When it comes to cases, here’s what every guitar owner should know. A good guitar case is the only way you protect your instrument when transporting it from place to place. You can get either a hard case or a soft one-each has their own pros and cons. If you try to save money on a cheap guitar case, it may compromise the level of protection that the case can offer. Let’s see what you can do to avoid the cost and disappointment of a damaged guitar.
Regardless of how much you paid to purchase your guitar, it most likely seemed like a princely sum to you. If you’re serious about your music, then you probably bought as much guitar as you could afford. So while it may seem that there’s no money left over to purchase a good case, taking your guitar out of the house unprotected is a sure recipe for heartache. A guitar case accomplishes at least two important functions. First of all, it makes it easier to transport your guitar while traveling or going to a gig. Second, it ensures the safety of your guitar and protects the investment you’ve made in your instrument. And that can go a long way toward providing a little peace of mind.
You can purchase either a hard case or a soft case. Hard cases provide the most protection for your guitar. It is normally made from either hard plastic or metal. The inside is strategically cushioned to protect your guitar from shocks and drops. The downside is that these cases are expensive and they are heavy to carry around. But if you intent to travel by air, they are an absolute must.
Soft cases are made from fabrics like canvas or nylon. These cases do an excellent job of protecting your guitar from dirt and dust, but that’s about all. Soft cases are lightweight and may be OK for taking your guitar to a nearby gig, but there will be no protection if it is dropped or hit.
It may be tempting to look for the cheapest case you can find, but compromising here means leaving your guitar unprotected. Every dollar you put into a guitar case is money well spent, as it will keep your instrument in top condition. Even if you are willing to spend money for repairs, what are you going to play in the meantime?
If your budget is tight, you can shop online and probably find great cases at more affordable prices. Auction sites like eBay are a great source of cases that are priced well below retail.
