SKB Electric Hardshell – TSA Latch, Over-Molded Handle

I love these cases so much, I’ve now purchased three of them. Compact size is much appreciated.

Appena ricevuta. Peccato, perché la custodia sembra ben fatta, ma la parte in fondo purtroppo non aderisce, rimane uno spazio aperto di quasi un cm, quindi se dovessero obbligarci a mettere la chitarra in stiva – come a volte accade – non va assolutamente bene. Sono costretta a restituirla sperando di trovarne un’altra con questa forma in tempo per il prossimo volo.

This is a pretty nice case design. As some other reviewers have noted, the edges where the cases halves meet aren’t always lined up right all the way around the perimeter. Mine didn’t have any gaps, though — just some places where the fit could have been better. That slight issue alone wouldn’t make me regret buying it. The inside is padded nicely and it holds the guitar (mine is a Yamaha Pacifica) in place well and there is a nice storage compartment.

The problem I have with the case is that I just can’t get past the smell. I have 3 other brands of guitar cases for other guitars, and none smell this way. The case has a very odd, almost dusty, smell to it that is pretty strong. I don’t think it’s actually dusty, it’s probably just the glue or some other part of the materials used. I’ve never had a SKB case before, so I don’t know if this is typical of SKB cases or not.

To be fair, I am pretty picky about smells, and I smell things other people don’t always notice. Even after letting the case sit open for nearly 3 weeks now, it hasn’t gone away much. If I put the guitar in it, even for a few minutes, the smell transfers. Regretfully, I am sending this back.

First impressions: Packaged very nicely. Guitar case came in a nice black meshy material boot to protect the case from chaffing while being shipped inside of it’s box.

Upon opening: The case felt very rugged and beautiful (as far as guitar cases go) with 4 really nice, heavy latches, one of which being a TSA approved #2 lock type. The handle has a very nice, grippy feel to it, Well balanced handle position and just solid feeling.

Inside: A very nice BLACK fuzzy interior material with your typical low profile accessory compartment. The case has contour cutouts for either RIGHT or LEFT handed guitars. I bought it for my Schecter Blackjack SLS-F1 lefty axe and it fit nicely. I was able to tuck my guitar strap in the guitar’s body contour since it deemed a bit too fat to sit flush under the accessory compartment under the neck.

Summary: If you’re looking at different hard cases and wondering if spending the money for this one is worth it… It is in my opinion.

A potential “con” observation: Because it’s not as roomy as most rectangle cases, it won’t offer up any extra room for effects pedals and what not. Strings, picks, capos and maybe some string ease… It all fits nicely in the compartment under the neck. I would also venture to say that it will withstand and protect your guitar nicely on those rainy nights when you have to drag your equipment though the weather. VERY nice case indeed – cheers!

I purchased this case to carry my Fender Strat and PRS Custom 22 and 305 guitars when I travel. While the interior is not an exact fit for these guitars ,it is very close and there is no movement when the guitar is placed inside. The headstock of the Fender Strat fits slightly better inside. There is a compartment inside in the neck area for small items such as strings, tuner, capo and picks. It is not large enough for a guitar strap or cable. The inteior lining is a plush black fabric. On the outside, the locks are very secure and would be difficult to accidently open and with the added plus of a TSA lock. The latches are heavy duty plastic not mettle. The fit of the lid and base are typical perfectly tight fit of SKB with aluminum trim. The handle is very secure and large. The case is light weight but very sturdy. If you are a traveler needing a sturdy “strat” guitar case at an affordable price this one should be on your short list. BTW I took the “free shipping” and the case arrived within 2 days of my order…amazing.

While my vintage Tele does not look as pretty as it would in the Tweed/Red velvet case that Fender makes, I feel so much more secure with this one by SKB. This case can handle a beating. Also, I think if I had that Tweed case, I would be worried about it getting damaged. That case is for looks. This case is for protection. My Tele fits snugly and securely in it, and it looks like a Strat would as well. Well worth it if you care about your guitar. I would buy it again, except I don’t think I’ll ever have to – its that rugged.

Oh and this one is not bad looking either, just not as cool. If you care about your image as you walk around with your guitar in its case, this may not be for you. If you care about the guitar inside the case, then get this one.