The guitar case serves to protect the instrument from shocks and the vagaries of the weather. In addition, the case can store various little things - spare strings, a knob, a key for a removable neck. If you have an electric guitar, the case may have compartments for pedals and cables.
What kinds of covers are there?
The days of cotton guitar cases are over - now satin or flannel guitar "clothes" can only be bought with a very cheap instrument. Basically, the covers are sewn from modern waterproof materials, most often with insulation. According to their properties, guitar cases are divided into water-repellent, thermal-protective and mechanical. The first are the thinnest and lightest, they are sewn from waterproof fabrics like calendered nylon. They are quite cheap. The thermal protective cover protects the instrument not only from moisture, but also from the cold. Mechanical covers have another property. Thanks to their construction and material, which is usually durable plastic, they protect the guitar from bumps, squeezes and other troubles. Covers are available in soft, semi-rigid, and rigid types. A hard case is also called a wardrobe trunk or a case.
Why do you need a cover
The choice of case design depends on the instrument itself and how and where you intend to use it. If the guitar is intended mainly for home use, and you are going to take it out only in the warm season, a soft case with or without insulation is quite suitable. For those who are going to carry the guitar down the street quite often, but not for very long (for example, from home to a music school or a rehearsal room), a semi-rigid insulated cover is more suitable. The avid traveler, on the other hand, cannot do without a hard case made of durable plastic, especially if he has a good expensive instrument. For an electric guitar, in any case, it is better to buy a wardrobe trunk or case.
What to take with you to the store
It is better, of course, to choose a case with fitting, that is, if possible, you need to take the guitar with you, especially if it is non-standard. But not always and not everyone has such an opportunity. Therefore, the guitar must be measured. Measure the maximum length (from the edge of the headstock to the end of the top), maximum width, and thickness. The guitar can be cut on paper and cut out, and the case can be tried on according to this "pattern". Just keep in mind that the “clothes” should be several centimeters larger than the pattern, because the guitar should fit freely into the case.
What to look for
Having chosen several cases from the material you like, suitable in shape and size, first of all inspect the fasteners - zippers for soft and semi-rigid cases and locks for wardrobe trunks. They should be easy to close, but at the same time, they should not be unbuttoned unnecessarily. Pay attention to the handle. It is better if the case has both a handle and a strap or two in order to carry the instrument on the back. See what additional branches are. All other things being equal, a pocket for notes, a pocket for various little things, compartments for pedals are a nice addition that can make transporting your guitar more convenient.
