Three years back, one of my cousins bought a Gibson 335 and asked for advice on protecting it. I suggested an ABS molded case for the superb protection a 335 guitar deserves. However, many Gibson ES 335 guitar cases are available with different price points and features. Considering everyone has different needs, in this article, I am sharing the shortlist of hard guitar cases that best fit and protect Gibson ES-335 or Epiphone ES-335/Dot, or any other semi-hollow shaped guitar; I hope you will get your best from this list of 335 guitar cases.
- Top Picks for Best Gibson ES 335 Guitar Case:
- 1. Gator ABS Molded Case (GC-335)
- 2. Gator Pro-Go Ultimate Guitar Gig Bag
- 3. Crossrock Vinyl Tweed Case
- 4. Gator Wood Case (GWE-335)
- 5. Gator Flight Case (GTSA-GTR335)
- 6. Reunion Blues RBX335 Guitar Bag
- 7. Epiphone 940-E519 Case
- Gibson or Epiphone ES-335 Hard Case Buyer Guide
- Final Thoughts
Top Picks for Best Gibson ES 335 Guitar Case:
1. Gator ABS Molded Case (GC-335)
Key Features
- ABS plastic exterior
- Long-lasting aluminum valances
- EPS foam with plush lining
- Strong handle
- Storage Compartment inside
It’s a Gator GC Series Deluxe Series hardshell guitar case constructed with durable ABS plastic material with an EPS foam and plush lining interior to protect your instrument. However, this budget case offers a rugged design and prevents bruises or damage with the added strength of long-lasting aluminum valences. This guitar case also features a comfy carry handle, one locking latch, and a spacious accessory compartment.
Pros
- Highly durable and rugged ABS plastic exterior
- Comfortable and easy-grip handle
- Reinforced aluminum valances added to the overall strength
- Eps foam with plush lining to protect your instrument from bumps and bruises
- The internal storage compartment accommodates all small size accessories
Cons
- Hardware uses budget materials
Verdict
This Gator case has the most premium features that complement Gator’s brand reputation, and on top of that, it has an affordable price tag. I love its ruggedness and aluminum valence on top of the molded plastic exterior and EPS foam interior—an overall good package to protect and pamper your semi-hollow and hollow-shaped instruments.
2. Gator Pro-Go Ultimate Guitar Gig Bag
Key Features
- Gigbag with thick padded sidewalls
- Microfleece interior with adjustable neck cradle with internal shock absorber
- Protective rain cover
- Muti-adjust backpack straps (removable)
This Gator premium gig bag is different from the other 335 guitar cases. The pro-go series is designed to fit hollow-body, semi-hollow-shaped, or flying V guitars. A thick cushion and densely padded sidewalls with microfleece lining make up the interior to offer the incredible protection that 335 or similar guitars need. It also includes an internal padded body block and an extended neck cradle that further enhances the guitar’s safety. It comes with a spacious storage pocket to contain all your accessories and additional pockets. This instrument case makes travel convenient with removable and adjustable comfy backpack straps.
Pros
- This is a durable gig bag with ultra-thick padded sidewalls for optimum protection
- Microfleece interior with adjustable neck cradle with internal shock absorber for added protection
- Comes with a rain cover
- Adjustable and removable backpack straps
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Verdict
It’s a stylish and fully functional premium gig bag from Gator that you can purchase now. It’s travel-ready with all the necessary features that we highly recommend. If you are looking for gig bags for 335 or Gibson or Flying V or anything in similar shape, it’s an all-rounder guitar case among the 335 guitar cases available to buy now.
3. Crossrock Vinyl Tweed Case
Key Features
- Durable wooden construction
- Wine red plush lining over extra-thickened foam padding
- Tweed PVC covering and hinges
- Deluxe gold latches
- Metal feet
This guitar case is designed exclusively for semi-hollow and hollow body electric guitars, including the Gibson ES-335 style. The interior construction is a plush lining with a thickened foam padding, and the design expresses a retro vibe. Premium latches, tweed PVC, and covered hinges for ultra-protection of your instrument.
Pros
- Durable wooden construction.
- The thick foam padding and deep plush interior lining protect and pamper your guitar
- Upgraded latches provide security for your instrument
- Tweed PVC covering hinges protects against bumps and dings.
Cons
- The texture of the top layer seems a bit fragile
Verdict
The interior construction of this instrument case will pamper and protect your guitar from impacts, and the latches and hinges are strong enough to provide the security your guitar needs. The tweed covering and metal bottom feet are functional features that we admire. I say it’s a decent Crossrock case among the flux of 335 guitar cases that you can buy with confidence.
4. Gator Wood Case (GWE-335)
Key Features
- Plywood Exterior with Tolex PVC Coating
- Plush padded interior
- Contrast stitching
- accessory compartment
- Chrome plated lockable latches
It’s one of the noteworthy among 335 guitar cases in terms of affordability. The exterior is durable plywood coated with rugged Tolex PVC plastic, which is moisture resistant. The plush fabric with a lining interior protects your guitar from bumps and dings. The internal storage is adequate for all your smaller accessories like strings, capos, and picks. The compartment also serves as an added neck support. Its hardware includes Chrome-plated standard lockable latches for the security of your guitar.
Pros
- Long-lasting plywood Exterior with Tolex PVC coating
- Plush padded interior for better protection
- Attractive design with contrast stitching
- Spacious accessory compartment
- Heavy-duty locking latch
Cons
- Weight balance is not decent while carrying
- Not suitable for extensive touring
Verdict
This instrument case is lightweight among the 335 guitar cases available and is best for day-to-day usage and toting around town for gigs. Look at the other models if you are looking for a travel case for your 335 guitars. Consider buying this one if you are on a budget.
5. Gator Flight Case (GTSA-GTR335)
Key Features
- Molded Polyethylene exterior with Black Powder Continuous Valence
- Padded with EPS Foam Nest with Black Plush Lining
- TSA-Locking Latch with triggers system release
- Injection Molded Carry Handle with ergo grip
- Extended Reach Neck Cradle
This Gator instrument case uses military-grade polyethylene for exterior construction to prevent damage to your guitar. This instrument case is air travel-ready with a TSA-approved locking latch. The locking latch has an impact diversion housing to evade potential damage. It comes with an ergonomic injection molded handle that facilitates easy carrying and provides weight balance while carrying. The black powder-coated continuous valance adds to the overall strength of this case. The interior EPS foam nest with a black plush lining protects your guitar from bumps and bruises.
Pros
- Extra-durable molded plastic exterior
- Ergo-Grip carry handle for easy carry and maintaining weight balance
- TSA-approved Locking Latch with Red Release Triggers makes it flight-ready
- EPS Foam Nest coated with Thick Black Plush Lining protects your guitar from bumps and dings
- Extended Reach Neck Cradle for added protection
Cons
- Latches made of plastics
Verdict
A Gator travel-ready 335 or similar-shaped guitar comes at a reasonable price tag among 335 guitar cases. The best thing about this guitar case is that it has a TSA lock and all the necessary features to protect and pamper your guitar. We highly recommend it if you are looking for a superb value at an affordable price.
6. Reunion Blues RBX335 Guitar Bag
Key Features
- Rugged Quilted Chevron exterior
- RBX Protection System includes multi-layer foam, impact panels, foam-padded neck cradle inside, and endpin rest
- Zero-G handle
- Backpack straps
This gig bag from the reputed brand Reunion Blues is lightweight and affordable and, at the same time, offers protection for ever-traveling guitarists. It’s a sleek and trendy gig bag featuring a moisture-resistant quilted chevron exterior with a blue luster padded lining. The RBX protection system is a multi-facet protective mechanism that includes layers of foam, impact panels, and a thickened neck cradle and endpin. Like other gig bags with a backpack strap, you will find it easy and comfortable to carry with an integrated subway grip. This soft gig bag also features a Zero-G handle for light carry feeling, A spacious pocket with a cable loop, an organizer, and ample storage.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and moist-resistant exterior
- Multi-facet protective features that pamper and protect your instrument
- Zero-G handle for easy carry and excellent weight balance while carrying
- Comfy carry backpack straps with subway grip
Cons
- Zippers are not heavy-duty
Verdict
This soft bag fits most semi-hollow body guitar shapes snugly. In a realm full of 335 guitar cases, this lightweight and travel-friendly gig bag is a feature-packed guitar accessory to protect your guitar from bumps and bruises on the way—the best on our list for traveling musicians.
7. Epiphone 940-E519 Case
Key Features
- Hardshell case for “Casino-style” guitars
- Grey Plush interior
- Epiphone logo
It’s the official hardshell case produced to fit Epiphone or any semi-hollow guitars.
Pros
- Hardshell guitars case for Casino style guitars
- Grey Plush interior
- Epiphone logo
Cons
- The lid needs the effort to close properly
Verdict
This Epiphone brand case fits all Casino-style guitars like a glove. Compared to the other third-party 335 guitar cases, it’s one of the best protective instrument cases overall. I like its thick, plush interior. You can have peace of mind that the guitar case can be tossed around, keeping your guitar safe inside!
Gibson or Epiphone ES-335 Hard Case Buyer Guide
Prepping up for a jam session or in between gigs, keeping the guitar in the best possible form becomes a priority for us all. No one can deny the need to find a suitable case from the Gibson 335 guitar cases to protect the unique 335 or similarly shaped guitars.
There are a few factors to consider before buying a 335 guitar case. I recommend choosing the one considering your usage of the guitar case- buying for home storage, carrying for gigs around town, or if you will be traveling with the guitar a lot.
The hollow body or semi-hollow electric guitar is delicate and sophisticated, so its protective case must have heavy-duty hardware. Look for protective features like neck support, durability, and a snug-fit interior. The interior should pamper and protect your precious instrument. Don’t forget to look up the following 5 factors before buying:
1. Protection
How well does it protect your Gibson Epiphone ES-335? The protective features of a guitar case are the most vital factors that you must check before buying. Depending on the usage, get a hard case or soft bag that protects against impact and is packed with the features you need.
2. Does it fit?
The most common query that everyone has. Does the case snugly fit? Is it too snug? If you are traveling much, this is a must-have checklist for you.
3. Build quality
Check the overall construction quality, building materials-interior and exterior of the 335 guitar cases, and how durable they are. Can you be able to use it for a long time? Choose one with a more densely padded interior, an exterior that uses molded plastics, strong wooden or multi-core plywood, or a hybrid-class gig bag.
4. Value for money
Whatever the instrument case is, what you look for is real value for money. The 335 guitar case that offers adequate protection in return for the price will be your best buy. Who does not want value for every buck spent, right?
5. Brand Protection
Brand cases offer unique sets of value. You can buy them with confidence. I recommend a case with a better brand tag if you have multiple choices to buy from.
Final Thoughts
If you own a Gibson 335, an Epiphone, or a similar shaped guitar, you need the best guitar case from the host of 335 guitar cases for two specific reasons: one, these 335 guitars are fragile, so they need protection, and two, they come in unique shapes and may not fit in any size guitar case. This list covers cheap to high-end guitar cases you should consider buying in 2022. These instrument cases in my list pamper and protect your guitar, yet they are stylish and durable and meant to be used for a long time. Thanks for reading. Feel free to take your time and leave a comment in the comment section below.