TRIC cases?

**mr. beaumont** · 10-13-2009, 12:47 PM

So, as many of you know, I recently purchased a Godin 5th avenue Kingpin and I am loving it--gigged it this weekend, and it sounded great. Now, since mine was an ebay purchase and came without a case, I've been using an old archtop hardshell case i already had to carry it around--works fine--but that thing is HEAVY.

So I'm thinking I want one of the ultralight (and ultrastrong) TRIC cases for it...I see there are two kinds--regular, and deluxe, which has some kind of vinyl cover...

...but i can't seem to find any other info on them. Does the model with the vinyl cover have a shoulder strap of some sort? how about the non-deluxe version?

anyone in the know, I'd appreciate the info.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 10-13-2009, 12:58 PM

A&L Tric Case

Sounds interesting. Didn't know Godin made the cases, too. How much do they go for?

**mr. beaumont** · 10-13-2009, 01:14 PM

yeah, that site was the only real info i was able to get on them...

they have a standard version which sells for @80 bucks, and a deluxe that sells for $100. The deluxe has a vinyl cover and might have some sort of backpack straps or shoulder strap, but i can't seem to find any info on whether or not it does?

that site's a little unclear though, ain't it? does it come with a shoulder strap? Or just the "D Rings" for attaching one? And where would I get a shoulder strap if doesn't come with one?

a little confused, I am. might just email godin, i think.

**RAQ** · 10-13-2009, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

yeah, that site was the only real info i was able to get on them...

they have a standard version which sells for @80 bucks, and a deluxe that sells for $100. The deluxe has a vinyl cover and might have some sort of backpack straps or shoulder strap, but i can't seem to find any info on whether or not it does?

that site's a little unclear though, ain't it? does it come with a shoulder strap? Or just the "D Rings" for attaching one? And where would I get a shoulder strap if doesn't come with one?

a little confused, I am. might just email godin, i think.

I eventually got the standard TRIC for mine when it became available over here, there's certainly no strap fittings on that. The Deluxe is listed on Amazon:
(Amazon.com: Godin Tric Case Archtop Deluxe: Musical Instruments

but there's not much information on it. It looks like the standard shell but with an out cover - no other fittings from what I can see.

**mr. beaumont** · 10-13-2009, 02:30 PM

I got the info from another message board--

the deluxes have the shoulder strap, the basic TRIC's do not.

probably gonna order one soon.

**RAQ** · 10-13-2009, 04:24 PM

I didn't realise there was a deluxe case until your post. The standard case looks like polystyrene, but is obviously stronger. Nevertheless the surface structure does look vunerable to abrasive damage and so a protective cover is probably a wise investment if it's going to get hard use. The case is extremely light and, in a way, is actually more interesting than the guitar itself.

**mr. beaumont** · 10-13-2009, 07:03 PM

wow, not a fan of the guitar huh? I thought it was the nicest sub-1k archtop I played--that's why i picked one up.

**Jazzaluk** · 10-13-2009, 08:27 PM

PROBAG

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 10-13-2009, 11:07 PM

Is it just me? I'm not a big fan of gig bags for archtops. I worry too much about them taking a hit.

**RAQ** · 10-14-2009, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

wow, not a fan of the guitar huh? I thought it was the nicest sub-1k archtop I played--that's why i picked one up.

No - you completely misunderstand (my fault perhaps for not being more clear). I was a fan from the moment the 5th Ave was announced, and spent some time and effort tracking one down at a time when they were not readily available. I absolutely love it. What I was attempting to say is that the case is even more interesting - you wait till you see it if you haven't already.

**Little Jay** · 10-14-2009, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Is it just me? I'm not a big fan of gig bags for archtops. I worry too much about them taking a hit.

I also have a Probag: thick leather and more then an inch of padding inside. I don't worry about taking a hit at all! Actually the padding absorbes the hit, while in a case the guitar can still shake around pretty violently and still get damaged. In the bag the guitar has tipped over many times with no damage. Try that with a case.....especially notorious with mahagony necks that break inside the case when it tips over. I can realy recommand the Probag, so much more practical (shoulder straps) and realy good protection! And they look soooo cool.....

(And now I will collect my money at probag for this free promotion....

)

**Chito** · 10-14-2009, 11:03 AM

$80 for the Tric is just about right as that's how much I paid for mine.

Things I like about it, it's light, a mere 3.5lbs. It's durable and protects the guitar well as the case is made of material used in car bumpers and bike helmets so it's high-impact resistant. And of course the reason why it's called TRIC “Thermally Regulated Instrument Case" which for someone living in Canada is a plus as it can withstand temps from -50c to +150c. So you can leave your guitar in your car regardless of whether it is in the middle of summer or winter.

I honestly think they could charge a lot more for the case and will still be able to sell them. It's also the perfect case for the Kingpin. If I remember right mine has "Fifth Ave" written somewhere on the Tric case.

**mr. beaumont** · 10-14-2009, 11:07 AM

well, now I'm more intrigued than ever--definitley ordering one soon.

and no slight to probags, I have one for my tele, and it's superior to any gigbag i've ever seen. I just thought the idea of paying nearly $200 bucks for a case for a guitar that only cost me $500 might be a little overkill!

**gazda** · 10-14-2009, 11:45 AM

In another posting on 5th Avenue I mentioned the Tric case. I love it. It is light weight and sturdy. It survived two downpours in London a month ago (as it happens, on the only day when it properly rained I managed to find myself out in the wild with the guitar). I take it on overcrowded tube, where grumpy guitar-hating commuters "accidentally" knock it, scuff it with their heavy shoes and overstuffed rucksacks and handbags, press it against the doors - and I don't care. It works well. It works even better in those conditions not being the posh canvas-covered one. It is easier to wipe off the dirt, and the tube floor gunk once I am back home with a simple wet tissue. Sturdy and hygienic, Tric case

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 10-14-2009, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by gazda

Sturdy and hygienic, Tric case

You're worried your guitar will get the swing flu?

Just kidding, but I've noticed "hygienic" is a much more common word in the UK. I worked in Manchester for five years. One weekend, bicycling in the Pennines hills, I stopped at a pub in the countryside. Outside it, a mother was berating her young son: "Nigel, stop that! That's not hygienic!" He looked up at me, an impressively obese figure in biking shorts. I knew I had to do something. So I took a big slug from my water bottle, then proceeding to squirt it like a fountain from between my teeth whilst pouring the rest of it on my steaming head. Now, whenever I hear the word hygienic, I want to pour water on my head!

**RAQ** · 10-14-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

well, now I'm more intrigued than ever--definitley ordering one soon.

Youtube review of the Kingpin - the case makes its entrance about half-way through.

**gazda** · 10-15-2009, 05:13 AM

@ BigDaddy -

Swing Flu. Genius.

I did use the word "hygienic" in that peculiar British way, just as I used the expression "tube floor gunk" which only Londoners can fully empathise with

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 10-15-2009, 09:33 AM

And whilst you ride on the Tube, your amp has valves

**asedas** · 09-21-2010, 01:14 PM

I will bump the topic. I consider buy a tric case for my Ibanez. Does anybody tried this case with other guitars than godins? I mean i.e. Iban Artcore series.

**mr. beaumont** · 09-21-2010, 02:41 PM

Godin dimensions:

upper bout: 12"

lower bout: 16"

total body length: 20" (add about 1 inch for neck heel)

total length, headstock to tailpiece: 41"

body depth: 3"

hope that helps. The case is a real winner--I've owned my godin for a year now and the case is still in perfect shape (and the guitar leaves the house at least once a week, if not more)

**asedas** · 09-21-2010, 03:36 PM

Thanks a lot mr. beaumont! Probably my Iban will fit [has very, very similar size] but emailed to the shop which sell this to check for sure.

**tonedeaf** · 09-21-2010, 10:29 PM

I have one for my Fender nylon acoustic-electric. It is perfect for me in that it is both mechanically and environmentally protective. I live in a very dry area (low 20% in the winter) and I use the Planet Waves system for humidity. The Tric lasts about three times as long on a humidty packet as does my standard case.

I would worry about the Tric holding up for regular gigging (it will protect the guitar but it sure seems like it would wear out quickly). Since it never leaves my house this is not an issue for me.