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Which Acoustic Guitar Case Is Right For You?There are some general guidelines for what makes the best acoustic guitar case. And, there are situations where a gig bag might be a better choice than a hardshell guitar case. While you wouldn't want to put one of your prized Martin guitars in a gig bag on an airplane, it might be okay for around town. Let's take a look at what our choices are for cases. Our ChoicesThe cheapest type is a chipboard case. Chipboard is the type of heavy paper used on the back of note pads. It's usually covered in fabric. As you can imagine, it's very flimsy and offers little protection for your guitar. Since gig bags have become so popular, you rarely see chipboard cases. The next type that we'll look at are padded gig bags. These are the nylon, guitar shaped bags that you see people carrying over their shoulder. A gig bag usually offers more protection than the chipboard case. It has some padding inside and several handles. It usually has a couple of straps so that it can be worn as a backpack. The biggest problem is that the soft sides don't offer much protection if the guitar is hit or dropped. The next step up after the gig bag is another gig bag. Several companies make a gig bag with polystyrene foam in them. This makes them semi-rigid. They are a cross between a gig bag and a hardshell case. They offer the next level of protection over the gig bag.
The Ultimate Acoustic Guitar CaseThe ultimate case for everyday use is the hardshell case. A hardshell case is normally made from synthetic materials or from wood. It will usually have an accessories pocket inside to hold things like guitar straps. It should also be well padded. There are several brands of after-market cases made.
My personal favorites are made by SKB They're tough and hold up to a lot of use/abuse. Virtually all manufacturers of good quality guitars include a case with their guitars. After all, they want their guitars to get to the retailer in one piece. Sometimes a retailer will quote a price on a guitar without the case. They do this so that they can seem to offer a low price on the guitar.
Then, when you've decided that you can't possibly live another day without that wonderful guitar, they'll say "the case is extra". That's when you find out the true cost of the guitar. In my opinion, that should be when you decide to buy your guitar from a more upfront, and probably honest, dealer.
If possible, it's always best to get the manufacturers case with the guitar. Especially if the manufacturer makes their own, like Taylor Guitars does for many of it's models. That way,you'll be sure that the case fits the guitar correctly. If you buy a replacement case for a guitar, be sure that it's a good fit. Measure across both the upper and lower bouts, the depth of the body and the overall length of the guitar. This will ensure that you get the right fit for your guitar. You'll want to check these dimensions for any guitar that you buy. Whether a classical guitar case for a student level guitar or a case for one of your handmade acoustic guitars. Remember, nothing protects your acoustic guitar like good quality acoustic guitar case. Return to learn-fingerstyle-guitar.com .
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