Hardcase or gigbag?

bungalowbill

Luckybastidologist
My Fender/SKB case finally crapped out after a decade or so....hinge went through the plastic. :(

I need an affordable replacement....

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Gig bags are garbage. They always end up ripping, or zippers stop working. Not to mention you can still mess a guitar up if something hits it. Get a generic hard case. Unless you're touring, it'll do the trick just fine.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

I'm pretty into those INcase hard bags. I don't own any, but their 2-guitar "dub" bag would be really handy for playing live.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

I like gig bags for Fender style guitars, but Gibson style needs a hard case due to the weak neck/headstock joint.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Thanks for the replies folks... I am going to call the music store I used to work at and see if they have a used hardcase...if they don't, I guess it will be a gigbag.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Just in how many scratches and biffs and dings my hardcases have- I'm glad I use hard cases instead of gigbags.

Gigbags certainly have their place- but I'm not riding a subway or have to haul my rig in all at the same time. I know there are several high end manufacturers that ship their instruments with gig bags...

I just prefer hard cases.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Buy a hardshell case. It'll protect the guitar better. If you can't find one new, try a pawn shop.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Joe, I'd go with a HC if you can get one. You dont have to be quite so careful when your on the move.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Are you using it for a Fender-style guitar? You can pick up plastic Squier cases pretty cheap, and they will offer more protection than a gig bag.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

I'm pretty into those INcase hard bags. I don't own any, but their 2-guitar "dub" bag would be really handy for playing live.

i splurged on one of those dub bags ... love it .. totally makes 2 guitars to the gig a no brainer ... then again, i handle and transport my own gear and it travels, babied, in my car ... if i had to trust anyone else, or shclep it in a band trailer, it'd prolly be hard cases only
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

I look at it like this: A 'big-gag' is perfect to keep youre axes in and around the house for quick and easy jammin', or to trot around in the car for non intensive maneuvers (except as mentioned before for the tilt headstock Jackie-sons and Gibbys... Thats aksing for trouble as they dont fit properly in a gigbag right anyhow).
I like to keep my "showcase" guitars in a hardcase..even the bolt on Strats, just for shoe. I guess Im a hard case.
The thick padded gigbags I have, protect around the house real well, although they are prone to zipper failure as one post mentioned..
Ive seen some decent qualiy cheap hardcases in the past, but not certain anymore.
 
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Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

i use gig bags all the time for sticking cheaper axes in for easy travel and i must have 8 of them... anything worth more then $600 i try to keep in a hard case at all times... I love sticking a really light strat in a gig bag and throw that over my shoulder and i'm ready to jam... not often but i'm on the subway once in a blue moon and i take my cheapest stuff anyways so a gig bag works perfect

my main gig bag is just the one that my Godin came with... it's nice, has a fair bit of padding... around my house i store my beat to snot 1988 USA Strat in it as i could care less if it gets yet another ding or bump but i find i stick that strat in a hardshell when i need to take it to a bar...

The gig bag my MIM strat came in offers almost no protection from bumps really... but there is some really nice gigbags that do protect rather well!

When it comes to hardshell cases i really love the look of Fender Vintage cases!!! but they are over priced... i have a Tweed one and a black one... saddly my tweed one has broken latches which is sad as i love that case.... Does anyone make tweed cases like these that don't cost $160..
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

Both

Case for long trips packed away in the car, gig bag for taking the guitar to the gig when you drive alone and there's no other gear in there.
 
Re: Hardcase or gigbag?

I'd check the evil bay first. Just got our drummer a Hiscox bass hard case(he's a bass player too now!) for £40... normally £80 ish new, and it's mint. So unless you are in a rush, I'd wait for a bargain on the bay.
 
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