To the studio musician, a guitar is a tool to get a job done, much the same way that a wrench is a tool for a mechanic. Session players make their money when they are playing, and often times their schedule for one day can be divided between several studios. I once read an article by some of the top Nashville session players where one musician said that he did not even bother with a guitar case because it took to much time to pack up and unpack at the different sessions. In the same article however, he did mention that he had dropped his guitar on the pavement in the parking lot several times in his haste.

For others of us, a guitar is also an investment. Many of us do not make the money playing that would allow us to just go buy another guitar if we damage the one we have. While I do understand this player’s theory of using his time to make money rather that pack up and unpack several times a day, I am a hard core believer in hard cases to protect your guitar investment. I believe that any guitar that you love to play, no matter the price range, is a guitar that deserves to be protected when not in use.

Looking back at my past guitar purchases, I can remember a time when almost every guitar came standard with a case or a gig bag. These days, when looking online and in music stores, I've noticed that many guitars come with the "option" of a case at added cost. These matching cases are often so costly - and of questionable quality - that I started checking out my alternatives. One company that I use for many of my case solutions is Gator Cases. Recently Dan and I were sent three guitar cases to review, including a Vintage Electric case, a molded electric hard-shell case, and an ATA Flight Case.

GW-ELEC-VIN

If you are looking for a vintage style case with modern appointments, then the GW-ELEC-VIN is for you. I have always liked the look of the vintage style case, but since the inception of the hard plastic cases, I have not been as easily impressed with the durability of these style cases. The GW-ELEC-VIN however seems to transcend the boundaries of most vintage cases with its 5-Ply Luan laminated shell. By incorporating the ESP Foam (Expandable Polystyrene) as a molded inner core, the GW-ELEC-VIN offers better than normal protection for a vintage case, while maintaining the styling that is sought after by many players.




The interior has a plush lining, and offers good neck support. It also features a large pocket for accessories which always comes in handy.

I really like this case and would recommend it for moderate abuse levels. I still would not recommend this case for travels that have potential for high impact incidents. The latches and other hardware appear robust, and should give you years of worry free operation.

Other Features:

• Fit all inner case design
• Gold Plated Hardware
• ESP Fitted Interior
• Lockable center Latch


Price: $109.99
Use: Light to Moderate abuse situations
Grade: B+


GC-ELEC-A

The GC-ELEC-A case is another “fit-all” electric guitar case. I should mention that the fit all cases seem to be built around guitars with body measurements similar to those of a Stratocaster® or a Telecaster®. If you have an “alternative” shape – you should definitely test prior to purchase. The GC-ELEC-A is just one in a large series of cases that include several bass, acoustic, electric, and even banjo and mandolin cases.




The interior of this case is once again plush lined EPS form fitted foam. Gator uses a through bolt system that attaches the EPS foam to the exterior plastic for better rigidity and protection. One major advantage to the interior of this case over the GW-ELEC-VIN is the better neck support. It also includes a large interior accessories pocket.

The shell of this case is made with a high impact resistant ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadine Styrene) plastic. This shell can absorb great impacts in normal to heavy use situations. The only downside is that ABS can sometimes crack in very cold situations. I would have to believe that this is a rare case though, as I have used these style cases for over fifteen years and have not had one crack on me yet. I would not recommend this case for an Antarctic band tour though!

Other Features:

• Ultra strong extruded aluminum valance
• Triple plated chrome hardware
• Chrome locking latches
• Latches are riveted with backing metal plates for extra durability


Street price: $64.99
Use: Moderate to Heavy Abuse
Grade: A


GPE-Electric

Cockroaches and my favorite guitar. That’s what will survive after an atomic blast hits my house thanks to the GPE-Electric case from Gator Cases. The GPE series is absolutely built for road abuse.




This case is the GC-ELEC-A’s big brother. Overall, it has similar features to its smaller cousin – just more so. More ABS, more aluminum, industrial strength chrome plated locking latches, and more EPS foam.

Features:

• Made from rugged molded polyethylene
• Heavy-duty aluminum valance
• Half the weight of standard wooden flight cases
• EPS foam protective interior
• Recessed chrome plated lockable latches
• Deluxe plush interior


If you are schlepping your guitars from gig to gig in a van or bus – then the GC series is probably more than adequate. But before you even think about bringing your six-stringed friend on an airplane – you should definitely step up to the GPE. Not only does it guarantee industrial strength protection, but is also about half the weight of similar ATA plywood cases. I also is lighter than most of the metal cases I have checked out. Another significant advantage is the latches on this case. They are extremely heavy duty and are the beefiest latches I have seen on any case.

I had the opportunity on two flights to test this case out. I’ll admit that although I was unwilling to put my favorite G&L Custom guitar in this case and bring it with me for testing purposes – however, I did select a nice mid-range Yamaha LP style guitar to sacrifice to the mercy of the airlines. The first trip was absolutely uneventful. Outside of something sticky that wiped off easily with a little “Goo-Gone”, the case was completely unmarked and the guitar was expectedly snug. Conversely, the events on second flight had me truly concerned. As I caught a glimpse of the luggage handlers loading the plane on my second leg toward my destination -- the luggage handler literally threw the case onto the conveyor! All I could think was “OUCH! My poor guitar!” Luckily, my fears were unfounded. When I finally got to the hotel the first thing I did was crack open the case to find my guitar napping calming inside. By the time I got home from this trip, the case definitely had a couple of battle scars, but thankfully the guitar did not! If you are traveling with any kind of expensive guitar – you should just consider the GPE-Electric (or any of the cases in the Gator GPE series) as money well spent.


Street Price: $109.99
Use: Heavy Abuse – Especially Airline Travel
Grade: A+



Closing Thoughts

In terms of looks alone, the vintage style case undoubtedly wins the award for aesthetic appeal. However, ABS cases have been our case of choice for many years. It is just hard to beat the overall combination of price, weight, and durability. As GuitarGearHeads, what we love about Gator Cases is that they take the standard case to new levels. Not only are Gator cases typically more affordable compared to other similar cases on the market, but they also go the extra mile with additional features. Our favorite two cases are the GC and GPE series; however, all three of these cases deservedly win our coveted GuitarGearHeads.com “Rig Ready” and “Approved” awards for 2006! Congrats to Gator Cases.



Daniel L. Halberg and Gary Allen

Copyright © 2006 Allen & Halberg Publishing, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Guitar Gear Heads is a Division of Allen & Halberg Publishing, Inc.

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