Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I got rid of my old silver '66 case (too beat up) in favor of a more recent black tolex case for my 335. It is perfectly form-fitting. Got it from Chris at POR for a modest sum.

My two most recent guitars have the SKB type Ric Case. Not crazy about the look, but for a gigging musician, it sure is nice not to have to worry so much about the case getting scratched or torn like you do with the Tolex or Vintage types. The lighter weight is nice as well. For guitars that never leave the house or studio, I still like the vintage vibe of the tolex cases.

RE: The top part of the case has the lid for the acc. compartment built in to it and should seal it off just fine when the case is closed.

That is true. And I did neglect to mention that I did know that.
However, I keep a thick leather strap on the guitar when in the case and it's a bit of a struggle to get the case to completely close. So there might be a big of a gap in there.
And yes I also do wrap things in a zipped plastic bag too. But those things have been known to open or break.

This is not a big deal to. just thought I'd mention my preference.

I like the old Tolex cases traditional look, but they are relatively more fragile.
Still does a fine job of protecting the enclosed guitar, though. Many is the time mine have been knocked over while in the case & no harm done.
The only one I'd worry about is the 4080.

"The top part of the case has the lid for the acc. compartment built in to it and should seal it off just fine when the case is closed."

This is true Jeff, but when you open the case when it is stood up, everything still falls out!

I think that in the big scheme of things, the vintage style & the SKB type cases offer similar protection. The fact is that they are both good cases, but as with all manufacturers supplied cases, none will compare to a roadworthy flight case. I am looking into getting a couple of Ric sized flight cases....not cheap, but ultimate protection to working gtrs.

All good points, but it still doesn't answer the burning question: Why does Ed Roman become so unhinged over the subject?

The wood cases made in the '80s and early '90s are TANKS. Pick one up sometime and you will know what I mean. They weight about twice what the current silver case does.

I prefer the wood/tolex case myself. Both of my current RICs are so outfitted.

I just received my new 4003FG this week. I have a 1981 320FG in the old black case with the blue lining. I had read this thread and Ed Roman's rant about the new/old cases and have to say that I do like the new case. I was worried that it would be cheap. It isn't. The latches are very solid. The interior is really nice and, although I do like the vintage look (I have a tweed/red crushed interior case for my strat), the black case is very sleek looking. I'm going to polish it up with some Black Magic.

I have both types of cases - the old tolex and the new plastic ones. They both protect my basses and guitars just fine. The nice feature of the old tolex one is the throwback vintage vibe and the closeable compartment. The nice feature of the newer plastic ones is lightweight carrying and band stickers actually stick to them, making them look cooler.

They're both fine, pick your favorite based on what you use the Ricks for.