mnany differences and maybe the bluegrass crowd is more discriminating? You don't buy a quality flight case at your local music store.

Oh, and still no communication from Calton, they still suck.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,A. Dealer
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 07:02 PM

Tobias is right, Johnny Green.   The fit of a Calton is the most amazing thing. Each case is custom made for every instrument.   
Only the very best hardware is used. I can remember Al sending back almost identical Chinese made hinges and catches because they weren't quite good enough. They weighed a little less and turned out to be plated brass rather than steel.
Only the very best Foam
Only the very best velvet lining- Made in Poland!! Nothing else will do.

Linda Manzer half joked when she viewed the factory a few years ago that Al put more work into a case than she put into her multi-$K guitars.

Even with all the problems at Calton including staff loss, the cases still seem to be of the same quality. ----If you can get one or get a response.

....... But I'm not bitter!   ;-)

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Oct 10 - 06:40 PM

Elderly seems to have a bunch of them in stock. That's where I got mine.


Check here....

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Johnny Green
Date: 11 Oct 10 - 02:06 AM

www.stevensoncases.co.uk

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 10 - 02:13 AM

http://www.stevensoncases.co.uk/

they are sold at Flagship Sam Ash stores with band departments and on the web custom order. You're right there not the same, the Stevenson is leaps and bounds better.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,johnny green
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 12:22 PM

"the fit of Calton cases is great...the hardware is the best available"

Excuse me but this reads a bit like an advert for Calton, um you got some gig there?

and whats with the >bluegrass players are more discriminating" the whole discussion is idiocy. jazz players have guitars and put them in airplane luggage bays too. WHY would a bluegrass player need a "better/ ONLY A CALTON --case.

Excuse me but I am somewhat convinced you are the joker over at Calton this message thread is complaining about. Doesn't surprise me you'd attemp some cornball antic like that.

BTW I am a bluegrass and a jazz player. Whew! imagine that!

don't know why you felt the need to rant about the topic. please do explain. cause I am at a loss as to what your point is and what assumptions brought you there.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:31 PM

Johnny, what is your relationship to Stevens Cases? You complain about the description of the Caltons in the post following two of yours advertising Stevens. Do you have an interest in them?

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Johnny Green
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 04:06 PM

I have no relationship with Stenvenson, I first commented here ONLY to inform people of the existence of the company. I find it very strange that I have people belittling me when all I did was provide information. This is a discussion about fiberglass cases right?

So whats up with certain persons using this thread to "lament" about how great Caltons cases are.

And then when i come in and suggest an alternative two separate messages pop up in an extremely timely fashion; one doubting the existence of an acceptable flight case that isn't a Calton,The other going off on some nonsacle rant about bluegrass players being "more discriminating" musicians then concluding that they CAN only use a Calton brand case.

It isn't too far of a stretch too assume both of these messages came from someone at Calton. I see this type of thing happening frequently on the web, most specifically though, message boards.

There are even people who's careers is to generate "positive secondary media source material" which means these people get paid to go around the web pretending they are some random joe who is delivering authentic reviews of any given commercial product. These people are well paid.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,David Gans
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 07:33 PM

I heard about this thread from a colleague on the FAR-West list. I've bought several cases from Calton in the past and been more than pleased with the product and their service. But I've been waiting for five months for a case and have not had any emails nor phone messages returned. Most distressing.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,New Website?
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 08:27 AM

Hello all,
I've been trying to get a Calton with a custom Archtop build of mine and my luthier says he's having the same problems as many getting ANY kind of response or answer from them?
I logged on to their website and noticed a change and that their site had a much more professional looking appearance and function to it?
I also got a quote and shipping estimate within 6 hour of my inquiry?   Could it be that Calton has solved some of their problems and is now back in production and shipping consistently? Or is this just a "case" of "get the order" at all costs....?
Any help or first hand knowledge would help?
Thanks!

-- JD

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: maeve
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 09:06 AM

The website does look good and seems to run smoothly. In addition, I sent an email and received a cordial response from Jim within the hour. I expect we will see some good things happening. Let's see if customers and Calton's can make a good effort to work out any remaining concerns. I think it is possible. Good luck to all parties.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 02:37 PM

At least in UK we can contact Keith Calton and get direct responses to any queries ! As a Long Time Calton fan I hope Calton of Canada HAVE got their act together !

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Robert Gore
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 12:43 PM

Out of business? My luthier, who was still getting cases, just informed me that Calton Cases has closed or will soon. Can anyone confirm this?

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Owner of Calton Cases
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 10:51 AM

This is a FALSE

Last month was our biggest sales month in over 18 months

Over the next 8 weeks we will ship over 200 cases including shipments to Buscarino, WINGERT, Olson, Ryan, Allison Stringworks, and others.

Anyone who would like to place their order are invited to contact me personally via our website at www.caltoncases.com

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Robert Gore
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 11:07 AM

Thanks for clarifying.

Though I'm having trouble understanding what's going on. There appears to be a lot of dissatisfaction and customer claiming to not be getting calls back, or even their cases. You mention a few luthiers, but there also seems to eb quite a few that are not getting orders? Saying 6 are, when 20 aren't is deceptive. On AGF, there were some people who did get theirs, and promptly. I want to order, but i want to be on the winning side. I don't want to be begging for my case that was paid for, months from now.

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: maeve
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 11:10 AM

By the way, I sent an email query about the last posted rumor and got an immediate and cordial reply from Jim at
http://www.caltoncases.com confirming that business is fine. I really hope customers and Calton Cases can resolve the communication issue together.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 11:58 AM

Its taken quite some time and the beginning of a rumour that they are to cease trading to bring the owner out of the woodwork. Perhaps he needs to realise that this is not the only Calton Cases complaints thread around and some form of explanation or denial may help explain what's going on. I had heard that Canadian Caltons were expensive but didn't realise how expensive. I bought my last one - a custom fitted mandolin case from Keith in the UK almost 2 years ago for less than half the price of the Canadian equivalent. In addition, although the Canadian ones are described as "custom fitted" there appears to be no facility in the ordering process to specify the dimensions of the instrument. So much for "custom fitted"!
Ray

Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Custom Fitted
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 12:31 PM

We have over 12 000 patterns on file of different instruments.

Each case is custom fitted to the exact specifications of the particular instrument.

As stated on our website, if we do not have the pattern on file we will advise you of what is required and send the specific measurement form along for completion.

For more information please visit our website at www.caltoncases.com

---

I think I'm going to close this thread. Most of the recent posters are Guests, and I cannot verify their identity. That makes them free to disparage the company without having to take responsibility for their remarks, and that doesn't quite seem fair. If you'd like to discuss the closure of this thread, please contact me privately by e-mail or by personal message.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer, forum moderator
[e-mail]