Decent hard shell case for Fender MIM Mustang and Duo Sonic

[Knows3Chords]

I have gig bags for my MIM Fender Mustang and Duo Sonic but I would like to get some hard shell cases for them. I'm finding some of the cheaper cases I've looked at don't really seem to "fit" all that well. Any suggestions?

 

[notmyusualuserid]

Hiscox

https://hiscoxcases.com/products/fe...J4D7bozNnJTC_q6bR-tsHSjQywnY8rHx0w7ELKekvR0yw

 

[cometazzi]

Hiscox

https://hiscoxcases.com/products/fender®-jaguar-style-guitar-hard-case-pro-ii-spec?srsltid=AfmBOoooNreJ4D7bozNnJTC_q6bR-tsHSjQywnY8rHx0w7ELKekvR0yw

Surgeon General's Warning: These cases may only fit metric guitars.

 

[notmyusualuserid]

Surgeon General's Warning: These cases may only fit metric guitars.

Ho ho ho

 

[Jakedog]

Is there a specific reason you feel like you need hard shells? I generally find I really like guitars that come with gig bags, because then I don’t have to store hard cases I’ll never use, and I don’t have to buy gig bags.

I’m not sure what your budget is, but I just found these-

Fender Classic Series Wood Case for Mustang/Duo Sonic - Black

3-ply Wood Guitar Case with Plush Interior and Vinyl Exterior - Black

www.sweetwater.com

Since it’s the official Fender case I assume they’ll fit properly.

 

[beep.click]

My issue with cases for Mustangs is, you can’t find one that will let you leave the trem bar installed. Same problem applies to Stratocasters, but if you search long enough, you CAN find a case that will work. Mustangs, no.

 

[Tonetele]

I have all hard cases. Was HUGELY disappointed after buying a costly Taylor to get a carry bag; CHEAP. Bob, CHEAP.

 

[somebodyelseuk]

When it comes to cases, it's Hiscox or a well padded gigbag.
The hard cases that come with most guitars probably offer less protection than a gigbag.

There was a Finnish rally driver (and later MEP) called Ari Vatanen who almost died in an accident on the 1985 Argentine Rally. Whilst the accident was very violent, the cause of his extensive injuries was the failure of his seat mountings, which meant he was being thrown around inside the car like a ragdoll. His co-driver walked away with minor injuries.
That is potentially what happens to your guitar in a lot of OEM hard cases.

Unless you're trusting your guitars to airport staff, the Fender Deluxe Gigbag will do a sterling job.

 

[radiocaster]

They usually fit strat/tele cases, but may be a little longer (tighter fit at the headstock). Best bet is if you can find a local shop that has some cases and you bring your guitar.

Second option is ordering something, although returning a case may be more trouble than it's worth.

 

[Dave Hicks]

My wife's Mustang came with a Road Runner case (don't know the model offhand). It weighs a ton, so she got a Fender gigbag.

D.H.

 

[Highway 49]

I don’t know about Mustangs but I love my Strat/Tele Hiscox case - tough, asker to handle than Fender rectangular tweed hard cases, and reasonably light weight… and catches only on the front edge

 

[Katsuobushi]

If you can't find anything then perhaps a pelican vault case? I can fit a strat in mine and the protection is pretty great. It would just need a bit of work shaping the foam.

 

[notmyusualuserid]

My issue with cases for Mustangs is, you can’t find one that will let you leave the trem bar installed. Same problem applies to Stratocasters, but if you search long enough, you CAN find a case that will work. Mustangs, no.

If you email Hiscox, they'll tell you. You could also ask if they have a stockist in North America.

 

[P-Nutz]

hard shells? I generally find I really like guitars that come with gig bags, because then I don’t have to store hard cases I’ll never use, and I don’t have to buy gig bags.

THIS^ especially if it’s not a set, hugely-angled neck.

 

[Knows3Chords]

Is there a specific reason you feel like you need hard shells? I generally find I really like guitars that come with gig bags, because then I don’t have to store hard cases I’ll never use, and I don’t have to buy gig bags.

I’m not sure what your budget is, but I just found these-

Fender Classic Series Wood Case for Mustang/Duo Sonic - Black

3-ply Wood Guitar Case with Plush Interior and Vinyl Exterior - Black

www.sweetwater.com

Since it’s the official Fender case I assume they’ll fit properly.

Thanks. The gig bag for my Sonic fits okay, but it's basically just a dust cover and the one I have for my Mustang doesn't have enough room for the head stock. I have these budget Fender cases for my three Players Series Telecasters and they have a decent fit. When I tried one at Guitar Center with a Mustang like mine the guitar didn't fit "snug". I rarely take my guitars outside the house, but recently I've been invited to play at a casual session with some techs from the shop I take them to. Trying to get the nerve up to go. I have not played with other people in decades. I was planning on taking the Mustang and Duo Sonic if I do end up going.

 

[jvin248]

.

Roll yer own!

Having built guitar cases, I'd advise seeking ways to reduce weight. The big rectangles are easy but heavy. Form fitting is lighter but harder. Go study acoustic guitar cases. Buy hardware first.
Used Hardboard instead of plywood, much lower price and flexible. Leo made early Tele pickguards from it, and I have guitars with hardboard pickguards.








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[Jakedog]

Thanks. The gig bag for my Sonic fits okay, but it's basically just a dust cover and the one I have for my Mustang doesn't have enough room for the head stock. I have these budget Fender cases for my three Players Series Telecasters and they have a decent fit. When I tried one at Guitar Center with a Mustang like mine the guitar didn't fit "snug". I rarely take my guitars outside the house, but recently I've been invited to play at a casual session with some techs from the shop I take them to. Trying to get the nerve to up to go. I have not played with other people in decades. I was planning on taking the Mustang and Duo Sonic if I do end up going.

You can get some actual nice gig bags for less than decent hardshells. Not all bags are created equal. I play out a LOT. Usually 3-4 nights per week these days. I pretty much stopped touring in 2018. But I’d do it again for the right job. I’ve always used bags. Even on the road. The protection is great and the convenience factor is very high. I can recommend the Transit Series bags by Gator. I’ve been using them for almost ten years now. Not on the same level as a Mono or Reunion Blues, but also far less expensive. They’re really good bags. They protect your guitar well, have lots of pocket room for your stuff, and you can shoulder them and keep a hand free for opening doors. Just something to think about.

Gator Transit Electric Guitar Gig Bag - Charcoal Black

Gig Bag for Electric Guitar with Weather-resistant Covering, Padded Interior, Accessory Storage, and Backpack Straps - Black

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Knows3Chords]

You can get some actual nice gig bags for less than decent hardshells. Not all bags are created equal. I play out a LOT. Usually 3-4 nights per week these days. I pretty much stopped touring in 2018. But I’d do it again for the right job. I’ve always used bags. Even on the road. The protection is great and the convenience factor is very high. I can recommend the Transit Series bags by Gator. I’ve been using them for almost ten years now. Not on the same level as a Mono or Reunion Blues, but also far less expensive. They’re really good bags. They protect your guitar well, have lots of pocket room for your stuff, and you can shoulder them and keep a hand free for opening doors. Just something to think about.

Gator Transit Electric Guitar Gig Bag - Charcoal Black

Gig Bag for Electric Guitar with Weather-resistant Covering, Padded Interior, Accessory Storage, and Backpack Straps - Black

www.sweetwater.com

Thanks. Might be the way to go. Because of my health issues , I can't haul much at all. They say they have an amp I can use so I might just take the Mustang and my NUX-MG30. It sure seem like they don't make the hard shell cases as nice as they used to, unless you're willing pay a premium. But it seems that way with everything these days.

 

[Jakedog]

Thanks. Might be the way to go. Because of my health issues , I can't haul much at all. They say they have an amp I can use so I might just take the Mustang and my NUX-MG30. It sure seem like they don't make the hard shell cases as nice as they used to, unless you're willing pay a premium. But it seems that way with everything these days.

Truth- The hard cases I used to buy for $99 are now over $300. That’s what the same quality costs.

I have one legit Fender strat/tele hardshell that I still occasionally use if necessary (like if there’s no way around checking it in a baggage hold) and it’s 25 years old and solid as a rock. But good lord it weighs a ton, and is ridiculously awkward. Or maybe it just feels that way because I’m used to good bags.

 

[Marc Morfei]

I am a fan of "soft cases." Much sturdier than some other "gig bags" I have had, and shoulder straps make them more portable than hard cases. I think this one by Roadrunner is very good without breaking the bank. List price is $129. Solid and very heality padded, neck is secured with velco, fits a wide variety of guitar shapes, and pockets for cables and other stuff.

Road Runner RR5TEG Highway Premium Electric Guitar Gig Bag Black | Guitar Center

Shop for the Road Runner RR5TEG Highway Premium Electric Guitar Gig Bag in Black and receive free shipping and guaranteed lowest price.

www.guitarcenter.com