Good quality custom case

[Tomm Williams]

For my 60th I’m having a custom acoustic built by a friend who’s been building instruments for years. His body shape is not exactly like any other guitar I’m aware of and I don’t want a case that “sort of” fits. Who builds custom cases ?

[jim1960]

Ameritage and Cedar Creek both build very nice custom cases. I own several Ameritage cases and one Cedar Creek. The Ameritage is a bit more top shelf but both will build to your guitar's measurements so the case fits like a custom made shoe.

[ManyMartinMan]

Every custom builder I've purchased from offers a top-tier case option for their guitars. For example, when I had a Charis built, he offers a standard case and custom Main Stage case made specifically for his SJ guitars. They even come with a plaque that says Charis Guitars instead of Main Stage. I would check with the builder as he/she will need to provide exact measurements for a case company to fabricate that case. He probably already has someone doing that for him/her.

[AcousticDreams]

I believe you can give Calton guitar Cases the exact measurements of your guitar, and they will build it for you. They run in the $1200 dollar range though.

[Yrksman]

Originally Posted by Knives&Guitars

I believe you can give Calton guitar Cases the exact measurements of your guitar, and they will build it for you. They run in the $1200 dollar range though.

This is correct. They’ve been doing it since 1969

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by jim1960

Ameritage and Cedar Creek both build very nice custom cases. I own several Ameritage cases and one Cedar Creek. The Ameritage is a bit more top shelf but both will build to your guitar's measurements so the case fits like a custom made shoe.

I've owned both brands, as well, but haven't kept any of the Ameritage cases because they're quite bulky and considerably heavier than the Cedar Creeks. On the two occasions when a guitar has come in an Ameritage case I've immediately sold the case while it's still brand new and put the guitar in an appropriate hardshell case.

Ameritage Cases



Calton Fiberglass Flight Case

While the Ameritage cases are definitely high quality, they weigh as much as a Calton flight case without as much protection, in my experience, and are even a bit bulkier.

I also own a couple of Calton flight cases and use them as my everyday cases for a couple of guitars, and I don't mind taking them to in-town gigs as well as flying with them. But ten minutes walking around my house with the first Ameritage case that came my way was enough to convince me that I didn't want to use it.

It's all a matter of personal taste, of course, and some folks really like the Ameritage cases. But I happen to find that the Cedar Creek cases I own are a lot more practical for daily use.

Short version: I've continued to keep and use the Cedar Creek cases I own, but sold off both Ameritage cases as soon as I got them.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

[tadol]

Depending on the size of the guitar, the Visesnut cases are very nice, and easily adjust to accomodate a wide range of sizes -

[Chipotle]

Visesnut cases (vih-SES-nut) get good reviews, and have a unique adjustable inner system. I'd think you could get it to snugly hold the guitar regardless of the shape.

Note I don't have any personal experience with them, although my commissioned build coming this year may arrive in one!

[mountainguitar]

Originally Posted by tadol

Depending on the size of the guitar, the Visesnut cases are very nice, and easily adjust to accomodate a wide range of sizes -

I agree- the Visesnut cases are great! They're very lightweight but still are able to humidify the guitar correctly. They have adjustable straps that fit around the guitar and hold it in the case well. Ben Wilborn (a luthier who builds great guitars) offers either a Visesnut or an Ameritage case with his guitars.

I have three of the Visesnut cases. Two of my guitars came with custom Ameritage cases, but they're just so heavy that I bought the Visesnut cases so I could transport my guitars easily and have humidity control. If you don't gig or have a cabin in the mountains, the Ameritage cases are very nice. But I needed a solid case that was also lightweight so I could transport guitars without worrying about humidity.

I'm actually thinking about another one, as I have a guitar in a Cedar Creek case and the Visesnut cases are so much lighter.

beth

[Shadowfox]

I'd also throw Hoffee Cases in the discussion. They are based not far from where I grew up!

[justonwo]

Cedar Creek makes a nice case. I have a few Ameritage cases; they are quality but unnecessarily heavy and bulky. Hoffee makes an excellent custom carbon fiber case, but they are quite expensive.

[jseth]

When I had James and Luke Goodall build me my Grand Concert as a 60th birthday present for myself (!), I decided to go ahead and spring for a Calton case, and I'm glad I did!

Although many folks said that the Calton was "too heavy", I find it to be lighter than an Ameritage, and MUCH MORE protective of the instrument. I would feel comfortable with putting my Calton case in baggage on an airplane, but Ameritage's aren't geared for that...

Calton will make you a case with the dimensions you give them...

For me, KNOWING my guitar was protected and secure was the main reason I went with a Calton... even though I haven't had to fly with it yet, I'm still glad I got it.

If $$$$ isn't too much of an issue, check out Karura cases, too... lighter than Caltons, but more money...

[colins]

Of my cases:

Ameritage – solid but very heavy and the only case I’ve had where the handle broke – poor design and then poor support from maker. Maybe they’ve got better over the years but they lost my vote a long time ago.

Mainstage & Calton – solid as a rock

Hoffee - very strong. Great build and light weight.

Visesenut – just got my first one and I am very impressed with the flexibility, strength and low weight. Not sure if it is as strong as a Hoffee or a Mainstage but unless I am flying and checking it that is probably not an issue.