Taylor GS mini - Best "Hard" Case

[PeteyPower16]

Hi all,

Which of the following cases would you prefer for a Taylor GS mini, considering price, durability, features (pockets, zippers, locks, backpack straps), or other preferences?

Taylor - GS Mini Hard Gig Bag (tan bag that comes with the GS mini - zipper closure, backpack)

Taylor - GS Mini Aero Case Chocolate Brown (enhanced soft case that comes with GS mini Koa Plus - zipper closure, backpack)

Gator - GL-GSMINI - Lightweight Case for Taylor GS MINI (similar to Aero in style, cheaper in cost - zipper closure, backpack)

SKB - 1SKB-GSM Hardshell Case for Taylor GS Mini (true hard-shell ABS plastic case - latch closure, handle/no backpack)

[MickZ]

Really? It's a GS Mini, for heaven's sake. The gig bag is more than fine.

[JBCROTTY]

The SKB is a great case - I used to own a GS Mini and bought that case for it. The case is terrific.

[Iain1231]

Of course the aerocase! Gs are meant to be portable

[rllink]

Of course, I have that nifty bag my Mini came with and I have to say that the image in my mind of me being a vagabond Woody Guthrie type with my guitar bag slung over my back is appealing, but the reality is my Mini in the back of my SUV with stuff thrown on top of it. I have the SKB hard case. It serves the real me well.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by rllink

....but the reality is my Mini in the back of my SUV with stuff thrown on top of it. I have the SKB hard case....

The gig bag should suffice in most situations, IMO. But if you don't always have control over where the guitar rides, then a hard case is prudent. I have yet to see the new Taylor Aerocase in person.

[DianeA]

For my GS Mini I bought the KSB model case, the 1SKB-SCGSM. I bang it around against doorways and drop it into the car and it provides great protection.

[PeteyPower16]

Thank you for all the responses! I ended up getting the SKB hard case.

It protects nicely. My two less positive observations would be that it is fairly large given the size of the guitar (the width and thickness are as large as a Taylor GA case), and there is very little compartment room within. A third nice to have would be optional backpack straps, but I have never seen those on any hard case, so now I am just being picky…

These options could have been achieved with an additional case option I did not originally post (SKB soft shell case, seems to have the durability of the aero case but at half the cost), but I think in the end the plastic hardshell provides the best protection. Plus, I prefer the buckles to zippers.

I still think the SKB hard case is the best decision except for possibly the aero case, which is more expensive, offers no additional protective value, and uses a zipper. Having a hard case will protect the guitar for the future much better, and I think it speaks to longevity and valuing an instrument that is expected to be on the road fairly often.

I appreciate the feedback and comments from everyone on this post!

For reference: SKB soft shell backpack case:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[TDavis]

I have to give Taylor props for the amazing quality of both their standard gig bag for the GS Mini that absolutely SMOKES the crummy thing Martin calls a gig bag for their DJr. In fact it’s better than a lot of $100 gig bags out there.

And “free” is a hard to beat price.

[Dina4]

Originally Posted by MickZ

Really? It's a GS Mini, for heaven's sake. The gig bag is more than fine.

Unless You Bought a Limited Holden Village GS...Then, you should get a hard shell case!!�� ������