Gig Bag
Today, most entry-level guitars come in gig bags. Usually made of a tough canvas or synthetic cloth, some gig bags are plush lined to offer some protection against bumps and scrapes. Some even have heavy-duty molded foam. Avoid cheap ones that are basically glorified plastic bags with straps; be sure there's some type of padding involved.
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Hard case
For higher quality instruments, you'll definitely want the added protection of a hard case. Traditionally made from heavy plywood covered in fabric, leather, or Tolex, hard cases have solid lockable latches, sturdy handles, and plush lining that is the equivalent of a fine featherbed. To cut down on weight without sacrificing protection, some modern hard cases are made from molded plastic or fiberglass.
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Carbon Fiber Case
Many professional musicians can tell sob stories about instruments that were fatally wounded by careless baggage handlers. If you plan to transport a nice or expensive instrument, consider buying a carbon fiber flight case. Good flight cases can protect your guitar from one ton of pressure, as well drops of more than 20 feet. These cases are also very light. The catch: they are expensive, starting at around $700. Still, if you travel a lot, or own a precious instrument, carbon fiber flight cases offer the ultimate protection.
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Just in Case You Need a Guitar Case
Have you ever seen someone walking down the street with an unprotected guitar slung over their shoulders? If you're an instrument owner, you probably cringe whenever you see it. Obviously, cases are important, and without them, your fragile instrument is susceptible to all kinds of disasters. A case is your ax's first and last defense against a cruel world.
While they are inexpensive and easy to transport, gig bags won't protect against structural damage. Consider the type and value of your guitar before considering a gig bag. For instance, it doesn't make sense to buy an expensive hard case for an entry-level electric guitar, but don't even think about stuffing a pre-war Martin into a gig bag and throwing it in the back seat of your car.
For higher quality instruments, you'll want a hard case. It's certainly worth shelling out an extra $100 to get a good, rigid plywood case with heavy-duty handles and latches. Try to avoid cheap, floppy cases; they are only a slight improvement over cheap chipboard. Again, assess the value of your guitar. It's probably not necessary to buy a case that exceeds the value of your instrument, but don't forget to consider sentimental value!
When determining which case to buy, take these points into consideration: An electric guitar is generally much stronger than an acoustic, due to the thicknesses of the wood used in construction. Therefore, it is much more common to see electric guitars in gig bags than acoustics.
Also, how often do you transport your instrument and what method of transportation do you use? If you find yourself walking a lot, or taking public transportation, bulky and heavy hard shell cases can be very cumbersome in public places. If you travel by plane, it's a good idea to buy the toughest case you can afford, ideally one made of carbon fiber specifically designed for rough handling.
After you've decided what type of case you want, you need to find one that will fit your guitar. Check manufacturers measurements for your instrument and compare them to the specs of the cases. The snugger the fit, the better, but be sure you don't put pressure on the top when you close the lid. Most case manufacturers offer a wide variety of sizes, and custom cases can be made for unusually shaped guitars.
