I get it, you know? Guitar cases are cool. They are these big, sturdy, flashy, cool-looking things full of stickers and the scars of the road. But do you know what I see when I see them now? Something very old that belongs to a different moment in time.
It’s the same moment in time that cars had more storage space than the average home.
That time is long gone, and cases have become obsolete, taking up space. They don’t go on the road with me.
This is why I ditched cases for good and embraced gig bags, and you should too.
Table of Contents
Why Do We Love Cases So Much Anyway?
Cases feel like making it. Let me rephrase that. Nothing feels so much like making it in terms of musical instruments than when you finally buy a guitar that “comes with its original case.”
I’ve been there, too. The first time I got a case with my guitar, I felt like a million dollars walking down the street with that heavy thing in my hand. I suddenly became a modern Tony Manero, ready to take over the world with my music.
There’s a dark truth behind that dream, though. Let me give you three little personal anecdotes about it and then tell you how I made the move from one thing to another.
This is the story of why my cases gather dust while the gig bags count miles and shows.
The Night I Left for the Gig (Without the Guitar’s Case)
We were playing our first gig out of town. The car belonged to my friend’s mother, and we had to take amplifiers, instruments, and musicians all in one family-sized car. Good thing we had no horn section (lol).
We left my case for the end because it was too big and bulky.
We finally left, and an hour and a half later, I realized I didn’t have it. We were playing in a few hours, and I didn’t have my guitar. To make a long story short, my mom took it back inside the house. The tragic end wasn’t so tragic after all; my guitar was safe. I borrowed one and I played, uncomfortably, but I played.
That was the first time I realized cases weren’t as cool as I thought. They take up lots of space.
The (in)Famous Motorcycle Ride
We finished rehearsals, and I had to walk 15 blocks home. My neighbor was riding his motorcycle and offered me a ride. We spent the following 10 minutes trying to fit the three of us (me, him, and the guitar case) on the motorcycle.
Yes, I had to walk carrying that heavy thing and cursing myself, the weight, and the motorcycle all the way home.
Inferno on a Bus Ride
We were playing out again, but this time, my friend’s mom was eating out with friends. You guessed it, we took the bus, and I hadn’t done the change yet. All my friends traveled hugging their gig bags comfortably in their seats, while I was on my feet in the aisle holding my guitar.
They jumped around the stage; I had cramps and cursed again.
The Turning Point
The turning point for me was traveling with a gig bag for the first time. I realized I wasn’t going to hurt my instrument if I didn’t take it inside the case.
Later, in 2019 and 2022, I traveled through 18 countries carrying my Baby Taylor strapped to my backpack and witnessed just how that gig bag saved it time and again.
The turning point for me was realizing a gig bag was enough.
Was it all perfect? Well, no. I fell on my rear walking down marble stairs, and it cracked open. Would I trade that for carrying a case all the time? Of course not. Guitars aren’t pieces of furniture. I took it to my luthier and it is as good as new.
People pay thousands extra for relic guitars after all.
That guitar has a few scars, but it sure has more miles than wounds.
Which Are My Favorite Gig Bags?
Let me break this down into the three things I look for in gig bags.
- The breathing back – The old gig bags had the same fabric to protect the instrument from the hardships of the world and from your back. That sweat was unbearable on those endless summer tours. Luckily, now they have that mesh fabric that fancy backpacks have. So, if it’s going to be used a lot, the mesh is a must.
- Good-quality double shoulder straps – Carrying your instrument like a backpack is the best part of having a gig bag. I know, the one-shoulder thing looks badass with your best, I don’t care face, but believe me, once you’ve crossed thirty, you think of your back more often. Oh, and if they have mesh fabric there too, that’s a double plus.
- Space, lots of space – I don’t want to carry many things around. If I’m playing a full gig, I carry the entire pedalboard, but if not, I want space for some cables, a couple of pedals, slides, extra strings, and a backup strap. I know, I’m picky, but believe me, in the heat of the battle, details go a long way.
Bonus track: Protection for the strings – The interior’s upper part should be covered with a special, different material. Otherwise, the tips of your strings will end up tearing the gig bag apart from the inside. Believe me, it’s not pretty to see.
Fender-Style vs. Gibson-Style Guitars
This is one of the biggest fears of Gibson guitar owners. They go, “You play a Telecaster, that neck will never snap.” Then look at you with a mix of envy and superiority. I know because I was one of them.
Truth is, you should take a couple of extra security steps when carrying a Gibson. This is what I do with mine.
The sweater trick – Always stash a sweater underneath the guitar neck, right at that sensitive spot. The thicker the better.
Choosing a gig bag with neck support – Some brands offer such gig bags, like Gator and Mono. These are good options with an extra cushion for the neck to sit.
Dual Gig Bags, Heaven Found
Since I bought my first double gig bag, I can’t stop using them. I’m telling you, carrying two guitars in the size of one is a game-changer and a night-saver.
We all know 2 is the perfect number for most gigs. I’ve even used mine to take an electric and the Baby Taylor with me.
Believe me, dual gig bags are every touring musician’s best friend.
Hey, Don’t Forget About Acoustics
I know, I know, acoustics are a difficult thing when talking about gig bags. We can all picture it in our heads. The guitar smashed against a wall, breaking all its hollow beauty. Well, that kind of tragic scenario is mainly the reason why I keep my big Martin D15M (my long-term ownership review) inside its case when I take it to a gig.
It’s my only exception.
I would say this: If your acoustic is solid back, sides, and top, it deserves a case. If not, a well-padded gig bag will do. Laminated wood tends to be more resistant to accidents and easier to fix.
Don’t Throw Them Away Just Yet!
Finally, carrying expensive instruments with us is a concern sometimes. Especially going to studio sessions that you might go alone in your car. Taking your investment inside the gig bag with the most battle scars might make it fly under the radar.
So, if you have a fancy, great gig bag, that’s awesome for the road. Small commutes require other measures, which might include taking the guitar in disguise.
I don’t have to tell you what the face of fellow musicians looks like when I pull out my ’68 SG Jr. or my Custom Shop Telecaster out of a beaten-up, old gig bag.
“You didn’t see that coming, did you?” I usually say with a smile.
The Bottom End
As much as I think cases are beautiful, if I’m honest, they’re just collecting dust in a little room behind the house. The only case inside the studio with regular use and a million stickers is for my Martin; the rest will always go in a gig bag.
So, find yourself a good gig bag and hit the road with your music.
Don’t worry, it’s enough.
Happy touring!
