Since 1952, Gibson Les Paul has been a household name among guitarists. I proudly own a Les Paul, and it’s among my all-time favorites. I used to bring it to practice sessions, use it on gigs and tours, and then put it away for a while. I was looking for a robust case to protect it. I bought an ABS molded case as the best Les Paul case for optimum protection for tours, and it’s protected my guitar case ever since. Yet people have different uses. Before purchasing, I reviewed a variety of Gibson Les Paul guitar cases ranging from affordable to premium, and I’ve shared all of my findings in this article so you can find the best one for you.
- 1. Gator Molded Case for Single-Cutaway LP Guitars: Best Overall Guitar Case
- 2. Gator ATA Molded Flight Case: Best Guitar Case for Flight
- 3. Crossrock Hardshell Arch Top Wooden Case: Best Budget Guitar Case
- 4. AW Electric Guitar Hard Case for LP Les Paul Style: Best Guitar Case for Playing at Home
- 5. SKB Injection Molded Les Paul Case: Best Premium Guitar Case
- Best Les Paul Case Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Hardshell Case?
- 5 Things to consider before buying a Les Paul guitar case
- Best Les Paul Cases: Conclusion
1. Gator Molded Case for Single-Cutaway LP Guitars: Best Overall Guitar Case
Key Features
- Rugged ABS plastic exterior
- EPS foam with plush lining
- Extra-strength handle
- Heavy-duty aluminium valances
- Internal Storage Compartment
This premium guitar case from Gator fits Strate/Tele style acoustic and electric guitars and is ultra-durable
with an ABS plastic exterior. The rugged, molded plastic exterior is complemented by premium plush
material and a high-quality EPS foam interior to protect your guitar from scratches and bumps. The heavy-duty aluminum valences reinforced the overall strength of the guitar case. It also features a comfortable
and super-through-bolted, solid handle.
Pros
- Rugged ABS plastic exterior to protect your guitar against impact
- Premium EPS foam with plush lining
- Extra-strength handle for a comfortable and easy grip
- Heavy-duty aluminum valances add to the overall strength of the case
- Internal Storage Compartment spacious for smaller accessories
Cons
- Latches are cheap and poorly fitted
Verdict
It’s Gator’s best Les Paul case that fits almost all single-cutaway guitars and is great for touring. The exterior is impact-resistant, and the interior is heavily padded with premium plush. This guitar case is built so that it can take on the rigors of the road. The handle is enjoyable to carry. The accessories compartment will be enough for most of the players.
2. Gator ATA Molded Flight Case: Best Guitar Case for Flight
Key Features
- ATA Roto-Molded Polyethylene exterior with black powder continuous valence
- Ergo-Grip injection molded handle
- TSA-approved locking latch
- EPS foam nest with thick plush lining
- Extended neck cradle
- Interior accessory compartment
A GTSA series from Gator produced for Gibson Les Paul guitars; built of super-strong molded plastic with a black powder-coated continual valance and is constructed to save your guitar from impacts. It boasts a TSA-approved locking latch making it the flight-ready case for Gibson Les Paul guitars. Ergo-grip injection molded handle makes it comfortable to carry during transits. The interior of this transit case boasts thick EPS foam nest with thick black plush. It also features an extended reach neck cradle for added protection.
Pros
- Ultra-durable molded Polyethylene exterior
- An injection-molded handle makes it comfortable to carry
- Flight-ready TSA-approved locking latch provides additional security
- EPS foam nest with thick black plush lining to pamper and protect your guitar
- Extended reach neck cradle
Cons
- The storage compartment is not spacious
Verdict
It’s a robust, road-ready hard shell best Les Paul style guitar case. You can take it on flights with a TSA lock included. Its plastic molded construction can withstand rigorous touring. Weighing around 13–14 lbs., it looks fantastic from the outside to the inside. It’s the best Les Paul case if you have an extensive tour schedule.
3. Crossrock Hardshell Arch Top Wooden Case: Best Budget Guitar Case
Key Features
- Arched top design
- 5-ply wood core exterior with black PVC covering
- Comfortable handle
- Deluxe gold latches and hinges
- Deep blue plush lining with a dense layer of foam padding
- Large lidded accessory compartment
- Extended neck rest
The Crossrock CRW600 model instrument case is designed to fit Gibson Les Paul guitars.
Its wooden exterior is durable, thanks to its 5-ply core construction. The arched top design, gold plated
latches, high-quality PVC wrapping, and dense plush padding inside are the highlights of this outstanding
transit Gibson Les Paul case. It also features double stitching and a leatherette coating to protect
against wear and tear. There is a sizeable lidded accessory compartment integrated into added
neck support to hold the guitar properly.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and strong, arched top design
- The 5-ply wood core structure for protection
- High-quality black PVC covering protects against moist
- Its comfortable handle provides excellent weight balance
- Upgraded deluxe gold latches and hinges for security
- Plush lining with thick foam padding pampers and protect your Gibson
- A large lidded accessory compartment and padded neck rest snugly fit your guitar
Cons
- It’s not a premium case
Verdict
This Crossrock hardshell is among the best Les Paul cases, packed with highly-protective features to take it on tours. Ultra-durable exterior and heavy padded interior, superb quality latches and hinges with large lidded accessories are the handy features you will love.
4. AW Electric Guitar Hard Case for LP Les Paul Style: Best Guitar Case for Playing at Home
Key Features
- Hard plywood construction
- Wrapped in PU leather
- Soft padded plush interior
- Molded handle
- Internal Storage Compartment
- Extended neck cradle
This durable case is designed specifically to fit Les Paul style electric guitars, ensuring a secure and snug fit for your instrument. It is built from heavy‐duty plywood wrapped in rugged wooden plastic providing a safe, water-resistant home for your guitar. The plush fabric interior lining cushions the guitar from bumps and bruises, holding it steady during transport. In addition to its protective features, the case also includes a storage compartment for holding accessories such as picks, cables, and more. The comfortable molded handle makes it portable and easily transported around.
Pros
- Molded foam lined with plush suede gives scratch resistance and shock absorption ability
- Bumpers on the bottom and sides of the case for extra protection against the potential of damage over during travels
- Sturdy chrome locks provide added security
- The neck padding that came with the guitar fit perfectly under the neck in the case
- Heavy-duty hard ply wood core gives the case superior strength and resiliency
- Lightweight makes the hard case easy to carry
Cons
- Not suitable for left-handed guitar
Verdict
It’s a reliable and durable option for protecting your Les Paul style electric guitars. The interior is padded with a plush lining to prevent scratches and damage to your guitar’s finish. The lightweight build (only 7.88 pounds) makes it an awesome choice for daily storage and traveling to local gigs.
5. SKB Injection Molded Les Paul Case: Best Premium Guitar Case
Key Features
- Polypropylene copolymer resin material
- UV, solvent, corrosion, and fungus-proof exterior
- Gasket seal
- Automatic ambient pressure equalization value
- TSA-approved lock and latch
- Attached wheels
The exterior is a high-quality polymer resin, and the interior is made of densely padded premium plush. This high-end instrument case is bound to protect Gibson Les Paul guitars, and it is made to take on the rigors of flight and roadshows. Key features of this premium guitar case include a water-resistant gasket seal, stainless steel molded-in hinge, TSA locking with an extra locking loop for added protection, and a cushiony rubber handle for better grip.
Pros
- Super strength exterior for ultimate protection
- Thick plush lining interior that protects from bumps and dings
- Stainless steel molded-in hinges for added protection
- Flight-ready TSA Locking Latch system
- Rubbery grip for easy transportation
- Easy and quiet-glide wheels for better maneuverability
- Spacious accessory compartment
Cons
- Overpriced
Verdict
This is a high-quality best Les Paul case that will fit most Les Paul or similar-shaped guitars and will provide serious protection for your Les Paul. Inside and out, the instrument case is highly protective. You shouldn’t think twice about getting this Marvel Premium Instrument Case for your premium Les Paul guitar. Despite its high price tag, this superior guitar case from SKB is worth every buck spent.
Best Les Paul Case Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Hardshell Case?
How should you choose the best Les Paul case? You should pick a hardshell case based on how you play. If you are playing at home only, then go for a decent and affordable guitar case. On the other hand, if you do a lot of traveling or roadshows, choose high-end cases that are tough and ready for the road. Since guitar cases are expensive, there is no other way to protect them without a durable hardshell best Les Paul guitar case. After all, we all want to buy a case that protects the guitar for a long time. Apart from the protection features, check the following 5 things to ensure you have purchased the best Les Paul guitar case:
5 Things to consider before buying a Les Paul guitar case
Protection
I will be straight here, do not buy a soft case or gig bag to protect your precious Les Paul. Hardshell cases have no alternative whatsoever. Not all hardshell cases are equally protective. Whatever type of player you are, you need a highly protective guitar case for superior protection. Those best Les Paul cases, with a thick, plush interior and a military-grade aluminum exterior, offer protection worthy of a Les Paul guitar.
Guitar Movement
Make sure your guitar is not moving inside the case. Choose a Les Paul guitar case that fits properly and
does not produce a sound of movement. If the guitar moves or slides up and down, it might damage the instrument. A less than a fingertip movement is acceptable.
Travel Considerations
If you are a guitarist who takes a lot of flights, go for an instrument case with TSA-approved locks. I always prefer those TSA-approved locks since I travel a lot with the guitar. If you are a frequent air traveler, check out these rules for travel by air with your guitar. While traveling, you might need a more spacious accessories compartment than usual.
Neck Support
The internal neck support is a great feature to have when considering a Les Paul guitar. It implies that the neck is securely held in place and that the headstock is not touching the edge of the neck rest. Headstock breakage often occurs, so it must be considered before buying a case. Additional neck support ensures your instrument is safe and secure.
Case Weight
If you are a professional who is into lots of gigs and need to travel on airlines or roadshows, durable and heavy-duty ABS/Molded plastic-made cases are a fantastic choice. Although the guitar case is robust, they are lightweight. Since Gibson is already a heavy guitar, opting for a light case will come in handy.
Best Les Paul Cases: Conclusion
I hope you find this article helpful. I have added the best Les Paul cases that I have tried and tested. All of the guitar cases on my list, regardless of price, provide protection and are best suited for specific purposes. Make sure the Les Paul case fits your guitar and meets your protection needs. Thank you for reading!