What do you think of the Martin molded cases?

[lowrider]

Not the old blue one;



I know everyone hated that one. The ''new'' one;





I got it with my ''new'' GP-28e. When I first saw it in the box, I was disappointed, but when I lifted it out and felt how light it was, and when I opened it and saw how securely it holds the guitar, I started to appreciate it.

I like the case. It checks all the boxes for me; it's lightweight, it's very well padded, it holds the guitar securely, and it seems very durable.

I could see me getting on a flight and checking this case with my Road Series GPC in it with no worries.

What you think of these ''new'' molded cases?

[llew]

I think they're pretty durable but I'm not a fan overall. Be careful of "latch bite" as the lid will close on you and/or your guitar. I prefer the Geib style cases better. Just my two cents?

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by llew

I think they're pretty durable but I'm not a fan overall. Be careful of "latch bite" as the lid will close on you and/or your guitar. I prefer the Geib style cases better. Just my two cents?

Agree with this. Overall they are fine, but the lightweight & balance seem to cause the top of the case to come down as you remove the guitar from the case, I’ve had 2 of my Martins dented by the latch when this happened. Careful!

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by llew

I think they're pretty durable but I'm not a fan overall. Be careful of "latch bite" as the lid will close on you and/or your guitar. I prefer the Geib style cases better. Just my two cents?

Yep, what Jim said. The plus is that they are light and durable. The big negative is that you have to be extremely careful every time you take your guitar in/out or you’ll be yet another victim of “latch bite.”

[Bob from Brooklyn]

I'm debating whether or not the Geib cases are worth the extra $150.

[beatcomber]

The one that my OM-28 came with smelled so horrible from the adhesive that it made the guitar smell horrible as well.

I quickly ordered a 000-sized Martin/TKL 12C330 wood/tolex case (the one that has the vanilla scent added) and sold the ugly, stinky molded case on Craig's List. Much happier now!

[boneuphtoner]

When I first got a new HD-28 a few years ago, I was appalled that they came in these cases - yes I agree they are relatively lightweight, but these have the appearance of those cheap band instrument cases we had to endure in the mid-80s - not a good look.

However, last summer when I was watching the Grand Ole Opry stream, I saw this interview with a guy who was raving about his Henderson D-42, and I was curious to see what he was talking about so I looked it up. And it was a super premium instrument, but what caught my eye at the bottom of the page was these were shipped with the EXACT SAME (with Henderson logo instead) case! And at that point I changed my mind - if these are good enough for a Henderson, who am I to say otherwise?

My Emerald guitar came in a Hiscox case which looks similar - after seeing the Henderson in these, I don't complain any longer.

[Rogerblair]

I think they’re fine. Nothing special, and if I was on the road with a guitar I’d pack in something better. But for us hobbyists, they’re ok.

Rb

[lowrider]

Since I read about ''latch bite'' on here, I've always been careful taking the guitar out or putting it back in every case. I've made a habit of keeping my arm in the way of the lid.

Are you guys saying that because the lid is so light it's more prone to closing? The latches are about the same as on other cases. They're even a little smaller.

[lowrider]

Look at poor John Prine lugging the heavy old Martin Case;



He's all tipped over to the other side!

[RoyBoy]

I'm presuming it's an ABS case. They're fine for knocking around town and keeping it safe in the house. I would not consider baggage checking it on an airline, the way the handlers throw them around and drop them from heights, that case will get smashed.

Both of my Taylors came in similar cases. After 20 years, one of them cracked up near the headstock and proceeded fall apart in huge chunks. The case had never been knocked over or anything. I called Taylor to see if they'd cut me a break on one of their new wooden cases, nope! $200.

The Hiscox is a completely different critter, they'll survive fall off a moving vehicle. They also insulate with a foam that provides thermal protection. In between, Gator's TSA series cases are constructed of polyethylene which is supposedly much more rugged. Their latches and handles are very easy on the fingers.

[zombywoof]

We used to call those blue molded Martin cases "Steal Me" cases.

[EZYPIKINS]

What happens to plastic as it ages?

My first plastic case was a fender Bullitt Strat. The ones before they started using the Squire name.

Bought the guitar for the feel of the neck. Was played by our rhythm player.

Case came apart in chunks in 6 mo.

I like wooden/tolex cases

[89bruin]

Got a couple ... they’re just fine for casual use but I’d never use one for checking a guitar for air travel.

[martingitdave]

It's a love/hate thing. They are a little better in terms of temp and humidity control. They are lighter and a bit smaller than Geib cases. But, the latches have always bothered me. I actually carry my guitar around town in a Godin Tric case for that reason. It uses an outer cloth cover with a zipper. No potential for case bite.

A substantial step up from the Martin molded case is the Hiscox Pro II.