| The first and most affordable case is a gig bag. | | | | instrument. One of the downsides is that hardshell |
| This is a soft sided bag, often padded and | | | | cases are often heavy - which can be a hassle to |
| zippered, that is most commonly used to | | | | carry around. This is an excellent long term |
| transport your instrument. You want to choose a | | | | storage solution for your instrument, to ensure |
| padded gig bag over an unpadded one. It does | | | | mint condition. |
| not offer any protection against humidity and the | | | | How do you know what case is the best fit for |
| instrument can still get damaged (dented, dinged | | | | your instrument? It is highly suggested that you |
| or broken!) while in the gig bag. It does provide a | | | | purchase the manufacturer's recommended case |
| handy way of carrying your instrument as | | | | for your instrument if possible. The manufacturer |
| backpack style straps are often included. If you | | | | will often have a recommended case but, if that |
| have a very expensive instrument, a gig bag is | | | | is not available and your instrument is a common |
| not recommended for storage, only for travel | | | | shape, then other brands or especially custom |
| and even then only if you can be very careful | | | | after-market cases (such as the Ameritage line) |
| and avoid collisions. | | | | will be a good choice. Ameritage even has an |
| Next is a semi-hard shell case. This type of case | | | | online measuring tool if you are interested in |
| can include shock-absorbent foam or plastic | | | | purchasing one of their cases and want to be |
| molding to protect the instrument from damage | | | | sure to get the proper fit. Be sure that the |
| and usually features a fabric covering with | | | | retailer is an authorized dealer of Ameritage |
| zippered closures, such as the Guardian | | | | cases. |
| Featherweight Cases. The semi-hard cases does | | | | A few other important points: |
| not protect against humidity, but does usually | | | | * One of the most important thing about cases is |
| prove resistant to dents, dings and actual | | | | that you want it to fit your instrument snugly! |
| breakage of the instrument. This can be a good | | | | * If you purchase a hardshell case, ensure that |
| option for longer term storage of your | | | | the instrument is not jiggling around inside the |
| instrument, and for travel where you are in | | | | case. |
| control of your instrument's handling. They are a | | | | * If you are unsure, take your instrument down |
| good lightweight option. | | | | to a local music store to test out different fits of |
| Hardshell cases provide very good protection and | | | | the cases. |
| they can range from affordable to high end. One | | | | * It is recommended to store your instrument in |
| example of high end hardshell cases is the | | | | a place that is not exposed to extreme |
| Ameritage line. This line provides humidity controls | | | | temperatures. This is especially important if you |
| and temperture controls! There are arch top and | | | | have a wooden instrument as the wood can warp |
| flattop cases available. Archtop cases provide | | | | and change the tone and sound! |
| superior protection but a flattop can offer limited | | | | * Keep your instrument stored in a cool, dry area |
| protection against crushing. Hardshell cases often | | | | * Store your instrument where it is safe from |
| feature plush interior lining to cushion your | | | | falling objects or falling down. |