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GUITAR CASES
A guitar case is so important to your guitar, that
many manufacturers include the case in the price of
the guitar. Many manufacturers make cases that are specially
designed for particular models and ship the guitars
inside these cases to the retailer. To buy a serious
instrument and then try to carry it away from the store
without the appropriate quality protection is no way
to save a few bucks.
HARD CASES
The hard case is the most expensive; $80 to $120 and
more for a "road case," but offers the best
insurance against damage to your guitar. It's composed
of leather or nylon-covered wood, and can even survive
the rigors of airline baggage handlers. These cases
provide crush-proof protection for your instrument.
They can drop heavy objects on the case and stack it
safely under other luggage items without any damage
to the guitar inside.
SOFT CASES
The soft case is not completely soft. It usually consists
of some pressed particle material like cardboard or
"chipboard." It will provide some amount of
protection for your guitar. You can find these for about
$30.
The soft case is the inexpensive alternative to the
hard case because it enables you to transport your instrument
without exposing it to the elements, and provides protection
from scratching the finish while moving it around. However,
this type of case can easily buckle if any weight or
other stress is put on it. It can cave in, fold, and
puncture much more easily than a hard case will. For
the most part, it will provide minimum protection from
the daily scratch and bump hazards you may encounter.
It will keep the dust off for sure.
GIG BAGS
The gig bag provides almost no protection against shock
because it is a form-fitting nylon, leather, or other
fabric enclosure. This "bag" is about the
consistency of any other soft luggage carrier, and closes
with a zipper. This item would be for the careful musician
as he or she goes to a rehearsal/gig situation.
The advantage of the gig bag is that they're light,
come with shoulder straps, and take up little more space
than the guitar itself. They will fit in the overhead
bin on an airplane, and are favored in the city for
those who take public transportation. You would not
want to stack any other items on top of the gig bag.
Depending on the materials used, they will cost anywhere
from $25 to $150.
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