1. Product guide
2. Buying advice
3. How we choose
For us guitarists, getting a new instrument is a feeling like no other. Perhaps you’ve saved for some time to afford your dream instrument, or you’ve received a cherished gift. One thing is sure: you’ll want to keep it safe, particularly if you’re likely to take it on the road. This is when you should be looking for the best guitar case or gigbag for your instrument.
When Simon's childhood classical guitar teacher boasted he 'enjoyed a challenge', the poor man had no idea how much he'd underestimated the scale of the task ahead. Despite Simon's lack of talent, the experience did spark a lifelong passion for music. His classical guitar was discarded for an electric, then a room full of electrics and the rest is history. Simon is now a regular contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar where he reviews guitar gear and writes buyer's guides like the one you're reading now.
Product guide
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Fender Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster/Jaguar/bass guitars
Features: ABS plastic case, large storage compartment, TSA-accepted lock, ergo-grip injection molded handle, rubberised feet, stackable
+ Tough ABS plastic shell
+ Plush, custom-fit interior
+ TSA lock
- Modern vibe not for everyone
Built from military-grade ABS plastic, this case feels reassuringly solid as soon as you pick it up. Flip the latches and you’ll discover acres of plush polyester fur in which to nestle your guitar. There’s a large storage compartment, with plenty of room in which to tuck strings, cables and even a strap, together with a custom-fit cut-out specific to your Fender model.
The handle is robust, comfortable and well-balanced, even for heavier bass guitars. Rubberized feet make it ultra-stable, while indents on the top make it possible to stack multiple cases securely. If your Fender didn’t come with a case, or you have the previous plastic case, then this is a fabulous buy.
Type: Gigbag
Suitable for: Acoustic dreadnoughts
Features: Semi-rigid gigbag with water-resistant ‘Sharkskin’ outer and plush inner lining, Headlock suspension, numerous storage compartments
+ Lightweight
+ Very robust
+ Clever suspension system
- Water-resistant
- Pricey
MONO has a reputation for building featherweight bags that rival hard cases in every respect. They boast ‘military-spec’ fabrics, and while we’re not exactly sure what that means, we do know that they’re built like tanks. High-grade webbing, bar-tack stitching, steel rivet reinforcements, a hard-wearing Hypalon sole, and a water- and abrasion-resistant ‘Sharkskin’ outer are tell-tale signs that this bag has been developed to survive some serious abuse.
Inside, ABS panels are there to absorb and deflect hard knocks, while high-density foam bumpers will divert vertical impacts out and around the lower bout of your guitar to protect the vulnerable strap pin area.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Gretsch Electromatic solid-body guitars
Features: Robust plywood construction, covered in black Tolex, plush grey interior with storage compartment
+ Robust plywood construction
+ Storage compartment
+ Gretsch branding
+ Good value
- Somewhat ordinary
The Gretsch Electromatic series is universally praised for offering outstanding value for money. The build quality is spot-on, and these wonderful guitars have that signature Gretsch tone in spades. How does Gretsch do it for the money?
To keep retail prices low, the manufacturer doesn’t bundle said guitars with a case or gigbag. It has such a following, and the guitars are so unique, that this won’t concern most potential buyers, who’ll just budget for a case anyway.
First choice for solid bodies has to be the reasonably priced G6238FT. The spec is fairly modest – plywood construction with a smart, black Tolex wrap – but the plush grey interior will make a lovely home for your Gretsch.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Fender Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster/Jaguar/Mustang/Duo Sonic/P Bass/Jazz Bass
Features: Tweed-wrapped, 3-ply wood shell; soft, crushed acrylic lining in red; large storage compartment
+ Tweed looks so right for Fenders
+ Plush interior in gorgeous red
+ Pricey, but not crazy money
- Not as durable as ABS plastic
Fender’s modern ABS plastic case may offer superb protection, but this ’50s-vibe tweed case just looks so good. It’s very similar to the cases that Teles and Strats shipped with back when Ritchie Valens was performing La Bamba.
Its 3-ply wood construction, which uses 8mm on the sides and 5mm on the top and bottom, is plenty strong enough for most players, while the vinyl-wrapped steel core carry handle is comfy for long-distance treks from one venue to the next. If tweed is a bit too flamboyant for you, then you could always go for the black vinyl version.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Fender Strat/Tele/P Bass/Jazz Bass/Jaguar Bass/Mustang/Jag-Stang/Cyclone/Duo Sonic
Features: Handmade, tweed-wrapped 3-ply wood case with real leather appointments, ‘vintage red poodle’ interior
+ Authentic case for Fenders
+ Handmade with quality materials
- Pricey – you could buy a good Squier for this money
G&G has been supplying Fender since the ’50s, and its cases are still bundled with top-end models and custom shop guitars. This case looks remarkably similar to Fender’s own Classic Series Wood Case, but this is the authentic one – the other is the, er, ‘tribute’.
Handmade by a small bunch of artisan types in Los Angeles, these cases feature the very best in materials, including real hide end caps, a bonded leather handle and a plush velvet ‘vintage red poodle’ lining that won’t mark the finish on your guitar. They’re hardly cheap, but then your guitar deserves the best.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Various
Features: ABS shell, interior LED light, heavy-duty aluminium bumper, EPS foam molds to almost all guitar shapes, plush lining, padded neck cradle, storage compartments
+ Integrated LED for dark stages
+ Tough, no-nonsense build
+ Fits almost any electric
- Lock can be temperamental
Gator makes some of the best third-party cases around, so there’s no doubting this one’s pedigree. It has all the usual features: a tough, impact-resistant ABS shell, a heavy-duty aluminum bumper for added strength, a plush interior that molds to your guitar shape, a padded neck cradle and useful storage compartments.
What really sets it apart is the integrated LED panel that quite literally shines a spotlight on your beloved guitar and any stowed accessories. For bedroom players, this could be dismissed as a vanity light, but for touring musicians used to playing on dimly lit stages it’s a godsend. About to go on and still can’t find the right pick in the gloom? Or your guitar for that matter? No worries – flick the switch and your entire case will be bathed in light.
Load the next 6 products... ↓
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Explore/Firebird and other large X-shaped guitars
Features: Super-tough ABS shell, plush-lined interior, TSA-recognised locks
+ Excellent protection for X-shapes
+ Tough, road-ready catches
+ Secure locking
- It’s an expensive add-on
So, you’ve opted for an angular axe, and now it’s time to leave the house. SKB’s 63 case offers protection for your Explorer, Firebird, Warrior, Kelly or similarly sharp guitar, which is important given that these designs not only feature plenty of precarious peninsular’s, but they often protrude further than your average Strat or Tele. They tend to be longer too, so cramming it into a standard gigbag won’t work.
SKB’s 63 features a near-indestructible ABS shell, lined with plush foam and equipped with an accessory compartment. The locks are TSA-accepted, and the catches feature a fibreglass-reinforced, trigger-released latching system to ensure they’ll last for years. It’s not cheap, but if you want extreme protection for your extreme pride-and-joy, this is an extremely solid choice.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Various flavours of Les Paul
Features: Strong plywood construction, quality plated hardware, plush grey interior, prominent Epiphone logo
+ Well-priced workhorse
+ Almost as good as the ‘real thing’
+ Good buy for working musicians
- Not a Gibson case
It goes without saying that we love Epiphones here at Guitar World. The quality is amazing, they play great, they can sound out of this world and the prices are affordable – what’s not to like?
Well, some Epiphones don’t come bundled with a hard case (which is no great surprise considering the price points). It’s not a biggie, though – here we’ve highlighted Epiphone’s Les Paul case, but the manufacturer makes similar cases for the rest of its model range. We believe they should be right up there towards the top of your list when looking for a case to protect your new Epi. Tough, well-made and kinda classy in black with that bold gold logo, they’re a great addition to your set-up.
Type: Hard case
Suitable for: Acoustic dreadnoughts, though other guitars are catered for, too
Features: Ultra-high-strength PPC resin shell with a gasket seal and automatic ambient pressure equalization valve; UV-, solvent-, corrosion- and fungus-resistant; TSA-accepted locks, wheels, cushioned grip handle
+ Almost indestructible
+ Peace of mind for travelling musos
+ Easy to wheel
- Heavy
- Pricey
If you’re looking for an almost nuke-proof solution to protect your acoustic guitar from armageddon-rated mishaps, then this is probably it. SKB iSeries cases (there are models for acoustics and electrics of all shapes and sizes) are made from seriously tough, corrosion-resistant materials, and feature extra-strong hinges plus a plethora of beefy latches.
The most significant selling point is that these cases are fully waterproof. A gasket will keep out everything from pure H2O to sticky soda, while an equalization valve will stop pressure from building up inside when temperatures rise. Acoustic guitars are very susceptible to water damage, so these iSeries cases provide much-needed reassurance for those living in, or traveling to, wetter climes.
Type: Gigbag
Suitable for: Most solid-body electric guitars
Features: Semi-rigid gigbag with ultra-thick sidewalls, micro-fleece interior, padded neck cradle, backpack straps, rain cover
+ Semi-rigid construction
+ Feature-rich
+ Backpack straps
+ Rain cover
- Pricier in some markets
The Gator Pro-Go Series Electric Guitar Gigbag is a step above the average option. First off, it’s a semi-rigid design, meaning that the sidewalls are so thick, they add some rigidity to the bag. Second, you can still treat it like a gigbag. It’s squashable for storage and there are comfy backstraps so that you can handle it like a backpack.
This thing has pockets galore, including one for your iPad. The soft micro-fleece interior will ensure that your guitar is more cosseted than a rock star at Claridge’s, and the padded neck cradle will ensure that it remains straight enough to play gig after gig. There’s even a rain cover to stop the weather gods from raining on your parade.
Type: Hard case/flight case
Suitable for: Most solid body electrics
Features: roto-molded polyethylene plastic outer shell with foam interior, magnetic lid, wheeled tilt-back design with integrated top handle, butterfly-style twist latches
+ Can carry multiple guitars
+ Universal case
+ Tilt-back wheel design
- Internal foam feels cheap
- Heavy
Plenty of guitarists have multiple guitars they need to take to shows, either for different tunings or simply as backups. Carrying one hard case around is a pain. Carrying two is a nightmare. The Gator GTR-Minivault-E2 is a case-cum-rack that safely houses two of your guitars in transit.
Internally the case is covered in foam, which should protect your instruments in transit from external knocks and vibrations, and the magnetized front cover comes off so you can easily access both when you reach your destination. This combined with the super-hard roto-molded polyethylene plastic outer shell means this is a superb road-ready hard case.
Type: padded gig bag
Suitable for: V-shaped guitars (other shapes are available)
Features: 12mm high-density foam padding, padded handles, shoulder straps, storage pocket
+ Quality at a low price
+ Sturdy padding
+ Lightweight
- You might prefer a hardcase
- Accessory storage is limited
Just as an X-shaped guitar will require more than the spare gigbag you’ve got knocking about, so will a V-shaped strummer. GEWA’s Economy range of cases aims to span the durability and protection of a hardcase, with the portability and comfort of a padded gig bag.
Here, the 212480 Flying V case (they make plenty of others too) comes with 12mm of high-density foam padding throughout, with additional protection added for the headstock and bridge areas, plus a thick-padded carrying handle and shoulder straps. There’s limited pocket space, but the front offers enough for an A4 book or two, perfect if you’re transporting your guitar for light journeys.
Best guitar cases and gigbags: Buying advice
How to choose the best guitar case for you
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
