12-strings sounds irresistible! I am mesmerized by its robust, chimney sound, deep breath, and natural tone echo it produces, a great collection to have! 12 strings guitars accommodate a wider neck for extra strings. An improvised acoustic instrument like a 12 string has a larger headstock and a slightly wider fretboard. Due to their unique shape and sophistication, the protection of these guitars largely depends on a guitar case that fits and protects them.
Out of many choices in the market, I have handpicked the Top 12 string guitar cases. Scroll to check them. I have also included a buying guide to let you know what to consider before buying and how to choose the best.
- 1. Gator Hard-Shell Wood Case for 6 or 12 String Acoustic Dreadnought Guitars (GWE-DREAD 12)
- 2. Gearlux 12-String Acoustic Guitar Hard Case
- 3. Gator Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case For Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitars (GL-DREAD-12)
- 4. Crossrock Wooden Case for 6 or 12-String Acoustic Dreadnought Guitars (CRW620DBR)
- 5. Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Case for 12-String Acoustic Guitars (GC-DREAD-12)
- 12 String Guitar Case Buying Guide
- Final Thoughts
1. Gator Hard-Shell Wood Case for 6 or 12 String Acoustic Dreadnought Guitars (GWE-DREAD 12)
Features
- It fits most 12 string acoustic guitars
- Strong plywood exterior with Black Tolex PVC wrapping
- Plush lining interior
- Ergonomic handle
- Padded neck rest
This Gator Case fits 12 string guitars. The exterior is ultra-durable plywood construction with Tolex wrapping that offers protection against impacts, bumps, and bruises. The interior uses shock-absorbing soft padded plush material. The hardshell case also features standard locking latches for security, stylish contrast stitching and traditional with wooden construction, a spacious lidded accessory compartment for all your accessories, padded neck rest for added support.
Pros
- Durable plywood construction with heavy-duty Tolex PVC wrapping
- Plush lining interior to protect your guitar
- Ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and weight balance
- Larger headstock area to make room for 12 String acoustic guitars
- Padded neck rest for added support
Cons
- Hardware is poorly attached
Verdict
It’s a Gator hardshell case for 12 string guitars. Overall, the construction is amazing. The exterior is heavy-duty, the interior is protective and shock-resistant. It can protect from bumps and dings and scratches on the go—a highly recommended guitar case.
2. Gearlux 12-String Acoustic Guitar Hard Case
Features
- It fits 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitars like a glove
- Plush padded interior
- Interior accessory compartment
- Chrome Hardware
- Standard lock and key
This Gearlux hardshell case for 12-String Acoustic Guitar fits most 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitars. This special guitar case features chrome hardware, a padded plush interior, and a black textured exterior. The interior accessories compartment is spacious for tuners, picks, or extra strings.
Pros
- Sturdy construction, great for travel
- Shock absorbent with plush padded interior
- Spacious interior accessory compartment
- Heavy-duty chrome hardware
- Standard lock and key for added safety
Cons
- Not best for extensive road use
Verdict
It’s a great affordable option for your 12-string acoustic guitar. A great travel case to buy now. It is highly recommended for you if you intend to move around with a 12-string guitar.
3. Gator Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case For Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitars (GL-DREAD-12)
Features
- Hybrid case
- Rugged Nylon Exterior
- Thick EPS foam padding interior with plush lining
- Interior storage compartment and zippered outer pocket
- Super strong nylon-web carrying handle
This Gator Lightweight GL Series case is a true combination of a hard case and a gig bag. The exterior boasts high-quality nylon making this case water and tear. Its handle uses nylon material, offering a comfortable and firm grip, and features a removable padded shoulder strap to carry it easily wherever you go. The interior is no less plush material, and contoured dense EPS foam padding protects your guitar.
Pros
- This hybrid case combines the features of both hardshell case and gig bag
- Protective Nylon exterior
- Thick EPS foam padding interior with plush lining to pamper and protect your guitar
- Interior and exterior compartments for accessories
- Heavy-duty carry handle
Cons
- Backpack straps are not heavy-duty
Verdict
If portability matters to you the most, this polyfoam hybrid case from Gator you can consider. Protective like a hardshell case, portable and lightweight like a soft case with easy carry handle and backpack straps, a great combination of a gig bag and hard case.
4. Crossrock Wooden Case for 6 or 12-String Acoustic Dreadnought Guitars (CRW620DBR)
Features
- 5-ply wooden exterior
- Arched top design
- Deluxe gold latches
- PVC wrapping and hinges
It’s a Crossrock wooden case for 12 string acoustic guitars. It’s super sturdy with a 5-ply wooden exterior. The chief highlight is the ultra-durable arched top design for maximum protection with PVC wrapping. The interior has foam padding. It also features heavy-duty deluxe gold latches. There is a neck compartment for all of your accessories.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and durable 5-ply wooden exterior
- Ultra-strong Arched top design provides premium protection
- Durable deluxe gold latches
- Long-lasting PVC wrapping and hinges
Cons
- Interior padding is thin
Verdict
It’s an amazing guitar case and a great value for money. The exterior is top-notch with an Arched top design. It is highly recommended for travel or home storage purposes, not for heavy road usage.
5. Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Case for 12-String Acoustic Guitars (GC-DREAD-12)
Features
- ABS plastic molded exterior
- Long-lasting aluminum valance
- EPS foam interior with plush lining
- Through-bolted handle
- Chrome lockable latches
This GC Series 12 string hardshell case from Gator boasts a durable ABS plastic exterior and heavy-duty aluminium valance. The interior has used deluxe plush material and EPS foam interior to defend against wear and tear. This hard 12 string compatible case also features a super-strong through-bolted handle, one standard lockable latch, and a spacious interior accessory compartment.
Pros
- Durable deluxe ABS plastic molded exterior
- Long-lasting aluminum valance
- EPS foam interior with plush lining to protect your guitar
- Super strong through-bolted handle
- Heavy-duty Chrome lockable latches
Cons
- The lock is not sturdy
Verdict
This 12 string guitar case is ultra-durable with premium construction, and excellent build quality is a true definition you expect. Travel-ready and built for the road, this case is a real value for money case that you can buy.
12 String Guitar Case Buying Guide
Buying a perfect case for 12 string guitars can be tricky! Not all the cases available in the market can provide the protection that your 12 strings deserve. Given the wider headstock and fretboard, your precious instrument may get a scratch or may break. If you are buying a hard case for the first time, I suggest going through the guitar case buying guide (link). Otherwise, read below for perfect 12 string guitar case buying tips.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying 12-string guitar Case
Does it fit?
Since you own a 12-string guitar, ask yourself this question first. Does the 12 string guitar model fit in properly? Not every 12-string case can fit every 12 string guitar model. Too tight is not your goal; it needs a bit of breathing space, a fingertip of space is okay. Your guitar should not move around the guitar case; make sure of it.
Protection
Will it protect your guitar? The guitar case must have protective features according to your movement and intensity of use. Carefully go through all the protective features you should check before buying. Look for other protective features in detailed review sections, and don’t forget the pros and cons section.
Build quality
Exterior and interior build quality is a serious concern for you since there are few awesome cases out there. What material do the interior and exterior use? will it protect against probable impact? Price is not the determiner here. Some affordable cases proved to have an amazing build quality. Don’t overlook those.
Neck Support
12 string guitars need great neck support and a good fit. Like other guitars, 12 strings are fragile, too, although it is wider and comparably robust. To prevent breakage, a perfect guitar case must have adequate neck support, preferably extended and full-length neck support.
Storage
If you plan to tour with your 12 strings, spacious storage is a handy feature for you. What do you want to carry with you? Capos, tuners, or extra pair of strings. Many people carry notes along with them. At the same time, hardshell cases have interior compartments, while hybrid cases offer more pockets and more space.
Final Thoughts
Buying a perfect 12 strings guitar case according to your need is difficult to find. In my list, I have included five guitar cases that fit specific purposes. I hope you find the best one that suits you. Peace out!