Gator Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case (GL-AC-BASS)

Excellent cases. Because they’re soft, they have a lot of crush zone to protect your guitar. Kind of like a soft styrofoam helmet, with a canvas-like material on the outside, holding it together. I imagine that this case would protect a guitar much better than a solid case, if dropped onto concrete.

Room for a mic and cables… grab you mic stand and go with your whole gig

I play a Breedlove Atlas acoustic bass guitar. I have had a hard time finding a gig bag or soft case to fit this instrument. The hardshell case that it came with is great for storage and protection but it gets HEAVY to lug around festivals or downtown streets to gigs. I did some research and figured I would give this soft shell case a try.

The foam in this case is pretty rigid. It almost feels like it has a plastic shell under the canvas outer covering. Inside, it is lined with a soft flock, much like my hardshell case is. The inside has a small storage compartment, which is just big enough to fit spare batteries, a polishing cloth, and a cord without much room to spare. One could tuck some odds and ends in the space under the neck if so desired, I suppose. The cutout for the instrument leaves a few spaces around my Breedlove, but ultimately keeps the instrument snug and tight (no movement inside the case with cover closed and zipped).

Honestly, I would have liked bigger zip pockets on the outside, as this bag has the real estate to support them. However, the outside pockets are big enough for my needs. The larger pocket is just right to fit a three ring binder full of music and lead sheets. The smaller webbed pocket has a zipper on each side, not entirely sure why for, but for now it is holding a spare box of strings with room to spare.

The carry handle is placed in the same spot as my hardshell case handle and seems sturdy enough. What I love about this case is the backpack style straps on the bottom. This will make all the difference in the world when carrying my bass when parking is not so choice. The hardware on these straps consists of beefy plastic clips that seem like they should withstand normal daily use. The straps are also fully adjustable for length. Keep in mind when carrying this case on your back, the neck is going to stick WAY up over your head. If you’re a tall guy like me, you’re going to need to watch doorways, low ceilings, and ceiling fans.

All in all, I really like this case and would recommend it to anyone looking for full portable protection for their acoustic bass guitar.

I entered the dimensions of my guitar in the Product Finder at the Gator website and found that the Gator GL-CLASSIC (classical-size) case should fit my 00-size, 12-fret, steel string guitar. Upon receiving the case and placing my guitar in it, I thought that it may be a tad shallow for the guitar. But, I was able to zip the case easily and without trying to force anything.

Another reviewer mentioned the CA Prop 65 warning on the case and a faint “chemical-ly” smell. These things concerned me too, though I may not have noticed them had I not read the previous review. Anyhow, I called the company and spoke with a very helpful, and courteous person who was able to answer my related questions. The “chemical-ly” odor, I was told, was the smell of the glue used and that it would dissipate pretty quickly– especially if the opened case were allowed to air out. (Setting it out in a sheltered area for a day did the the trick). Regarding the CA Prop 65 warning, I was told that the company has not identified any harmful materials in the case, but elected to include the disclaimer for legal reasons. Searching the Gator website for “prop 65” gives a more detailed explanation.

With my intial concerns allayed, I am very happy with this case. I carry my guitar out to play with friends and/or in jams nearly every week. Before getting this case, I was always faced with the decision of either carrying my guitar in its heavy, plywood case, which is a bear to carry and which tweaks my back and shoulder — or to carry it in a gig bag which offers very little protection, and worry that I’ll slam it into something or damage it somehow. Now I can carry it comfortably and worry-free. Thanks Gator!

PROS

* lightweight (much lighter than the plywood hardshell case that came with the guitar)

* seems very protective (unlike my gig bag)

* fits my guitar

* economical

* friendly customer service

CONS

* intial concerns (These have since been alleviated. see above.)

* backpack straps are not comfortable (should probably be redesigned). Slinging the case over one shoulder though, with a single strap, is comfortable and suits my needs. Mostly, I prefer to just carry the case by the handle.