How to Buy a Guitar Case

This article examines why you should invest in a guitar case, what case types are available, and what each is best suited for.

Most guitarists travel the world with a six-string at their waist. How much additional equipment they plan to purchase is up to them, but every guitarist should consider buying a guitar case. 

The practicality of having a safe, mobile way to transport your guitar and the comfort of knowing your instrument is secure does more than just give you peace of mind. 

Whether traveling, moving, or just taking a trip around the block to jam out with fellow aspiring musicians, a good case keeps your instrument safe.

Why do you need a guitar case?

There are several reasons why guitarists should consider buying a case. Whether you want to arrive in style with your Gretsch, are protecting your investment in an original Gibson Les Paul, or only have one workhorse guitar, keeping it safe is key.

Having the ability to take your guitar along for the ride gives you access to different venues, jam sessions, and open mics – eventually leveling up your talent as a guitarist.  

Most players want to share their passion and talent with the community and the world, from the acoustic guitarist to the electric guitar shredder. Having the right guitar case ensures no harm to your prized possession.

Choosing a guitar case may seem like a straightforward purchase, but it’s also like comparing apples to oranges. Should you get a hard, soft, or guitar case backpack? Let’s narrow down the options by getting into the details.

Types of guitar cases.

Hard case, hybrid case, molded case, soft case, or gig bag, with so many options, it can be hard for a budding guitarist to decide.

Soft cases can be folded up and tucked away, making them perfect for jam sessions in crowded garages. They are also lightweight, making it easy for the guitarist to travel on public transportation.

The road trip is usually the easiest part of these ventures. With a good hard case, your guitar arrives unscathed from the bumps and oscillation of the open roads. 

For example, an Ibanez X series death metal guitar won’t fit in any other case than the one it came with. If that case is lost, you need to have a custom hard case made from scratch or find one second-hand for your guitar.

Hard cases vs. soft cases.

A hard case offers more protection for your guitars than a soft case. We highly recommend a hard case over a soft case for long-term storage.

If you are more collector than a guitar player, knowing your investment is safely stored with little chance of damage is important. 

A hard case also protects from the elements and slows the effects of rapid cooling and warming on your guitar.  

On the other hand, a soft case is certainly better for the active guitarist who plays frequent gigs around their city or town. Lugging a hard case around to gigs can be cumbersome and is physically straining. 

Being able to fold up your soft case quickly and put it away when you get on stage also helps when playing crowded open mics or singer/songwriter nights.

Where can you buy a guitar case?

Guitars often come with the option of including a case for an additional fee. This is usually the best-fitting and easiest decision you can make when purchasing a guitar case. 

Other options include local music stores or guitar shops. Here experts eagerly wait to sell you the best case for your needs and upsell every accessory you can imagine. 

Don’t take these humble servants of the string instrument for granted. They can do much more than just sling you a guitar case. Having a go-to person that knows your guitar is always a good idea, and they are likely happy to help elevate your playing with tips and tricks. 

They may be able to help you find additional resources or connect you with other players as well. Don’t be hasty in your decision-making. You want to find the right guitar shop – one with the best cases at the right price.

You can always turn to online marketplaces and message boards if you are not finding what you are looking for. Be careful. However – it’s always best to ensure that your guitar fits the case. So, don’t be surprised if you end up disappointed and lose some cash if you order online.

What’s the average cost of a guitar case?

The cost varies depending on your guitar type. There are generic guitar styles, such as the dreadnought, that have very affordable cases simply because there are so many around. 

The true guitar aficionado may have to consider every aspect of their guitar when hunting for its case. For instance, Fender, with its flagship Stratocaster, offers a special molded case with a unique style. The same is true of the Epiphone hollow body archtop electric guitar line.

If you buy one of these guitars without a case, be ready to fork out some serious coin to buy the right case down the line.

In the world of acoustic guitars, Taylor also offers custom hard cases capable of storing its thick curvy body in a deep well. This is typical of most jumbo acoustic guitars – cases are harder to find and more expensive.

Having a uniquely shaped guitar increases the price of your case. Generally, you can find what you are looking for on the second-hand market and hopefully won’t need to have one custom-made.

The best guitar cases you can buy in 2022.

Fender

With legendary guitars like the Fender Stratocaster, it’s no wonder Fender also has one of the best hard cases on the market. Made out of durable ABS plastic molded to the iconic shape Fender is known for, this case practically guarantees your guitar arrives with none of the benders usually associated with trips. 

Gretsch

For a more ergonomic feel and look, the Gretsch hard case may be what you are after. With shaped plywood covered in Tolex and deep plush upholstery, this guitar case gets your shapely beauty to the show in style. 

Gator

Gator GC offers its innovative LED hard case. This rectangular case also features large storage pockets for all the gear you need to keep rocking, featuring an ABS shell with an aluminum bumper.

Gator also offers an electric guitar gig bag. Featuring extra thick semi-rigid construction lined in a microfleece, this case ensures your baby keeps a high gloss finish through your travels. 

Soft Cases

As for soft cases, the Mono classic acoustic/dreadnought features a semi-durable case covered in their patented sharkskin moisture-resistant outer shell. Multiple pockets along with head stabilization keep your guitar performing top-notch while you can also travel easily with your tuner, capo, and even some pedals.

The Gewa electric guitar case or flight bag specifically for V-shaped guitars is your best bet for the globe-trotting metal head. With 12mm high-density foam, tons of pockets, and back straps, this gig bag gets you into the airport and off to your gig in no time. It doubles as a guitar backpack making foot travel easy while traversing from station to venue.

Putting everything in its case.

The purpose of the case, hard or soft, is to get your guitar to the show safely or to keep it safe in storage.

The importance of protecting your guitar from one session to the next cannot be overstated. Take the time to compare acoustic guitar cases, hard cases, gig bags, guitar backpacks, and flight bags before making a decision—your guitar will thank you.

Do you want to take your guitar playing to another level? Then download the Simply Guitar app and start leveling up your guitar playing today!

FAQs.