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ES345 hard shell guitar case choices...

Mars Hall

Active member
Joined
Nov 26, 2008
Messages
1,829
I currently using a Gibson case from the 80's for my 63 ES345. it is getting quite road worn. I've viewed offerings from Gator, TKL, Guardian and Gibson. Which case will protect my number one the best? Are there other "in stock" options I'm not aware of?
 

J T

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,501
Yeah I have one of those SKB cases for my LP. I assume the 335 size is slightly bigger. Great case! Waterproof and it has wheels too! Lighter than Anvil/Calzone.
 

posulliv

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
94
I've been flying with these for the past couple of years. Ditched all of my old Anvil/Calzone stuff.

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=862&o=&offset=&c=75&s=75

I have a bunch of these as well. They're bulky, and not light, but they have wheels and sturdy handles.

I don't know if this is an advantage or a disadvantage, but they look a lot like the SKB gun cases, so it's not obviously a posh guitar inside.

I have a Calton case for an acoustic, and it's also sturdy, and more convenient for carrying about, but baggage handlers seem to single it out for durability testing.
 

The Shifter

Active member
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
3,397
I have a bunch of these as well. They're bulky, and not light, but they have wheels and sturdy handles.

I don't know if this is an advantage or a disadvantage, but they look a lot like the SKB gun cases, so it's not obviously a posh guitar inside.

I have a Calton case for an acoustic, and it's also sturdy, and more convenient for carrying about, but baggage handlers seem to single it out for durability testing.

I've carried both the SKB(as in not rolling it) and the Anvil through an airport. The SKB is still lighter, relatively speaking.

And the gun thing is for sure a disadvantage. I get caught up constantly with TSA folk asking if I'm carrying a rifle. I even wrote "MUSICAL INSTRUMENT" all over the case to no avail.
 

Xpensive Wino

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Joined
Nov 3, 2012
Messages
6,079
And the gun thing is for sure a disadvantage. I get caught up constantly with TSA folk asking if I'm carrying a rifle. I even wrote "MUSICAL INSTRUMENT" all over the case to no avail.
Yes, and I am still not convinced these cases handle the neck support issue properly. I have 3 of 'em I no longer use because I believe they put pressure on the neck/headstock join.
 

1jamman

New member
Joined
Feb 28, 2013
Messages
610
I have 2 of the SKB i3 cases. 1 for a LP and 1 for a ES-345 . I don't care what it looks like .) .
TSA will check almost anything ..I've had my carry on check to see my set of house keys. like 6 keys ... So ...
if you carry in on with you ,just put it through the X-ray with your other baggage ..They will see everything inside

Check it in and have the Airline put "fragile" stickers on it. Some airlines will give it extra care in handling it .Or ASK for them to do that .

It protects the guitar very well , and that's what matters , imo . The wheels are great to have when moving it any distance more then a few feet (bad back). Being water and air tight is a big plus to me .
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
If you're carrying it on, the Mono case is very nice. It has solid bottom that looks like a care tire, the neck has support on the top and bottom and sides. Pretty lightweight with large pocket on the side.
 

darkwave

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2001
Messages
357
I've carried both the SKB(as in not rolling it) and the Anvil through an airport. The SKB is still lighter, relatively speaking.

And the gun thing is for sure a disadvantage. I get caught up constantly with TSA folk asking if I'm carrying a rifle. I even wrote "MUSICAL INSTRUMENT" all over the case to no avail.

I've talked to people in the weapons industry who put band stickers all over their flight cases to try and deflect attention. To you apparently!

-Douglas C.
 

Mars Hall

Active member
Joined
Nov 26, 2008
Messages
1,829
If I'm to ever travel with my guitar on a plane, the SKB would be a viable option. However, just looking for a standard hard shell case. I have been toying with the idea of having Cedar Creek make one for me but their expensive. I do have a used 90's Gibson branded TKL on the way that will suffice for now.
 
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