Inexpensive Case Options?

[Gilmourisgod]

The Ric factory silver tolex over wood cases are lovely, but a little pricey for my blood, and the plastic ones seem prone to cracking, particularly around the "feet"? Seen a few used ones on EBay with that damage typical. I stack several guitars flat for storage, so a gig back isn't really an option. I don't play out, so it's more of a bedroom and occasional car ride level of protection needed. I tried the "case finder" app on MF, came back with only one case, a Gator hard shell with **** reviews saying Rics flop around inside it, and the locks are toy junk. I assumed the fit in a Fender Jazz of P style case would be equally floppy, suggestions? Thanks for looking.

[jps]

Looking at the prices for new Fender HSC (assuming your Rick will fit well in it), they are not that much less than a jen-yu-wine RIC vintage case. All of my Ricks are in them. There are not a lot of cheap options out there. Have you tried a fit to a Fender case? I suppose you could build a simple padded box since this is primarily for storage needs.

[woodyng]

I have a Carvin (g&g made) tweed case that my AC40 came in,that works well for Rick basses. Unless they've changed the way they're made,it's a high quality case for under $200.
Edit-the case they currently offer for the ac40 and ac50 are black tolex.
the ac50 is a tad longer,which wouldn't be a bad idea,either.

[spongebob]

I use a Gator GPE-TSA case for storage, and when I take mine out.

I bought my first one a few years ago after asking the same question here, and I purchased the suggested item!

It's not as snug as a Ric-brand case (what would be?) but it's a good fit, hard-wearing, and I've trusted my '74 around and about with full confidence.

There's a quite a Gator range of cases, and from memory, the 'TSA' is something to do with US flights? No good to me in England! However, they are much better better locks than the 'cheaper' Gator cases.

Hope this helps!

[clementc3]

This does not answer the question you posed but there is an inexpensive alternate solution to your storage method of stacking cases flat - String Swing makes a rack which holds 5 cases vertically (more or less) which takes the pressure off of cases and makes gig bags at least a possibility - not for all 5 in a rack, but one or two. The racks are not awesome, but they work well enough and the price is decent. I got mine from

https://reverb.com/item/292190-string-s ... e-rack-ash

$59.99, free shipping and no tax.

[Gilmourisgod]

Thanks all. I'll check out the Gator case mentioned. I'm actually considering building a custom case if I can't find a good fit. The carpentry is simple, the tolex and liner, not so much!

Edit:
This one?http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gator-GPE-Bass- ... 1467800170

[spongebob]

That's the one!

[DriftSpace]

You could also buy a used case and alter the inside to fit your instrument. I have a friend (granted, his profession is art packing and moving) who has done this several times; he finds case which is large enough to accommodate the instrument, strips the inside, cuts foam to shape, builds-in compartments, and finishes with fabric from the fabric store. The process takes a few hours of work, but you can have a case fitted exactly to your specific instrument for a lot less than the cost of a generic hard-shell case. You can do the whole job with a drill, screws, hot glue, scissors, and a razor.

[Gilmourisgod]

I thought about that, not sure I have the skills with cloth to not make a mess of it. Maybe I mock it up with cheap cloth to see how it has to be cut, then get something half decent at a fabric store. A simpler, but less professional approach would be cutting some shaped "shims" out of rigid foam insulation to fit the bass contours, wrap them in the best fabric match I can find, and glue them in place. Yeah, I know, bit of a hack, but us po'-folk got to economize someplace!

[rickenbrother]

Maybe not the exact level of protection, but these are pretty good lightweight alternatives.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ ... Ag1W8P8HAQ

I have the Kaces version. I like it a lot. With the shoulder strap, I have both hands free to carry other stuff.

I use a Gator GPE-TSA case for storage, and when I take mine out.

I bought my first one a few years ago after asking the same question here, and I purchased the suggested item!

It's not as snug as a Ric-brand case (what would be?) but it's a good fit, hard-wearing, and I've trusted my '74 around and about with full confidence.

Use clean, white 100% cotton socks, towels or diaper cloths around the body to keep it snug. That will prevent the headstock from taking a shot, if the case takes a hard bump or fall.

[bassduke49]

Joey! Haven't "seen" you on the Forum in a while. Hope all is well with you!

[rickenbrother]

Joey! Haven't "seen" you on the Forum in a while. Hope all is well with you!

Thanks, I hope is is well with you also.

[Gilmourisgod]

To close the loop on this:
I ended up buying a Road Runner model RRMG ABS molded case at GC for $120. Perfect fit! It seems plenty rugged for home storage and light gigging, probably wouldn't trust it on a plane. It has no interior closing storage box, not many do in this price range. Thanks for advice all.