Best Case Recommendation

[mjross]

To be honest, the new brown Gibson cases are not too bad. Price not too bad and should be able to gat a little discount at the big retailers. A little heavy but really well made. Not sure I’m diggin the loop handle but that’s not a deal breaker.

Les Paul Original Hardshell Case

Les Paul Original Hardshell Case (Brown)

www.gibson.com

 

[El Gringo]

I use 1970s Gibson "Protector" cases for a couple guitars, but I'm kinda lukewarm on them. Among other things, I'd like a bit more space around the headstock; the back of the headstock lightly touches the side of the case, which I don't think is ideal if the case is dropped. (You can try to avoid that by putting a towel behind the neck to elevate the headstock, but at a minimum, it can move in the case and it's a bit less robust protection.) I heard that's because they were designed for 14-degree Norlin headstocks rather than 17-degree vintage/historic headstocks--no idea if that accounts for the difference, but the area around the headstock is "closer" than I'd like. But I do think the modern SKBs and Gators do a great job for most uses. And if you're flying, Hoffees (and if you don't mind the extra weight, Caltons) are great!

Thanks for the info as I never considered the fact about the 14-degree Norlin era headstocks and the chainsaw cases as I have one (my childhood Gibson Les Paul Custom ) and remember that the tuning gears do touch the sides lightly as they are that snug in the headstock area .

 

[akstrat61]

My wife has picked up (Ok I ordered it!) one of the new Protector cases for me for xmas! Sitting behind the tree now. Guess I will need to wait a bit to give you a review! Stay posted! BTW, got it from ZZounds for $219, free shipping. FWIW

 

[akstrat61]

New protector in the house and one gig in. The new protector is a bit smaller than the old blue Gen 3, but larger than the red Gen I's. I have owened all of the older Gen cases, but they are long gone.

The new case has a very snug fit and it should protect very well. If there area of concern it is the headstock area. The headstock is not perfeectly centered in the case. Hence, the tuners on one side are so close to touching the case, maybe are touching ever so light. While the other tuners are an inch away from the case. I'm not sure the guitar can even move in the case, but I am concerned a bit. The TSA latches work like a charm. I have never owned a case with these and I really like them.

Overall, I would give the case a grade of B and for the price, should work fine. Had not for the tuner issue, would have given it an A. Hope this helps some looking for a new case or keep their brown case looking new.

 

[Pat Boyack]

That is good . Now what my tech told me was that what if the case falls off a truck ? I said it is in a flight case (Gibson Protector -chainsaw case ) To which he replied that if it falls off the back of the truck and the truck runs it over it will get smashed to toothpicks . Chainsaw cases are good for air travel . Also my tech told me I will never be made "whole "

I think your tech has a vivid imagination.

 

[El Gringo]

I think your tech has a vivid imagination.

Well I will tell you he reminds me (tech) of my best friend who we have known each other from over 40 years and my best friend is a super clean freak from his mom of course ( God Bless her Soul ) In a lot of ways the tech also reminds me of my Dad ( God Bless his Soul ) as he was always talking to me about protecting everything from when I was a kid , and back then I just thought oh I broke it I will just replace it with another one . Not so easy with guitars if they are old and you have a strong attachment to them . Anyway bottom line these Anvil cases didn't break my bank and they do what there designed to do and they will and do protect my instruments during transport (not so much lately due to the Pandemic ) and instead of harming my guitars will crush anything that gets in there way/path . Downside is they are heavy and if shipping will cost more due to the weight , plus side is I no longer need to insure during transit ! Which would double the price when using UPS , who by the way is the only commercial shipper who I trust as they will get your stuff to where it needs to be and it will get there when they tell you it will or the level of shipping that you use . Also another tidbit about shipping is that with UPS as long as your items are properly packed and protected they will be fine as they most certainly will be tossed around and knocked around as that is simply the nature of the beast . I learned this from doing it for a long time and knock on wood no issues !

 

[Edward]

For "local gigging...and not flying." This says it all for me.

Get a Mono or Reunion Blues. Period, end of story. These are not yesteryear's "gig bags" but serious, gig-worthy protection for guits, and yes even angled heastock guits! So long as you don't stack PA or heavy amp gear along with the guit in a van, these high-quality gig bags offer superior protection to hard cases. I'm not the only one who has been using these successfully for years (I have 4 different Monos which includes acoustic). Yes, period, end of story.

Edward

 

[CK6]

I use a Rimowa Les Paul case for travel and have no worries checking it in. Anyone else use one?