Reddit mentions: The best guitar & bass bags & cases

I'm going to take a slightly different line of thought than a lot of the people in this thread. I disagree with the "cheapest thing possible" route. A very cheap and crappy guitar and amp will make it less fun to play, sound less good than you are, and all around be less encouraging to play. If you're comfortable spending $700, I don't think that's a bad idea.

You asked about break down between guitar and amp. Here's my thoughts. Amplifiers scale very clearly with cost. More expensive amplifiers are louder and sound a lot better (e.g. tube or high quality SS vs. cheap solid state). When you're just starting out, you don't need much of an amp. It's best (for your neighbors) if you're not too loud, and honestly you'll wind up replacing it at some point in time. Guitars scale in a little more vague of a way. There are plenty of professional musicians guitars in the $400-$600 range who would never think of upgrading. Guitars north of that price range generally have a nicer fit and finish, maybe more desirable wood, but the differences aren't as noticeable. I've played guitar for a long time, built and engineered my own effects pedals, and have a good ear for sound. I've played my slightly modified(Lollar pickups) mexican telecaster and guitars 4X the cost and can't tell the difference other than the look.

So I suggest getting a guitar that can grow with you, and a cheap amp that will be great for trying out different styles. For the amp, I'd go with a mustang I. It's a good amp, that will let you try a wide variety of sounds and not drive your neighbors up the wall. It even has a built in tuner, so you save that cheddar.

As for a guitar, based on your diversity of interest, I'd recommend a stratocaster. They're very versatile, and they're amazingly modifiable. They have a swimming pool route, enabling you to later put in humbuckers, or a combination of humbucker and single coils, or whatever your heart desires as your tastes and interests change. I'd go with a fender standard strat. The resale value also holds well, so if you ever decide you hate guitar you wont be out much. A G&L Legacy may also be a good call like this. The guys who started fender left fender and made G&L, so they're not really knock-offs. Strats are like the honda civic of the guitar world. They do anything you need it to, look decent doing it, can take abuse, and resell well.

That puts you at $600. With the remaining $100 you could get a hardshell case, a gig bag, or upgrade the amp to this. You could also use that money to either a.) buy tools and learn how to set up your guitar (let me know if this is something you want to do... I'll point you in the direction). Or pay someone to set it up. A proper setup is far and away the most important thing to having a good playing and good sounding guitar.

You could also get an HSS strat, if you really want to have that beefiness for metal, here's one.

If you have any questions or otherwise let me know... happy to help!

How much do you want to spend and how will you be transporting it?

There are a wide range of options from cheapie gig bags to heavy duty road/flight cases.

I like to spend good money on gig bags since I will use them with multiple basses over a long time. I used the same Mooradian Double Bass Guitar gig bag for over 10 years. The only reason why I threw it out was it got a bit mildewy/moldy from being shoved under my bed for 2 years (I used hardshell cases exclusively during that time). A note on gig bags-I vastly prefer to have one that has backpack straps that are padded. When I lived in Chicago, I took public transit (subway, buses, commuter trains, etc) to gigs, so having the bass on my back gave me free hands in case I needed to bring an amp or just to access to my train tickets/cards.

Hard cases-it depends on the intended transport method. If you're looking for a light-duty case for an instrument you will be transporting in your car, a tolex case would suffice-they look cool and are a step up in protection from a gig bag. The base model SKB hardshells are a safe bet. Something like this. The next step up, and would be suitable for all but the heaviest of road/flight uses is the SKB iSeries. I've been using one of their open cavity cases since 2012. It has been in the back of the gear truck for over 1k gigs, flown around a dozen times, and other than replacing the wheels once and a few scratches, it is in great shape.

The Squier Vintage Modified series basses are typically P or J shaped. so they will fit in a wide range of cases.

Yep. Below is the model I purchased. Its a little pricey, but I love my Les Paul so much ...


https://www.amazon.ca/SKB-Injection-molded-Paul-Flight/dp/B003BLOSA8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_267_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=47MTN6W3476HWC71WRC8


I like the rectangle frame better than the molded shape model, I believe it is more robust.

I just bought a used Ibanez SR650 from Guitar Center -- my first bass -- and it's tremendously pleasing so far. It came with a hard case, which I'm pretty sure is an SKB 44, based on this Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/SKB-Electric-Bass-Rectangular-Hardshell/dp/B0015B0AX0/

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The case seems effectively to have been free, based on the price of other SR650s on GC's website, so that's sweet, but I've noticed that there's just a little bit of play when the bass is sitting in the open case. Is that normal, that the bass can shift a little within the padded cavity of the case? Maybe when the case is closed the padding on top locks it down?

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Or should I consider adding in some extra fabric or padding around the bass (around the body, I guess?) in order to make sure the bass is completely immobilized within the case?

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Any advice would be appreciated.

While we're on the subject of cases I feel obligated to plug the Gator dual electric soft case.

Not the cheapest case in the world but if you're doing light gigging (see not throwing your shit into a trailer to get slammed around by large rack cases) and are bringing 2 guitars this thing is fantastic.

Loads of pockets, incredibly soft yet supportive interior for both guitars, and with the backpack straps it keeps your hands free to carry more shit making loadin quicker. Cost less than replacing both of my beat up hardcases.

I particularly like being able to slide in a small amp modeler box in the front pocket and have everything I need for a quick gig strapped on my back. Really useful for ugly lowbudget festival type gigs where there isn't a secure place to store your gear and load-in is a nightmare.

There's even a pocket on the backside with a fitted rain poncho that goes over the whole thing should you get caught in the rain.

> They dead unless you are spending over 2k

I once came in with cash to buy a Taylor 214ce deluxe, for $1000. There was a seasonal sale that brought it from $1299 to $1000. Naturally I walk in and the sale just ended now it was back to full sticker price. A guy asks me if I need help and I tell him I want this guitar at the $1000 sale price, he says he can't do it and goes on and on about his warranty for an extra $60, bla bla bullshit, I let him finish his script and kindly ask for the sales manager. Sales manager comes in and I tell him I came here with $1000 for the seasonal sale price on this guitar. If he can fix the price back to that, he sells a guitar today, if he can't, I'm out the door. He looks aggravated, asks me to wait, walks away for 15 minutes and comes back, gives me the green light. They bring my guitar to the front desk, another guy brings the case, I notice it's not the good case, and the label on the guitar clearly says it comes with a "deluxe" case, because this is the "deluxe" model. Another big sigh from both of them, they disappear for another 10 min and come out with the correct one with red velvet lining which looks 100x better and sturdier. He looks defeated at this point. Rings me up for a grand, i decline the extra warranty knowing that Taylor already has a limited warranty anyway and I never buy warranties for a good guitar, the shit was already built to last. Then I ask since I'm spending a grand, can he throw in a set of $5 guitar strings. This is when he cracked and all the fake cordial behavior went away and he said "Sir, you're already getting a good enough deal". I said thanks grabbed my new guitar and went on my way.

The point of this story is, I don't think a lot of youth realize that the sticker price on all these guitars is merely a suggestion. Be firm, be ready to walk, have your research done and a number you're willing to pay and take a chance. Also, the first guy who talks to you can't do anything for you, always ask for the sales manager, he determines price changes at guitar center.

The Milestone is a P/J shape. Any generic case will work. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend.

You could go for a cheaper "open cavity" style case that go for $50 - $75.

Or you could go for a nicer case, that has better padding and a generic p/j mold, which goes for about $100 - $130

I have an older Peavey Millenium BXP 5 that I carry in a generic Coffin case. It doesn't have any kind of molding or compartments for accessories, but it has done a great job for the past 15 years.

A mandolin case will be better padded than a tennis bag. I have this and it fits my 14.5" AR with a Law Tactical folding stock which is about 26" long folded. It's pretty damn nice for the price. It's my go-to truck gun bag.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U0N5XMM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This case is also very nice for the price. The same rifle listed above fits in it very well folded up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CGLUVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's actually a guitar case that I haven't used in ages. It fits the rifle perfectly.

I bought mine from Musician's Friend years ago. I found one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Coffin-Case-BB-140-Exterior-Interior/dp/B0002D06R2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321021199&sr=8-1

Depending on price you can get some very nice all leather cases.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XPNMYS/ref=twister_B000Y90CIM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The whipping post one is beautiful but I believe you would have to find one second hand.

http://gentlemint.com/tack/196193/

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Profile-PRDB906-KA-Soft-Dreadnought-Guitar/dp/B001JS9GYS

I don't own it, but my sister owns one kind of like it. She uses it for an acoustic, but it could definitely fit an electric.

Sorry for the break. Cool of you to be so calm about it.

You should get something like this.

Push it up against a wall and it's not going anywhere. I have a black no-name one built into a flight-case looking thing and it works great.

I have an extremely cheap (beginners) A-style mandolin which I bought from a friend, and it came in this bag, which is probably worth as much as the instrument (and is actually for an F-style). It works for me, as it's light (Amazon listing has it at 2 lbs) and has a lot of pockets. Obviously it doesn't offer a ton of protection, but it's reasonably stiff for a gig bag. I don't know what you need for attachment points, but the detachable straps on this model are a feature which might fit your needs.

Depending on what you're looking at you might get away with modifying an existing case also.

Does it need to be a hard case? It came with a really bulky soft case, but I’m wondering if that would absorb some of the moisture. This is the case it came with: https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Guitars-JB-61065-Mini-Gig/dp/B00B8X8QOK

Thanks for the help!

Hey, I am looking to get two hardcases, for a Strat and a jazz bass, for about £50-£70 (which is $64-$90, lol at the exchange rate), is that a realistic price range? Are there brands you would recommend, or anything in particular I should lookout for? I was looking at something like this for example.

It doesn't look like any of the Gator ProGo bags will fit an Explorer shape like that. You could try the 335/V case, but it's really hard to tell if it would fit.

Easier to go with a purpose built bag like this.

I found a picture of an ERJ-145 overhead bin that someone took packed with his Tom Bihn Aeronaut bag. That bag is 22" x 14" x 9", according to the archive of their web site. The overhead compartment seems to easily fit 2 side-by-side. According to Amazon, the Gibson Les Paul Hard Case is 43.5" x 16" x 5.5". The only dimension there that's outside the realm of that guy's two travel bags is the 16" deep instead of 14". That's not insignificant, but, based on the pictures, it's possible it would fit.

I'm still going to go with /u/asdfmatt's assertion that he's flown with it on this plane before.

As for obstructing other people's bags: you're not wrong, but the law states that if there's room "at the time the passenger boards the aircraft", the airline "shall permit" him to use it. That may mean that other passengers have to check their carry-ons, but that's probably why he made an effort to be first on the plane.

I got this for my Tele, but it also fits my strat. It's a fantastic case. Here is the link

This year I've bought two hard cases for my Strats.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gator-GC-ELECTRIC-Deluxe-Electric-Guitars/dp/B0002E3DGC/

http://www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk/manufacturer/product.asp?item=spider-abs-rectangle-electric-guitar-hard-case-11567-6632

Out of the two I prefer the Spider. It seems better made, and feels like it would hold up to being moved about a lot.

Thanks for the reply.

It turns out... you're exactly right. The stains are precisely where the neck rests when it's in it's case. I own this guitar case and that's a cause for concern.

Do you think it's possible a guitar case could wear off guitar finish? That seems mind-boggling to me. I keep my apartment climate controlled, so it's never subjected to extreme temperatures.

Any idea how to remedy?

IF you're flying with a hard case, you should make sure its durable enough to be gate checked.

Think about this one as well: http://www.amazon.com/SKB-Injection-molded-Paul-Flight/dp/B003BLOSA8

You could just get a generic case like this one off Amazon, ChromaCast CC-EHC Electric Guitar Hard Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A270MZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oiUrxbHST0C3Z

I'd probobly go for the Epi Les Paul case.

Is this one solid for checking through as luggage?

Bit more expensive than I wanted but would this work? Link

Or this?

ChromaCast CC-EHC Electric Guitar Hard Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A270MZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kUbhybPZPKW7Y

Not sure if this fits your description but thought I'd try