I live in a small house in Japan with my wife and kids. My hard case keeps the guitar safe from any kind of accident at home, but when I am out and about I have a great padded soft case with backpack style straps. The soft case is so much more comfortable for getting around. 🎸
It just feels weird walking out of the shop with a guitar and no case. Noppers…I’m a grown up and need my guitars in a grown ups case! Have you ever seen a violinist or cellist dragging their instruments down the street with no case. We are civilized members of a modern society and We needs an adults case.
But I have seen cellists and violinists use soft shell cases. I prefer the idea of hard cases and usually just use a gig bag even though most my guitars have cases.
My violin came in a soft shell case. But I agree with you, it’s really weird walking out of a store with a guitar that doesn’t come with anything at all
I wouldn't go shopping on Saturday uptown in my birthday suit, sans trousers, or stark naked - this is what I think when I compute guitar with no hardcase - I know pathos a forethought... plus, I'm sick, I'm sick of all the case-less guitars! They are like homeless people! It's just eerie, weird & strange & sad & I am granted completely mad. Peace, play ya guitar & stfu!
@@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912 So wouldn’t it be easier just buy a case I know I would rather spend $1200 and not get a case over $1400 with a case. You can use the $200 and buy a case.
I’m pretty sure it’s a mental thing, but I always feel like a guitar should have a hard case. Technology and manufacturing have made leaps and bounds over the past few decades and I’m sure there are some really, really great soft cases out there but I just haven’t branched out.
It’s really a question of practicality for most people. If I just keep the guitars out on the stand most of the time, then these bulky expensive cases just collect dust 98% of the time.
Kiesel does soft cases. Now it’s important to note that soft cases aren’t created equally, but a high quality soft case WILL offer better protection than a hard case. They offer better shock absorption if you aren’t gigging with 30 instruments. Kiesel did a video on it
I like a hardshell case. The guitars I’m not currently playing are in them right now. Have a hardshell for each one. Had to buy then all separately, because I play mostly cheap stuff.
one of my worst memories from tour was at an airport, waiting to board. I walked up to the bass player, who was watching them load the luggage on the plane thru the window when i said good morning to him. At that same moment we both watched a crew guy take his hardcase with his, i think it was a Tobias, the guy launches it from about 10 feet away and it just bounces and slams on the conveyor belt up to the plane. I think we both just gasped...I mean what do you say even. I felt horrible but luckily the bass was okey.
I swear everytime I hear about this I just wish the mysterious stranger from fallout would just zip behind the fucker and shoot him. How is it ever okay to fling instruments? Or any luggage in general? You never know what fragile and important stuff is in there
I'm not sure why they recommend soft cases here for expensive rare guitars. That is complete nonsense! You MUST have a well-built, fitted hard case to protect your instrument that also is built with tight seals against the weather. I use a desiccant bag inside the case to keep the humidity near the same level year-round. German Sitka Spruce is wood that swells up just like any other wood and humidity fluctuations cause buckling. Check with a decent Luthier and see what the expert says.
2 days ago my three-year-old lifted up one of my 25 lb dumbbells and dropped it onto a hard shell case which contains my Taylor 914 CE. I said a little prayer before I opened the case to assess the damage. Thankfully, not a scratch. Bless those hard shell cases.
Firebirds, Explorers, Les Pauls, 335's ANYTHING GIbson NEEDS a hardshell. The headstock is vulnerable. I bought a PRS CE24 and was really irritated that it comes with a gig bag at almost 2k. Yes its essentially a Strat but at that price point a hardshell should be a given. I have been on the road and stuff gets thrown into the van and a gig bag isnt gonna cut it. Fenders I am actually ok with a gig bag (not custom shop pricing or American models) mostly because they are interchangeable. You cant really "break" a Fender
I gig with a Les Paul, SG and firebird. The Les Paul and SG are kept in a Mono M80 dual gig bag and the firebird is in a Mono vertigo. They’ve been all over the place on the road at tons of gigs and have always been protected perfectly. I’ve had more luck with the mono bags than I ever did with a hard case honestly.
@@mrmapegothe13th maybe it's that with a gig bag you know you have to be a little mindful but with hsc people tend to think you should be able to throw em out of a plane or whatever.
The plush soft-shell case that came with my 2020 Gibson Les Paul Tribute is a state-of-the-art package in terms of the protection it affords, the classic aesthetics, and the ergonomics.
I’ve had similar experience as you Jonathan ,..with airport luggage 🧳 dudes tossing my strat!!😬like a lunitic…thank god it was in a hard shell ….company’s are just being cheap !!keep hard cases coming,everyone s got a soft case around if needed (rule of thumb,if the price is over 1000$ should come with hard cases)!!✌️❤️🎸by the way I’ll take any unwanted guitar cases,send em on my way 🤗
It came with a Fender-branded bag from Incase. Unfortunately Incase no longer manufactures those, and aftermarket prices are two major limbs. I have one from years ago and it is some of the best money I ever spent. The new Icon series from Gator is indeed very similar to it.
The T60 is so strong you could walk across skyscrapers on that. I had the T40 and T60 when they came out. I should never have sold the T60, it was an awesome player.
I got a really nice gig bag with my Yamaha Revstar, super nice quality. I’m usually a hard case person, but the Yamaha gig bag changed my mind. I also really like the hybrid hard/ soft cases. Reduced weight, secure fit and better shock absorption. I’ve always wondered why those aren’t more popular
Wow, this is a topic that really resonates with me, not because I have a strong opinion one way or the other, but because it raises various emotional and practical issues. The price threshold for getting a hard shell case with a guitar keeps rising and that pisses me off. It has reached the point where I have to pay $A2,500+ before I get a hard case and that to me is a ripoff. Nonetheless, every time I buy a guitar that either comes with a gig bag or no bag at all I buy it a hard case. After all, I can buy a sturdy, non-name brand hard shell case for A$100. Fender and Gibson cases cost between A$250 and A$450. On the other side of the debate. I am getting old and infirmed so I have reduced my gig playing rig to be as light as possible and, in particular, want to be able to carry all of my gear into the venue in one trip. This means carrying two guitars on my back and so my Gator 4g gig bag is fantastic. It's the cheapest of the two guitar alternatives but that makes it lighter which suits me. If I had to trust my gear to a roadie I'd probably want more protection but since I am cursed with carrying all of my own gear then I see it as the best compromise.
I'm with you. I did see Fender Stratocaster and Tele hard cases on the Fender site for $199 so maybe it's not as bad as all that. But being someone who rolls up to a solo gig with 2 amps, 2 (sometimes 3) guitars, a kick drum, drum throne and a pedal board, I envy your one trip load in!
As I get older, I have jumped on the gig bag bandwagon. Going to band practice is so much easier, gig bag holds everything including my music book. However, when I break out my vintage Ric 4001, I do take the hard case because it's so valuable. I have 6 hard cases and 4 gig bags, thinking about at least one more bag. Thaks guys.
I think I saw some of that coming several years back. I got tired of the mixed quality of "cases" anyway, and bought 5 HD SKB flight cases. Now that's all I use. At least it limited me to taking 5 guitars (electric and acoustic, 4+1) to a gig. We all know very well about Gibson's (especially SG's!) headstock breaking issues! I have a home-made system to support them in the case also! The Fender's I just tie behind the trailer and drag them down the road. 8) JMHO --gary
I've always preferred hardshell cases, but recently got a Godin acoustic with their TRIC case and am really liking it. It's rigid like a hardshell but weighs less with a guitar in it than an empty hardshell, plus it has backpack straps and outer pockets like a gigbag. My only concern with the hybrid style case is longevity due to having a zipper instead of latches.
I have a MONO Dual Acoustic/Electric Guitar Case that I've been using for years. They aren't cheap! but they provide great protection, especially for the neck and headstock. I highly recommend a MONO bag, if you can afford it!
The John Mayer Incase bags I think started this whole change. There were a few iterations of that Incase over the Mayer signature line but they were all incredible hybrid bags that really had quality and utility down to a T.
If you look up the Music Area AA31 electric bag, it is the closest equivalent on the market these days. Based on some comments, I suspect Music Area was the actual manufacturer that Incase had contracted. I love my Incase bag, and wish they still mad them. The new Icon series from Gator is very similar.
@@Powerslave214 definitely looks like it for the original black Incase bag. The Cypress Mica bag was definitely an Incase material and Mayer worked with them to design it. All of them are phenomenal tbh
"Let's decrease our costs by not giving the consumer a hard case to protect their multi-thousand dollar instrument/investment, but then charge them more for the overall decontented package." I'll never be okay with this, especially at the prices these brands charge. Looking at you prs.
Recently bought a RainSong, and had the dealer swap out the hard case for a gig bag before shipping. The first lightweight “hard” gig bag I can remember is the Ovation Zero Gravity case. I liked it.
I have several luthier built classical guitars in various configs. With each purchase I forego the standard case and buy the waterproof SKB case. They offer protection few other cases can and considering the cost of a bench made guitar, I never bat an eye at the expense for that protection.
I always imagine of a hybrid of both of these... Making gig bags which is soft inside and out but has a hard material's layer in between... M and has straps making it attachable to your body. Hope guitar case manufacturers would someday come up with this
The Ovation Hard Case # 9158 is Made in the USA either by SKB or TLK. These are the highest quality cases available for the real protection of your cherished guitars.
When I bought my caparison guitar, I was really upset that several thousand dollar guitar didn't even come with a hard case. Then I saw the soft shell case it came with, and I changed my mind. Those things are bulletproof and dead smart. I use that case for all of my guitars.
I have a tweed hsc for a Gretsch Duo Jet. It ways a ton when it’s empty. I’m love the Gator Transit case and their deluxe heavy duty whatever it’s called gig bag case. That even has its own rain cover. I also a double Reunion Blues for solid bodies that’s excellent. Unfortunately I have a closet full of hsc’s. But some are stored in them. I use the bags when I go out
If I'm traveling with a guitar (or two) I need a good quality case. A good hard case can take minor knocks & bumps really well. A really nice padded gig bag/hybrid case can be just as protective...and possibly a little lighter...but I don't think they are "smaller"....maybe even taking up more room to give the same amount of protection to your guitar.
As a older cool,healthy and intelligent guitar player, l only use actual money and hard shell cases. Definite benefits to being stubborn. No broken head stocks.
I bought some gear from sweetwater to be sent to Bahrain. I ordered a Schecter solo 2 & hard case & a Gretsch with a hard case. A few weeks later all the gear arrived & the guitars were sent separate from the cases. Which was exactly the thing I wanted to avoid. I always get a hard case but I’ve had to move to different countries. I definitely bought them for my 2 silver sky’s!
Yes, Jonathan is correct! The John Mayer Signature Strat came with an Incase bag that was backpack style when they were released in 2005. All of his guitars have had gig bags.
I prefer hardshell myself. I've had some "pretty decent" well padded gig bags in the past, and I let them go to 'sweeten' a deal on a sale (just like the people did that sold me the guitar that came with the gig bag). I have one gig bag left in my collection, and if I can sell the guitar that's in it---they get the gig bag. I'll stick with hardshell whether I have to buy it or not and maybe they (manufacturers) know that and I'm the chump . These manufacturers that keep jacking up their price on guitars, yet lowering the case value and case candy are breaking my brain---and those that sit back and accept it, are destroying my brain. But that's just my opinion. Thumbs up on the video guys; love it.
In order to provide anywhere near as much protection as a hardshell case, a soft case needs to be extravagantly padded. You can get such cases, and they're decent protection for the instrument, and if you only own one or two guitars, they might be the right case for you. They do, however, take up at least half again as much space as a hardshell case that offers comparable protection. That means that you can fit /three/ instruments in hardshell cases in roughly the same space that you will only be able to fit /two/ padded soft cases. If you happen to have 15 guitars, you will only be able to fit 10 of them in the same space they would occupy in hard cases. And when the baggage handlers toss a set of ski-poles at your case like javelins (I've seen it done), what has a good chance of bouncing off your hard shell case is going to go right through your canvas & Styrofoam soft case. Basically what you're doing is justifying guitar manufacturers being cheap-asses.
I just got a Fender Vintera 50s road worn Strat and it came with a 'deluxe' gig bag. It was in fine shape, out of the bag... although as a road worn who can tell lol. I toyed with the thought of getting a tweed hard shell case for it because I intend to keep it forever, but I don't ever gig or play out, so the guitar's just here in the house on a stand where I can grab it quick to play, so it'd also be like parking a never-used $300 case in the closet on the highly unlikely off-chance I take the guitar somewhere...
I'm a truck driver. The bag that came with my Taylor is perfect. When I go home or end up in a hotel on the road, the big pocket can fit all I need for a day or 2 and not have to have a separate backpack or anything. Just my guitar, a few clothes and stuff all in one thing. It's an overnight bag that my guitar fits in.
Application specific, in my case. I think there is a big difference between a gig bag and a soft case. Soft cases can be amazing replacements for hard cases, but I do not trust gig bags for protection. That being said, the Gibson Protector case that came with the Mike Ness LP is amazing. That thing is a chainsaw case updated to modern specs, and I do really like that.
I'm military (26 years active duty!) and with moves every 3 years or so, I gotta have hardshell cases for all my guitars. I also NEVER let the movers pack them. They come with me in the Uhaul. That said, I bought a Les Paul Tribute last year and that is a true "soft case" not just a "gig bag." I was impressed.
Bro, same. I've been out since 2012 when the DOD budget cuts annihilated the Air Force and that was after being in the army and transferring over. Every single move. I look forward to driving my own car which had all of my tube amps, 24 cases, and all the firearms with the important documents and other stuff. I found the only way was to take leave before the restationing date and driving it all down.
I have even gone as far as driving to the nearest family member or battle buddy and asking a favor regarding a garage I could leave my car in temporarily. We always use allied for the big moves. I grew up in the military family with a retired colonel as a father at this point and the things I saw happen over that time frame growing up....
... were just unforgivable. God help anyone coming from overseas. I don't think there is a retired officer in the military that doesn't have a story of a family Heirloom China cabinet, European grandfather clock, for entire truck disappearing, if not being completely destroyed. I knew one guy whose stuff was in a container. His family's entire home of possessions fell into the ocean coming across the Atlantic from aviano, Italy. And there are people in this world who don't understand the sacrifice families live with as the home support system for service members of the lucky 2% of this country's historic Caretakers. In any case, Hope things went well for you and hope those cases are still holding up in the fight we can't prepare for!
You guys are right. Those Mayer gig bags from his sig strat is great. There are even some prototypes around if you can’t snag the Fender one for a decent price
Some good points made here... however, if you have a large collection of, say, twenty-plus guitars or more, etc., then, IMO, having hard cases is at least something you can then _stack against a corner_ in a room, etc. for organization-rather like placing books on a shelf. I simply cannot imagine successfully keeping that number (or more) of _gig bags_ in any kind of truly sustainable order, storage-wise. In general. So, all my guitars have hard cases, although I have managed to collect some nicer gig bags over the last few years (PRS, Yamaha) that I'd possibly consider carrying something in for brief use if necessary. Still, I bought cases for those guitars. too. Sure, I can understand the _theoretically_ easier time of it traveling locally to a gig using a few nicer (I'd hope) bags, but still... I also wouldn't want to _trip_ on top of my gigbag-ed guitar on the way into said gig!!! Oops. Also, consider transporting a bagged guitar in the back of your SUV or van, etc.... and then suddenly stopping short or turning a sharp corner, and... a heavy amp might just decide to fall against your guitar. Oops again. _Moveable_ Object meets Irresistible Force? That said, I do have a great hybrid case made specifically for my Ibanez AZ (inc in the price) that gives me complete confidence, even for that "trip factor", plus it's rectangular so that also works with storage in-between gigging out. That a design I can get along with!
I had a 15 year break from buying guitars and was peeved about the lack of hard cases for $$$ stuff but I'm actually happy now. My home is quite small, and they take up a lot of space. I'll fork over the extra if need be. ✌️🇦🇺
I got a Reverend bass last year and I was shocked that it came with its own hard case, especially since it’s a short scale which are kind of notoriously difficult to find any case, hard or gig bag, for.
Funny story. Got my 1st guitar in the mid 70's a hardtail Strat. With a case. Traded it for a totally upgraded partscastor Strat yrs later. Kept the case. Guitar got stolen yrs later by a drug addiction who was so stupid. How stupid. Took the guitar out of case, took off strap off straplocks, took cover off amp, stole broken VCR all taken apart so I could replace belt but left electric acoustic telly looking guitar laying right in plain view. So later I got Amer deluxe plus Strat w/o case and already has straplocks. Still have original case from the 70's for this Strat that I've owned since 96. Also on a side note got a steal of a deal on a Les Paul studio in 2012. Ebony w/gold trim 496/500 pups and best part at time IMHO was in chain saw case. $800. Never gonna be without hard cases for my good guitars. My junk guitars all have soft cases.
Very interesting ;) About 15 years ago, i spent the most money i ever spent for a guitar, $479 for a new Epi LP Std Plus (i'm a budget guy :). I bought it with a gig bag but an hour after i got it home went back and got a HSC for it, which is where it is now. Late one night after less than a year, the guitar's in its case standing up edge wise between the bed and some amps. Something happened and it rolled over, slamming to the hard wood floor. I was almost afraid to open it up but the guitar was fine. First thought was I'm glad i had the hsc. In reality, if it was in a GB, it probably wouldn't have fallen and if it did, it wouldn't have been so violent. The last guitar i bought was the '20 LP Jr. I ordered a GB with that. For me, it's fine. ha, i spent $325 for a '75 Strat otd with a hsc in '76. I read that was the equivalent of $1400 now. It didn't feel like that then.
Not a comment about cases, but what to drink if you ever do come to Buffalo. Suggest that you don't ask for a Miller Light, around here, Labatt's and Molsens are considered to be "domestic" beer and there are a number of local breweries and distilleries making vary nice products. You would be doing yourself a disservice not to "drink local" if you ever get up here.
I found an old gator touring case from the 80’s or early 90’s at a yard sale. Picked it up for maybe 50 bucks, fits a strat well and i love it. Its the one that has like metal trim around where it latches closed. I also have another hard case I bought for my les paul. Pretty much all the other guitars I own I don’t have hard cases for. I think gibson guitars probably need one for the angled neck. I dunno i guess some of the hybrids are pretty nice
The John Mayer soft shell case you guys may be referring to is the Fender JM cargo softshell case made by INCASE. I believe they shipped with the John Mayer signature fenders back in the day. Apparently the cases are rare and sought after now. 🤔
I have 3 guitars that I consider my main guitars. The rest basically just stay in their hard shell cases, but when I do take them out they’re always pristine.
I love hard cases knowing when I buy a guitar it will come packed well AND in a hard case. However, I wish all hard cases would be airport/airplane durable. Jackson/Charvel/Musicman type that at least feels like they would survive. The nice hard case that my PRS or Heritage comes in is great for personal travel but not for major touring/flying. Soft cases win for in-town gigging hands down (lighter, more cushion, easier to carry around before/after the gig)👌🏻
I was going to a funeral one time for my sister-n-in-law. Another SNL stopped me and stated I needed to go to another place before I went to the church. Being distracted, I then backed my car and heard a noise. Fortunately my guitar case was simply pushed down the drive way and was scratched. My living SNL was lucky. I would have had to go to 2 funerals if that had been a soft case ! I don't "GIG" per se, but I feel a hard case is vital to me.
I definitely prefer a hard shell case, but I don't mind if a guitar comes with a high quality soft shell. I like the convenience of how well hard shell cases stack soft shell pockets tend to get in the way. All my guitar get a hard case at sompoint.
I have hard cases for each of my guitars for storage and relocation purposes… but if the guitar is going to be with me (not stored) then I use a good soft case for convenience. But yeah, I always buy a hard case for each guitar.
I prefer a hardshell case over gig bags , although the gig bag that came with my Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat is well padded up to some I've seen. The thought of putting my Les Paul in a gig bag, however, makes me slightly anxious to say the least!
I've bought 6-7 cases for Teles and LPs. The tweed pro for a Tele was the most expensive. I move guitars around to keep the ones worthy of a hard case in one, and lesser ones in a bag. A Junior DC Tribute, a cheap Gretsch and a Squire Bullet are in bags, and my Steinbergers came with bags. My Explorer, SG Special, and J-29 all came with hard cases. One used ES-235 has a generic hard case, obviously the owner sold or repurposed the soft case. My other ES-235 I bought new, with the soft case. Those are a really nice case, actually. I decided against replacing it with a Gibson or Epiphone 339 hard case.
Agreed the Taylor cases are great. My GS mini case I think will last a few decades. But, I think some manufacturers should make a move to the plastic hard cases like Fender has. They look good, will take a beating, are plush on the inside, TSA friendly, and lightweight too. Music man cases are like this too. I love the look of a Tweed G&G case, but they are heavy. Might be time for someone to make a hybrid case. Plastic/Strong Polymer with tweed covering. Suhr gig bags are also super plush and high quality too. PRS should bump their SE bags up to those.
I prefer softcases for gigging and will have to check out the dual guitar bag. Funny though, I just bought a bunch of hardcases to store my guitars that didn’t come with them. Makes it much easier to stack them for storage.
Mono case for my Fender USA Geddy Lee bass and a soft Taylor case for my 37 Martin Authentic 28, but only when I'm playing somewhere. At home they stay in hard cases
A soft case is okay if you want to save space in your car when your going to a gig close by. However in cold weather, extremely humid or dry climates I feel safer having a good hard shell case designed to protect your instrument in those kinds of conditions. If your guitar is worth keeping and your using it for gigs it's worth protecting it. Especially if you payed a lot of money for it.
I like hard shell cases. And still use one of those funny Fender cases for my favorite Strat. Only problem is there is no place to to put a strap. The storage box is not big enough for anything. But my Strat is tightly padded. So I take a padded bag for the strap, etc. Hard shells on all my other guitars. Except my Fender bass, gig bag.🤘🤩🎸
I was going to buy a fender John Mayer signature, and it looks like it did originally ship with a gig bag hybrid case. I ended up with a 65 dove instead, but that was a cool guitar though none the less.
Good post. I love gig bags for everyday use. But with a gig bag where do I stick all the case stickers? Eat Bertha's Mussels, a Stealie, the stickers from juke joints and studios and all the rest that are bragging rights for where the guitar and I have been? So how do I tell my gig bag from the rest of the crowd? BTW do y'all have Casino Guitars case stickers?
When I bought my 2020 gibson SG standard from gc last year the guy brought out a sweet hardshell with purple interior and then goes, oh wait wrong one! Then goes and pulls out the soft shell gibson bag. I was a little disappointed lol
Back in the 90s when I started a hard case was the only serious choice. Now a lot of guys (particularly younger) are using the Mono bags. I can definitely see the logic if you're using public transport in a city or lots of other gigs but I still can't trust it to be ok when it's being chucked in the back of a van with a load of amps and PA gear.
I have 2 EVH guitars and they came in a nice plastic bag with a top quality elastic band securing the bag closed and firmly attached to the headstock. I was glad they didn't get reliced along the way.🤨
When my guitars are not in my hands, they're in the case. Too many friends of mine who play guitar have way, way, way too many stories about how they damaged their guitar when their instrument was out of the case. The case is the first line of defense for our guitars, especially if you have kids in your home.
I really like the soft case my B&G came with. Seems like there is a line to be drawn between soft case and gig bag and I can see an argument for soft cases being OK. What fender and PRS include are squarely on the gig bag side of the fence.
When I show up to a gig, and there are maybe other bands, and I have to stash my guitars under the stage or somewhere until I play, im glad they are in hard cases rather than soft.
I get why they don't include hardshell cases but it drives me crazy. A hardshell case should be included with $1000+ guitars, especially "higher end" instruments.
Storing guitars outside a case in upstate NY will dry them out so bad in the winter. The case is a must up here unless you want to pay for and constantly fill a humidifier. Any guitar costing $1000 and up should come with a hardshell case.
I want hardcases for all my guitars. Just feels better. But I also want one or two very good and comfortable gigbags for a Fender style electric and for my 00-15m, because I don’t have a car anymore (I do have a scooter - Europe) and I have a prosthetic leg, so I’m extremely dependent. A good and strong gigbag is the only thing that makes me less dependent when I just want to go somewhere to gig and play. Although…, I’ve seen straps made to carry hardcases on your back. Probably not that comfortable, but if it functions, maybe that’s the way to go. 🤔
I'm just a basement player so I dont need something that can handle a ride in a plane or truck. Soft cases are lighter, easier to handle, and take less storage room. I sold off all my hard cases and got soft cases.
I guess I’m just old school, but it has got to be a hard shell case for me. For example, my PRS SE-245 came with the nicest soft case I’ve ever seen, very high quality and I’ll keep it forever, but I still bought an even nicer Gator hard shell case for it. I also feel that if you love your guitars, and you’ve invested your money in them, no matter how much money that is, it is absolutely worth another $200 for a hard shell case that will give you piece of mind. I have very expensive guitars, and I have inexpensive guitars, but they are “all” worth the price of a hard shell case to me! 😎👍🎸
My Novo came in a Mono bag. I don't need a hardcase because they're kind of annoying to store. The Gibson gig bag that comes with the Tribute is nice enough too.
I always have a few out and if I’m going local the double Mono gig bag for me. If I was going to be doing the tour thing (yeah not happening any time soon lol) i have an ENKI double guitar rotomolded cases that’s a tank and rolls like luggage. If you need to bring more than two guitars in the road you probably have a guitar boat and you ain’t rolling that thing alone and it’s not going in a van
I really only like hard shell cases if they are Fender now. Soft cases and Fender cases go in closets the best which is my main issue with bulky hard cases.
If it's a great gig bag Id prefer it over a hardcase, but I never have more than 4-5 electrics and they live on hangers in the house. If I'm going out to play anywhere I never bring a hardcase. I bought a second hand Suhr gig bag that's excellent- great pockets, wears as a backpack, amp in one hand and pedals in the other. I do love seeing all the tweed in my gear room though....
"The hardshell case is dead" - People without kids
"The hell it is" - Anyone with kids
🤣absolutely
😂
Turns out my kid is a custom guitar relic artist though.
I was literally shocked by this video's recommendations for soft cases for expensive guitars. Incredible!
I live in a small house in Japan with my wife and kids. My hard case keeps the guitar safe from any kind of accident at home, but when I am out and about I have a great padded soft case with backpack style straps. The soft case is so much more comfortable for getting around. 🎸
It just feels weird walking out of the shop with a guitar and no case. Noppers…I’m a grown up and need my guitars in a grown ups case! Have you ever seen a violinist or cellist dragging their instruments down the street with no case. We are civilized members of a modern society and We needs an adults case.
But I have seen cellists and violinists use soft shell cases. I prefer the idea of hard cases and usually just use a gig bag even though most my guitars have cases.
My violin came in a soft shell case. But I agree with you, it’s really weird walking out of a store with a guitar that doesn’t come with anything at all
A case is fine but I would rather pay less and buy my own case
I wouldn't go shopping on Saturday uptown in my birthday suit, sans trousers, or stark naked - this is what I think when I compute guitar with no hardcase - I know pathos a forethought... plus, I'm sick, I'm sick of all the case-less guitars! They are like homeless people! It's just eerie, weird & strange & sad & I am granted completely mad. Peace, play ya guitar & stfu!
@@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912 So wouldn’t it be easier just buy a case I know I would rather spend $1200 and not get a case over $1400 with a case. You can use the $200 and buy a case.
I’m pretty sure it’s a mental thing, but I always feel like a guitar should have a hard case. Technology and manufacturing have made leaps and bounds over the past few decades and I’m sure there are some really, really great soft cases out there but I just haven’t branched out.
It’s really a question of practicality for most people. If I just keep the guitars out on the stand most of the time, then these bulky expensive cases just collect dust 98% of the time.
Kiesel does soft cases. Now it’s important to note that soft cases aren’t created equally, but a high quality soft case WILL offer better protection than a hard case. They offer better shock absorption if you aren’t gigging with 30 instruments.
Kiesel did a video on it
@@iAutodidact pre se soft case def can take some abuse
I like a hardshell case. The guitars I’m not currently playing are in them right now. Have a hardshell for each one. Had to buy then all separately, because I play mostly cheap stuff.
@smth 9021 they cost 2 Squiers ... new monetary unit
one of my worst memories from tour was at an airport, waiting to board. I walked up to the bass player, who was watching them load the luggage on the plane thru the window when i said good morning to him. At that same moment we both watched a crew guy take his hardcase with his, i think it was a Tobias, the guy launches it from about 10 feet away and it just bounces and slams on the conveyor belt up to the plane. I think we both just gasped...I mean what do you say even. I felt horrible but luckily the bass was okey.
I swear everytime I hear about this I just wish the mysterious stranger from fallout would just zip behind the fucker and shoot him.
How is it ever okay to fling instruments? Or any luggage in general? You never know what fragile and important stuff is in there
Yep they do the same with wheelchairs too…
I'm not sure why they recommend soft cases here for expensive rare guitars. That is complete nonsense! You MUST have a well-built, fitted hard case to protect your instrument that also is built with tight seals against the weather. I use a desiccant bag inside the case to keep the humidity near the same level year-round. German Sitka Spruce is wood that swells up just like any other wood and humidity fluctuations cause buckling. Check with a decent Luthier and see what the expert says.
2 days ago my three-year-old lifted up one of my 25 lb dumbbells and dropped it onto a hard shell case which contains my Taylor 914 CE. I said a little prayer before I opened the case to assess the damage. Thankfully, not a scratch. Bless those hard shell cases.
Little Samson!
I'm sorry, your THREE YEAR OLD LIFTED A 25 LB DUMBBELL!?
JFC WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN FEEDING HIM????
@@SilverPaladin Lol! Yes he is abnormally strong for his age
@@cuscoothriyas5163 Yes, no joke! Giant's milk does a body good!
@@MrHeliosoul I can't decide if you mean your wife or if you somehow convinced Snu Snu to donate her milk
Saying the Silver Sky shipping with a soft case ruffled some feathers is an understatement lol. PRS hardshells are heavy as hell though.
Firebirds, Explorers, Les Pauls, 335's ANYTHING GIbson NEEDS a hardshell. The headstock is vulnerable. I bought a PRS CE24 and was really irritated that it comes with a gig bag at almost 2k. Yes its essentially a Strat but at that price point a hardshell should be a given. I have been on the road and stuff gets thrown into the van and a gig bag isnt gonna cut it. Fenders I am actually ok with a gig bag (not custom shop pricing or American models) mostly because they are interchangeable. You cant really "break" a Fender
"Price"
same, bought a CE24, was expecting at least the super padded gig bag they use on the Silver Sky.
I gig with a Les Paul, SG and firebird. The Les Paul and SG are kept in a Mono M80 dual gig bag and the firebird is in a Mono vertigo. They’ve been all over the place on the road at tons of gigs and have always been protected perfectly. I’ve had more luck with the mono bags than I ever did with a hard case honestly.
@@mrmapegothe13th maybe it's that with a gig bag you know you have to be a little mindful but with hsc people tend to think you should be able to throw em out of a plane or whatever.
Yor 100% right all the guitar companies are doing is cutting cost for themselves.
The plush soft-shell case that came with my 2020 Gibson Les Paul Tribute is a state-of-the-art package in terms of the protection it affords, the classic aesthetics, and the ergonomics.
I actually bought one for my 2017 Tribute. The old gig bag were awful, and honestly I'm pretty content with it in lieu of a hard case.
I’ve had similar experience as you Jonathan ,..with airport luggage 🧳 dudes tossing my strat!!😬like a lunitic…thank god it was in a hard shell ….company’s are just being cheap !!keep hard cases coming,everyone s got a soft case around if needed (rule of thumb,if the price is over 1000$ should come with hard cases)!!✌️❤️🎸by the way I’ll take any unwanted guitar cases,send em on my way 🤗
A hard shell locking case is a necessity.
I used my hard shell cases 6 months ago when I
moved houses after 11 years. Without them it would have been a nightmare.
The decent soft cases are outrageous in price.
You guys are entertaining and informative. Thanks.
Yes the Fender John Mayer Model came with a gig bag that was very similar to the Gator Icon
It came with a Fender-branded bag from Incase. Unfortunately Incase no longer manufactures those, and aftermarket prices are two major limbs. I have one from years ago and it is some of the best money I ever spent. The new Icon series from Gator is indeed very similar to it.
One of my favorite travel hard case was made for my Peavey t-60 which I have flown with over 30 times with and never had a problem.
The T60 is so strong you could walk across skyscrapers on that. I had the T40 and T60 when they came out. I should never have sold the T60, it was an awesome player.
I got a really nice gig bag with my Yamaha Revstar, super nice quality. I’m usually a hard case person, but the Yamaha gig bag changed my mind. I also really like the hybrid hard/ soft cases. Reduced weight, secure fit and better shock absorption. I’ve always wondered why those aren’t more popular
Wow, this is a topic that really resonates with me, not because I have a strong opinion one way or the other, but because it raises various emotional and practical issues.
The price threshold for getting a hard shell case with a guitar keeps rising and that pisses me off. It has reached the point where I have to pay $A2,500+ before I get a hard case and that to me is a ripoff. Nonetheless, every time I buy a guitar that either comes with a gig bag or no bag at all I buy it a hard case. After all, I can buy a sturdy, non-name brand hard shell case for A$100. Fender and Gibson cases cost between A$250 and A$450.
On the other side of the debate. I am getting old and infirmed so I have reduced my gig playing rig to be as light as possible and, in particular, want to be able to carry all of my gear into the venue in one trip. This means carrying two guitars on my back and so my Gator 4g gig bag is fantastic. It's the cheapest of the two guitar alternatives but that makes it lighter which suits me. If I had to trust my gear to a roadie I'd probably want more protection but since I am cursed with carrying all of my own gear then I see it as the best compromise.
I'm with you. I did see Fender Stratocaster and Tele hard cases on the Fender site for $199 so maybe it's not as bad as all that. But being someone who rolls up to a solo gig with 2 amps, 2 (sometimes 3) guitars, a kick drum, drum throne and a pedal board, I envy your one trip load in!
As I get older, I have jumped on the gig bag bandwagon. Going to band practice is so much easier, gig bag holds everything including my music book. However, when I break out my vintage Ric 4001, I do take the hard case because it's so valuable. I have 6 hard cases and 4 gig bags, thinking about at least one more bag. Thaks guys.
started watching this after working a blues tutorial at .75 playback speed. took a sec to figure out what was going on with Baxters speech
I think I saw some of that coming several years back. I got tired of the mixed quality of "cases" anyway, and bought 5 HD SKB flight cases. Now that's all I use. At least it limited me to taking 5 guitars (electric and acoustic, 4+1) to a gig. We all know very well about Gibson's (especially SG's!) headstock breaking issues! I have a home-made system to support them in the case also! The Fender's I just tie behind the trailer and drag them down the road. 8) JMHO --gary
I've always preferred hardshell cases, but recently got a Godin acoustic with their TRIC case and am really liking it. It's rigid like a hardshell but weighs less with a guitar in it than an empty hardshell, plus it has backpack straps and outer pockets like a gigbag. My only concern with the hybrid style case is longevity due to having a zipper instead of latches.
I have a MONO Dual Acoustic/Electric Guitar Case that I've been using for years. They aren't cheap! but they provide great protection, especially for the neck and headstock. I highly recommend a MONO bag, if you can afford it!
The John Mayer Incase bags I think started this whole change. There were a few iterations of that Incase over the Mayer signature line but they were all incredible hybrid bags that really had quality and utility down to a T.
If you look up the Music Area AA31 electric bag, it is the closest equivalent on the market these days. Based on some comments, I suspect Music Area was the actual manufacturer that Incase had contracted. I love my Incase bag, and wish they still mad them. The new Icon series from Gator is very similar.
@@Powerslave214 definitely looks like it for the original black Incase bag. The Cypress Mica bag was definitely an Incase material and Mayer worked with them to design it. All of them are phenomenal tbh
"Let's decrease our costs by not giving the consumer a hard case to protect their multi-thousand dollar instrument/investment, but then charge them more for the overall decontented package."
I'll never be okay with this, especially at the prices these brands charge. Looking at you prs.
My Seagull is in gig bag-ish case but, inside is a hard foam with a soft suede fabric. It's kind of dumby to carry and heavy, but protects really well
Recently bought a RainSong, and had the dealer swap out the hard case for a gig bag before shipping. The first lightweight “hard” gig bag I can remember is the Ovation Zero Gravity case. I liked it.
I have several luthier built classical guitars in various configs. With each purchase I forego the standard case and buy the waterproof SKB case. They offer protection few other cases can and considering the cost of a bench made guitar, I never bat an eye at the expense for that protection.
I always imagine of a hybrid of both of these... Making gig bags which is soft inside and out but has a hard material's layer in between... M and has straps making it attachable to your body. Hope guitar case manufacturers would someday come up with this
The Monos are kinda like it, I bought one with a Epiphone about 4 years ago and I have been converted
Yeah, they do exist.
Fender has great cases. I keep my PRS Custom 24 in an SKB waterproof case (with wheels!). It’s an amazing case, I highly recommend them.
The Ovation Hard Case # 9158 is Made in the USA either by SKB or TLK. These are the highest quality cases available for the real protection of your cherished guitars.
When I bought my caparison guitar, I was really upset that several thousand dollar guitar didn't even come with a hard case. Then I saw the soft shell case it came with, and I changed my mind. Those things are bulletproof and dead smart. I use that case for all of my guitars.
I have a tweed hsc for a Gretsch Duo Jet. It ways a ton when it’s empty. I’m love the Gator Transit case and their deluxe heavy duty whatever it’s called gig bag case. That even has its own rain cover. I also a double Reunion Blues for solid bodies that’s excellent. Unfortunately I have a closet full of hsc’s. But some are stored in them. I use the bags when I go out
If I'm traveling with a guitar (or two) I need a good quality case. A good hard case can take minor knocks & bumps really well. A really nice padded gig bag/hybrid case can be just as protective...and possibly a little lighter...but I don't think they are "smaller"....maybe even taking up more room to give the same amount of protection to your guitar.
As a older cool,healthy and intelligent guitar player, l only use actual money and hard shell cases. Definite benefits to being stubborn. No broken head stocks.
I bought some gear from sweetwater to be sent to Bahrain. I ordered a Schecter solo 2 & hard case & a Gretsch with a hard case. A few weeks later all the gear arrived & the guitars were sent separate from the cases. Which was exactly the thing I wanted to avoid. I always get a hard case but I’ve had to move to different countries. I definitely bought them for my 2 silver sky’s!
Yes, Jonathan is correct! The John Mayer Signature Strat came with an Incase bag that was backpack style when they were released in 2005. All of his guitars have had gig bags.
I prefer hardshell myself. I've had some "pretty decent" well padded gig bags in the past, and I let them go to 'sweeten' a deal on a sale (just like the people did that sold me the guitar that came with the gig bag). I have one gig bag left in my collection, and if I can sell the guitar that's in it---they get the gig bag. I'll stick with hardshell whether I have to buy it or not and maybe they (manufacturers) know that and I'm the chump . These manufacturers that keep jacking up their price on guitars, yet lowering the case value and case candy are breaking my brain---and those that sit back and accept it, are destroying my brain. But that's just my opinion. Thumbs up on the video guys; love it.
In order to provide anywhere near as much protection as a hardshell case, a soft case needs to be extravagantly padded. You can get such cases, and they're decent protection for the instrument, and if you only own one or two guitars, they might be the right case for you.
They do, however, take up at least half again as much space as a hardshell case that offers comparable protection. That means that you can fit /three/ instruments in hardshell cases in roughly the same space that you will only be able to fit /two/ padded soft cases. If you happen to have 15 guitars, you will only be able to fit 10 of them in the same space they would occupy in hard cases.
And when the baggage handlers toss a set of ski-poles at your case like javelins (I've seen it done), what has a good chance of bouncing off your hard shell case is going to go right through your canvas & Styrofoam soft case.
Basically what you're doing is justifying guitar manufacturers being cheap-asses.
I don't need a hard case, I play a strat. You could probably throw it down a flight of stairs deliberately and still have a playable instrument.
I just got a Fender Vintera 50s road worn Strat and it came with a 'deluxe' gig bag. It was in fine shape, out of the bag... although as a road worn who can tell lol. I toyed with the thought of getting a tweed hard shell case for it because I intend to keep it forever, but I don't ever gig or play out, so the guitar's just here in the house on a stand where I can grab it quick to play, so it'd also be like parking a never-used $300 case in the closet on the highly unlikely off-chance I take the guitar somewhere...
You purposely bought a scuffed up guitar; just to buy a case for it and baby it? Humans have reached peak derp.
I'm a truck driver. The bag that came with my Taylor is perfect. When I go home or end up in a hotel on the road, the big pocket can fit all I need for a day or 2 and not have to have a separate backpack or anything. Just my guitar, a few clothes and stuff all in one thing. It's an overnight bag that my guitar fits in.
Application specific, in my case. I think there is a big difference between a gig bag and a soft case. Soft cases can be amazing replacements for hard cases, but I do not trust gig bags for protection. That being said, the Gibson Protector case that came with the Mike Ness LP is amazing. That thing is a chainsaw case updated to modern specs, and I do really like that.
Any case I can use that Carrie’s both a 335 and a Strat? Thanks
I'm military (26 years active duty!) and with moves every 3 years or so, I gotta have hardshell cases for all my guitars. I also NEVER let the movers pack them. They come with me in the Uhaul. That said, I bought a Les Paul Tribute last year and that is a true "soft case" not just a "gig bag." I was impressed.
Bro, same. I've been out since 2012 when the DOD budget cuts annihilated the Air Force and that was after being in the army and transferring over. Every single move. I look forward to driving my own car which had all of my tube amps, 24 cases, and all the firearms with the important documents and other stuff. I found the only way was to take leave before the restationing date and driving it all down.
I have even gone as far as driving to the nearest family member or battle buddy and asking a favor regarding a garage I could leave my car in temporarily. We always use allied for the big moves. I grew up in the military family with a retired colonel as a father at this point and the things I saw happen over that time frame growing up....
... were just unforgivable. God help anyone coming from overseas. I don't think there is a retired officer in the military that doesn't have a story of a family Heirloom China cabinet, European grandfather clock, for entire truck disappearing, if not being completely destroyed. I knew one guy whose stuff was in a container. His family's entire home of possessions fell into the ocean coming across the Atlantic from aviano, Italy. And there are people in this world who don't understand the sacrifice families live with as the home support system for service members of the lucky 2% of this country's historic Caretakers. In any case, Hope things went well for you and hope those cases are still holding up in the fight we can't prepare for!
You guys are right. Those Mayer gig bags from his sig strat is great. There are even some prototypes around if you can’t snag the Fender one for a decent price
I switched to a Gator Transit series gigbag that holds one acoustic and one electric guitar. Perfect for a solo artist.
Some good points made here... however, if you have a large collection of, say, twenty-plus guitars or more, etc., then, IMO, having hard cases is at least something you can then _stack against a corner_ in a room, etc. for organization-rather like placing books on a shelf. I simply cannot imagine successfully keeping that number (or more) of _gig bags_ in any kind of truly sustainable order, storage-wise. In general. So, all my guitars have hard cases, although I have managed to collect some nicer gig bags over the last few years (PRS, Yamaha) that I'd possibly consider carrying something in for brief use if necessary. Still, I bought cases for those guitars. too.
Sure, I can understand the _theoretically_ easier time of it traveling locally to a gig using a few nicer (I'd hope) bags, but still... I also wouldn't want to _trip_ on top of my gigbag-ed guitar on the way into said gig!!! Oops.
Also, consider transporting a bagged guitar in the back of your SUV or van, etc.... and then suddenly stopping short or turning a sharp corner, and... a heavy amp might just decide to fall against your guitar. Oops again. _Moveable_ Object meets Irresistible Force?
That said, I do have a great hybrid case made specifically for my Ibanez AZ (inc in the price) that gives me complete confidence, even for that "trip factor", plus it's rectangular so that also works with storage in-between gigging out. That a design I can get along with!
I had a 15 year break from buying guitars and was peeved about the lack of hard cases for $$$ stuff but I'm actually happy now. My home is quite small, and they take up a lot of space. I'll fork over the extra if need be. ✌️🇦🇺
I got a Reverend bass last year and I was shocked that it came with its own hard case, especially since it’s a short scale which are kind of notoriously difficult to find any case, hard or gig bag, for.
Funny story. Got my 1st guitar in the mid 70's a hardtail Strat. With a case. Traded it for a totally upgraded partscastor Strat yrs later. Kept the case. Guitar got stolen yrs later by a drug addiction who was so stupid. How stupid. Took the guitar out of case, took off strap off straplocks, took cover off amp, stole broken VCR all taken apart so I could replace belt but left electric acoustic telly looking guitar laying right in plain view. So later I got Amer deluxe plus Strat w/o case and already has straplocks. Still have original case from the 70's for this Strat that I've owned since 96. Also on a side note got a steal of a deal on a Les Paul studio in 2012. Ebony w/gold trim 496/500 pups and best part at time IMHO was in chain saw case. $800. Never gonna be without hard cases for my good guitars. My junk guitars all have soft cases.
Very interesting ;)
About 15 years ago, i spent the most money i ever spent for a guitar, $479 for a new Epi LP Std Plus (i'm a budget guy :).
I bought it with a gig bag but an hour after i got it home went back and got a HSC for it, which is where it is now.
Late one night after less than a year, the guitar's in its case standing up edge wise between the bed and some amps.
Something happened and it rolled over, slamming to the hard wood floor. I was almost afraid to open it up but the guitar was fine.
First thought was I'm glad i had the hsc. In reality, if it was in a GB, it probably wouldn't have fallen and if it did, it wouldn't have been so violent. The last guitar i bought was the '20 LP Jr. I ordered a GB with that. For me, it's fine.
ha, i spent $325 for a '75 Strat otd with a hsc in '76. I read that was the equivalent of $1400 now.
It didn't feel like that then.
I have two Reunion Blues RBX Gig Bag and I love them. One for my LP and the other for 335. They also make dual gig bags.
Not a comment about cases, but what to drink if you ever do come to Buffalo. Suggest that you don't ask for a Miller Light, around here, Labatt's and Molsens are considered to be "domestic" beer and there are a number of local breweries and distilleries making vary nice products. You would be doing yourself a disservice not to "drink local" if you ever get up here.
I found an old gator touring case from the 80’s or early 90’s at a yard sale. Picked it up for maybe 50 bucks, fits a strat well and i love it. Its the one that has like metal trim around where it latches closed. I also have another hard case I bought for my les paul. Pretty much all the other guitars I own I don’t have hard cases for. I think gibson guitars probably need one for the angled neck. I dunno i guess some of the hybrids are pretty nice
The John Mayer soft shell case you guys may be referring to is the Fender JM cargo softshell case made by INCASE. I believe they shipped with the John Mayer signature fenders back in the day. Apparently the cases are rare and sought after now. 🤔
In a place where it's horribly dusty and my house is tiny, I'm forced to use a hard case and stack all of them up.
I have 3 guitars that I consider my main guitars. The rest basically just stay in their hard shell cases, but when I do take them out they’re always pristine.
I love hard cases knowing when I buy a guitar it will come packed well AND in a hard case. However, I wish all hard cases would be airport/airplane durable. Jackson/Charvel/Musicman type that at least feels like they would survive. The nice hard case that my PRS or Heritage comes in is great for personal travel but not for major touring/flying. Soft cases win for in-town gigging hands down (lighter, more cushion, easier to carry around before/after the gig)👌🏻
I was going to a funeral one time for my sister-n-in-law. Another SNL stopped me and stated I needed to go to another place before I went to the church. Being distracted, I then backed my car and heard a noise. Fortunately my guitar case was simply pushed down the drive way and was scratched. My living SNL was lucky. I would have had to go to 2 funerals if that had been a soft case ! I don't "GIG" per se, but I feel a hard case is vital to me.
I definitely prefer a hard shell case, but I don't mind if a guitar comes with a high quality soft shell. I like the convenience of how well hard shell cases stack soft shell pockets tend to get in the way. All my guitar get a hard case at sompoint.
I have hard cases for each of my guitars for storage and relocation purposes… but if the guitar is going to be with me (not stored) then I use a good soft case for convenience.
But yeah, I always buy a hard case for each guitar.
I prefer a hardshell case over gig bags , although the gig bag that came with my Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat is well padded up to some I've seen. The thought of putting my Les Paul in a gig bag, however, makes me slightly anxious to say the least!
The sexy tweed case with orange interior had more influence on my fender strat purchase than id like to admit 😂
I've bought 6-7 cases for Teles and LPs. The tweed pro for a Tele was the most expensive. I move guitars around to keep the ones worthy of a hard case in one, and lesser ones in a bag. A Junior DC Tribute, a cheap Gretsch and a Squire Bullet are in bags, and my Steinbergers came with bags. My Explorer, SG Special, and J-29 all came with hard cases. One used ES-235 has a generic hard case, obviously the owner sold or repurposed the soft case. My other ES-235 I bought new, with the soft case. Those are a really nice case, actually. I decided against replacing it with a Gibson or Epiphone 339 hard case.
Agreed the Taylor cases are great. My GS mini case I think will last a few decades. But, I think some manufacturers should make a move to the plastic hard cases like Fender has. They look good, will take a beating, are plush on the inside, TSA friendly, and lightweight too. Music man cases are like this too. I love the look of a Tweed G&G case, but they are heavy. Might be time for someone to make a hybrid case. Plastic/Strong Polymer with tweed covering. Suhr gig bags are also super plush and high quality too. PRS should bump their SE bags up to those.
I prefer softcases for gigging and will have to check out the dual guitar bag. Funny though, I just bought a bunch of hardcases to store my guitars that didn’t come with them. Makes it much easier to stack them for storage.
My PRS SE 24-08 came with an awesome PRS gig bag!
Living in New Mexico, I need a case that controls for humidity. I am not aware of a gig bag that can keep a guitar hydrated…
Mono case for my Fender USA Geddy Lee bass and a soft Taylor case for my 37 Martin Authentic 28, but only when I'm playing somewhere. At home they stay in hard cases
A soft case is okay if you want to save space in your car when your going to a gig close by. However in cold weather, extremely humid or dry climates I feel safer having a good hard shell case designed to protect your instrument in those kinds of conditions. If your guitar is worth keeping and your using it for gigs it's worth protecting it. Especially if you payed a lot of money for it.
I like hard shell cases. And still use one of those funny Fender cases for my favorite Strat. Only problem is there is no place to to put a strap. The storage box is not big enough for anything. But my Strat is tightly padded. So I take a padded bag for the strap, etc. Hard shells on all my other guitars. Except my Fender bass, gig bag.🤘🤩🎸
The John Mayer signature strat came in a Mono Vertigo. Suhr has been shipping with soft cases for a while.
I was going to buy a fender John Mayer signature, and it looks like it did originally ship with a gig bag hybrid case. I ended up with a 65 dove instead, but that was a cool guitar though none the less.
I have a Framus which came with a Warwick deluxe gigbag that is heavy duty and awesome.
Good post. I love gig bags for everyday use. But with a gig bag where do I stick all the case stickers? Eat Bertha's Mussels, a Stealie, the stickers from juke joints and studios and all the rest that are bragging rights for where the guitar and I have been? So how do I tell my gig bag from the rest of the crowd? BTW do y'all have Casino Guitars case stickers?
When I bought my 2020 gibson SG standard from gc last year the guy brought out a sweet hardshell with purple interior and then goes, oh wait wrong one! Then goes and pulls out the soft shell gibson bag. I was a little disappointed lol
I wish soft cases actually meant lower prices, but instead it seems to be that prices have went up and now there are no more hardshell cases.
Back in the 90s when I started a hard case was the only serious choice. Now a lot of guys (particularly younger) are using the Mono bags. I can definitely see the logic if you're using public transport in a city or lots of other gigs but I still can't trust it to be ok when it's being chucked in the back of a van with a load of amps and PA gear.
I have 2 EVH guitars and they came in a nice plastic bag with a top quality elastic band securing the bag closed and firmly attached to the headstock. I was glad they didn't get reliced along the way.🤨
When my guitars are not in my hands, they're in the case. Too many friends of mine who play guitar have way, way, way too many stories about how they damaged their guitar when their instrument was out of the case. The case is the first line of defense for our guitars, especially if you have kids in your home.
The only time I use a case is when I'm storing them or if it's my Les Paul Special (which ways travels in a hard case). My CE24 came with a gig bag.
I just bought my First Gibson Les Paul and it came with a Leather Soft case. Probably cost more than the Old hard cases we grew up with !!
I really like the soft case my B&G came with. Seems like there is a line to be drawn between soft case and gig bag and I can see an argument for soft cases being OK. What fender and PRS include are squarely on the gig bag side of the fence.
When I show up to a gig, and there are maybe other bands, and I have to stash my guitars under the stage or somewhere until I play, im glad they are in hard cases rather than soft.
I get why they don't include hardshell cases but it drives me crazy. A hardshell case should be included with $1000+ guitars, especially "higher end" instruments.
Storing guitars outside a case in upstate NY will dry them out so bad in the winter. The case is a must up here unless you want to pay for and constantly fill a humidifier. Any guitar costing $1000 and up should come with a hardshell case.
I gig regularly, hard cases used to be my go to. These days its gig bags. Less damage to the inside of my car, lighter etc etc.
I have a clockocaster, but mine is the Clapton "Blackie" model!
I want hardcases for all my guitars. Just feels better. But I also want one or two very good and comfortable gigbags for a Fender style electric and for my 00-15m, because I don’t have a car anymore (I do have a scooter - Europe) and I have a prosthetic leg, so I’m extremely dependent. A good and strong gigbag is the only thing that makes me less dependent when I just want to go somewhere to gig and play.
Although…, I’ve seen straps made to carry hardcases on your back. Probably not that comfortable, but if it functions, maybe that’s the way to go. 🤔
im pretty sure the one of gig bags that came with the john mayer fender is like a collector item now and can sell for like 800 bucks
I'm just a basement player so I dont need something that can handle a ride in a plane or truck. Soft cases are lighter, easier to handle, and take less storage room. I sold off all my hard cases and got soft cases.
Just hearing the story of the flight attendant throwing your guitar in the case angered the heck out of me too
I have a few cases ... less than 10 but 2 of them are nice cases and the guitars I see as collectors items so they are in the cases.
I guess I’m just old school, but it has got to be a hard shell case for me.
For example, my PRS SE-245 came with the nicest soft case I’ve ever seen, very high quality and I’ll keep it forever, but I still bought an even nicer Gator hard shell case for it.
I also feel that if you love your guitars, and you’ve invested your money in them, no matter how much money that is, it is absolutely worth another $200 for a hard shell case that will give you piece of mind.
I have very expensive guitars, and I have inexpensive guitars, but they are “all” worth the price of a hard shell case to me! 😎👍🎸
My Novo came in a Mono bag. I don't need a hardcase because they're kind of annoying to store. The Gibson gig bag that comes with the Tribute is nice enough too.
I always have a few out and if I’m going local the double Mono gig bag for me. If I was going to be doing the tour thing (yeah not happening any time soon lol) i have an ENKI double guitar rotomolded cases that’s a tank and rolls like luggage. If you need to bring more than two guitars in the road you probably have a guitar boat and you ain’t rolling that thing alone and it’s not going in a van
I prefer hardshell, but have a great gig bag too. Fender cases are big and bulky, and I lug that around twice a week.
Hey I’m from Buffalo, NY! If you guys ever come up, I’d love to grab wings with you!
Ive got a tan gator transit bag and i think its great
I really only like hard shell cases if they are Fender now. Soft cases and Fender cases go in closets the best which is my main issue with bulky hard cases.
If it's a great gig bag Id prefer it over a hardcase, but I never have more than 4-5 electrics and they live on hangers in the house. If I'm going out to play anywhere I never bring a hardcase. I bought a second hand Suhr gig bag that's excellent- great pockets, wears as a backpack, amp in one hand and pedals in the other. I do love seeing all the tweed in my gear room though....