Whether your instrument is a cello, clarinet, oboe, guitar, banjo or harmonica, one of the most important important things to consider is researching musical instrument cases. They provide an easy means of transpotation and will protect your instrument from knocks, excesses of temperature and moisture.
Before we get into the specifics of each instrument class though, it’s worth talking for a minute about the main manufacturers. Some established brands have been around for a long time and offer top shelf instrument cases – for instance Gator make beautful cases that wouldn’t look out of place on a tour van. However, not everyone’s budget will stretch to afford a case like this, in which case you should look at the excellent range from SKB and Gear4Music. They’re both high quality brand and come in at a nice price point.
String Instruments
We’ll start with guitar cases as this is perhaps the most popular of all instruments.Whether you’re a gigging musician who needs a case to transport his guitar from gig to gig or you just need one to take your guitar around to mate’s house for a weekend jam, having a good guitar case will make sure you avoid any nasty accidents. You can get soft cases but they don’t offer much mechanical protection so I’d suggest you buy a hard case. Popular manufacturers to look out for are Gator, SKB, Hiscox, Kinsman and Gear4Music.
Perhaps you are a banjo player or play the mandolin or ukulele. These instruments too should be stored and transported in a proper case. Similarly to guitars: cases are available for banjos, mandolins and ukuleles. Tom and Will, SKB and Archer are some of the best makers to look out for.
Needless to say Violin, Viola and Cello players need to transport their instruments around to practices and also to concerts. This is less of a burden with the smaller Violins and Violas but not so with the Cello! Cello cases, because of their unusual shape, are often fabricated from fibreglass. SKB is one of the standout brands for cases when it comes these string instruments.
Brass and Woodwind Instruments
Trumpet and cornet players are normally pretty laid back and a bit cool aren’t they? However, if their instrument were to get damaged I’m sure you’d see another side to them, lol. Just as well then that there’s a large selection of great trumpet and cornet cases by SKB, MJB and Gear4Music.
Trombones, cornets, french horns, saxophones and clarinets are well catered for too by manufactures like Propac, Tom and Will, ProTec Z, Stagg and QTX. Some of these cases have side pockets for mouth pieces and accessories.
Keyboard Cases
Keyboard cases need to be robust, lightweight and most of all transportable. Some of the more expensive cases for larger keyboards come with built in wheels which is worth remembering. Three good brands to consider are Gator, Warwick and SKB.