They're always going to play second fiddle to the beauty that lies within, but they are certainly as iconic as the guitars themselves. Instantly recognisable and as essential as the guitars themselves.
If you see a band turning up for a gig and you see a one of those distinctive black or silver beasts, you just know that the player has got good taste, and is probably worth a listen before he even opens the case.
My 1998 330/6 FG has been in and out of it's case thousands of times and it still fits as snugly as the day it was bought.
Rob, I usually avoid posting on your threads because it seems like there's always an ulterior motive or some pot stirring going on. But in this case I don't see any of this, or else I'm too stupid to see what's coming.
I'll trust the comments were in good faith and answer your question.
No, we don't produce cases; it's just a bit too specialized and needs some economy of scale we don't have.
The vintage style cases are produced in Los Angeles by an old firm that itself was a spin-off from the even older maker of these cases. G & G is the current supplier, their owner having worked for years at the long defunct Victoria Luggage company. There have been a number of other suppliers through the years, including DeCuir Sample case and Geib Manufacturing but it's a tough business and most have gone out of business , mainly for family succession issues. While there have been plenty of variations in covering and plush materials, latches, and details of construction, they have all been of very similar quality, produced to our standards.
As might be expected, the Chinese are now producing cases of similar quality and style, although we have not availed ourselves of those sources though it could happen if the current suppliers were not able to keep up.
The modern style of cases, which I personally prefer due to their superior protection, especially to humidity change, are produced by SKB. The units they produce for us have thicker aluminum valances and ABS plastic than their standard line and many that they produce for other makers. These cases are produced partly in Mexico and California. They have a very large operation as compared to G & G and are probably the leading maker of rigid golf and rifle cases, as well as the polyethylene cases used by the military. They also have a factory in China, though we've not used any product from there.
Speaking of which, we've been testing some REALLY rigid polyethylene cases that are virtually indestructible and cradle the guitar through almost anything, at least as tough as an ATA case, but at the same weight and price as the regular case. It's the nicest guitar case I've seen. The only downside is that there's no choice about where they're made- they only do them in China.
The silver vintage silver G&G cases are somewhat iconic, the black hard-shell cases not so much. They're way tougher than the vintage cases, but ugly as hell.
I have at least one of each type of case. The only thing I worry about with the SKB molded cases is the possibility of accidentally hitting the guitar on the metal edge that surrounds the case and chipping or scratching the finish. Other than that, they win on practicality and toughness. The vintage style cases are gorgeous, solid, and functional, but they show scuff marks and tears in the tolex the most. The old black tolex cases are sort of in the middle; just a solid, standard looking case that is less likely to show the scuff marks, but not quite as tough as the molded cases.
I would quite go as far as Ugly as Hell its a case and it holds the Guitar.Its just a case what are you looking for? Everyone's got an opinion but the styling on the modern RIC cases to me are fine they hold the guitar well, look reasonably like a case and are coloured Black with silver flashes here and there.Seem fine to me.Case closed,well mine is anyway.....Actually no its not the only thing that annoys me is the 330 case i have smells wonderful i think its the glue,but the 360 and 620 dont have this thus im not getting that RIC smell when i open the others.Never mind.Case closed now......... Moving on
Last edited by scotty on Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
johnhall wrote:Rob, I usually avoid posting on your threads because it seems like there's always an ulterior motive or some pot stirring going on. But in this case I don't see any of this, or else I'm too stupid to see what's coming.
I'll trust the comments were in good faith and answer your question.
You will find that of late I've toned down the 'humour' as it seems a lot of folks round these parts just didn't 'get it'.
All my posts are completely sincere, and I appreciate that you took the time to answer.
I have one black tolex and one silver tolex, used to have an SKB. The black feels tougher, but the silver tolexes are just so cool-looking, especially that blue crushed velvet! The SKB always looked a bit corny to me, but if it protects the guitar better it's worth it.
I was pulling a Rick out of my car one day and my neighbor walked over. "Is that a guitar? I thought square cases were just for basses."
Moving on
