A good guitar case doesn’t come cheap, but investing in one goes a long way to save you a lot in the long term. This is quite true when you consider the costs to be incurred in repairs/replacement if your case does not protect your guitar.
Acoustic guitars are rather brittle instruments, you shouldn’t take any chances when it comes to your guitar’s safekeeping.
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How to choose a case for an acoustic guitar?
There are several things you need to consider before buying a case for your guitar.
Measuring your acoustic guitar to find the right sized case
Acoustic guitars are available in all shapes and sizes, so don’t expect to find a universal case design that fits all. As a result, you need to ensure that the dimensions on your guitar are compatible with the internal measurements of the case.
It’s a good thing that the majority of manufacturers display this information, but just in case you do not have the details or you’re not sure, use the following guide.
This diagram showcases all the key parts you need to measure on your guitar. Get your measuring tape and let’s measure your guitar:
- Upper bout length
- Middle bout length
- Lower bout length
- Body length
- Total length
- Neck length
Step 1: The first thing you want to measure is the body length, and this is done with the help of a tape measure. Run it from the meeting point of the neck and body to the other end.
Step 2: The shape of the body is determined by the upper, lower, and middle bout measurements. Measure the instrument’s top, along the arc, at the section between the sound and neck to find the upper bout width. The lower bout is measured in the same way, but this time it is situated on the opposite side of the soundhole. Finally, the middle bout refers to the slimmest width of the guitar in between the lower and upper bouts.
Step 3: Don’t forget to measure the overall length; the distance between the edge of the headstock and lower bout.
With these measurements in hand, you can make the guitar case you get will be a perfect fit.
Gig-bag or hardshell case?
If you are torn between a gig bag and a hard case, the best choice will be influenced by the situation you are in.
An expensive guitar will warrant greater protection compared to a mid-level one, the same way a hobby guitarist will have different needs from their professional counterparts.
Here are some considerations to help you choose between a soft gig-bag and a hardshell case:
- If you want something lightweight, choose a soft case.
- A gig bag helps to save on space and with ample padding, safeguards the guitar from dings and scratches.
- Gigs bags are better suited for instances where you are sure your instrument will remain reasonably safe.
- Get a hard case if your guitar is high-end.
- Be sure to choose a hard case if you constantly expose your guitar to the possibility of getting jostled or bumped about. For example, touring musicians on the road.
- If you are planning on taking the guitar on a flight, you should definitely buy a hardshell case.
- Weather-proofing might also be a consideration. If you know you will be exposed to outside weather while traveling with your guitar, make sure you get a weather-proof acoustic guitar gig bag.
Ultimately, your guitar should always remain protected in whichever situation you find yourself in.
Extras
Some cases offer a few extra features, which may be useful to you.
- Backpack straps: if you travel with your guitar on public transportation, or you have to walk a lot, look for soft shell guitar cases equipped with padded backpack straps.
- Lock: having a lock on your guitar case will not offer much protection, as the locks are super simple. A screwdriver will open them with ease, so they will not deter a thief. A lock will keep children out of your guitar case though.
- Storage areas: Having a place to put your extra picks, capo, music sheets and cable is always nice. Where else would you store them? Gig bags tend to come with larger storage pockets.
Again, you may or not need extra features. Don’t overlook a case/bag, just because it doesn’t have every possible feature in the world.
Best soft gig bags for acoustic guitars
Although they don’t offer as much protection as hard cases, these high-quality, padded gig bags are portable and convenient:
Fender FA610 Dreadnought acoustic guitar gig bag
This gig bag was made to carry dreadnought shape guitars with a unique design from Fender.
The notable features on this bag include 10mm thickness of padding, external and internal Pin Protector strapping button protection system, to prevent the pin from piercing into the smooth padding.
The gig bag is almost like a case as far as size is concerned.
Fender FA610 Gig Bag
Protection for guitar students
Great price
This bag is a step up from an average gig bag, thanks to the 10mm padding and 600 denier polyester construction. The backpack straps have ergonomic air mesh padding, and the front pocket has pockets for extra strings and a fixed mesh tool pouch.
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Gator Transit Series acoustic guitar gig bag
If you are in the market for something comfortable that offers great utility and protection, the Gator Transit Series could be a good option for a guitar gig bag.
This gig bag comes with qualities you find on the hard cases, without necessarily plaguing you with too much weight or bulkiness. The model is tailored is to hold the standard size of acoustic guitars, and despite being soft and light, the outside is rugged, as well as weather-proof. The interior features 20mm pads that cushion your guitar.
- Interior Height: 5.5 “
- Body Length: 24.4 “
- Body Height: 5.5 “
- Lower Bout Width: 16.1 “
- Middle Bout Width: 12.6 “
- Upper Bout Width: 12 “
- Overall Length: 43.9 “
Gator Transit Acoustic Gig Bag
Thick padding and nice features
Editor’s pick
Weather resistant blended fabric exterior, 20mm thick internal foam padding covered with plush Micro-Fleece lining, large front zippered pocket, padded grip carry handle and removable backpack straps.
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Godin TRIC Deluxe Multi-fit acoustic guitar gig bag
This hybrid case comes with lightweight but high-impact resistant polypropylene; the material applied in protective headgear.
Despite the high quality of protection it offers, the bag maintains a reasonable weight of 3.65lbs. It is also designed to safeguard your instrument from extreme temperatures, between -35 to 65 C. TRIC stands for “Thermally Regulated Instrument Case.”
The bag hybrid is slightly bulky, which is a drop in the ocean when compared to the level of protection it offers.
Godin Tric Multi Acoustic Case
Thermal protection
Light, yet very high level of protection, even against extreme temperatures. This is a must have if you are a traveling musician out in the heat or cold.
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Mono M80 Vertigo acoustic guitar gig bag
This bag hybrid allows you to open or close it in a standing position. There is a concealed hinge at the front panel which enables it to open easily to the front, allowing you access from the top.
It also comes with a headlock mechanism that keeps your guitar in one position when you are moving around. This case has light ABS-impact panels, in addition to a rubber bottom boot to offer further protection. Although the main pocket is kind of tiny.
M80 Vertigo Acoustic
No need to lay it down
Híbrid case-bag with lots of premium features, all of which comes at a higher price with the Mono M80 Vertigo.
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Best hardshell cases for acoustic guitars
The old hardwood cases offer the most protection but are quite weighty and bulky. Consider the following best-rated cases for acoustic guitars:
Gator Deluxe ABS molded acoustic guitar case
The exterior shell on this guitar case is made of molded ABS plastic to increase strength and durability.
The inner side is fitted with EPS foam with ample lining. Additional features here include chrome-plated lockable latches and an accessories compartment.
- Interior Height: 5.3 “
- Body Length: 22.1 “
- Body Height: 5.3 “
- Lower Bout Width: 16.1 “
- Middle Bout Width: 12.3 “
- Upper Bout Width: 12.4 “
- Overall Length: 41.7 “
GC-DREAD Deluxe Case
High quality plastic case
Best plastic case
For dreadnought guitars, features a heavy-duty aluminum valance, deluxe ABS Exterior, through-bolted handle for extra strength, accessory compartment and a chrome plated lockable latches
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Gator Economy acoustic guitar case
This is a cost-effective guitar case that provides a nice balance between quality and price. It is a wooden case, made from plywood and features a black Tolex coating.
The interior is lavishly padded to avoid denting your instrument and there is a compact compartment around the neck region where you can place accessories.
- Interior Height: 4.6 “
- Body Length: 22.9 “
- Body Height: 4.6 “
- Lower Bout Width: 15 “
- Middle Bout Width: 10.4 “
- Upper Bout Width: 11.6 “
- Overall Length: 40.4 “
Gator Economy Acoustic Case
Lowest priced wood case
Best value wood case
If you want the protection that only a wooden case can offer, this Gator will be right up your alley. It fits classical guitars like a glove.
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Epiphone EDREAD acoustic guitar case
This will be the outright option if you own an Epiphone Dreadnought, although it will still apply for other dreadnought-shaped guitars if you happen to fancy the aesthetics.
It features a wooden guitar bag design and great external details that enhance its overall appearance.
Epiphone Edread
Rugged and affordable
This is a beautiful made of wood, and it comes at a great price as well. It provides maximum protection to your dreadnought shaped acoustic guitar
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Taylor Deluxe acoustic guitar case
This is another wooden guitar case that particularly stands out because of its quality and attention to detail. It consists of a red velvet inside to go with gold hardware that elevates its visual appeal to a different level.
Taylor Deluxe acoustic case
Premium protection
Premium pick
Ultimate protection for your guitar. The shell is made of sheets of poplar veneer. Extra-thick plush padding keeps your guitar in place and secure. Vinyl exterior resists surface damage.
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In 2024, these are the most dependable and best selling acoustic guitar cases. Which one will you choose?
I guess I have to measure each guitar to see what fits what case.
Will a taylor 562ce and 362ce 12 strings fit the same case. ?
Can I use the same case for a Godin Multia acs series ? Maybe thinner but can fill in the depth !
Hi there,
You need to either measure the guitars, or just google them and you’ll find their measurements online. Generally, if the guitars are the same body type, then they will fit the same case.
What’s your recommendation for a Martin SC-13-E?