Educate me on Chainsaw Cases . . .

[midgod07]

Hello there - some experience with vintage LPCs, but not a ton. I've had a '79 LPC that had a chainsaw case and an '81 that also did. I'm looking at purchasing my dream guitar, it's a 1980 LPC but it has a "custom case" that the seller stated is what it came in. It's not a dealbreaker for me but I know that chainsaw cases can fetch $300-400 . . . can someone clue me in on what's supposed to have a chainsaw case and what isn't?

 

[Tollywood]

I have an ‘81 and an ‘89 with chainsaw cases, and an ‘82 and ‘85 that have aftermarket cases. I guess over the years the previous owners replaced the chainsaws. The lack of a chainsaw case wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for me, but I would prefer the original chainsaw case.

 

[J T]

There are several versions of the Gibson "Protector" case. These cases have become known as the Chainsaw case.

The late seventies are the earliest version with two plastic latches and a padded handle and a red padded interior. Not many of these around. I saw one of these a few years back. Never personally saw one of them again. The next version of that case has three plastic latches and a padded handle with a piano hinge holding the top and bottom together. The interior is red. The Gibson logo is molded into the top of the case. Still pretty much the same case. Les Paul Standards, The Paul, other versions of the Les Paul sized body came with that case. The next version came around 1980, 81 and is the bigger version and looks very different. It has hard plastic and metal latches and a non padded handle. Gibson logo is on a separate piece of plastic glued to the top of the case. Les Pauls came in that case. There was a version for SG's as well.

Well, guess what happened? Then the two and three latch cases became separated from their original guitar and were sold on eBay or wherever. Once in a while, you will see a late seventies or early eighties guitar with it's original protector case but the mentality seems to be sell the case separately. So that is why the question of "What guitar originally came in this case?" is getting more difficult to answer. But, generally, late seventies to 1980, 81 a Les Paul style guitar came with the original style protector case.

 

[J T]

This is a Gibson Protector Gen1, ver 2 THREE latch case. This case originally held a Gibson "The Paul" guitar. The imprinted Gibson logo was gold paint. I believe that SG's will fit in there too.

 

[CAGinLA]

When I bought my first SG in 1987 it came with a chainsaw case. I never really liked it, to be honest.

 

[Tollywood]

My ‘81 Goldtop came in this case. Three latches, Gibson logo molded into the case.

https://flic.kr/p/2nKYhoG
https://flic.kr/p/2nKYk2n
My ‘89 came in this case. I have not received this guitar or case yet. I just bought it.

https://flic.kr/p/2nKJBqx

 

[fredrogers75]

My ‘89 came in this case. I have not received this guitar or case yet. I just bought it.

https://flic.kr/p/2nKJBqx

I had a white 1989 Custom that came with the same case. Soft handle, correct?

 

[Tollywood]

I had a white 1989 Custom that came with the same case. Soft handle, correct?

The ‘81 handle is hard plastic and I did not get the other one yet. It’s in transit.

 

[fernieite]

Here's a lengthy thread from another forum.

The COMPLETE Gibson Chainsaw Case Expo...W/ Fit Examples (Pic Heavy)

Here is my complete collection of the Gibson Chainsaw Protector Cases. GENERATIONS 1, 2, AND 3. (If there's another version out there, I'd sure like to know.) Some of the "models" being used for fit demo: 1954 Gibson Les Paul Junior 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior 1960 Gibson Les Paul TV Yellow...

www.mylespaul.com

 

[uOpt]

I have one but don't use it. One of the hinges gave up and in general they don't inspire too much confidence.

 

[Big Daddy B]

Has anyone tried the new version they are selling for $250?

Based on the reviews @ SW seems like they were able to replicate the era specific shoddy latches

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-deluxe-protector-case-les-paul-black/reviews

 

[Tollywood]

The ‘81 handle is hard plastic and I did not get the other one yet. It’s in transit.

The ‘89 has a hard handle.

 

[midgod07]

Amazing help guys, thanks! I ended up scoring the guitar of my dreams which did not have a Protector case. I didn't really mind giving mine up because it was a whale of a deal. I hate those things too, can easily put a hole in drywall if you're not careful!

 

[Tollywood]

I have two chainsaw cases but I actually transport my Les Pauls in a shockproof and waterproof Gator Titan case. This thing is so sturdy and yet the inside seems so luxurious. It even has wheels. When it arrived my wife asked how much the case cost because it just looks expensive. I told her it was $360 but it’s protecting guitars that are worth $4000 and she immediately agreed that it was a wise investment.

https://flic.kr/p/2nAaPts

 

[akstrat61]

I have has most all the protector cases over the years. The first red ones were nice. Guys liked them because you could put them in the over bins on jets.

About a year ago, I bought one of the new ones for my Aged Skinnerburst that I play out regularily. I think it does a great job within reason. Drop it from a two storry building, not sure any case could hold up. FWIW

 

[renderit]

 

[Seeker of Rock]

I have an ‘85 LPC that came with a chainsaw case stock and an ‘86 prehistoric reissue that came with its stock Lifton case.