Today I will debunk the myth that cheap guitar cases won’t protect your guitar like high-end cases. In fact, if you can choose carefully, there are some awesome cases from popular brands, like Gator Cases and CAHAYA, that won’t hurt your wallet but offers decent protection that is expected of a hard case. These cheap cases are light, stylish and some of them are surprisingly durable and strong built. Let me guide you through my selection of the 5 best cheap guitar cases that are best on the market at an affordable price.
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List Of The 5 Best Cheap Guitar Cases
1. Gator Cases Hard-Shell
Best Cheap Hardshell Guitar Case
Key Features
- Ultra-durable plywood construction
- Black Tolex PVC covering
- Ergonomic handle
- Thick plush lining
- Chrome-plated lockable latches
Gator Cases Hard-Shell is a top-notch wood hardshell case on a budget that fits most standard electric guitars. Crafted from high-quality plywood with a rugged Tolex PVC plastic coating, the tough outer shell acts as a shield against bumps, dings, and any unexpected encounters. This lightweight hard case is also moisture-resistant – perfect for gigs. Its plush fabric interior cradles your guitar in a snug and secure embrace and keeps the guitar will steady as well as protected.
This hard case also comes with a spacious compartment for all the essential accessories, such as picks, cables, and capos. Thanks to its chrome-plated latches and locking latch, you can rest assured that the guitar and accessories are always safe and secure. With the ergonomic handle, carrying the case and balancing the instrument’s weight is so easy. Overall, the hardshell protection, quality interior, and handy features make it the best case on my list of the best cheap guitar cases.
Pros
- Durable plywood construction
- Quality plush fabric
- Moisture resistant
- Chrome-plated lockable latches
- Ergonomic handle
- Large accessory compartment
- Hardware has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for air travel
Buy this if
You are looking for a high-quality and lightweight hardshell case at an affordable price to protect your standard-sized electric guitar.
Don’t buy this if
You frequently travel by air with your guitar.
2. ChromaCast CC-AHC Acoustic Guitar Hard Case
Best cheap acoustic guitar case
Key Features
- Wood hard case
- Plush interior lining
- Bumpers on bottoms and sides
- Extensive neck and bridge padding
- Chrome latches
With high-quality wood construction, ChromeCast CC-AHC Hard Case is an excellent choice for your acoustic. The hard-shell exterior is tough and durable, capable of withstanding impacts, bumps and the accidental drops while on the go. The interior is lined with soft plush foam padding that cradles your guitar, cushions the guitar from external impact and keeps it safe from scratches and damage.
ChromeCast CC-AHC Hard Case is equipped with sturdy chrome latches. You’ll like the bumpers on the bottom and sides that provide extra protection and stability. There’s a neck support to keep your guitar’s neck safe, and a molded handle on the side so you can easily carry the guitar. The hard case also comes with a spacious storage compartment for accessories, such as strings, picks, tuners, and even a small sheet music binder.
Pros
- Durable wooden exterior
- Soft plush foam padding
- Neck and bridge padding
- Spacious storage compartment
- Lockable latches
Cons
- Latches aren’t perfectly aligned
Buy this if
You’re looking for the hardshell protection for your acoustic in a budget.
Don’t buy this if
You travel with your instrument frequently. This hard case is best suited for home and local gigging.
3. ChromaCast CC-BHC Bass Guitar Hard Case
Best cheap bass guitar hard case
Key Features
- Plush lined interior
- Lockable wood hard case
- Sturdy chrome latches
- Bumpers on the bottom and sides
- Comfortable molded handle
ChromaCast CC-BHC is crafted with utmost precision to keep your bass guitar safe and secure, whether going to a gig or just storing it at home. Its rigid outer shell is made from high-quality wood that can withstand bumps, knocks, and scratches. Inside, your bass guitar is protected by a soft plush lining that prevents scratches and keeps your instrument safe. The chrome latches of the case add extra security, while the comfortable molded handle makes it easy to carry around. There’s plenty of room for accessories like strings, picks, and cables, and the handy outer pocket is perfect for storing music books, sheet music, or even a tablet.
Pros
- Durable exterior
- Soft plush lining
- Neck and bridge padding
- Large storage compartment
- Lockable latches
Cons
- Poor neck support
Buy this if
you own a standard-sized electric guitar and want a reliable way to transport it.
Don’t buy this If
you want quality neck support for your instrument.
4. ChromaCast CC-EHC Electric Guitar Hard Case
Best lightweight hard case
Key Features
- Lockable wood hard case
- Plush lined interior
- Neck and bridge padding
- Heavy-duty chrome latches
- Comfy handle
ChromeCast CC-EHC has a sleek and stylish design that’ll make you the envy of all around you. It fits most standard-sized electric guitars like a glove. The rugged wood exterior of this case can take a beating and resist scratches and tears, while the plush foam padding on the inside keeps your guitar safe and snug during transport. It also features a neck support to keep your guitar’s neck safe and secure while moving. With its spacious accessory compartment, you can carry everything from cables to picks to pedals and even sheet music or notebooks. The best thing about CC-EHC is that at only 8 pounds, this case is incredibly lightweight and won’t weigh you down!
Pros
- Durable and sleek exterior
- Plush lined interior
- Neck and bridge padding
- Large storage compartment
- Lockable latches
Cons
- Latches quality isn’t up to the mark
Buy this if
you want a sturdy and stylish hard case for your electric guitar on a budget.
Don’t buy this if
you want a durable case that needs to sustain long.
5. CAHAYA Electric Guitar Bag Gig Bag
Best gig bag
Key Features
- Lightweight portable gig bag
- Back loop handle
- 6mm padding
- Durable neck strap
- Dual adjustable backpack straps
CAHAYA is the best gig bag you can find for your electric guitar at a good price. With its high-quality Oxford fabric exterior, this bag is built to withstand wear and tear, while the interior is lined with soft, padded material to protect your guitar from scratches and bumps. In addition to its durability and functionality, the CAHAYA Gig Bag is incredibly stylish. The sleek black design with silver accents looks great. On top of it, this bag features a neck strap to secure the guitar in place, and its shockproof rubber base protects your guitar well. It also features adjustable straps and a comfortable handle to carry your instrument easily. Multiple pockets inside and outside the bag allow you to conveniently store all the guitar accessories.
Pros
- Durable and sleek exterior
- Ample padding
- Neck strap
- Large storage compartment
- Adjustable straps
- Loop handle to hand the bag
Cons
- Zippers aren’t up to the mark
Buy this if
you’re looking for a high-quality and stylish bag for your electric guitar.
Don’t buy this if
you want the protection of a hardshell case.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Guitar Case?
When it comes to choosing the best cheap guitar cases, there are a few factors to consider, including the quality of the exterior and interior of the case. However, a lower price point doesn’t necessarily mean the case will lack quality. By carefully considering the factors below, it’s possible to find a quality guitar case at an affordable price point, like my 5 best cheap guitar cases. Here’s what you need to look for in a cheap guitar case.
1. Size and Fit:
The first and most important factor to consider in a guitar case is the size and fit. Ensure the case is the correct size for your guitar, or it won’t provide adequate protection. Check the case dimensions and compare them to the dimensions of your guitar. Also, read the product description to ensure you choose the hard case for your guitar type.
Why must you consider the size and fit?
By choosing a hard case that fits the guitar properly, we can protect our guitar from any potential damage during transport or storage. A properly fitting case is snug but not too tight. A good rule of thumb is to opt for a guitar case approximately 2 inches longer than the guitar.
2. Durable Material:
The case’s material determines how durable and protective it is. Look for guitar cases made of high-quality materials, such as hard plastic, wood, or heavy-duty fabric.
What are the benefits of choosing durable material?
Choosing a guitar case made of durable materials, like hard plastic, wood, or heavy-duty fabric, offers several benefits.
- These materials provide excellent protection against impacts and bumps, ensuring that your guitar stays safe and secure.
- These materials are highly durable, meaning that your case will last for a long time.
3. Padded Interior:
A properly padded interior ensures your guitar remains safe and secure inside the hard case. Look for a case with plush lining and ample padding to provide adequate protection against the impact on your guitar.
What should you check for in a guitar case interior?
The interior of a guitar case serves as a shock absorber, absorbing any bumps or knocks the case may experience during transport or storage. So, always check the density of the padding. It should be thick enough to provide ample protection but not so thick that it takes up too much space inside the case.
4. Comfortable Carry:
You’ll want a case that is comfortable to carry, especially if it’s a hard case. Look for cases with padded straps or molded handles, as they will provide extra comfort when carrying your guitar around. Additionally, a lighter case will make it easier to maneuver around during transportation.
What are some features to look for in padded straps or handles?
First, consider the thickness and quality of the padding. Look for ergonomically designed handles that provide a secure grip, especially if you have a heavier guitar. For padded straps, adjustable straps are the best.
5. Storage:
We need to carry a lot of accessories when we travel with our guitar. So, look for cases with additional storage pockets or compartments to keep all your accessories organized and easily accessible.
How much storage do you need in a storage compartment?
The answer to this question can vary depending on what items you plan to store in it. A small compartment would suffice if you only planned to store small items such as picks, spare strings, and a capo. However, a larger compartment may be necessary if you also plan to store larger items such as a tuner, a guitar stand, or sheet music. Generally, a standard guitar case will have enough storage for accessories such as spare strings, picks, capos, and tuners.
Final Words
I hope you have got what you are looking for, cheap guitar cases that can offer long-lasting protection. A quality guitar case protects your guitar from scratches, bumps, and other road hazards and gives you peace of mind knowing that your valuable instrument is safe and secure. Many would suggest not going for expensive guitar cases, but the above 5 best cheap guitar cases can prove them wrong while offering real value for money, adequate protection at the same time remaining affordable.