For any guitarists out there, you know how important a good case is for your electric lady. And no doubt, you have explored numerous options for protecting your most valuable asset.
But truth be told, finding the right electric guitar case can be a hassle. Plus, if it is one of those ‘custom’ cases, it can cost a pretty penny as well.
Back in the day, there were very few electric guitar case options. Often they were bulky, heavy, and could only fit a specific type of guitar. Fortunately, with advancements in rubber and foam technology, a whole new world of electric guitar protection, storage, and transportation is now available.
Going Hybrid…
One of these new breeds is the ‘hybrid’ electric guitar case. A robust hybrid case offers the protective hardness of older ones and the lightweight softness of padded gig bags. One such case taking the world by storm is the MONO M80 Hybrid.
So, what makes this electric guitar case popular?
Stick around, and you’ll find out all about it in our MONO M80 Electric Guitar Case Review…
(4.5 / 5)What is a Hybrid Guitar Case?
As the name suggests, it is a mix of two different things. As we mentioned earlier, the combination is hardness and softness.
Essentially, a hybrid guitar case offers all the protection of a hardshell case, with the flexibility and convenience of a softshell case.
A new kind of material…
Whereas older hardshell cases used fiberglass or a very dense polymer foam for the interior mold of the case, a hybrid guitar case uses an ultra-light laminated foam shell.
Furthermore, there is no exterior plastic or wood housing. This results in a much lighter guitar case with the same protective capabilities as a hardshell case.
Additionally, a hybrid guitar case offers the kind of protection that a simple softshell case cannot. Sure, a soft padded gig bag is convenient. But heaven help you if you drop it or whack it into a door frame. Convenience often comes at a cost.
First-class protection and transport…
The invention of the hybrid shell guitar case has made it much easier to travel with your guitar. In fact, many big-name artists are using these cases for their rugged versatility.
With a hybrid shell case, there is no longer any struggle with getting your guitar on the plane or public transportation. Or even in the trunk of your car, for that matter.
But what makes the MONO M80 electric guitar case so special? Let’s take a look…
Protective Features
As we said earlier, this guitar case uses an ultra-light laminated foam. Furthermore, there are ABS panels placed inside to add unmatched levels of protection.
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a lightweight plastic that offers high levels of impact, electrical and chemical resistance. In other words, it is highly durable.
These panels are located around the head and body of your guitar. But unfortunately, they are not found around the neck area of the case.
Impact resistance…
In addition to the ABS panel and the laminated foam shell, there are special bumpers as well. These high-density foam bumpers work to redirect the impact force out and around from the lower part of the guitar and away from the strap pin.
Therefore, these bumpers act as extra padding and protection should you drop the case while your guitar is inside. However, these bumpers are not found around the headstock.
So, while they do provide protection against vertical impacts, they do not for horizontal ones. Beware of those doorframes, folks!
A patented headlock…
One of the very important features of this guitar case is the headlock. In a guitar case, the headlock is a strap or fitted slot where the part of the neck just below the headstock is secured.
The MONO M80 headlock offers superb protection and stability. The main function of any headlock is to keep the headstock of the guitar from moving around or shifting inside the case.
And this headlock does exactly that. It is actually a suspended headlock. This means it can be adjusted to fit snuggly underneath the headstock. As a result, this case can secure various neck sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the headlock acts as an extra layer of impact protection as well.
A super tough sole…
One final piece of advanced protection is the industrial sole. Obviously, the sole is on the bottom of the case and often takes the brunt of transport wear and tear. Therefore, it is one of the most important components of any guitar case.
In this case, the MONO sole is extremely tough and does not wear out. The reason it won’t wear out is that it is made of industrial rubber. In fact, it is the same type of rubber found in the construction of inflatable rafts used by Navy SEALS.
Now, that is definitely tough!
Overall strength…
MONO prides itself on the durability and toughness of the M80 guitar case. That is, after all, the main selling point.
In order to achieve the highest levels of rough and tough reliability, all cases are built to military standards.
Extra Features
Of course, we have discussed the high levels of durability and protection of this case. However, it does have a few other things up its sleeve. Literally!
Everything in its right place…
One of the biggest drawbacks found in many guitar cases is the limited storage space. Thankfully, MONO took notice and decided to do something about it.
This guitar case features specialized pockets and compartments. These pockets, or gussets, are made to store specific accessories.
Cables, pedals, capos, tuners, strings, and power supply adapters all have their own special spot with this case. So, you have added convenience alongside exceptional protection.
Mouth where their mouth is…
One final extra about this guitar case. It comes with a lifetime warranty and can easily be returned if there are any defects.
We cannot recall any other guitar case that provides a lifetime warranty. This adds something that other guitar cases in the same price range are unlikely to offer. Just one more reason the MONO M80 Hybrid guitar case is so well received by so many.
MONO M80 Electric Guitar Case Review Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable.
- Offers excellent protection.
- Waterproof and Drop-Proof.
- Fits nearly every kind of electric guitar.
- Convenient storage pockets.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Purists might not like that it is a ‘soft shell’ case.
- Cannot be used with most acoustic guitars.
Also see: Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA Review
Looking for more options for instrument protection?
If so, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Electric Guitar Case currently on the market.
For all your other guitar needs, take a look at our reviews of the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings, the Best Electric Guitar Strings, the Best Guitar Strings, the Best Guitar Cables, the Best Guitar Stand, and the Best Guitar Strap Locks you can buy in 2023.
MONO M80 Electric Guitar Case Review Final Thoughts
Protecting and transporting your guitar are of vital importance, especially for those who are playing live in many various locations. Likewise, being able to carry and/or store important components such as cables, capos, and tuners adds immeasurable value to a guitar case.
The MONO M80 hybrid electric guitar case offers great protection along with convenience and portability. Not to mention a lifetime warranty.
Overall, there is not much we can nit-pick about this case. We know it is not ideal for long-term guitar storage. But that is hardly a strike against this rough and tumble guitar case. For the guitarists who are constantly on the move, we cannot sing its praises any louder.
Until next time, may your instruments be protected and your music always be merry.