If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
An acoustic guitar case may seem simple enough — just something to protect it from the outside world, right? But start shopping and you’ll quickly find there’s more to it.
What You Need To Know About Acoustic Guitar Cases
The selections featured here are all technically classified as “gig bags,” but there’s a wide range of attributes and qualities within that, and finding the right one for you depends on a few different factors. Most importantly: what you’ll be using it for, and how this will integrate into your musical lifestyle.
Are you a professional classical guitarist, constantly traveling from gig to gig, with other people occasionally packing and handling your expensive acoustic? A higher-end, more densely-padded bag made from a thicker-material — while still retaining a light weight — may be the best option. A few of these choices even offer removable, internal padding, to customize how much protection you need around the neck and head area, along with heftier rubber bumpers on the bottom and sides.
The more casual player may not need, or want, as much ruggedness or bulky security in a case. For a beginner mostly practicing at home with an occasional outing such as a lesson or recital, a simpler, thinner, lighter bag would go a long way.
No matter what, it’s wise to have at least something to protect your six-string from dust and minor dings. And whatever your current musical lifestyle or skill level is, it doesn’t hurt to consider the future either. As you progress, you never know when you might be tempted to play at the neighborhood coffeehouse’s open-mic night, or get invited to join a local band on stage. A solid gig bag is ready to get out there whenever you are.
We’ve selected three different gig bags that cover the range of requirements most musicians might have. Take a look and see which one is right for you, your instrument, and your musical goals.