The Best Acoustic Guitar Cases & Gig Bags
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
For Mini / Parlor / 3/4
Gator GB-4G-MINIACOU Gig Bag for Mini Acoustic Guitars
Cons
- May not fit some in-between size acoustics
Pros
- Good balance of portability and protection
- Good thick inner padding
- Great fit for mini and 3/4 acoustic guitars
- Comfortable profile with padded straps
Gator is well known for building durable and portable instrument cases, and the GB-4G-MINIACOU is a great example. It is a padded gig bag for mini guitars, that provide a good balance of portability, protection and value.
It surrounds the instrument with 20mm G-Flex padding, with reinforcement in the bridge, bottom and headstock areas. The padding is thick enough to provide good protection, while still retaining a compact and comfortable profile.
This case is meant for snug fitting Little Martin, Baby Taylor and similarly sized instruments like Martin Dread Jr, Gretsch G-9511 parlor, Harmony parlor along with other 3/4 size acoustics. It can even house small electric guitars, including 3/4 size ones quite well.
For storing accessories and music sheets, this case has a mesh front pocket. It also has a carry handle, along with adjustable backpack padded straps that make it comfortable to carry around.
The Gator GB-4G-MINIACOU is a gig bag for mini guitars that provides a good balance of portability and protection. Get this if you're looking for a comfortable case for your small guitar.
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"
SKB 1SKB-GSM Hardshell Case for Taylor GS Mini
Cons
- Shape is too specific to house some smaller guitars.
Pros
- Perfect fit for the Taylor GS Mini
- ABS Hardshell case
- Good plush EPS foam interior
- Flight ready with TSA approved locking latches
The 1SKB-GSM is a hardshell case especially designed for the Taylor GS Mini and similarly shaped acoustics, with TSA-accepted locking latches.
The latches are TSA (Transportation Security Administration) approved, making this a great acoustic guitar flight case. The latches open and lock easily with trigger release mechanism.
The plush interior features EPS foam with cushion lining that secures your instrument in place. It also has full-length neck support to prevent the guitar from moving around inside the case. Being especially designed for the Taylor GS Mini, it sits comfortably inside the case, while benefitting from the heavy duty molded ABS hardshell exterior. Being a case meant specifically for the GS Mini means that snug fitting other guitars can be difficult. But it can fit similar sized parlor guitars from brands like Ibanez, Takamine and more - just make sure that you check the specifications first.
For better reliability while traveling, SKB equipped the case with aluminum valance and molded bump protection. The handle is sturdy but not as comfortable as padded ones from gig bags.
If you're looking to take your Taylor GS Mini (or a similarly sized guitar) on a plane, or you just want your guitar well protected, then this is for you.
Features:
- Type: Hardshell Case
- Lower Bout: 14.5"
- Middle Bout: Not Specified
- Upper Bout: 10"
- Neck Length: 19.5"
- Overall Length: 38.25"
- Body Depth: 4.5"
For Concert / OM / Dreadnought
Cahaya Reinforced Padded Gig Bag
Cons
- Not as snug fit as dedicated guitar cases
- Not as solid and protective as a hardshell case
Pros
- Good thick padding for protection
- Adjustable neck cradle to secure your guitar
- Ample space and storage pockets
- Good build quality for the price
With more padding than other gig bags, this is one that is quite comfortable to carry around. This has a lightweight gig bag style profile, but with 8" high-density foam padding, rubberized base and adjustable neck cradle (a feature that you don't normally see in gig bags).
There are also no shortage of pockets, with its 5-pocket design that will let you organize your accessories, including picks, cables, strings, tuners and capos. And it has specialized pockets for carrying a smart phone or tablet, while a bigger pocket that can carry a foldable music stand.
Retailers mentioned a number of compatible guitars, including the Taylor 815, Taylor 914CE, Fender CC-60SCE and Fender FA135CE OM, and there are reports of it fitting standard dreadnoughts and concert size guitars, including those from brands like Yamaha, Dean and more. Having a generic shape also means that it can house resonators and archtop style guitars like the Eastman T49/V. The downside to this is that guitars won't fit as snugly as when using shape specific cases.
For the price, build quality is quite good, which when combined with its adjustable neck cradle, ample pockets make this a great value buy. Still, being a gig bag, this does not offer the same protection as wooden or polyfoam cases, but it does beat both in terms of carrying comfort.
If you're looking for an affordable gig bag that offers good protection for your acoustic guitar then 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
- Quite bulky and heavy
Pros
- Snug fit for Epiphone dreadnought acoustics
- Traditional wooden case design
- Can house slightly smaller acoustics
- Solid build quality
With their long list of dreadnought acoustics, it's only natural for Epiphone to mass produce quality cases. The Epiphone EDREAD (Epiphone Dreadnought) continues to win the hearts of guitarists with its good quality, even in the face of cheaper alternatives.
It doesn't stray too far from familiar wooden design, the main difference being the extra details that add to its overall visual appeal.
While there's nothing out of the ordinary in terms of functionality, the EDREAD's ace is its compatibility with Epiphone dreadnought acoustics, which is a long list that includes guitars from these series: Hummingbird, Dove, AJ, PR, DR and more - there is a long list of compatible Epiphone guitars at the bottom of this page.
And since Epiphone dreadnoughts doesn't stray far from traditional guitar shapes, the case works well with other dreads and slightly smaller OMs and concert guitars - just be sure to check the specs first. Given its traditional design, this case can be quite bulky and heavy.
This is the obvious choice to if you have an Epiphone dreadnought, but it will also work well with other standard size acoustic guitars. While there are cheaper options, the Edread case is still quite affordable given its quality and styling.
Features:
- Type: Hard Case
- Lower Bout: 16"
- Upper Bout: 12.25"
- Neck Length:
- Overall Length: 45.5"
- Body Depth:5"
- Weight:13 lbs,
For Dreadnoughts
Fender FA610 Dreadnought Acoustic Gig Bag
Cons
- Non-traditional shape
- Limited pocket space
Pros
- Good quality side padding with microfiber
- Comfortable straps and handles
- Nifty pocket compartments
- Durable moisture resistant exterior
The Fender FA610 is an affordable padded gig bag for dreadnought shape acoustics. Fender designed this one to be more durable, with tear and moisture resistant outer shell, made from 600-denier polyester. And this durability sets it apart from other soft cases and gig bags.
The inside has 10mm padding that is lined with microfiber to prevent any scratch or nick on the finish of your guitar. Dreadnoughts fits nicely into the case, but it can also work well with OM and other smaller sized acoustics - given that they match the case specifications.
I'm not too impressed with its distinct angled shape, but it's not that bad either. The main pocket size is limited by the shape though, but not by much.
Other features include air-mesh backpack straps, 2-piece handle, and adjustable ladder-lock buckles. The front pocket comes with inner pockets meant for accessories, a nifty feature that makes it easier to organize your tools and other gear. More importantly it does all this while keeping the price really low.
It is hard to go wrong with this Fender guitar gig bag, especially when considering its low price tag.
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 |
Fender Flat-Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Case
Cons
- A bit too roomy for smaller acoustics
- Bulky and heavy
Pros
- Wide room for different headstock shapes
- Traditional dreadnought hard case design
- Snug fit for dreadnought acoustics
- Solid and reliable build
With their legacy and worldwide reach, it's no wonder that Fender is doing well in the guitar accessories market, case in point is this top rated acoustic guitar case that has enough room for guitars with non-traditional headstock shapes.
As the name implies, this case works great with a long list of dreadnought guitars, from traditional Fender models like the FA-125, FA-100, CD-60SCE to smaller ones like the CC-60S. It also gets a lot of thumbs up for having ample room to accommodate Fender acoustics with unique headstock shapes, like the Sonoran, Kingman, Newporter. Villager 12-string and more.
But it's not just for Fender acoustics, because the dreadnought shape is used widely by other manufacturers. This case works well with popular guitars like the Yamaha FG series, Epiphone Hummingbird Pro, Takamine G-series and more.
The shell is crafted from 3-ply wood, which forms its dreadnought shape, topped by black vinyl outer covering with gray stitching. Contrasting its dark color theme is chrome hardware which completes its classic appeal.
The insides feature thick foam padding which matches the dark exterior color, and it has a neck support with a small pocket for storing accessories. Dreadnoughts sit snugly inside the case, and the plush interior provides worry free stability for your instrument.
Note that this case can be too big for non-dreadnoughts, but there are ways to stop guitars from moving around the case with a bit of tinkering. With the big Fender label on the case, it may look awkward when paired with guitars from other brands.
This is a great case to get if you have a Fender acoustic guitar, and it is a nice solution for those who have acoustics with non-traditional headstock shapes that won't fit inside regular cases.
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"
For Jumbo / Grand Auditorium / Dreadnought
Gator Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Bag
Cons
- A bit more complex to setup
- Careful handling is required to keep adjustable pads in place
Pros
- Adjustable top, neck and bottom paddings
- Can house different guitar shapes and sizes
- Good pocket space
- Good build quality
The Gator Transit Series is a gig bag that offers some of the benefits of hard cases, without being too heavy or bulky. This is a model designed to carry a wide range of acoustic guitar sizes, with enough room for housing jumbo and grand auditorium size acoustics.
Although light and soft, the exterior is tough and weather resistant, while the interior protects your instrument with 20mm pads. It also features an adjustable and removable 3-point interior padding system that helps keep your acoustic guitar in place, this includes top, neck and bottom paddings.
This adjustability allows this gig bag to secure different guitars from different brands, from traditional those with traditional shapes to Ovation's unique bowl back design. This also means a bit more complexity and extra parts to think about, but they are worth the extra effort given the versatility they provide.
In addition, it comes with multiple pockets for ample storage space, and along with metal rings that let you attach other small bags, for even more storage space. This practical features make the Gator Transit stand out easily compared to regular gig bags.
Wrapping up its feature set is a sturdy rubber thread on its bottom, which protects your guitar and the gig bag when in standing position.
If you own big bodied acoustic guitars and you're looking for a comfortable gig bag with good protection and utility, then the Gator Transit Series is a great option.
Features:
- Type: Padded Gig Bag
- Lower Bout: 16.50"
- Upper Bout: 13.0"
- Neck Length: 23"
- Overall Length: 44.0"
- Body Depth: 6.0"
Taylor Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Case - Grand Auditorium
Cons
- Can be too snug fit for guitars with big knobs
- Requires a hefty investment
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Snug fit for Taylor's Grand Auditorium guitars
- Red velvet interior looks and feels high quality
- Impressive attention to detail
Taylor guitars continue to build their reputation on the quality of their acoustic guitars, and this same brand of quality is applied to their Deluxe case series.
Functionality wise, it is just as much a wooden guitar case as any other, but it stands out with its attention to detail and build quality.
This particular model is meant to house Taylor's Grand Auditorium shape, which is essentially a modified version of the dreadnought, with a tighter middle bout. And this is exactly what this case is about, a fitting high quality case for a premium guitar. But this does not mean that the case will not work with guitars from other brands, as long as they fit, they should work.
Its tight fit can be a concern for older Taylor models that have bigger knobs, because these knobs tend to push on the pads, and can be stuck or damaged.
It features a red velvet interior and gold hardware that adds to its premium appeal. Note that exact specifications of the upper and middle bout are not readily available, but many users are kind enough to provide the measurements that they did on their Taylor GA guitar and case.
This is a no brainer for Taylor GA owners, but if you're guitar fits the dimensions - this case will not disappoint. The price may be a bit of a stretch for some, but like the guitars that they sell, they are worth the money spent.
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.
For Classical / Flamenco / Spanish
Cahaya Bohemian Vintage Guitar Bag
Cons
- Can't retain its shape when used with smaller guitars
- Thin pads means less protection from bumps and dings
Pros
- Stylish design that easily stands out
- Multiple pockets for organizing tools and accessories
- Detachable neck cradle
- Comfortable and easy to carry around
This gig bag is meant to be comfortable and provide good protection, all while being nice to look at, thanks to its scratch-resistant and colorful exterior inspired by vintage Bohemian art. This artistic appearance provides a good contrasted to the usual black gig bags that most players use
In addition to its stylish design, the exterior of the case comes with multiple storage pockets that let you organize and carry quite a lot of accessories, including foldable music stands.
Opening it up reveals sufficient room for different guitar styles, traditional classical guitars included. It comes with a detachable neck cradle for securing your guitar on to the case. Note that when used with smaller guitars, it tends to look floppy and out of shape, but this is expected of gig bags.
It is wrapped in 0.65" foam padding that provides protection for the instrument while feeling comfortable when carried on the back. Note that this padding won't be good enough for those who want to keep their expensive guitars totally free of dings and scratches. Speaking of carrying, it comes with adjustable padded straps and handles, and has a rubberized base footing.
The style, comfort and value that this gig bag provides is unprecedented, given its affordable price tag. Definitely worth looking at if you're looking for a convenient way of carrying your classical guitar around.
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 |
Cordoba HumiCase Protege Classical Guitar Case
Cons
- A bit bulky and heavy
- Exterior is prone to scratching
Pros
- Built-in humidifier
- Traditional look
- Great fit for classical and flamenco acoustic guitars
- Reliable and sturdy
Cordoba has built their reputation around quality nylon string acoustic guitars, so naturally, they know the storage and mobility needs of the instruments that they build.
What sets the Humicase apart is its built-in humidifier, that is positioned in a compartment right above the soundhole. This means that your guitar is not only protected from dings and bumps, it is also protected from humidity changes. This means one less thing to worry about.
The HumiCase Protege is meant to do just that, a hard shell case made of 7-ply hardwood that will fit conventional nylon string guitars including classical, flamenco and Spanish. It sports a plush interior with padding, neck support, and latches with lock.
Cordoba classical guitars will fit perfectly, but it can also house traditional classical guitars from other makers. Reported guitars that fit include Cordoba GK Studio, Godin Concert CW, Cordoba C3M, C5, C7 & C9, LaPatrie Etude, Cordoba 45FP, Yairi classical and more. Having been made specifically for nylon string guitars, it provides better fit for these types of instrument, so you won't have to worry about your guitar moving around the case.
It is quite heavy to carry around, but that's the price to pay if you want reliable protection. Since it follows traditional designs, the exterior is prone to scratches, but build wise everything is solid and sturdy.
With its built-in humidifier, the Cordoba HumiCase Protege is a good buy for those who want to keep their premium nylon string guitars safe from dings and humidity changes.
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 and the current edition was published on January 9, 2023.
For this edition, our short list grew to 44 cases and gig bags that represent the best of what'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 31,464 related rating sources which included user and expert reviews, ratings, forum discussions, videos and more - including the most recent ones up to January of 2023. 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 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've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
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
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.
Comments
This January 2023 Edition
Submitted by Alexander Briones on
This January 2023 Edition resulted in the following items dropping off our recommended list:
Publication of our November
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our November 2021 Edition resulted in the following items coming off the recommended list above:
The following items came off
Submitted by Jason Horton on
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
Submitted by Dom (not verified) on
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
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Thank you very much for pointing out our mistake - I have fixed it above.