Have you ever had a favorite guitar ruined by a poorly made or inadequate guitar case? If so, you will sympathize when we say cases are important. It really does not take very much to do some damage to that favorite instrument. It could be by accident or just carelessness, but it is vulnerable when it is not at home.
Sometimes you ask why they haven’t got a secure case? And the answer is interesting. ‘They cost more than my first guitar.’ Quite possibly, but how much will it cost to replace the guitar you have now?
It’s clearly obvious that if you don’t already own a quality case, then you need one. Also, if you have a quality guitar that you are lugging around in a battered old gig bag, it could well be time for an upgrade. So, let’s go through the Best Electric Guitar Cases currently available and find the perfect one for you…
Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Case of 2023
1 Yaheetech Rectangle Shaped Tweed Hard-shell Guitar Case
Yaheetech is an E-commerce company that sells a wide range of goods. They are not the manufacturers of this case and are only involved in its sale.
This is a case advertised for a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster. It will, though, fit most solid body guitars of a similar design and size. However, it is not suitable for the Les Paul as the clearance inside is not enough. It will go in, but the toggle pickup switch is embedded in the interior lining. And it sinks in quite deeply and is clearly under strain.
Whoever designed the case had a very long look at the original Fender cases. Even the tweed covering is reminiscent of the early Fender amps. It gives off that Fender look, which is nice if it’s a Fender inside. The Tweed covering is actually a Tweed material and not a cheap copy.
It is made of Poplar plywood and is lockable. It has three locking fittings on the outside. Two keys are provided. It measures 41.3 inches by 14.6 by 4.1 inches externally and weighs just over 13 pounds. Inside it has a length of 39.4 inches and a width 12.2 inches. The height inside we mentioned is just two inches.
It is going to fit all varieties of Telecasters and Strats easily. Anything else, it would be a good idea to check the size of the guitar.
Inside it is nicely presented with a great red flannelette lining with sponge underlay. This gives it a nice soft feeling, and the sponge will soak up and heavy external knocks. It is given a strong carrying handle,
There is a compartment for small accessories that will hold spare strings, a tuner, cables, etc. And it has a Velcro tape to secure the neck in place and stop any internal movement. This is not a fitted case, so there is always the potential for the guitar to move around. Having said that, the neck tape and overall fitting size make the guitar secure.
Overall it is well-made and strong. All the corners have been given added protection with metal shoulders. It could be the best electric guitar hard case — an excellent choice at a good price.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Well made with good fittings.
- Attractive and secure look inside and out.
Cons
- Won’t take guitars more than 2.5 inches thick.
2 Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case fits Stratocaster
This is an interesting design and idea. It combines the standard hardshell case with a gig bag. This is an interesting idea for a number of reasons. It is lightweight, weighing only five pounds, as against 13-15 of wooden cases.
It is still built large enough to handle a Tele or Strat or similar size guitar. If an object is dropped on a wooden-based case, it could split. On this, it is likely to just bounce off.
We suppose it is just that it feels more like a gig bag than a case. That is possibly a little unfair, though.
It is made from a tough, rugged 600 denier Nylon covering with plenty of dense EPS foam underneath for external padding. When you are carrying it around and accidentally crack the case into your leg, you will still have two. Wooden cases can draw blood! We know.
Inside it has a soft interior that is quite plush looking but no compartments with lids. Nothing can realistically be kept in the case other than the guitar and be held safely. There are compartmented spaces on either side of the neck. But if you were to include anything else, it could move around and scratch the guitar.
On the outside are two pockets for smaller accessories that don’t take up too much space. It has a tough nylon handle and also a shoulder strap that can be removed. There is a heavy-duty zipper for closing and opening. This design fits both left and right-handed guitars.
It sits at a similar price point to a hard wooden case. It is, therefore, mainly a matter of choice. This case, though, doesn’t have any secure inside compartments. Nor does it have a fastening for the neck of the guitar. We can see what they have tried to build, and it isn’t a bad idea except for the issues we just mentioned.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- An interesting idea for left and right-handed guitars.
- Very lightweight.
Cons
- No internal secure compartments.
3 ChromaCast CC-EHC Electric Guitar Hard Case
Chromacast is a company selling accessories for a variety of instruments. Guitar cases are just one of a wide range of products that they have in stock. They sell various cases for guitars, including basses, Dreadnought acoustics, and semi-acoustics. We are going to look at one of their cases for electric guitars.
This is what you might call a very basic case. It is well made using a laminated plastic and has a black lined interior. We have to say that interior padding is a little thin on the ground. It could have done with a little more than it has. The case is lockable with three foldover chrome latches. The outer covering has attractive stitching right around the case. It has a comfortable plastic molded handle that has a very rugged feel to it.
The interior is quite large, with a length of 41 inches, which will accommodate just about all guitars. It is lighter than some models at 10 pounds. Perhaps the most important statistic with the size, though, is the depth. At 3 inches deep internally, it will accommodate some guitars that cases measuring 2.5 inches will not.
Continuing with the inside details, there is some extra padding at the neck and the bridge. Unfortunately, there are no fittings or straps to secure the guitar in place when being carried.
There is an interior storage compartment, but there is no cover that can be secured. Anything, therefore, placed in the case that is loose will be liable to move around when being carried. That can cause damage to the instrument, so it is, therefore, not an option.
A little cheaper than some of its competitors, this case, as we said, doesn’t come with too many extras. Having said that for the money, it is a decent case. But maybe not if the guitar is very expensive.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Affordable price.
- Decent outer shell and fittings.
Cons
- Light on padding inside and with no real storage with a lid.
4 Gator Cases Journeyman Series Deluxe Wood Case for Standard Electric Guitars
Gator makes a range of cases for electric guitars, and this is another example. Once again, this case seems to have been designed very much with the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster in mind. Some of their cases are designed specifically for Fender shaped guitars. When they are, the cases are given that Fender looks externally.
This is a very traditional style of guitar case. It is made from plywood panels to create a tough outer shell. It is then covered in an attractive woven burlap. Burlap is made from the skins of plants and is known to be quite tough as a covering. The exterior is completed with antique-looking brass-style hardware.
The Journeyman is made as the name suggests for the traveling musician. The frame is not as strong as those that may be made from hardened plastics or acrylics. Plywood is a good material, but it can be a little bit vulnerable.
Inside there is crushed velvet-like material. It looks very attractive, but we have to say that the padding is a little thin. Some guitar cases have internal padding that holds the guitar in place but not with this case. Instruments will be prone to move around. This will depend on the size of the guitar in relation to the internal size of the case. Larger guitars are less likely to move.
One very good addition inside is the large compartment that will hold some extras. It is large enough to hold leads and cables and spare strings but also a couple of effects pedals.
Depending on the pedal size, of course. The good thing about this compartment is that it has a lid. Whatever you take in, there is not going to fall out during use and potentially scratch the guitar.
It is a nice looking guitar case that feels a little weak and could do with a bit more padding inside. Quite expensive when compared with others.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Nice design and look.
- Good internal compartment with lid.
Cons
- Needs more internal padding.
5 Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case for Stratocaster & Telecaster
We suspect that Gator really likes Fender guitars. This is another of their guitar cases designed with the epic Tele and Strat in mind. It will, of course, take all the Squier models and variant copies of both guitars.
But, why limit it to Fender style instruments? If you have a guitar that will fit, it is a great case, just check out the height of the guitar. The maximum, in this case, is only 2.5 inches. On the subject of the size, it has an internal length of 39.5 inches. The overall size is 40.8 inches by 15.2 by 5.2 inches. It weighs just 8 pounds.
This case has a tough build. It has its outer body made from a molded ABS polymer plastic, which gives it a rugged secure feeling. The connecting edges are solid aluminum, and it has a handle that is bolted through the body for extra strength. There are three secure latches that are chrome plated and are lockable. It is strong with good hardware, so it is ticking all the boxes at the moment.
At first sight, it is quite impressive. It has a nice soft lining with foam padding. It will fit the aforementioned Fender classics perfectly. There is decent neck support. It is interesting, though, to us that maybe the people that design these cases are not guitar players.
It has a nice size storage area. But it becomes unusable except for paper objects like string packets or picks. We tend to carry more than that. Put anything remotely heavy in there, and you have a scratched guitar as it falls around in use. Of course, you can always store those things elsewhere, but some people like them in their case.
Other than that, and it could maybe do with a little more padding, it is a fine case. Tough and well-built it’s going to go the distance. Certainly, it should be considered as the best electric guitar hard case.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Tough build with good fittings.
- Nice tight fit for the right sized guitar.
Cons
- A little more padding might be helpful.
6 SKB 62 Jaguar Jazzmaster Style Electric Guitar Case
SKB is a well-known name in the world of guitar cases. Established in 1977, they have grown to an established status and name Fender themselves amongst their client base.
If you want tough, this is it. You can safely put Kurt Cobain’s Fender Jaguar inside and run it over with a truck. Nothing will happen to it. This case is designed for two of the less popular guitars built by Fender. The Jaguar and the Jazzmaster.
The body of this case is made from a tough rubber-based material that is built to handle most things. You might say it is quite durable. Pretty to look at, it is not, but that works in its favor. It looks like it means business, and it does. A case doesn’t only need a strong body, but the edging has got to withstand punishment as well. The edging on this case is reinforced for that extra protection.
Is there a weak point? If there is, it isn’t the hardware, and it has TSA (Transport Security Administration) locks. The latches have a trigger release that is strengthened fiberglass for strength and durability. TSA locks can be opened by officials at airports but only in the US. The handle is made of a strong molded plastic material.
A heavily padded lining that is plush and smart and some space for other equipment. It is designed to fit a Jaguar and Jazzmaster. It will take Squier versions, but that is it. Not even a Strat. The guitars fit like a glove, and if it is not what it is designed for, it is not going to fit. It has wells built-in for convenient stacking.
With its rugged build and safety points, this is almost certainly the best air travel electric guitar case. Not cheap but an excellent case. If you have a Jaguar or Jazzmaster and you travel, there is nothing else to use.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Tough, rugged build.
- Good hardware and fittings.
Cons
- Some are going to find it expensive.
7 Fender Classic Series Case for Stratocaster/Telecaster
Going through our list of cases so far, there have been quite a few designed for the Telecaster and the Stratocaster. There are a lot of them out there. We would, therefore, have been very surprised if the company themselves didn’t offer something for their two icons of the guitar world.
Here it is. Made to measure for two of their most known instruments. (We say two of, because there are 3, the other being the Precision bass). Is this the Best Electric Guitar Case? Let’s have a closer look…
You only have to look at it to feel the authenticity of history pouring out of it. You can’t wait to open it like a child at Christmas waiting to see what is inside.
It is a classic design, made from wood with a black vinyl covering, and has chrome-plated corner protectors and some small chrome-plated feet so it will stand correctly. It is built specifically for the Telecaster and Stratocaster. But it is so designed inside that it will take left or right-hand guitars.
The case measures 42.6 inches in length and is 16.6 inches wide. It weighs a little over 11 pounds. The edges are strengthened against wear and tear. To finish the exterior design, the Fender logo is placed in the lower corner.
It has a well-built tough handle and locking latches with a briefcase type opening action. If you are not used to Fender cases, they come locked. The keys are inside. To open, use the locks just like a briefcase. Push the buttons left to the left and right to the right. It will pop open.
A crushed black acrylic makes a change from the usual bright red or blue we are often faced with. It gives it a classic styling. Built-in is an accessory compartment, but unfortunately, it has no lid.
It is a great case that is a cut above most of the competition. But it is always more expensive. I suppose at the end of the day, do you want a bit of extra quality for your beloved Fender? That and, of course, a case with the logo on it. Must be included as a contender for the best electric guitar hard case.
(3.8 / 5)Pros
- Fender product with logo.
- Well-built with plenty of padding inside.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
8 Music Area TANG 30 Series Electric Guitar Bag
When considering protecting your precious instrument, a guitar bag is not something you would usually consider. But this bag has some qualities that make it stand out from other bags. And for those who prefer environmentally friendly materials, this will impress.
All the materials used in the manufacture are not only free from environmental problems but are ROHS approved. This is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances code that ensures there is nothing nasty lurking in the construction. Unfortunately, these substances are all around us in today’s world and even in what we eat. Tang manufactures their bags with these issues in mind.
The principal material used is 900D grade Polyester. This is a toughened form of this much-used material that is water-resistant. Please note water-resistant does not mean water-proof. The terms are often used in place of each other, but they are different. The Polyester is given a ‘Snowflake’ textured finish, which we have to say is really quite nice.
The job of a guitar case is to protect the instrument, principally during transport. The question is, can a bag ever meet the standards of a case? Well, yes and no. Nothing like sitting on the fence is there. If the case is poor quality, you would be better off with a tough bag such as this. However, it can never hope to match a very well-built road-ready case.
This bag has its advantages other than being environmentally friendly. It is lightweight, easily carried, and has a huge amount of storage space built-in around its body. Inside it has far more padding and protection than you would find in just about any case. It is especially thick around where the bottom end of the guitar would be and around the neck.
The material used is EVA, which is a safe form of rubber and plastic, which is tough and durable. It has a memory foam handle and a heavy-duty zipper.
It has shoulder straps and extra storage space that can be attached to them. All are removable. At the bottom end is a PVC covering, which won’t wear out.
We would not have considered a bag at all until we had a close look at this. If you don’t want a case but need to protect your instrument, then this could be the answer; it isn’t cheap, though.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Environmentally-friendly construction.
- Well-built with lots of good features.
Cons
- Some will be put off by the fact it is a bag.
9 Reunion Blues RBCB4 RB Continental Voyager Electric Bass Guitar Case
Some people may not have heard of Reunion. They were one of the first companies to make guitar cases and bags. Formed in 1976, they have been producing them since and have a complete range for a variety of instruments.
The Continental Voyager is not so much a case as a very tough bag for a bass. First introduced in 2008, it has become a popular alternative to a standard case format.
Reunion includes in the design of their bags what they call a Flexoskeleton. This is a one-inch thick shock absorber that creates a high level of protection. The bag is made of a nylon-based material and finished in an attractive grey color with blue highlights. It is 52 inches long and weighs just two pounds, which is a big incentive for some people.
It has reinforced impact panels and a handle that is shaped with a foam core, The zippers are tough and durable and water-resistant. The stitching has a strength about it, and there are adjustable protection pads. Storage compartments are also included for the stuff you have to carry, and it has back straps.
Internally the amount of padding is impressive, and it has reinforced neck support. This will lock the neck of your bass into place when carrying it. It is finished in a rich deep blue.
It’s impressive for a bag for your bass, but we must remember, a bag is what it is. It is a very strong and stable bag with plenty of good materials in the design. But it is not a hard case. It is definitely, in our view, tough enough to withstand the ‘careful’ attendance of airport baggage handlers, for instance.
However, it is well-made and uses quality material, but it is also very expensive. It also has its plus points, though, in terms of the thickness of the protection and its overall weight.
If a bag is what you prefer, then it is worth considering.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Well-padded and lightweight.
- Panels are reinforced.
Cons
- The price point will put some people off.
10 MONO M80 Electric Guitar Case
As time, technologies, and people’s attitudes change, so does their perception of things. This is true in the world of the guitar case. Even as recently as maybe ten to fifteen years ago, we had cases for guitars, and we had bags. If you were a gigging musician, you didn’t turn up with a bag if you wanted to maintain any credibility at all. Bags were for a cheap guitar and certainly not something with Fender written all over it.
Now though, there is a shift; bags have become quite fashionable. They are not even called bags anymore, and the manufacturers tell us they are cases. What’s in a name, but whatever you want to call it, it is not a hard case.
It is called a fabric case, and is actually one of the strongest fabric cases available. That is fine. It is a great looking bag/case made from ‘waterproof’ sharkskin. Sharks are in trouble if it isn’t waterproof. The material then for the outer is pliable and not rigid.
Inside it offers some nice features with a neck brace system and a design that allows the headstock to be suspended. This is a good idea but won’t do any good for a Les Paul. All you have to do is look at that headstock, and it falls off, so in a bag, it will be at risk.
There are plenty of compartments for accessories, all with quality zips, and the main sip function is also tough and durable. The handle also is well-made with steel reinforced rivets.
There is no doubt it is a very tough quality bag for a guitar. Possibly the best electric guitar soft case that is out there. But it is a bag, and it cannot give the same protection as wood or molded plastic shell case.
It is, of course, in its element, walking through a big crowd of people strapped to your back — this against walking through a busy airport with a case for a Fender Precision, and taking out half a dozen people on the way to check-in. It is light, and it is very well-made, but it is a bag.
If that is what you want, we doubt you will find a better one. Certainly, you won’t find a more expensive one.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Well-made with good materials.
- Plenty of internal support and external compartments.
Cons
- Very expensive.
Best Electric Guitar Case Buyer’s Guide
Buying Protection For Your Guitar
As we said in our introduction, buying a guitar case is a bit of a sticking point with some people. Some, not all, seem to loathe to spend a bit more to keep their instrument safe. It doesn’t matter as much if it’s a cheap guitar, but even then, you ought to give it a little bit of protection. So the first question to be answered is simple.
Do You Need a Guitar Case?
If you ever leave the house with your guitar, then you’ve got to carry it in something. And if it is worth a lot of money or even if it is just a treasured possession, it ought to be protected. If it is secure, it will be less susceptible to changes in temperature or exposure to inclement weather. It will be protected against being bumped or scraped and even stolen. But consideration must be given to the type of journeys involved.
If it is just to a local venue, maybe not far away, then a bag might suffice. But what about traveling a bit further to a venue you don’t know. It needs to be protected on the journey and while it is there. And what about if you are a touring pro? Flights and all that. If they are going to put it in the hold on the plane, then it has to be tough to withstand whatever someone throws at it. And we mean that literally.
Personal Preference
This comes into the decision making process now, whereas it didn’t some years ago. Now we have heavy-duty bags that are called cases. They are very strong, but they are soft and not completely rigid. They do have benefits, though. Do those benefits suit your purpose? If so, you will want to consider that sort of protection, though possibly not on planes.
The Budget
There has to be one, and there is quite a range of prices. It is not a big investment in our view, but you ought to be clear in your mind the purpose of the case. What you will use it for. Then you can look at cases that fit what you require.
There are a lot to choose from and some excellent products. Finding the Best Electric Guitar Case won’t be easy.
Need Some More Accessories?
If so, then please take a look at our reviews of the Best Guitar Strings and the Best Guitar Strap Locks currently available.
So, What’s The Best Electric Guitar Case?
We have a Telecaster in our midst here that hasn’t got a case. Yes…we know, it should have. But in our defense, it never leaves the recording room it is in. Nevertheless, it might do one day so we will need to buy a case.
That prompts us to consider what we wanted. We want a case, not a strong bag, and we want it to look nice as well. But it must be sturdy and have a nicely padded interior. There are some good choices amongst the list. But regardless of the type of guitar to go in it, one case stands out to us.
We have therefore chosen the…
This is our choice for Best Electric Guitar Case.