Having the right case for your guitar is a prerequisite for touring, gigging, carrying to and from rehearsal, and for safe storage at home. Some are built to withstand heavy duress, like air travel, and others are designed with portability in mind. Guitar cases are humble accessories, but they’re the best way to protect your investment during travel or long-term storage.
Why Your Guitar Case (Really) Matters
First and foremost, a guitar case provides essential protection for your instrument. Guitars are sturdier than we’re sometimes led to believe, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated with disregard to their longevity. Physical impact, extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity, and dust can all damage or affect the playability of the instrument. A sturdy guitar case acts as a shield, guarding your instrument against accidental bumps, falls, and even the elements, whether it’s during transportation or storage.
Beyond the obvious protection, a guitar case offers convenience and peace of mind. Traveling to rehearsals, gigs, or recording sessions becomes much smoother when you have a dedicated case. You can organize your picks, cables, extra strings, and other accessories in the case’s compartments, ensuring that everything you need is readily available in one place. This organization minimizes stress and allows you to focus on your performance rather than worrying about equipment.
Soft Cases vs Hard Cases: What’s the Difference?
Soft cases, or gig bags, don’t possess a rigged wooden, plastic, or metal frame. Instead, the outer material usually consists of some sort of nylon or other polymer, while the inside can have various degrees of foam padding and protective materials. They often have backpack straps to be worn, as well as additional compartments for storage of accessories. Soft cases prioritize mobility, though nicer ones can be highly protective as well.
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Hard cases are the more “traditional” guitar case. They have an extremely rugged and durable outer shell of wood, plastic, and sometimes metal, and many times a form-fitting interior cutout suited to the shape of your guitar (universal hard cases are common, too). Hard cases typically have a single interior compartment for accessories. They maximize protection at the cost of mobility.
The choice between a soft case and a hard case depends on your specific needs, preferences, and how you intend to use your guitar. If you prioritize portability, convenience, and are mainly concerned about scratches and minor bumps, a soft case might be sufficient. On the other hand, if you travel frequently, require maximum protection, and are willing to invest in the long-term preservation of your instrument, a hard case is the better option.
The 10 Best Guitar Cases for Acoustic & Electric Guitars
1. Gator Cases Frequent Flyer TSA Series Guitar Case
This flight-ready hard case by Gator is made of military-spec polyethylene to house S- and T-type guitars. The soft plush interior protects from scratches and dings, and the molded neck cradle ensures a tight fit that won’t bounce around. Fitted with TSA-approved locks, this case is perfect for anyone who flies regularly, though it’s also just a solid all-around hard case for non-mobile guitars, too.
2. Fender Deluxe Molded Case
Fender’s take on flight-approved instrument transport is the Deluxe Molded hard case. Made from the same military-grade polyethylene as the Gator above, it promises ample protection of your investment on domestic or international flights. The TSA-approved lock sails through security, and the generous internal compartment has lots of room for cables and accessories. S- and T-style guitars fit without issue; however, Fender does not guarantee fit across manufacturers.
3. Gretsch G6238FT Case
The Gretsch hard case, built by TKL, is custom-designed for Gretsch Electromatic solid-body electric guitars. It features a solid wood shell, tolex covering, and plush interior. There’s also a standard-sized compartment just underneath the neck cradle for tuners, picks, strings, and other small accessories.
4. MONO Classic Acoustic/Dreadnought Guitar Case
MONO makes very nice soft cases/gig bags, some of which (like this one) feature a semi-rigid design for an additional layer of protection. This acoustic soft case is as light and thin and possible while still offering considerable protection for the gigging guitarist. Internally, we find a neck suspension system that snuggly holds the guitar in place without any need for velcro straps or tie-downs.
5. Road Runner RR1EG Avenue Series Electric Guitar Gig Bag
Road Runner’s RR1EG padded gig bag is perfect for light travel and keeping covered up at home. This cost-effective solution to guitar protection features a weather-proof exterior, rubber foot to prevent strap button blowouts, and thick interior padding. There’s also a large external pocket for all of your additional carrying needs.
6. Fender Classic Series Wood Case
The Fender Classic Series hard case, in an optional tweed covering, conjures up vintage vibes with superior protection. It utilizes a three-ply wooden shell to encapsulate your favorite Strat or Tele while it lays on a soft bed of crushed acrylic plush. A long rectangular compartment is perfect for whammy bars, strings, picks, tuners, straps, and anything else you may need on the road.
7. Gator GC Electric Guitar Case – LED Edition
Here we have a universal-fit hard case by Gator. It consists of an ABS plastic shell and a fitted EPS foam interior that, over time, shapes itself to your guitar. What’s more is an internal LED light-bar to illuminate the inside of the case in dark venues or rehearsal spaces. This particular hard case is a great blend of value, protection, and unique features.
8. SKB iSeries Waterproof Acoustic Guitar Case
Acoustic guitars require more safeguarding than electrics. The SKB iSeries for dreadnoughts is seriously impressive. Not only is it waterproof, but it makes an airtight seal when closed that creates its own internal pressure. This waterproof, internally pressurized vault means the guitar is completely impermeable to changes in temperature, humidity, and even altitude when flying.
9. Cahaya Padded Gig Bag
Cahaya is budget-conscious brand producing a variety of gig bags and cases for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass. This model includes multiple external pockets for storage, 12mm thick internal padding, and a fret wrap to securely hold the guitar in place near the nut. The quality is adequate for light travel and safe dust covering at home.
10. Gator Electric Guitar Lightweight Polyfoam Case
Gator has multiple entries for a reason. They’re a trusted name in cases and create all kinds for a variety of purposes. The lightweight case for double-cutaway electric guitars is a hybrid of a hard case and soft case. It features a semi-rigid shell with a water resistant nylon exterior, external storage pockets, and an EPS foam interior with a sturdy neck cradle.