In the early 1980's Joe Porper's Creative Inventions launched a line of cases that dominated the market. The case had a molded foam core. It was lightweight, economical, and could be produced in production line quantity.
In the late 1980's to mid 1990's, Joe Porper also made one of the finest hand tooled leather cases available. It had a foam core encased by heavy tooling leather with elegant leaf carvings. Despite the thick leather and large pockets, it weighed only 3 pounds, about half the weight of a comparable tube and leather case. Each was unique. In six years only 200 of these hand tooled leather cases were made. Joe eventually discontinued the tooled cases to focus on his production line.
Occasionally these cases come up for sale. My suggestion is to buy one, they're great!
