A Good Word For Martin Moulded Cases

[TonewoodDan]

I’ve read a lot of threads on this and other forums knocking Martin moulded plastic cases. I agree the moulded case that came with my new 2018 000-28 is not as pretty as the top-of-the-line traditional plywood case that housed my 2004 000-28EC that I recently sold, however, I think the moulded case is equally protective, it’s significantly lighter, and retains humidity far better than the plywood case. Not pretty, but pretty good.

[Methos1979]

I agree. I've owned many Martin's in my life and all of them came with the Geib cases that were well made and very heavy. A recent custom purchase came with their moulded case and at first I was put off by it but then came to feel is was much preferred to the Geib cases. I never use hard cases anyway as they are usually far too heavy and don't have any useful extra storage like a quality gig bag but I did use the moulded case from time to time. Still no useful extra storage but light enough to make it a good case for taking to gigs.

[archerscreek]

I disagree. The molded case I received with a Custom Shop dread has raised metal edges that want to scrape the guitar and zero room for a padded leather strap. It's much less convenient (opening truck doors, heavy bar and church doors, winding through patrons) if I have to carry a seperate bag because I need to bring along a padded strap and a few other items. Non-crowded space at an ideal height to take the guitar out and put it back in isn't always present either.

The Geib case that came with the D-18GE is a much more useful and user-friendly design. Whichever guitar I take out of the house travels in the Geib. I can fit a padded strap in the Geib below the headstock, even with a clip on tuner still attached, and I can fit a DI box, short cable, capo, picks etc. in the storage box. The padding in the Geib case stabilizes the guitar better, too, whereas the molded case allows the guitars to shimmy around a tad bit.

Martin's molded case might be better than the case that came with my National, which requires me to stuff socks around the body, but it's not close to the Geib. I wouldn't pay $30 for a spare molded case. I'd quickly pay four times that for another Geib.

[AndrewG]

To be honest the moulded Martin cases aren't that great, and the flat top 'wooden' ones which come with the 15-series are worse. They both flex far too easily, but are fine for casual use and keeping the rain out. Personally I would choose a Hiscox moulded case for excellent protection, both physically and thermally. How a case looks doesn't concern me.

[roylor4]

I wouldn't want a case with mould, but a molded one might be okay.

Ahh, I see it is a correct British use, but here, it's what forms in a cold damp place.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by roylor4

I wouldn't want a case with mould, but a molded one might be okay.

Ahh, I see it is a correct British use, but here, it's what forms in a cold damp place.

'Cold and damp' describes Britain perfectly

[L20A]

My 1981 D-35 came in a plastic case. The case didn't have much storage room for picks ,strap etc.
It blistered from the sun hitting it during a gig.
The buttons that are used as protection started to drop inside the case as the plastic got brittle.

I replaced the case with a standard Geib style case after about 15 years of service.
The case did what it was made to do but I would never use one again if I had my choice.

[ManyMartinMan]

You'll get a lot of love for the Martin Thermopastic case. Some don't like it but it's been around for a long time and continues for a reason. User's (like every other case) have to be cautious inserting and removing any guitar from its case to avoid scratches and gouges but the case has proven to be a great guitar-transport case. If you're taking your guitar somewhere, you'll likely (at least I do) need room for a lot more than a strap so carry a case or backpack for your accessories.

[Silly Moustache]

I used to keep my '73 D35 in an old Guild plywood case.

Long after the guitar went, I kept the case in the attic.
It REALLY went mouldy.

I bought new Tolex and yellow fluffy interior material and gave it to an upholsterer to revamp...haven't seen it for two years!

[SpruceTop]

I like Martin moulded cases but like most molded cases: Beware The Ring Of Death!

[Axelorox]

I never had any issues with mine. I didn't even know Martin had other styles of cases (those are beyond me era). At least the smell from the Martin cases disappears quickly, unlike Gibson cases...

[brianmay]

I have two moulded cases and never had a problem, you just have to use a flat surface and don't put the guitar anywhere near it until the lid is stable.

Simples. If you wish to pay more for another one, go ahead.

Can't imagine Martin supplying a case that doesn't do the job.

[AZLiberty]

I bought my D-35 used.

Previous owner cut the stupid strap that keeps the lid half open, so it opens flat. If he hadn't done so I would have.

[Bridgepin]

I have two of the old thermoplastic case's and I won't use them for a good guitar, I have a travel guitar in one now.

I find that the lid doesn't open far enough and can easily come back down and close on your hand like it did to me or worse hit the guitar.

[Max23]

I kinda like the 640 case. It's lightweight so is easy to pickup&go (just watch those metal edges, they can bite)
And the case is fairly airtight - good for humidipaks.