Bass Guitar Cases

Whether you're planning to go on the road or you simply need a safe place to store your prized musical instrument around the house, finding good bass guitar cases is an important task. There are plenty of factors to consider, from cost to how heavy duty you need your case to be to the style you'd like to convey when you walk into a room carrying your bass. The following article covers the basics of bass guitar cases, highlights some important features to consider and suggests some online retailers to check out if you're ready to buy.

The most essential question you need to ask yourself when shopping for bass cases is what are your needs? Bass cases can vary tremendously, and that variation is certainly reflected in the price. You don't want to end up getting more case than you need at the expense of your bank account. Conversely, there are definitely situations where only the best will do. Consider the following products that are offered in the marketplace today.

If you just need something inexpensive to keep the dust off your bass, you could get by with a soft-shell case. While these aren't the most secure or sturdy cases, they will provide minimal protection and are definitely better than having no case at all. They are typically the cheapest option available, and they are a good solution in many situations. If your bass is not that expensive to begin with, an inexpensive soft-shell case might be just what you need.

However, there are some higher end soft shell cases that tend to cater towards musicians on the go. These cases are really a combination of a well-constructed soft shell case and a backpack. They allow you to throw your guitar on your back so you can motor along with your hands free. If you live in an area where you are often travelling from gig to gig using public transportation, these kinds of cases are much more convenient than trying to take a bulky hard-shell case on the bus with you.

The most popular type of guitar cases for the bass is by far the hard-shell variety. Sturdily built, hard-shell cases are constructed of either hard plastic or plywood. The plywood cases are either covered with a heavy vinyl material or a durable tweed fabric. The plastic is on the outside of plastic guitar cases, and the inside skeleton is usually constructed of Styrofoam to keep the case as lightweight as possible. All but the cheapest hard-shell cases come with latches that lock so you can keep prying hands and eyes away from your instrument. They have a soft, plush interior that safely cradles your bass in a loving embrace. The insides of these cases usually have a small compartment that can hold your strap, extra strings, picks and any other accessories that you need to have with you.

Hard-shell cases have the most potential for self-expression as well. There are the traditional, low-profile jet black cases that look great covered in stickers, and the vintage yellow tweed cases that tell people you're from the old school. There are even some cases that come with designs like skulls and lightening bolts, and some that are shaped like coffins! No matter what you are into, you can find a hard-shell case that will reflect your passions.

Flight cases should be labeled serious inquiry only. This is because flight cases are the most solid, sturdy, high-tech and expensive bass cases you can buy. They are designed for the touring professional and can withstand all the rigors of life on the road. Flight cases get their name because they were originally designed to go in the cargo holds of airplanes, where the cold temperatures and changes in air pressure can reek havoc on instruments that are stored in traditional hard-shell cases. Flight cases have an airtight construction, extremely secure locking latches and are built to absorb extreme amounts of abuse. If you are going on the road and have a bass that you value above all your other possessions, you definitely need to invest in a flight case because nothing else will ensure the safe return of your instrument. Of course, if you are the casual musician, a flight case will probably be a bit of overkill, and you could likely get by just fine with one of the other less expensive options described above.

Once you've decided what it is that you need, you're ready to start shopping. The following sites carry a wide range of bass cases of all three varieties described above. Take your time, and make sure you pick out a bass case that is just right for you.

• Guitar Center – Guitar Center is the largest music retailer in the world. Their online bass case section features over 60 styles from which to choose.

• Sweetwater – Sweetwater prides itself on its high quality inventory and its personal, friendly and knowledgeable staff. You won't find a lot of low-end bass cases here, but their selection of hard-shell and flight cases is fantastic.

• American Musical Supply – The bass guitar case section at American Musical Supply is ample, and they carry bases of all price ranges.

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