Need to protect guitar from case "teeth."

[Deliberate1]

Beginner guy here...well, about 7 months into it. Learned a valuable lesson, the hard way. Took my guitar out of the case without paying close enough attention and did not fully deploy the top. And one of the latch "teeth" caught the side of the neck and put an indentation in it. While I am now very careful not to repeat that mistake, I was wondering if there is a way to cover the "teeth" to prevent this from happening again, and without compromising the integrity of the closure. Say gaffers tape...would be appropriate given my blunder.
Thanks
David

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by Deliberate1

Beginner guy here...well, about 7 months into it. Learned a valuable lesson, the hard way. Took my guitar out of the case without paying close enough attention and did not fully deploy the top. And one of the latch "teeth" caught the side of the neck and put an indentation in it. While I am now very careful not to repeat that mistake, I was wondering if there is a way to cover the "teeth" to prevent this from happening again, and without compromising the integrity of the closure. Say gaffers tape...would be appropriate given my blunder.
Thanks
David

You learned the lesson, now just open the case completely and problem solved.

Lesson learned and move on. I think tape would turn into a sticky mess in no time.

[Rev Roy]

Dang...sorry to hear that. Lesson learned. Being deliberate/careful when getting a guitar in and out of a case is the only real way to avoid this kind of thing.

[sakar12]

I always hold the case open with one hand while removing my guitar with the other. You can never be too careful.

Tough lesson that seemingly all of us need to learn, unfortunately.

[L20A]

You could cut the teeth off. The case will still work.

[guitararmy]

If there is a strap holding the lid open at 90 degrees some players have cut it so the lid opens all the way and can't fall back and dent your guitar.

Still remember that happening to a Fender Strat Ultra I used to have...

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by L20A

You could cut the teeth off. The case will still work.

Interesting idea.
My case and I would have something intimate in common.

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by guitararmy

If there is a strap holding the lid open at 90 degrees some players have cut it so the lid opens all the way and can't fall back and dent your guitar.

Still remember that happening to a Fender Strat Ultra I used to have...

Feel your pain, mate. But my nick I cannot blame on an unexpected closure. I just did not give the top enough clearance when I took out the guitar. Lesson learned.

[dan!]

Here’s my strategy:

Step 1: Install hook on wall

Step 2: Place guitar on hook. (It looks nice and will encourage frequent playing!)

Step 3: Put case in attic. (Ignore until traveling and then be very careful when using!)

Step 4: Pour celebratory whiskey

[Tube Sound]

Originally Posted by L20A

You could cut the teeth off. The case will still work.

Perhaps a metal file or grinder, as well.

[fazool]

Whenever I retrieve my guitars, I always keep the case safely stowed in the basement on a shelf under a tarp about 30 feet away from the guitar.

When I'm done I put the guitar back and keep it out of eyesight of the case.



Oh, mine are on wall hangers.

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by dan!

Here’s my strategy:

Step 1: Install hook on wall

Step 2: Place guitar on hook. (It looks nice and will encourage frequent playing!)

Step 3: Put case in attic. (Ignore until traveling and then be very careful when using!)

Step 4: Pour celebratory whiskey

OP here. I like this, though I might reverse the steps.
On a more serious note, how do you manage the humidity issue. I use Humidipaks which keep the moisture level at about 40-44% in a closed case. I live in Maine, and it gets very dry in the winter. Even with the room humidifier I have where I keep my two guitars, it struggles to get to 38%, especially in the dead of winter when a trip to the garage can suck the water out of your pores.

[aknow]

Really bad invention. I dinged a new Martin OO 28 VS the first time I opened the case, nice case too.

[Russ C]

You may have already solved your problem by doing what you did to your guitar.
I unfortunately had to learn twice. May you be cleverer than I.