Acoustic Guitar Case - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
If you've reached the point where you play – whether it's venues or just with friends – you've also reached the point where you need a bag or case to protect your acoustic guitar from everything the world can throw at it. One option is an acoustic guitar bag, also known as an acoustic gig bag.
Acoustic guitar bags are a viable alternative to much more expensive hard cardboard boxes. Guitar bags are a great choice for beginners, as most offer padding, waterproofing, and pockets to safely store your guitar and accessories like tuners and sheet music.
Our buying guide helps you navigate through the various features and other considerations when it comes to deciding on an acoustic guitar bag. We also take a close look at prices and what to expect from an acoustic guitar bag based on its price. For our favorite acoustic bags – both in terms of price and quality – on the market, check out the array above.
Key Considerations
- Construction
An acoustic guitar bag has one job: to protect your guitar on the go. As such, it must be durable enough to withstand daily use. Typically constructed of nylon or polyester, a gig bag must be durable enough to resist ripping, tearing, and punctures. Some acoustic guitar bags include a rubber band on the bottom to limit damage to the part of the bag that receives the most wear.
Padding is an important element of gig bags, and the amount of padding and its placement largely determines how well protected your guitar will be. The padding can range from one millimeter thick to 20 millimeters. Obviously, the more padding, the more padded and protected your guitar will be. The padding, which is usually foam, should protect all elements of your guitar, including the body, neck, and headstock. You can adjust the padding on some gig bags to better fit the particular shape of your guitar. The interior lining of an acoustic guitar bag should be soft enough not to scratch or damage your guitar.
- Size
Just like acoustic guitars, acoustic guitar bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You'll want a bag that fits your guitar without being too loose. A bag with too much room will allow your guitar to move around, which could cause damage. Make sure to measure your guitar before purchasing an acoustic guitar bag.
- Weather Resistance
Since your work bag will likely spend some time outdoors, it should be able to withstand rain, snow, and other weather conditions. Some acoustic guitar bags are waterproof, which does not mean that the bag is 100% waterproof. A waterproof gig bag is great, but you should limit its exposure to inclement weather whenever possible.
Characteristic
- Pockets
The pockets on a gig bag are handy for storing all the picks, tuners, strings, capos, and other accessories you need to take with you when you play. One big pocket and one handbag; Big enough to hold loose sheet music or books and a handbag; it's standard on gig bags, but many bags have additional pockets. The more pockets an acoustic guitar bag has, the easier it is to organize accessories. That said, anything you put in the bag will add extra weight. Some acoustic guitar bags also have long pockets designed to hold a collapsible guitar stand.
- Zippers
Zippers are not only used in the pockets of concert bags. The main zipper on a gig bag is a vital part of the bag. As such, it should be sturdy and robust enough to keep the bag closed and the guitar secure. The zipper should also work smoothly and not be stiff. Some bags feature a two-way zipper system, which is not only easier to use but has the added benefit of an extra zipper in case one breaks.
- Handles and Straps
There are two ways to carry a gig bag: handles or straps. Handles are the traditional method. The handles should be attached to the bag securely and should be comfortable to grip.
Straps are one of the features that elevate acoustic guitar bags above their hard shell cousins. With the straps, you can carry your guitar bag like a backpack, which frees your hands. The straps can be permanently attached to the bag or removable. They should be adjustable and ergonomically designed, so you can carry your guitar comfortably.
Tips
One work bag can look a lot like another, especially in a room or van full of guitars. Decorate your bag with pins, patches or stickers to make your bag stand out from the rest. This will allow you to better keep an eye on your guitar.
A strap on the outside of a jumbo bag's storage pocket is helpful for securing the pocket even when it's full of accessories.
If you're concerned that a work bag isn't durable enough for its intended use, consider paying for a sturdy cardboard box.
Keep the pockets of your acoustic guitar bag full of the accessories you need. This allows you to pick up and go more easily, and you will have the added advantage of not forgetting anything.
Although not standard, some acoustic guitar bags ship with extras, usually in the form of guitar accessories. These can be a welcome addition, particularly if you're just starting out. Some extras include picks, guitar straps and string winders.
If you plan on playing most of your concerts outdoors, consider adding sunscreen and bug spray to your bag.
When you carry an acoustic guitar bag in your car, stow it safely in the trunk so it doesn't bounce around every time you hit a bump or take a corner too fast.
FAQ
Que. Can I fly with an acoustic guitar bag? Are they TSA approved?
Ans. While some manufacturers claim that their gig bags are TSA-approved, you'll largely find flying around with a soft acoustic guitar bag a bad idea. These bags tend to be too big to carry on a plane, and you don't want to entrust your guitar to baggage handlers and plane crew. If you need to fly with your acoustic guitar, we recommend a hard case.
Que. How do I know if my guitar will fit in a particular gig bag?
Ans. The manufacturer must list the dimensions of the bag. Please measure your guitar to verify that it fits within those dimensions. First, measure the length of the body. This is the length from the bottom of the guitar to where the neck meets the body. Also, measure the neck, and then take a general measurement of the length of the entire guitar.
Width is a bit more complicated, and consists of three unique measurements: the bottom bout (typically the widest part of the guitar, near the bottom of the instrument), the middle bout (the width across the guitar where the finds the sound hole), and the top bout (the width just before where the neck meets the body).
Que. Can I use an acoustic gig bag for an electric guitar?
Ans. Acoustic gig bags are designed for acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars have a much larger body than electric guitars, so an electric guitar won't fit in an acoustic gig bag, which can lead to damage. Electric guitars must be transported in electric guitar bags.
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