What Makes an ATA Case a GOOD ATA Case?

[Guitarist]

I'm looking for an ATA case and I stumbled across this...is it sufficient? Tell me what makes a good one and what to stay away from.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ATA-CASE-for-ME...404453379QQcategoryZ43374QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: What Makes an ATA Case a GOOD ATA Case?

That one is the cheapest type of heavy duty case, because it's got latches that are similar to a guitar case, which could accidentally snap open. The good ones have a twist lock. The ebayer who sells the good stuff is sdaoust.

However, I'd discourage you from buy ATA cases unless you're a touring pro with cartage companies moving your stuff. They're way too heavy, and make it a pain to move your own stuff. Also, when not in use, they take up a LOT of space. I'd recommend Tuki padded covers, because they add no weight, offer plenty of protection, you can use the amp's top handle, and you can toss them behind your amp at a gig, rather than finding a spot at a club to put your giant ATA case.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: What Makes an ATA Case a GOOD ATA Case?

Cool - do those padded covers provide enough protection for, say, sticking my head in the back of a truck along with guitar cases, cabinets, etc.?

 

[Guitarist]

Re: What Makes an ATA Case a GOOD ATA Case?

Yeah, I'd seen those cases from the seller GJ stated. I didn't know if it was appropriate to pay over $200 for a head case?! Thanks.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: What Makes an ATA Case a GOOD ATA Case?

Cool - do those padded covers provide enough protection for, say, sticking my head in the back of a truck along with guitar cases, cabinets, etc.?

Alot of it has to do with the way you pack things.

PA speakers usually go in first. Combo amps and cabs second and make sure they've got some floor space and have covers on them. Third would be guitars, basses in hard shell cases. Best bet is not lying them flat or if you have to, have enough of them to have some of the stress to be dispersed over all of them. Drums would usually end up in another vehicle when we used to do it.

Axes in gig bags would ride with the person or just end up shotgun. I can't tell you the number of gigs I drove to in my old Blazer with a gig bag to chat with there and back.

Personally, I would only consider an ATA case if I was getting big enough so that I would NEVER have to carry it or there was a peice of gear I had that I would NEVER be able to replace if it were damaged in transit.

I have an ATA case for guitar at my house. It got used a handfull of times and then I said "this sucks" and it's since become a vehicle for dust in my basement.