Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you just buy a guitar, but it didn’t come with anything to carry it in? Do you need some advice on what type of case to buy? A guitar case makes it easier to carry your instrument, and it also protects your guitar as you transport it. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best guitar case for you.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Case for You: Gig Bag
Advantages
- Gig bags are lightweight and convenient to use.
- They keep the weather off your instrument.
- Most will have padding that affords protection from dings and scratches.
Disadvantages
- Gig bags don’t give you as much protection as the other cases. In other words, they won’t protect well against serious impacts.
- In fact, some gig bags have no padding at all and are just bags that shield your instrument from the elements. Stay away from these types of gig bags.
Assessment
- When you get down to it, what type of case you’ll get depends on what your needs and preferences are.
- Hard shell and flight cases will give your guitar more protection if you’re traveling.
- However, for guitar lessons and local gigs, most guitarists opt for the simplicity of a lightweight gig bag.
Pro Tip: Alway zip your gig bag from the bottom up. If you zip from the top down, your guitar can spill out on the pavement.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Case for You: Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Advantages
- It provides more protection from impacts than a gig bag.
- It’ll keep the elements off your instrument.
- It’s easier to carry than a flight case and takes up less space.
Disadvantages
- It’s harder to lug around than a gig bag, making it less convenient.
- You can’t insure your guitar when you travel by air, sea, or train.
Soft vs Hard Shell
- Soft shell cases are made from cardboard – like Maria carries in the Sound of Music.
- They only give you a little bit more protection than a gig bag, and they’re much more unwieldy.
- Hard shell cases are usually made of wood or rigid plastic.
- They’re a good option if a roadie is handling your gear for you.
Assessment
- Hard shells may be worth it if you’re doing a lot of local or regional gigging because they afford more protection than gig bags but aren’t as cumbersome as flight cases.
- Soft shells aren’t that great, but they’re better than nothing.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Case for You: Flight Case
Advantages
- They provide the ultimate protection for your instrument.
- TSA-approved flight cases can be insured when you travel.
Disadvantages
- They weigh a ton.
- They’re big and awkward to carry.
- They take up a lot of space.
Assessment
- If you must fly, this is the one to buy.
- However, it’s a bit much for day-to-day use.
- If you do get a flight case, you might want to also get a gig bag as well and skip the hard shell case altogether.
- That way you’ll have the flight case for travel and the gig bag for everyday use.
Five tips for your trip
- Buy a TSA-approved flight case.
- Get insurance for your instrument.
- Take pictures of it before you travel.
- Consider getting air tags.
- If your instrument is expensive enough, you may want to buy an extra seat for it to fly in.
How to Choose the Best Guitar Case for You: Buying a Gig Bag
The following links have a selection of stylish sports team branded gig bags (makes a perfect gift for “him”).
Final Thoughts
- When you get down to it, what type of case you get depends on what your needs and preferences are.
- A hard shell will give your guitar some impact protection and a flight case will give you the best protection when traveling.
- However, for guitar lessons and local gigs, most guitarists opt for the simplicity of a lightweight gig bag.
Have fun playing!
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- How to Choose the Best Guitar Strings for You
- Easy Guide for Learning How to Replace Guitar Strings
- The 7 Best Iconic Riffs That Make People Want to Play Guitar
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2026 Geoffrey Keith
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