Poll: Would you like a hardshell case or a gig bag with your CF guitar?

[Puerto Player]

Just an FYI, I think the case that comes with the Emerald X20's is garbage. The guitar doesn't fit properly the guitar slides around inside. In addition, when closing the case it doesn't line up properly to close smoothly. I have to press on the top or bottom to get it to line up and close completely. Also, the latches aren't smooth at all. I'm really surprised they use these cases.

Generally, I prefer a hard shell case, but how you will be using the case is an important factor. If you rarely take the guitar anywhere, and then only to a friends to play or something, a simple bag will suffice, heck maybe even no bag except to carry odds and ends along. In other cases, you will want a hard shell to better protect it.

[GuitarLuva]

Originally Posted by Puerto Player

Just an FYI, I think the case that comes with the Emerald X20's is garbage. The guitar doesn't fit properly the guitar slides around inside. In addition, when closing the case it doesn't line up properly to close smoothly. I have to press on the top or bottom to get it to line up and close completely. Also, the latches aren't smooth at all. I'm really surprised they use these cases.

I don't know if they had the case modified or something but my X20, which is a 2019 model, fits the case like a glove and I have no issues with the latches lining up. I actually love this case. My only complaint is that I wish the center storage compartment was a little bigger.

[Captain Jim]

I have to agree with GuitarLuva: the Hiscox case I have for the X20 is great. Lightweight, but nice protection. The top and bottom fit together perfect, and the latches feel solid and secure. The fit of the guitar in the case is nicely snug - it doesn't move around at all.

While I have come to prefer a good gig bag (since I am the only one handling my guitars), I think the Hiscox case that Emerald uses is far nicer than any of the wood cases I have on other guitars.

[byudzai]

I've never wished I had a hard case. I strap my guitar on my back, walk to gig, play. Or I toss it in backseat, then walk. Sometimes I bring an amp that goes in the trunk, no threat to the guitar.

If i had a bunch of gear, flew with my guitar, etc, I'd need a case I suppose.

[tbeltrans]

With the McPherson Touring, you don't have to choose one or the other - because you get both a quality hard shell case AND a quality gig bag of nice, heavy material that will last. McPherson does quality very well throughout their product line. My Nephew tells me that they make the best carbon fiber hunting bows too.

As for the poll, I tend to use the hard shell case most of the time. The hard shell case fits the Touring like a glove, nice and snug in all that padding. However, I only use it if I am going somewhere with the guitar. At home, since these are CF guitars through and through, I can keep them out on the stand all year around.

Tony

[DavidE]

My answer depends on what "decently padded" means. The gig bag that came with my Emerald X20 is inadequate in my opinion (and I've read posts by others with the same opinion). So, if the choice is between a hard case or something like my Emerald bag, then I'd prefer the hard case. BUT, put it in a Mono M80 or a Mono Vertigo or a similar Gator bag and I'd prefer the bag.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by tbeltrans

With the McPherson Touring, you don't have to choose one or the other - because you get both a quality hard shell case AND a quality gig bag of nice, heavy material that will last.

In this case both cases are excellent

[AxeDude]

I wish I had gig bag for my SG Shorty. I’m looking at the Access bag. It looks like I should order a neck rest for the less expensive bag (I don’t need a really heavy one).

[tbeltrans]

Originally Posted by kramster

In this case both cases are excellent

...and such an excellent response, just in case nobody noticed.

Tony

[jonfields45]

I just found a TKL 8810 (deluxe dreadnought case that will not accommodate a 12-string) in stock at Cascio and ordered it yesterday for my H-DR. I guess my flirtation with gig bags is over for now. I am debating putting all my gig bags up on Craigslist to get them out of the house (I'm not a collector of stuff...).

I played a backyard party gig a few weeks ago and after we finished playing and joined the food and alcohol my CH-PA in its lightweight bag got moved around a bit. I later found it on top of a tall stool upright leaning against a wall. I'm flying that guitar EWR->SFO in a few weeks and with early boarding it will be in its case up top and I can forget about it for a few hours.

[RP]

Just thought I'd bump this poll to get more responses...

[L3stat]

For those who said gig bag only, how was the guitar shipped to you? In that gig bag only? Was there a shipping box or something?

[RP]

Originally Posted by L3stat

For those who said gig bag only, how was the guitar shipped to you? In that gig bag only? Was there a shipping box or something?

I just got a Rainsong parlor and I ordered it with the gig bag option. It's an Access Stage 1 and came in the Rainsong box which was enclosed inside a second box with some packing. Not sure what the question's intent is but there's obviously a great difference between the protection needed for an unescorted guitar going across country via a shipping company and being carried around by its owner...

Originally Posted by DavidE

My answer depends on what "decently padded" means. The gig bag that came with my Emerald X20 is inadequate in my opinion (and I've read posts by others with the same opinion). So, if the choice is between a hard case or something like my Emerald bag, then I'd prefer the hard case. BUT, put it in a Mono M80 or a Mono Vertigo or a similar Gator bag and I'd prefer the bag.

Clearly all gig bags are not created equal just as all hard cases are not. I didn't want to overly define the expense/quality of the gig bag and used "decently padded" instead of mid-level. In short, I hoped that respondents would not think in terms of either the most nor the least expensive options....

[jonfields45]

When I'm walking through the airport I want a gig bag.

After I've placed it in the overhead I want a case.

If it gets gate checked then I really want a case.

Carrying my guitar around town and in my car I want a bag.

Sharing a ride to a gig with all of his stuff and our PA I want a case.

There is no pleasing me!