Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?

Subject: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Arnie
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 01:26 PM

I've recently bought a Yamaha electro-acoustic APX style guitar but it didn't come with a case. Can anyone recommend a reliable UK source for guitar hard cases? I've seen one online by Stagg - are they any good? Also, my wife has an Ashbury autoharp without a case - anyone know a good source for a case for this? Grateful for any advice.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: redsnapper
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 01:37 PM

My APX 10CN is a snug fit inside a Hiscox large classical case so that might be worth trying. It also fits comfortably inside a "Westfield" hard case which is, I suspect, of Far Eastern origin possibly similar to the Stagg and which is quite solid. The Hiscox is about twice as expensive but very good.

RS

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: redsnapper
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 01:39 PM

P.S. Most good guitar shops can supply the Hiscox. I expect most could supply the Stagg/Westfield type.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: GUEST,Ian cookieless
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 02:32 PM

I would never buy a guitar case other than the unbeatable Hiscox for lightness and protection. If you have a non-standard guitar size (as I do), they will send you cushion pads for free in the post to make the instrument fit snugly, which I attach with velcro. I have no connection with the company - I am a very satisfied customer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 02:35 PM

Try here , they will also make you a case for the autoharp for a price.
G

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Arnie
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 04:11 PM

Redsnapper - I like the look of the Hiscox range and they do a case for the APX so I'll have a look for a stockist.

Giok - can't find anything suitable on your link but thanks anyway.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Declan
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 04:42 PM

Another vote for Hiscox here. Someone once told me that they come with a guarantee for life. If the case breaks up they will replace it. I've never followed this up to see whether this was the case (pun definitely intended) or not. I have one Hiscox which is in pretty bad nick - entirely due to years of negligence and abuse on my part.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Bernard
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 06:09 PM

Another very satisfied Hiscox user - one of mine dates back to the mid 1970s when they first started producing them - and it's still in good nick. Okay, the handle fell off (the early handles were poor), but I modified it and it's still okay.

It's great in this day and age to still be able to find good quality, made to last.

My decision was made when the rep came into the music shop I was in, opened the case to reveal a Gibson custom, shut the case again and proceeded to jump on it...! I wonder how many times he'd already done that, and the case was still doing its job. I bought one!

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 06:12 PM

Well I have a Calton case, and can't recommend them too highly, but they are not cheap.
G

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 06:13 PM

The hiscox are good but expensive - try to get a second hand one. The Stagg are quite as good, but the fastens on the case of the handles don't look as substantial. the Stagg is done under different names. IT's quite good enough if you don't have that heavy a gigging schedule.

Peavey do a great case for about half the price of the hiscox - looks pretty similar to me. Derek Brimstone has got this weird revolutionary new guitar case made out of some space age stuff that looks like foam - but its really strong - that's about £5o. E-mail Derek he will tell you the make. I've forgotten.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 07:09 PM

It all depends what you want to pay. I use a chap Stagg styrofoam even for quite decent guitars - depending on where I am going and what I am doing. I have a friend with some really quite expensive Martins who may do likewise.

But I wouldn't airfreight in them.

If the guitar is a Yamaha apx copy as such, rather than a similar and more expensive intrument, I would have thought a Carlton over the top.

Was is Climate Control cases who used to guarantee their cases against everything except grizzly bear or children under 3?

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: GUEST,Flatpick
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 07:15 PM

I got an absolutely great autoharp case from Elderly Instruments of Michigan. Not cheap, just excellent, protecting $1000 worth of Keith Young autoharp.
I am just a satisfied customer recommending a good company.
I keep my 1969 Martin D-28 in a Gator case, about £55, as I recall, bought it in Thirsk Music Shop, N.Yorkshire - I'm very, very happy with them, too.
Hope this helps,
Keep on the sunny side.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 10:49 PM

I use the TRIC Case too. It looks like Styrofoam but is much stronger and offers protection from environmental extremes as well as being really light. British Airways are the only ones who have come close to destroying this one. When it dies, I'll replace it with another of the same brand.
"Fort" simply means "Strong" but not like old cheese.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: GUEST,guest, iancarterb
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 11:17 PM

Dusty Strings in Seattle had a great variety of autoharp cases when I went to inquire over something lighter than than the half-ton wooden one I made decades ago when the Schmidt cardboard box died. I think dustystrings.com will get you there. I never did buy one, but not because the cases they had weren't good. Probably not airline safe, but most were way sturdier than a gig bag.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 06:20 AM

Another case site.
G

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: Arnie
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 11:07 AM

Giok - that last link did the trick - it lead me to 'soundslive' and I liked the fact that you can phone them up and check details, so I've now ordered a Hiscox case from them, delivery within 2 days. Now that's why I like Mudcat - thanks for the advice everyone! I'll sort out my wife's autoharp case later....

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: GUEST,ned at work
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 10:33 AM

Another for Hiscox- I've been using them for years and the company gives excellent aftersales service. Cheaper than a calton.

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: redsnapper
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 11:14 AM

The edge of my Calton got chipped when someone unexpectedly dropped a case of 24 bottles on it but I fixed it with some epoxy and paint. RyanAir baggage handlers attempted to spear my Hiscox with something nasty and sharp, again I was able to repair it.

Both had their handbuilt instruments within, which escaped unscathed both times, and it goes to show that a little extra cost is worthwhile to protect your babies.

RS

Subject: RE: Tech: Guitar case - reliable source?
From: redsnapper
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 11:16 AM

P.S. I've had the Calton 27 years now and it's still in excellent condition (just had to replace the leather strap twice besides the repair above). I hope the Hiscox lasts as well!

RS