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Protect your acoustic guitar against nicks and dings. With the best acoustic guitar case, you can protect the instrument you love and extend its lifespan.
Acoustic guitars are delicate instruments that require proper storage and protection. Therefore, it’s important to invest in high-quality acoustic guitar cases.
These cases provide guitar protection. They also make transport more comfortable and secure, whether you’re going to play in a gig or on to a guitar lesson.
We have researched and identified the most popular cases and padded gigbags available on the market. This will help you in choosing the right case for your guitar.
Our recommendations cater to various guitar shapes and sizes. This includes mini or 3/4 acoustic guitar cases, and classical guitar cases. We also featured cases suitable for different shapes of steel-string acoustic guitars.
We provide both hard and soft acoustic guitar case options for each category, along with their internal dimensions, for you to check if your guitar fits. However, no plastic cases like the Gator GC-APX Deluxe ABS plastic case are present in this edition.
We include relevant information about the best padded gigbags and cases. For a more straightforward review, you can check out the pros and cons of each product. These are according to the product’s specifications as well as owners’ feedback.
A good case not only prolongs the lifespan of your instrument. It also saves you from unnecessary maintenance and replacement costs while preserving the value of your guitar. Most importantly, it provides peace of mind, which is invaluable.
How To Measure Your Acoustic Guitar To Get A Case That Fits
Due to the popularity of dreadnought acoustic guitars, owners have a wide selection of cases and gigbags to choose from. However, since there is no one-size-fits-all case due to the various shapes and sizes available. It’s crucial to match your guitar’s dimensions with the internal dimensions of the case.
First to measure is the body length, and you do this by running a tape measure starting from where the body meets the neck, down to the opposite end. The body’s shape is determined by three measurements, the upper, middle and lower bout. To get the upper bout width, just measure the guitar top along the curve in the area between the neck and the sound hole. The lower bout is similar, only this one is usually wider, and is located at the other side of the soundhole. The middle bout is the narrowest width of the guitar in between the upper and lower bouts.
You should also measure the overall length of your guitar, which is the distance from the edge of the headstock to the lower bout. But it is not as important because most cases have more space to accommodate the many different lengths.
The diagram below shows the key parts of your guitar to measure:
- Lower Bout
- Middle Bout
- Upper Bout
- Body Length
- Overall Length
- Neck Length
The Best Acoustic Guitar Cases & GigBags
Gearank* | SRC* | Check Price | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mini / Parlor / 3/4 | ||||||||
Gator GB-4G-MINIACOU | 93 | 125+ | ||||||
Music First Original Design Country Style | 93 | 50+ | ||||||
Concert / OM / Dreadnought | ||||||||
Cahaya Reinforced Padded Gig Bag | 95 | 1000+ | ||||||
Epiphone EDREAD | 94 | 900+ | ||||||
Dreadnought | ||||||||
Fender FA610 | 96 | 600+ | ||||||
Yamaha AG1-HC | 94 | 1600+ | ||||||
Jumbo / Grand Auditorium / Dreadnought | ||||||||
Taylor Deluxe - Grand Auditorium | 97 | 250+ | ||||||
Gator Transit Guitar | 94 | 650+ | ||||||
Classical / Flamenco / Spanish | ||||||||
Cahaya Bohemian | 94 | 650+ | ||||||
Gearlux 40" Hardshell | 92 | 200+ |
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
Best Acoustic Guitar Cases for Mini / Parlor / 3/4
Gator GB-4G-MINIACOU Mini Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
Cons
- A snug fit for mini guitars that are larger than the standard minis.
Pros
- Most smaller acoustics, like 3/4 guitars, fit perfectly.
- Quality construction, with good padding.
- Reasonably priced.
- Light and easy to carry around.
Gator is well-known for the durability and portability of its instrument cases, and the GB-4G-MINIACOU is a prime example. This best padded acoustic guitar gig bag is designed for mini guitars, offering a great balance of portability, protection, and value.
It envelops an acoustic guitar with 20mm G-Flex padding, reinforced in the bridge, bottom, and headstock areas. The padding provides substantial protection while maintaining a compact and comfortable profile.
This soft acoustic guitar case is specifically designed for snugly fitting Little Martin, and Baby Taylor. It can also house similar-sized instruments like Martin Dread Jr, Gretsch G-9511 parlor, and Harmony parlor acoustics., and other 3/4-size acoustics.
It can accommodate small 3/4 acoustic and electric guitars quite well too. However, it can be a tight fit if your guitar is a bit larger than the standard mini size.
For storing all your accessories and music sheets, the MINIACOU features a mesh front pocket. Additionally, it comes with a carry handle and adjustable padded guitar case backpack straps. This ensures comfort and helps ease you with transport.
The Gator GB-4G-MINIACOU is an excellent acoustic guitar gig bag for mini guitars. It strikes the right balance between portability and protection. If you're in need of a comfortable case for your small guitar, this is a great choice.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 14.75"
- Middle Bout: Not Specified
- Upper Bout: 11.5"
- Neck Length: 18.7"
- Overall Length: 38.4"
- Body Depth: 3.5"
Music First Original Design Country Style Gig Bag for Mini Acoustic Guitars
Cons
- Works only on small parlor guitars and guitaleles.
- Average padding is not built for usage for extended periods.
- Limited pocket space for larger items.
Pros
- Perfect fit for small parlors and guitaleles.
- Excellent padding provides good protection.
- Lightweight with handy pockets.
- Very affordable.
The Music First Mini works for small parlor guitars and guitaleles. It is also compatible with smaller-bodied string instruments like the ukulele.
Protecting your guitar is a 0.6″ cushioning material on the inside and a cotton shell fabric with a soft brown suede lining.
It has padded handles as well as double shoulder straps for ease of carry. In addition, this best acoustic guitar gig bag is also light and not bulky, thanks to its low-weight padding.
For convenience, it has pockets for carrying extra items like tuners, capos, strings, and tools, which is very useful. An attractive, colorful design pattern that is similar to the Cahaya Bohemian.
Keep in mind that this is the most compact option in this guide and is designed for smaller acoustic guitars, such as Parlor Guitars and guitaleles. This is also not the best acoustic guitar gig bag for travel, as it features average padding.
This best gig bag for acoustic guitar has an overall inner length of 29.3″, a width of 9.6″, and a depth of 3.5″. So it's important to ensure that these dimensions match your instrument before making a purchase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fitting, lightweight storage solution for your mini guitar, then check this one out.
Specifications
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 9.6"
- Middle Bout: 9.6"
- Upper Bout:9.6"
- Neck Length: 19"
- Overall Length: 29.3"
- Body Depth: 3.5"
Best Acoustic Guitar Cases for Concert / OM / Dreadnought
Cahaya Reinforced Padded Gig Bag
Cons
- Not as snug a fit as dedicated guitar cases.
- Not recommended for extensive traveling or rough handling.
Pros
- Sufficient padding for everyday use.
- Backpack straps, and a padded handle.
- Adjustable neck cradle to secure your guitar in place.
- Aesthetically pleasing, with ample space and storage pockets for essential items.
- A good value for money, providing good quality for the price.
This acoustic guitar gig bag from Cahaya offers more padding than your average best guitar gig bag, providing your guitar with enough protection.
It has a lightweight profile featuring an 8" high-density foam padding. Also, a rubberized base, and an adjustable neck cradle, which is quite unique for an acoustic guitar gig bag.
It has 5 pockets to organize your guitar accessories, such as picks, cables, strings, tuners, capos, and capo charts. It also includes specialized pockets for a smartphone or tablet and a larger pocket for a foldable music stand.
Retailers have mentioned that it is compatible with guitars such as the Taylor 815, Taylor 914CE, Fender CC-60SCE, and Fender OM. It's also reported that standard dreadnoughts and concert-size guitars from brands like Yamaha, Dean, and more can fit in this acoustic guitar gig bag.
With its generic shape, it can accommodate resonators and archtop-style guitars like the Eastman T49/V. However, these guitars still won't fit as snugly as when using their appropriate cases.
But considering the price, its build quality is good. Combined with the adjustable neck cradle and ample pockets, this Cahaya acoustic guitar gig bag offers good value for money.
However because it is the best gig bag, it does not provide the same level of protection as wooden or polyfoam cases. But it also means it's more comfortable to carry.
So, if you're in search of an affordable acoustic guitar gig bag that provides good protection for your acoustic guitar, this should be high on your list.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 18.5"
- Middle Bout: Not Specified
- Upper Bout: 13"
- Neck Length: 21.5"
- Overall Length: 42.5"
- Body Depth: 4.9"
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | Mr Z's Music Lessons | 96/100 |
Epiphone EDREAD Acoustic Guitar Case
Cons
- Bulky and heavy.
Pros
- Perfectly fits most dreadnought acoustics, especially for Epiphones dreadnoughts.
- Features plush padding inside, a beefy handle for easy carrying, and plenty of room in the accessory compartment.
- Robust construction and quality materials.
- Traditional wooden case design.
- Value for money with its solid build quality.
Epiphone is known for producing a wide range of dreadnought acoustics. So it makes sense that they also offer high-quality cases to protect such products.
The Epiphone EDREAD is popular for its excellent quality, even when compared to other cheap guitar cases. It maintains a familiar wooden design with added details that enhance its visual appeal.
The EDREAD stands out for its compatibility with Epiphone dreadnought acoustics. This includes guitars from series like the Hummingbird, Dove, AJ, PR, DR, and more. (a full list of compatible Epiphone guitars is available at the bottom of this page).
The Epiphone dreadnoughts closely follow traditional guitar shapes. That is why this case also works well with other guitar case brands (dreadnoughts), slightly smaller OMs, and concert guitars. Although it's important to check the specifications first.
Due to its traditional design, the EDREAD can be quite bulky and heavy. But it is still a great choice for Epiphone dreadnought owners, and it is also compatible with other standard-size acoustic guitars.
All in all, the Epiphone EDREAD case remains reasonably priced considering its excellent quality and style.
Features:
- Type: Hard Case
- Lower Bout: 16"
- Upper Bout: 12.25"
- Neck Length:
- Overall Length: 45.5"
- Body Depth:5"
- Weight:13 lbs,
Best Acoustic Guitar Case Options for Dreadnoughts
Fender FA610 Dreadnought Acoustic Gig Bag
Cons
- Not an ideal fit for those with larger lower bouts, and seems to fit only Fenders.
- Limited pocket space.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Durable construction with a moisture-resistant exterior, heavy-duty polyester weave, durable zippers, and rubber bumpers.
- Good-quality side padding with microfiber with nifty pocket compartments.
- Backpack-style straps and a sturdy, comfortable handle on the side.
The Fender FA610 is the best acoustic guitar gig bag in this guide. This gig bag is an affordable padded case designed for dreadnought-shaped acoustic guitars. It can fit Fender guitars perfectly. Examples are guitars like the Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric guitar.
It is made with a tear- and moisture-resistant outer shell constructed from 600-denier polyester. This makes it more durable than the standard acoustic guitar soft case or gigbag.
The inside of the bag features 10mm padding lined with microfiber to protect the guitar's finish from scratches. It can also accommodate OM and other smaller-sized acoustics that fit within its specifications.
The distinct angled shape of the bag is not particularly impressive, but it is not a significant issue. The main pocket size is limited by its shape, but not excessively so.
Additional features include air-mesh backpack straps, a 2-piece handle, and adjustable ladder-lock buckles. Inner pockets are found in the front pocket you can use for organizing accessories.
The Fender FA610 is the cheapest in this edition. Despite this, it offers great value and is a reliable option for protecting and carrying your guitar.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 16.54"
- Middle Bout: Not Specified
- Upper Bout: 14.17"
- Neck Length: Not Specified
- Overall Length: 41.74"
- Body Depth: 4.72"
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | vincent ryan borres | 92/100 |
Yamaha AG1-HC Hardshell Acoustic Guitar Case
Cons
- Quite heavy.
- Initial tightness.
Pros
- Offers a snug fit for various guitars, including Yamaha's A1, F, FG, FGX, FJX, CPX, LJ, and LL series.
- Excellent interior featuring a plush lining and additional padding.
- Feet on the bottom and side for stable placement and a locking latch for security.
- Heavy-duty build and solid construction.
- Quality features at a reasonable price point.
The Yamaha AG1-HC is a hardshell case made for dreadnought-sized guitars, including those from Yamaha's A1, F, FG, FGX, FJX, CPX, LJ, and LL series. It can also accommodate other dreadnought-style guitars.
This case has a traditional design with a wooden shell and black tolex exterior. But unlike other cases, Yamaha chose not to brand the exterior, which makes it great if you have a guitar from other manufacturers.
Additionally, it has a plush interior with a neck brace and an accessory pocket. For maximum protection, this case is secured with latches that come with keys.
However, this case leans more on the heavy side, with some users remarking that it's less ideal for constant travel. It's also quite tight at first and might require some effort to fit your guitar.
If you’re looking for an affordable but quality hardshell guitar case, and don't mind it being heavy, then check out the Yamaha AG1-HC.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 15.75"
- Middle Bout: 11.5"
- Upper Bout: 12.5"
- Neck Length: Not Specified"
- Overall Length: 44"
- Body Depth: 5"
Best Acoustic Guitar Cases for Jumbo / Grand Auditorium / Dreadnought
Taylor Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Case - Grand Auditorium
Cons
- A tight fit for guitars with big preamp knobs.
- Quite Pricy.
Pros
- Fits Taylor grand auditoriums like a glove, as well as other guitars.
- Superb quality and craftsmanship.
- Classy, deluxe look and fine craftsmanship.
- Provides heavy-duty protection.
- Convenient storage, with compartments inside the case.
Taylor Guitars has built a strong reputation for the quality of its acoustic guitars. This same commitment to quality is evident in their Deluxe case series.
While it functions as a typical wooden guitar case, it distinguishes itself with its attention to detail and build quality.
This specific model is designed to accommodate Taylor's Grand Auditorium shape. For clarification purposes, its a guitar modified version of the dreadnought and features a tighter middle bout.
The case is tailored to provide high-quality housing for premium guitars like Taylors. That said, it is also compatible with guitars from other brands, as long as they fit with the specs.
The snug fit of the case may be a concern for older Taylor models, though. It's mainly because of the larger knobs, as these knobs can press against the pads and potentially cause them to get stuck or damaged.
Featuring a red velvet interior and gold hardware, this case exudes a premium appeal. Users have generously provided the measurements they obtained for their Taylor GA guitar and case. As the exact specifications for the upper and middle bouts are not readily available.
If you're a Taylor GA owner, this case should be high up on your list. But if you own guitars that fit the dimensions, this case will not disappoint. While the price may be a bit steep, it is worth the investment, just like the guitars they sell.
Features:
- Type: Hard Case
- Lower Bout: 16"
- Middle Bout: 9.5"
- Upper Bout: 11.625"
- Body Length: 20"
- Body Depth: 4.625"
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Gator Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Bag
Cons
- Setup is quite complex.
- Careful handling is required to keep adjustable pads in place.
Pros
- Ample padding and a plush interior.
- Sturdy construction and can house different guitar shapes and sizes.
- Plenty of pockets with enough space.
- Adjustable top, neck, and bottom paddings.
- Lightweight, best guitar flight case.
The Gator Transit Series is an acoustic guitar gig bag that combines the benefits of hard cases in a gig-bag-type format. As its name implies, the Transit is the best guitar case for flying with its lightweight and less bulky design.
It is suitable for a wide range of acoustic guitar sizes, including jumbo and grand auditorium-size acoustics.
Despite being lightweight and soft, the exterior is tough and weather-resistant. Meanwhile, its interior protects your instrument with 20-mm pads. It also includes an adjustable and removable 3-point interior padding system. This keeps your acoustic guitar in place, with top, neck, and bottom padding.
This acoustic guitar gig bag's adjustability allows it to secure different guitars from various brands. It includes traditional shapes and even Ovation's unique bowl-back design. This adds complexity and extra parts to consider, but it's worth the effort for the versatility they provide.
Additionally, it comes with multiple pockets for ample storage space. You could also attach other small bags for even more storage space, with its metal rings. These practical features make the Gator Transit stand out compared to regular gigbags.
Finally, it features a sturdy rubber thread on its bottom, which protects your guitar and the gig bag when in a standing position.
If you own big-bodied acoustic guitars then the Gator Transit Series is a great option. It is a comfortable acoustic guitar gig bag with good protection and nice utility.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 16.50"
- Upper Bout: 13.0"
- Neck Length: 23"
- Overall Length: 44.0"
- Body Depth: 6.0"
Best Acoustic Guitar Cases for Classical / Flamenco / Spanish
Cahaya Bohemian Vintage Guitar Bag
Cons
- Floppy for smaller guitars.
- Thin pads mean less protection, and not heavy-duty zipper.
Pros
- Visually appealing making it stand out.
- Plenty of sleeves and pockets, providing ample storage for accessories.
- Detachable neck cradle.
- Comfortable and easy to carry around.
- Affordable price.
This acoustic guitar gig bag is designed to be comfortable, provide protection, and look stylish. The scratch-resistant and colorful exterior is inspired by vintage Bohemian art, making it stand out from the usual black gigbags.
In addition to its stylish design, the exterior of the case has multiple storage pockets. This helps in organizing accessories, including foldable music stands.
Inside, there is enough room for various guitar shapes, including traditional classical guitars. It also comes with a detachable neck cradle to secure the guitar in place.
The bag is wrapped in 0.65" foam padding, protecting the instrument and comfort when carried on the back.
It's important to note that this padding may not be sufficient if you're looking to fully protect your expensive guitars. It does help keep the guitar clean, but it can't keep them away from dings and scratches.
For easy transportation, the bag comes with adjustable padded straps and handles, as well as a rubberized base footing.
However, when used on smaller guitars, the bag may look floppy and out of shape, which is typical for gigbags with thin materials.
If you're looking for a stylish way to carry your classical guitar, and ok with its thin materials, the Cahaya Bohemian is worth considering.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 17.7"
- Middle Bout: Not Specified
- Upper Bout: 15"
- Neck Length: Not Specified
- Overall Length (External): 43.3"
- Body Depth: Not Specified"
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | Mr Z's Music Lessons | 92 |
Gearlux 40-inch Hardshell Classical Guitar Case
Cons
- Limited to classical guitars.
Pros
- Nicely fits in with the best guitar case brands like Cordoba, Yamaha, and more.
- Sturdy and durable construction, with great craftsmanship.
- Thick and plush interior.
- Convenient compartments for accessories.
The Gearlux 40" hardshell is a traditional case that’s meant to house classical guitars. It is made of wood covered in black PVC material, making it impact-resistant.
The case features chrome-colored hardware, including latches to keep your instrument secured. Inside, there is 2mm foam padding to secure and protect your classical guitar.
Additionally, it includes a neck brace that doubles as a storage compartment where you can place your accessories. Other features include a luggage-style handle and chrome footing.
But keep in mind that this soft acoustic guitar case is limited to classical guitars only. Meaning it will not accommodate standard acoustic guitar shapes like the dreadnought.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable and highly-rated classical guitar hard case, then this is for you.
Features:
- Type: Hard Case
- Lower Bout: 15"
- Middle Bout: 9.5"
- Upper Bout: 11.5"
- Body Length: 20"
- Body Depth: 4"
- Weight: 5 lbs.
Best Acoustic Guitar Case Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2019. The current edition was published on June 2, 2024
For this edition, our shortlist grew to 50 cases and gigbags that represent the best guitar cases that's readily available from major music gear retailers in the USA. You can see the list in the Music Gear Database. We then analyzed over 34,800 related rating sources, which included user and expert reviews, ratings, forum discussions, videos, and more, including the most recent ones. All of these data were fed into the Gearank algorithm, which then gave us a rating score out of 100, which represents market sentiment about each one. We used these scores to further narrow down the list to just the highest-rated options that represent different guitar shapes and sizes. For this edition, we've also provided both a hard case and a soft case/gig bag option for each category. If your guitar's particular shape is not included in this list, note that many of the cases featured here are available in different shapes, so you'll have to do some more digging yourself. For more information about our methods please read How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
I've always made sure to buy cases along with my guitar purchase, this way I won't have to worry about fit and compatibility. For this reason, most of my cases are the default ones provided by manufacturers, like Martin branded cases. I also have lighter polyfoam cases from Road Runner and Gator, which I sometimes use when playing in venues nearby.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Co-Writer and Product research.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Compiled using photographs of the Fender FA610 and Epiphone EDREAD Dreadnaught Hard Case.
Dimensions to Measure: Produced by Gearank.com based on a photograph of a Taylor Big Baby BBT.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
This January 2023 Edition resulted in the following items dropping off our recommended list:
Publication of our November 2021 Edition resulted in the following items coming off the recommended list above:
The following items came off the recommended list above as a result of our December 2020 update, but you can still see our analysis of them:
I was shopping for a guitar case and the information on your website is very helpful. However, I think I found an error in your listing of the dimensions for the Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Acoustic Guitar Case Dreadnought. The page states that the Lower bout is 13″ and the Upper Bout is 16″. I think those two values should be reversed. Thanks for the helpful information.
Thank you very much for pointing out our mistake – I have fixed it above.