Why Softshell Cases are better than Hardshells
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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I love softshell cases. One of the things I don't think that was mentioned is the fact that so many softshell cases have backstraps. When you're lugging all of your gear into a venue or to the studio, being able to carry your guitars on your back is super nice. Especially when you have multiple guitars in different tunings. I plan on buying softshell cases for my acoustics sometime soon because I find myself accidentally slamming them into walls in narrow hallways, even when I'm trying to be especially careful.
I have traveled to another country by plane and my soft case was a champ. I thought this was common knowledge.
It's useful to think of how cars are made. They used to make them with an extremely hard exterior but eventually realized that all the energy from the crash would be transferred to the interior. Nowadays, cars have relatively soft exteriors that work as shock absorbents.
Very good analogy.
@@DriftwoodGuitars I think you'll be happy with the results of the new cases. Good luck guys!
Agree, but its not about the hardness of the case, its about the instrument not being properly supported and somewhat loose inide the case. If you used same quality foam material inside the hard case, it would be even better case then the soft one.
For tour vans, I find hard shell cases to be more convenient since they can basically be stacked and slid around like Tetris blocks. Gig bags tend to bulge out and have straps that hang up on things, I have found. In other situations they’re great, though
I hear you about stacking in a gigging van situation... Alot of the soft shell today have and area to tuck and zip up the straps into so they don't get hung up on stuff..they should have shown that with the mono
@@Jeremya74 Yea, many of the gig bags I've had can unbuckle the straps and can be tucked in, true. If I were just doing one or two instruments I'd do soft bags, but since I stack, pack, and strap multiple instruments in a van, the flat surfaces of hard cases makes it easier to strap everything down and slide cases in and out against each other :)
@jonmustang I have 3 guitars..sounds like uv been there done than..is there a gig bag(or hard case) that you would get if you were to pick that's great for the money?...thanks
@@Jeremya74 I really liked Mono cases for gig bags, better than Blues Reunion, etc. For hard cases, honestly, the ABS cases with injected foam are lightweight, resistant to bumps and bangs, and are convenient to slide around. The traditional wood hard cases are like old cars, where they can get beat up but they're stiff. The ABS cases are more like crumple zones on modern cars or bicycle helmets. They're designed to make the foam take a hit instead of the instrument inside. For weight, protection, and low cost, ABS/foam-injected is pretty hard to beat. A very fancy version is made by Hiscox in the UK if want something that's like best of both worlds. The Hixcox are less bulky and more stiff than the cheaper ABS/injected foam cases, but it'll cost ya. :)
You go get gig bag which have the straps optional, Thomann Safe Case for example has the straps tucked away. If you need them, you can have them... otherwise it's like a softshell case.
Mono makes great cases, definitely changed my mind on hard vs. soft shell cases. Way less weight and feel more protective for general use. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Yeah, I feel like the rigidity of a hardshell case would transfer way more force into a guitar than a softshell with padding and give to it. In fact, when I was a dumb young kid I left my Gibson acoustic in its hardshell standing upright while I stood a few feet away. A slight gust of wind blew it over and it hit the ground. Opened it up, looking straight down at it and I thought it was alright, but when I took it out I realized the headstock had snapped straight through and was only attached by the layer of veneer on its front (Granted, it was a Gibson so it may have been the slight gust of wind that broke the headstock). Compare that to my Mono case, my Gator softshells, and even my crappy Martin gig bag, which have all been dropped several times over and have never failed to protect the guitar and you get quite the compelling case for softshell cases.
Not to mention the rainshells included with the higher end Gator cases and the number of handholds they have. Such well designed cases.
The last new guitar I bought came with the switch tip in the pocket and a big round squishy foam piece stuck on the switch. Might be worth looking into.
How did they not already know that?
Yup. My cheap $600 Epiphone Les Paul had a foam square on the switch and it shipped in only a cardboard box in one of those lame white paper bag things and it arrived in perfect condition.
Wife and I played a string of shows in the the UK (we’re in Nashville) this past summer and used Mono cases. Airlines forced us to check guitars and the cases kept them safe and sound. Highly recommend Mono.
I think the key is finding what works for you rather than bowing to pressure from the music snobs. It seems like that is what you’re doing! I’m new to your channel, love it so far.
After purchasing a new cello (Fragile instrument?) some time ago, I was searching for some form of protection while transporting it. Cheap bags were readily available, but usually had thin fabric and foam. At the extreme end there were fiberglass formed ATA cases that cost half of what the cello cost. Then, on Ebay, I found a Chinese company that built cases w/600 denier padded pack cloth exterior surrounding a blow molded/foamed cell, cello form fitted interior, lined with heavy duty foam and fake fur. Cello is well supported with physical blows being absorbed and minimally transferred to the instrument. Their ad video showed a cased cello being hurled from a 2nd floor balcony with no damage. While somewhat skeptical, I ordered it and am now a believer. I'm gradually replacing all of my heavy, wooden hardshell guitar cases and replacing them with mostly hybrid soft/hardshell cases or glorified/reinforced gig bags. Sure you say, what if somebody sits on it or drives their ATV over it? .......Well, then maybe I'm just not responsible enough to own a guitar! The chances of those events occurring are relatively unrealistic, but I do know the daily hazards of leaning the guitar against a wall and having it tumble, or me tumbling with it, or bashing it into the wall corner when I'm in too much of a hurry etc. A hard shell case will transfer that energy directly to the interior/instrument, often to the detriment of the wall and/or your ego. With the padded exteriors I no longer have to patch/paint the sheetrock corners in my house where it collided with a hardshell case. Function over form. Guitar protected and house/car protected from hard case. Rides better in the car without sliding around. Lighter and smaller. Plenty of pockets and room for pedals, cables, tablets, scores and lunch. I have several that have a resilient but stiff layer of polyethylene under the pack cloth/foam exterior. This provides form on some of the less expensive cases, increases resistance to puncturing forces and maintains humidity.
If you are a gigging musician and a fan of nitrocellulose finishes (Gibson, you know who you are) and dislike the crazing and checking of the finish when you repeatedly take it from your 72 degree house, to a -20 degree car, to a 75 degree juke joint with the humidity level equal parts sweat and spilled Buckhorn beer. If only nitro finishes and guitar woods would expand and contract at the same rate!! Oh wait, the insulation properties of these soft cases balances out these rapid cycles of movement. (Midwesterners understand) My first Gibson was an es125 , and the finish failed within 2 years. I currently have a 2000 Gibson Blueshawk, and the finish is still intact and looking lovely! My favorite case is a brown Road Runner rr4tec which lists @ $130 and I purchased for under $80 on sale. Old fashion wood hard cases were over $100.
If you think your axe may be caught in a unicorn stampede stick with the hard case. For others,.........well you get it!
Peter
I got a mono cymbal case last year for Christmas and this year of gigging I have really enjoyed using it to the point where I asked for the mono stick bag this year for Christmas.
An important thing to check with soft shell cases is the design of the zip. A basic zip is going to allow moisture to leave the case (and eventually the guitar) even if the material your case is made of is providing a decent sealed environment. I experienced this with my acoustic and went back to a hard-shell, but I'm sure the decent quality softshells have now got this covered with sealed zips.
There I live the air is very dry durning the heating (winter) season. I use D’Addario humidipack and in case hygrometers. I find that the hard shell cases retain the humidity better.
Mono softshell case user here--I had my Gibson SG headstock snap when I dropped the guitar in the cheap OEM softshell case a foot off the ground. After that, I knew I needed something practically bulletproof, and the Mono case was it. There's very few gear purchases that I would flat-out recommend to absolutely everyone, but the Mono case is one of them--it's almost as durable as a standard hardshell case, but still extremely portable (it has both a handle and backpack straps).
Since I've gotten the Mono case, there's been a few hairy situations that I'm sure protected the guitar where the normal OEM softshell case wouldn't--so it's already paid itself in potential repair costs. If you're on the fence because they're so pricey (and they ARE fairly pricey)--get one, if you have the financial means to do so. The case works, and it's cheaper than a broken headstock.
So I am a gigging musician and I use that mono case. I also use the dual electric case. That case goes in and out and travels with my PRS cores and Les Pauls 2-3 times a week. The have gone on trips for hours. I have never had an issue, never had damage or scratches. I live in Michigan and we got hot summers and cold winters. Again my guitar arrive in perfect condition. Definitely a great soft guitar case.
A while back the 60 cycle hum channel tested these by dropping the out of a 2nd floor window onto a concrete driveway. Surprisingly no damage at all. I’m sold on them.
Yeah Henning from HP42 / EytschPi42 did the same .... with a similar case, Thomann Safe Case 80, which I believe is from the same Manufacture as the one from 60 cycle hum tested.
Now I do wonder how many takes that took, but I would assume just one ;-)
Fender has a pad in the top of the Telecaster/Stratocaster case that protects the instrument from that sort of damage. My 1970s Jazz Bass had a metal guard over the bridge that also protected against that sort of damage. Most just remove same as in the case of the old ashtray bridge cover on old Telecasters. Protection for the 'hat switch' on a Telecaster was built in to both the instrument and the case. I think an expert acoustic guitar maker will make a superior electric instrument as I was impressed with your demo of yours; especially tone and that's what it's all about. 🤘
The first couple of guitars I bought, 40 years ago, came with gig bags which were totally worthless, whereas the last guitar I bought a few months ago had a proper soft-shell case ( it is an acoustasonic jazzmaster). I can say from experience that one of the two gig-bag guitars suffered a headstock break, but the acoustasonic has been accidentally dropped down 2 flights of stairs, landing on the headstock (in the case) - no damage. I have hardshell cases for everything except that one.
Great video. I have both soft and hard shell guitar cases. The most important thing for me is that it has a shoulder strap so I can carry it easily.
I just got the Martin D13 and it came in an awesome soft shell case. I have a D-35 from 1977 I got when I turned 40 and bought a new Martin case to put it in. I’m going to put my more precious vintage guitar in the soft case because it feels like it’s better protected while it’s in my house.
Funny, I just bought an Eastman ac222ce-gb that arrived yesterday. It comes with an amazing softshell case (not a gig bag). It has a neck support and a wide velcro strap to hold it in place. The guitar shipped in a rectangular box with the guitar in the case. There was absolutely no packing material at all other than a small, nicely preformed bubble-wrap fixture that kept the top of the case from moving inside the box. The soft case was the main protection during shipping, first from China then from Illinois to North Carolina. None of my several hard cases could have done that. Additionally, it takes up far less real estate than my hardshell cases. I'm a believer in a good softshell case.
As a professional musician, I have found Mono cases to be the perfect solution for this topic of protection vs mobility. I have one for every instrument I gig with. I also have a handful of hardshell cases just sitting in the closet collecting dust now. I understand not putting instruments in the super cheap gig bags, since they are literally just a thin piece of vinyl with no padding. If you are going to go soft shell, don't go cheap. However, I am with you all. The game has changed on high end soft shell cases and I believe that these Mono cases are even better than hard cases. To sum it up simply, they make your life much easier.
Thanks for sharing your process and journey with us! I am very much enjoying learning with you all. Hope you all have a great holidays!
When I commissioned a 12 fret 00 from some spectacular Hurricane Andrew Cuban mahogany, I asked Mark Sganga, a touring musician, what he used and he recommended his Mono Classic that he frequently flies with. I ordered one, and am delighted! Guitar, tuner, capo, sheet music, even iPad weigh less than and empty hard shell case and are MUCH easier to tote around festivals etc -I even occasionally use the shoulder straps. Now about to order another one for my 1963 D-28 because I hate lugging all that weight around. I only wish they offered them in a lighter color such as tweed or even heat reflective aluminum/Mylar so they wouldn’t absorb so much heat on sunny days.
worked in music store for 10 years. we get our guitars in cardboard boxes of six or singles. ship them to clients also just in the box. in all his time it has only happened once - switch was broken off, but body was ok. so for you to get 2 out of 6 is a lot.
I love Godin's TRIC cases. They are so light, protective and insulating.
I've recently taken up relearning guitar after a 35 year hiatus, things have changed.
I did get a soft shell case/gig bag. Much more robust than the dust covers I had used.
Still, though it fit nicely, I wasn't comfortable with my Les Paul in it. So I did get a LP specific specific hard case.
Probably overkill as I don't intend on traveling traveling with any of them, but you never know.
I play at home for personal enjoyment. They reside in a semi climate controlled display cabinet.
Thank you for your videos
I remember when I bought my Martin GPC-16e a couple years ago I was mad when they handed me a soft-sided case. I almost went out and dropped the extra couple hundred bucks for a gator case and called Martin and complained, but I gave it a couple of months and I grew to love it! It’s lightweight, the padding is excellent, the backpack straps are handy, the outside pouch is convenient for sheet music or an iPad, capos, a looping pedal and cables- they’re really slick! Only downside is I did have a zipper pull that broke because it was a soft leather or leather synthetic. But even that lasted a year and a half and that’s not a structural component. The actual zipper itself still works fine.
Rhett Shull talked about his Mono bag and those are amazing! Excellent protection, especially if you fly with your instrument. Cool video!
I believe that today depends on where are you going with your guitar. Really good soft cases prices are pretty similar of hard cases, but it's easier to carry as on your shoulder.
Recently I went to play on Rockin1000 and I took my guitar with its hard shell TSA fender case. It was perfect protection, but since I had to carry the guitar to one place and another and including the amp and pedals I started to think about: "You know what? It's nice to have some hard shell cases, but I believe I need a class S softshell for these moments and simple regular ones for daily bases at home to keep the instrument at least minimum protected."
And that is my goal now, to find a really good soft shell case for these situations like Rockin 1000.
Less weight and less real estate in your closet. Most of my hard cases are in my storage unit, while the majority of my cases that I use for transport and daily stow away are soft/hybrid/gig bag type cases. Great points in your video!
What about if by any chance there is some heavy luggage on top your guitar in a bus or a plane or whatever? Isn't that a situation where the hard case is a better option?
Active gigging full-time musician here. I use a cross rocks mono bag copy for my single electric guitar gig bag, and a gator double bag when bringing two electrics to gigs. Never had an issue. Still have to figure it out with acoustics though, as I have a decent acoustic bag when I need one, but still feel more inclined to bring out nice acoustic guitars in their hard shell cases as much as I hate schlepping them around. Haha
Totally agree with the video. The one advantage of hard cases they didn't pick up on is any lateral force (i.e. bashing sideways into the neck) would be stronger. Greater chance of breaking in a soft case. But, if it is shipped in a decent outer box, this wouldn't be an issue and far better in a soft case
I had a problem with a Mono M80 in 2017 - the neck cradle black stained my strat neck (semi satin finish). I reached out to Mono, they replaced my case for a Vertigo, however (during the email conversation) they said this:
"Unfortunately with satin and nitrocellulose finishes, it is hard to predict what will and will not be absorbed by the finish, and once it has been absorbed, it cannot be removed. (...) We did some testing and changed our colorfast levels on the dye and have not had any recent reports. It's very difficult to test for every combination of finish situation since nitro essentially never dries and picks up anything it comes into contact with."
I had previously owned two Gator ProGo gig bags and I have never had any issue with them, so far. Mono Vertigo looks and feels more sturdy, but I've lost confidence in the brand, so I sold the replacement case Mono sent me. And, recently, I bought a 3rd ProGo gig bag (a double guitar bag). If Mono had solved that issue, it would be my choice for a double bag - however (and as far as I know) product remains the same, same fabric on the headlock... Anyway, do some tests just to make sure your guitars will not get a black blurred stain overtime.
Cheers!
I have a Mono softshell case and love it. Tons of storage for cables and guitar maintenance tools, and provides great protection. The only instance I would prefer a hardshell case is when stacking gear in a trailer. The softshell case would need it's own designated spot with nothing on top of it.
Many years ago I worked for France's largest music store (at the time), as the warehouse guitar tech and I prepared and packed everything for shipping. There is no question that a good soft case is superior to a cheap hardshell. NO QUESTION. And yes, the current Mono cases are excellent. When I travel I use a Mono M80 Sleeve, lighter and slimmer than a Vertigo, fits easier in an overhead locker, but if I have to gate check the guitar it will still survive a few small suitcases and strollers.
Love my Gator soft case, totally trust it! I have the Mono as well, it's great especially for winter because of the sealed bottom, moisture can't get in that way when standing, but the front pocket is unhandy, the gator does a much better job. FWIW. Gator also has a cheaper soft case that offers very good protection, but doesn't work so well for carrying it's works more like a hard case.
I've got to say I like the backpack like straps on soft cases. I have one that actually has very rigid foam as it's main shell with decent contoured neck support now it's 15 years old and the canvas covering is frayed but still does the job of carrying a Martin 000-28. I recently finished building a Strat type guitar and I got a soft case for it because I wanted the back pack straps but I certainly wouldn't ship it in it without a crate type carton. But they're certainly better than the gig bags of a couple of decades ago. Remember those cardboard cases?
@ƬЄԼЄƓƦAM👉Driftwood_Guitars Huh? Surprise?
I definitely use soft shell for "flat" guitars, but I still stick to hardshell for ones woth neck and headstock pitch angles.
I have been a (fan) of high end soft cases. Rhett Shull demoed his Mono M80 with a $4000 + Novo inside going around the country and overseas. That was good enough for me. I bought one for a guitar that wouldn't fit so the case waited until I bought a Les Paul(perfect fit) so now the Les Paul has two homes.
I also have a Reunion Blues for my 335 the RB is sort of a hybrid. I have true hybrid Gruv Gear cases for my basses.
With the Mono Vertigo Bass model on the way for Basses. The Gruv Gear are a bit bulky for just around town on the train. Long distance they're back in.
Check them out if you haven't. I'd love a Calton but financing just a little bit tricky right now.
@alanthomas8706 - I don't think you fully understood/watched Rhett Shull's video regarding traveling with a guitar. He was quite clear that he DOES use a hard shell case when traveling. He even shows the carbon fiber cases by Hoffee that he uses. He will use a soft shell case, but only on a few airlines that have a good policy with instruments and that he knows there's a high likelihood of the guitar going on board the plane with him. Additionally, his video even shows himself at the baggage claim carousel with all his super heavy-duty, hard shell, pelican-style cases. IMO, you'd need to be nuts to fly/travel/tour with nothing but a good hard shell case.
I recommend Reunion Blues cases, not as better than Mono, just as an alternative that provides their own range of options.
the sad part is most courrier, if not all - here in our country at least - requires a hard shell case for shipping regardless of the quality of your soft case. I think it's faster to work when you can throw things around even if it says "fragile".
In my opinion, its a matter of individual preference and the quality/design of the case. Not all hard or soft shell cases are created equal. It also depends on the circumstances - maybe couriers are less careful with 'hard' cases thinking they can chuck them around and whatever is inside is 'safe' but more careful with softshells for example which would affect any anecdotal evidence. You also have to consider that people in general maybe more 'careless' with their guitars in Hardshell cases, chucking them in the van, stacking stuff on top etc where as with a softshell, maybe more careful.
In the case of Hardcases not protecting the 'electronics', especially if the case is dropped face down, that is a design flaw. Its not too difficult to design a case with padding with 'cut-outs' designed to prevent that from occurring. Gibson (and others) tend to ship their guitars without Switch Tips installed as well to protect them if the couriers are not so 'careful' with their boxes. All my guitars have come with a Hardshell case, often in a cardboard box from the manufacturer which is inside another cardboard box with bubble wrap from the retailer and ALL my guitars have arrived without ANY damage. I'll always buy a Hardcase if a Guitar doesn't come with one because that's my 'preference' and its easier to Store guitars in their Hardshell cases on a 'Rack' than in Softshell cases.
As I said, its a matter of individual preference and the quality/design of those cases. Most softshell designs are not 'rigid' enough to protect from damage in some situations where a Hardcase would be better. If the case falls over and ends up at an angle, if something falls on top of the case, it may not be rigid enough to protect the guitar but a hardcase would. If it falls off the back of a Lorry and lands Headstock first, its more likely to get damaged in a softshell because the neck is 'floppy' but a hardshell case has very rigid sides. In general though, I think people tend to be a bit more 'cautious' and 'careful with guitars in softshell cases because they think they are not as protective as a hardshell and that the hardshell will cope with being chucked about, have gear loaded on top of them in the Van etc
BOTH have their Pro's and Con's and so its down to individual choice. I'd rather EVERY manufacturer offered a Hardshell case and if people want/need a Softshell, they can buy the one they want. Then they always have a Softshell case as they won't be trading/selling it when they trade/sell guitars. If Musicians bought a 'Mono' case for example, it wouldn't matter if their guitar came in a Hardcase, they'd always have a 'mono' softshell case to use. If they come in Softshell cases, then you'd sell/trade that with the guitar...
great points raised here. thanks a lot.
I have driven over a guitar. Hard Shell got destroyed (as you said) but the guitar was intact and perfectly unharmed. However, that Mono Case looks AWESOME!
I totally agree with you about the soft cases. So much better for the most part
late to this party. Good soft cases are fantastic. the key in IMO is AIR. there is air to take up the shock. I watched many a guitar in a rigid case break on a drop. watch old fender case drops from a bag they made a few years ago. pretty incredible. I've used mono and reunion blues cases throughout my playing days guitars traveling in a trailer or flying. I've never had an issue. Great channel and content. New subscriber
I broke the handle of my old wooden hard shell case for my ‘94 D-28 and after much research and asking my pro guitar friends I landed on the Mono soft case. I have never wished for a hard case since! Much more protection and super-portable. So far, the only drawback is the lid doesn’t really stand up on its own to collect tips😂
Have a vertigo. Prefer it above any hard case. Light weight, can put it on my back, feel ok to gate check it on a flight. Definitely not worried about the strap button getting the impact of the floor when putting it down
Love my Mono Stealth bag, a bit smaller, lighter and svelte than the one you have
A very good video. I agree 100%. I have a Mono case for my latest Martin. Wouldn't go back to a hardshell.
Kiesel guitars has their own branded soft case they use. It is very sturdy. They actually put guitar in it and threw it off their two story building and no damage. They put guitar in hard case and did same completely destroyed.
Great insight and I do agree with you!
My new Yamaha Revstar came in a really nice soft case and I prefer it over a hard case. I have a couple of premium Road Runner soft cases I prefer over a hard shell for transporting my guitars that have all the nifty little pockets and a great cradle for the neck. I applaud your decision.
Same experience. I was so impressed by the soft shell that my Revstar came in, I just ordered a good Gator soft case to replace a generic hard case that’s starting to look ratty. Since the guitar doesn’t even fit tightly in that case, I imagine it will be better protected all round.
I think, changing to softcase is definitely better. However, you have to pack the guitar properly first. Even if you change to a better case, packing is still very important.
I've had many, many guitars shipped to me in hardshell cases and never had a single problem. The Mono cases look nice, but at the price they are asking for them, they should be nice. I wonder how long the zipper will last and if they can be repaired if the zipper craps out..?
If I was still gigging, I'd look into getting one, as they would be easier (and lighter?) to use than their hardshell counterparts and would (hopefully) take up less space at the venue when not in use.
Never wanted a soft case until I bought a Godin and it came with their soft TRIC Case. Didn't love the guitar, loved the case. Sold the guitar, kept the case...👍🤣
I store my guitars in their original hard-shell cases, if they're not on a stand. I have several premium soft-shell cases that are used for traveling. The only time a hard-shell case leaves the house is when the guitar is sold.
The soft shell case that came with my Taylor is great. It's well padded and lots of pockets. The soft shell case that came with my Fender Mustang is trash. It has thin padding and not much support. It does have storage pouches but I ordered the factory hardshell case which I feel more confident with.
Not sure if you do it however, Trogly always removes the switch tips before shipping. I'm cool with either, definitely the hardshell case has more of a luxurious presentation however, I like my soft shell cases in that they take up less room in the house and can be stuffed into irregular spaces, which is very handy when going on the road with a very full vehicle. My most expensive guitar is stored in the soft shell case it came with. The science is that hard cases transfer the impact energy into the item inside. I'm cool with whatever works, some custom logo embroidery might bring back some of the presentation factor you are loosing with the soft shell.
Hi there. A good idea but remember there is no silver bullet. There will always be the exception. Regardless, case technology has definitely evolved over the sixty years I have been a travelling performer. I once had a Gretsch deluxe case open on while I was crossing a German railway platform and dump my beloved Tennessean on its face on the concrete. Props to Gretsch. The guitar landed face down, suffered zero damage and didn't even go out of tune. LOL. Count me lucky.
An original white Tolex Fender case is pretty sexy but I have Mono and Reunion Blues bags and I love 'em.
In Australia we don’t have the option to carry our guitars on the plane, they must be checked in oversize.
i have been flying my Tele in a Mono Vertigo case for a few years now checked & have had no dramas at all (touch wood)
do you check in with suitcases or at the gate ?? I'm debating getting a Mono case as I'll be flying an airline on your that doesn't permit them in the cabin at all 😕
@@swirlysound hey mate, I've since changed my mind about this, although, the flight was from Townsville, Brisbane, Perth, Kalgoorlie so it changed a few hands & planes. was lost by Qantas on the PER/KAL leg, showed up a day later with the neck skewed in the neck pocket. I fly two guitars in soft mono M80 sleeves inside a Pelican Air 1745 case now. hope this helps
You should check out the softshell cases on the acoustic Yamaha L series guitars. Don't know if they come with other guitars but these are great cases. Yamaha, overlooked but great guitars and not just for beginners.
You can pry my Mono Sleeve from my cold, dead hands. I love it for Fender-style guitars with straight headstocks.
I grew up on hardshell cases, came late to guitars in "gig bags", starting with PRS and most recently with a Taylor. The glove fit, especially the case the Taylor came in, has convinced me hardshells, short of custom fit jobs, are dinosaurs of the guitar world.
Probably an atypical example, but I own 90 stringed instruments and I prefer them to stack together well. So a rectangular hard case is the best solution for me. The form-fit cases (acoustics, LP, SG, etc.) are something of a pain, but the bags and soft cases are a total nightmare.
The issue of protection leads to the question: protection from WHAT. Any case is doing well to survive a UPS drop but I believe a hard case would do betterl under certain circumstances. When I pack, I suspend any case in a box (often within another box), fixing the head end of the case with gaffer tape so its suspended in the middle of the box. Seen swithces pushed in, and that is a symptom of suboptimal internal and external packing (i.e. there is nothing surrounding the switch -or maybe a cardboard circle, and the case is not adequately suspended in its box.Of course, all this relates to shipping, not carrying/gigging. The ' stand on test' is really a simulation of inappropriate stacking in transit. Most hard shells I have used are great. The best soft cases I have seen are Yamaha foam block cases and the Armourdillo equivalent. Finally, the 'pack it tight' approach to packing in a hard case is open to challenge - this is because, the tighter you pack it, the more any force is transmitted to the guitar, especially at the neck. There's an argument for having the guitar sufficiently loose that it moves in the case, thuse absorbing some of the shock.
I still wouldn't be comfortable flying (checked baggage) my guitars in one of these. Soft shell style, like these are great convenience for rehearsal, and close by gigs. But, as soon as someone, other than you is handling your gear. I feel like it has to be a Hiscox liteflite as the absolute minimum. Good video. Thank you
High quality soft cases are definitely the winners for shipping guitars vs. typical hardshell cases.
Hard shell cases can protect better against puncturing and crushing forces, but they can more easily transmit shocks from drops to the guitar, and that's how most damage during shipping occurs.
There are of course hard cases designed for shipping/flying with guitars with super durable shells and thick form-fitting padding, but they verge into the very impractical for typical use.
You aren’t the only guitar builder’s that are rethinking the hard shell/ soft shell debate. Taylor is now has their Aero cases that are a more rugged and better padded soft case that are arguably better than their hard cases. And Music Man while shipping many of their guitars in hard cases, are also offering free Mono cases with many of their guitars (at least the ones they are selling direct to customers).
The new generation of high end soft cases like the Mono cases are a sparking a revolution in thinking with regards to cases. I applaud your move to shipping in Mono cases.
Soft cases are much better than in the past, and do offer a lot of protection. I doubt they'll last as long as a hard case for most players, but we'll see. Hard cases haven't changed as much as soft ones, and should have much more padding that conforms to the 'hard points' of the guitar it's made for, which will drive up the prices. Good luck, keep us updated 😊
Difference: softshell case or a "gigbag".
Looking for one that will be possible for an LP with a Bigsby though, which seems, since the body is a snug fit, might be tricky.
yeah, and my (high-end) soft shell cases are lighter too… and … they don’t scratch or bash the inside of my car either. This all makes them much more portable. I really like them. So this leaves the important question: “what colour do you like?”.
I also suggest adding the tick 2.0 to the mono bass bag
I have one of those hybrid cases you get from taylor , If you're not packing instruments like crab cages into a trailer or bus compartment you're golden.
I only use high end gig bags. My hard cases are in storage. I do about 200 shows a year and I’ve never had a problem.
Ernie ball has already started to use mono cases. They are so good
I ship guitars a dozen or so times a year and use both a soft case and (obviously) an outer 'guitar box' cardboard shipping container. The problem I have encountered with hard cases is that even with a dedicated fit the instrument bounces around inside of the case, and even with a ton of padding around the case, the case itself bounces around inside of the box. I started using soft cases and never had another issue. BTW, the Mono cases are excellent, but even inexpensive Gator Cases and the like have worked well for me.
I just got a great deal on an Epiphone J-45, and I will have to fly with it to ship it back home. The guitar cost me 550 dollars, and I need to buy a case for it but don't really have the budget for a Mono case. Would you guys feel comfortable flying your guitar home with the Gibson G-45 soft-shell case, or should I just stretch my budget and get a hardshell case? What's the cheapest case you would recommend?
I have a Reunion Blues case for my Martin OM. I love it for ordinary schlepping by hand or on my back. I don’t know how it would do for shipping; I haven’t needed to do that.
Mono Ultra is top notch for my axes. Been using them for years. They ain’t cheap but that is readily apparent with quality stitching and construction. Thousands and thousands of zip ups and downs. Never a failure. They’ve paid for themselves many times over.
During the same time frame though many hard cases were replaced. They just wear out. Handles break, buckles and latches break, punctured by mic stands, hard cases look like hell after a few months. I trust the Ultras way more.
What about crush resistance when stacked on a truck or in an international container?
There are packaging standards to design to and standards based shipping tests that you can work toward to defend both against shipping damage and damage claims.
What hard shell cases were you using that didn't totally support the neck ? As far as selector switch, take the knob off and tape it to something and put a piece of tape on the side of the selector and push it down so that it can be easily pulled up in place, take the screws out, tape them somewhere inside the case. You'll have a hard time convincing me that that Mono is as good as some of my hard shells. My cheap hard shells yes but not the better ones.
I like hard cases for my acoustics, and soft for my electrics. Will have to check out that Mono case. Looks really nice.
I've gone all mono and won't go back. Get a tick with the mono bag too.
I have a mono for my 000 Martin to take to gigs, im not game enough to put it in checked baggage yet & doubt I will confidently. my tele flys everywhere in a vertigo case under the plane though.
& yes, get a tick for every mono case you have 👍🏽
@@lockedowng Tick?
@John Griswold if you look closely, there are loops on the front of the bag. Mono makes an accessory that can hold a lot more stuff. I use mine to hold tools, cables, and a line 6 helix xl. My whole rig is on my back. Amp in hand and I can even get the door for myself.
I love the new breed of soft cases but then I am someone who has my guitars out when they are at home. Some of the new ones I would agree are more protective than hard cases.
Can this case be used to travel in flight check-in? Travelling from USA to india in flight.. Will it be ok to carry Acoustic guitar in this case?
I would gate check an acoustic guitar in a mono case of the right size, but not sure about straight checking it in. I would take a Fender electric checked in.
Very Interesting - great video. I discovered most pro photographers moved to soft cases years ago. One of them told me that a properly packed soft case protected the gear better from deceleration shock (I'll explain if anyone asks) than a "pick foam" hard case. Something like having a "crush zone" in a car? I don't know. I have an old ovation in a factory case which fits really well. I trust that case, but I don't know if it fell 6 feet, would the soundboard braces still be stuck in place?
Question - Do you detune before traveling with a soft case? I do, just because I have a concern about high tension combining with shock.
Holy crap, The gallery shots of your DaVinci acoustics are intense. If one of those broke in shipping I'd lock myself away with a bottle of bourbon for a good long time until I had my head on straight. Honestly anything short of something like an Anvil road case ( you dont hear of them often anymore..) that weighs like 50 lbs and needs its own casters or hand delivering the instrument would be appropriate.
A good mono case inside of a commercial grade cardboard box that is doubled up and the Mono case encapsulated in several layers of large bubble sized bubble wrap then packed full of packing peanuts might satisfy my over protective nature but a very hefty, ironclad insurance policy for shipping damage/ loss sure would help.
When that instrument is destroyed it's as if your young thoroughbred Arabian stud of impeccable lineage whose care and training was your personal undertaking is stolen, taken for a drunken joy ride by a farriers assistant and left for dead, mauled by coyotes and is now unable to stud, or be ridden. it's soul crushing.
When the embodiment of your ultimate expression and love of the craft , your Magnum Opus, is destroyed by an angry fool with a chip on his shoulder no amount of financial compensation will ever make things right again.
I would be out for blood if I could find out who the responsible party was. In the end it's the policies of the shipping company that cause damages because management sets the corporate ethics. The shipping speed and decreased cost/ increased profit are far more important than customer satisfaction in management's equation.
Would you maintain your opinion with TSA rated cases?
Also, I've seen these shipping boxes designed for guitars that float the whole thing in air bags and a cardboard support system inside the box. Thoughts on those? (I think Henning Pauly did a video on them a few years back.)
Great info, thanks!
they are great! i'm sure an option could be to send in soft-case and an additional cost for the hard-case and send it separately?
I love the Taylor AeroCases.
Would there be a difference for soft vs hard cases when considering electric vs acoustic? One of the points you made was about how firm it is and the force required to even put it in the case. I feel that would scare me if putting in an acoustic where not only shock, but any force applied to the body is feared.
What about that StewMac shipping they threw one off the roof of a building onto the parking lot with no damage, except for the price
Hmmm definitely seems like very nice case for me only concerne will be headstock,i cant see it from the video but how protected it is?
I’m 55 and it has always been a hard shell case … but partly because for most of my career soft cases were .. not to mince words… were crap. I really need to get a quality soft case to check them out … this (and Suhr and PRS with silver sky’s) has me thinking I’ve got age bias.
Would you feel comfortable putting it in checked baggage on a plane?
New to your channel, and very interested to see your promotion of soft cases. I came to the same conclusion a couple of years ago when I bought a Mono acoustic case. Now all my hard cases sit in the closet unused.
Maybe put a prototype guitar in there and chuck the case to see what happens would make a great video
Taylor's newer aero cases remind me of these. I much prefer my aero case to the hardshell case that came with my Taylor. I feel it not only offers more protection, but is also lighter and somewhat smaller. My local dealer told me that people are starting to ask if they can swap their hard case for an aero case when they buy a new Taylor.
I think we are witnessing the beginning of an industry wide swing towards well-engineered soft cases.
There's definitely a bright line between the low-end soft cases and the high-end ones. The old single-layer nylon dust cover "gig bags" are still around, and still really bad if you're not excruciatingly careful using them, but the higher end of the market has made huge strides recently, and I'm at a point where I'm seeing that trickle down to the low end. My starter mandolin was the cheap kit Guitar Center offers, with a low-end mandolin, a couple instruction books, and a soft case, and I was really surprised by that soft case. It has about an inch of padding all over, the zipper is quality and is kept away from the instrument, and really the only areas it could use significant improvement are neck support (which is less critical for the short neck length of a mandolin) and pockets. Speaking of which, soft cases tend in my experience to be much better equipped than hard cases for carrying your essential tools, spare strings, cleaning cloths, song books, and so on. I have a hard case for my classical, way better than a much-used 1970s Yamaha really deserves, and it's inconvenient. For the electric I finished building last week, I've ordered a soft case, because that's going to be plenty of protection for it.
I have an OM28 with a plush Martin hardshell case, and I don't think there's any better fit or protection for it, okay maybe a Calton. Protection is #1 convenience is secondary. The same goes for my F style mandolin, hardshell all the way.