One other good tip: When carrying your guitar down a staircase, reverse the hold in a way that makes the headstock end points behind you and the body pointing downward and parallel to the direction of the staircase. This way your case won’t hit the edge of the steps. Besides, it’s the most ergonomical way of carrying it.
1:dont lean your guitar 2:weather is a problem hot/cold 3.always latch it 4.dont leave your case in the sun 5.dont use your guitar case to change strings Your welcome
Thank you! Sounded like something I'd like to know, but unfortunatly this guy is just the worst. Hipster douche who says things the longest way possible just to have some attention a little longer.
I have to say, that miniature case is almost hysterical. But it's perfect for demonstrating what you've said here during the video. You made several really good points. These are things that most people take for granted but they are excellent points. I definitely want to protect my guitars. Not only are they nice guitars but ever since I was a kid, we were raised to take care of whatever we owned. Very nice presentation. For the record, I wouldn't mind getting a miniature case and guitar like that. I can use it with my GI Joe collection.
This is the hero we all needed. Also, I never in my wildest dreams thought someone would flip up the pick compartment lid and work on their guitar. If you have ever done this, you need to assess your path in life
I've changed my strings in the case plenty of times; the compartment lid is ideal for this task. 😄 Just don't do it outdoors in the wind. Oh and don't change the strings of an Ovation guitar on top of its case, that's really asking for trouble.
A lot of lids to pick compartments are deliberately curved to accept the radius of the guitar neck and for the very reason to change strings while in a plush case. You may be the outlier and the one on the wrong path.
@@keithclark486 My rule of thumb is in the case when not being played, with not completely loosened strings. Leave some tension on them. A case will have its own atmosphere if sealed up tight. The closet door won't matter unless the adjoining room is too hot or too humid. Arrid climate will require some sort of humidifier inside the sealed case, like a moist sponge suspended inside the soundhole,or a metered humidifier. If you're in a humid environment,a moisture absorbing pack inside the case will help to prevent wood swelling.
NUMBER THREE!!!!!!!!!! I had my custom painted Collings 01ESS fall out of the case and land on, get impaled and stock on, I shit you not, a CROW BAR that was in a bucket of other tools in my garage (where my vocal booth / studio is)! It left a huge hole on the bottom side (lower bout), and was utterly heartbreaking. The repair was very costly, and is starting to come apart. Now, in full disclosure, the guitar sounds better to my ears and in the studio, (and I've heard this about broken Gibson headstocks) but that is WAY besides the point :). If I could load a pics here, I would. Excellent advice, thank you sir!
Since I bought my first “real” guitar (Gibson acoustic) I started watching videos on how to care for it properly and this was very helpful to me to get some good habits but to make a long story short I took her to a luthier for a setup after first 6 months of owning it (it needed a little adjustment after spending 6 months in Scotland after arriving from America) it was the only Gibson approved technician In my area so I went with confidence... you’d need to see my face when he casually walked out of his shop swinging my case like a carrier bag with only one latch secured and the top facing outside 🤬 and if that was the only thing I would have forgotten about it by now but no after I opened the case I discovered that it’s full of wood shavings and the guitar itself was covered in dust (a huge amount almost as if a carpenter was working above it with the case wide open) I thought I’m going to explode... I don’t think that guy ever got so many F bombs in one sentence from somebody. Anyways nice video! Care for your instruments folks;)
Great video Tony. I own over 30 guitars , including a 1916 Gibson l 1 arch top. I've found guitars are like babies. They need a lot of care.which is almost a full time job love your videos I always learn something.
Case bite.... yup.... my favorite guitar has some bites from taking it out of the case and the top closing before I got the guitar all the way clear.... It's a Taylor. And I have heard other Taylor owners say the same thing. Cheers!
3:15 Okay so basically I rode my bike to my friend's house with my parlour guitar in a really thick backpack gig bag. I didn't zip it up when I was done playing because I thought I'd play it again. I forgot of course, and half-way back home, it fell out of the bag. It got all scratched up on the back (turns out padding in gig bags doesn't help when your guitar isn't inside), but actually the guitar didn't take any real damage, but thank God it wasn't a Martin or something. Very impressive, Indonesian Gretsch factories! Also I can get a lot done when I'm procrastinating.
Nice tips. Some time ago I left a classical guitar on a case for a long time, I think that the case fell down in some point of time because when I went to use it I noticed that it was broken on the headstock.
Good advice all around. Especially keeping the lid to your body. In the before time, my lunch kit had a vacuum glass thermos and kids would flip open the latch. Only took one busted thermos to figure out that one. As always, enjoy your videos.
I experienced accidentally forgetting to close the latches. It was a four day old Taylor 114E... It got some nasty dings on the body and back of the next. The people who I bought it from were so nice enough to replace the guitar at no charge! I am a loyal Sweet Water customer!
A guitar I ordered from them had a defective pick guard..(yeah, pick guard). They gave me a return label and then offered me a deal on another guitar for my troubles. Thus I obtained my first Martin at a few hundred below anyone's price. They do customer service right!
Melody Music in Bloomington Indiana has been amazing as well. Ordered a $230.00 used Fender Champion 100 from them on Reverb and when I showed up, they sold it in the store before I bought it. The owner gave me a brand new Boss Katana Artist 100 at no extra charge. The price tag on it was $599.00. This last time, I bought a Martin D-28 Standard Reimagined. They were asking $2899.00 so I put it in my watch list on reverb. They shot me an email offering to sell it for $2,399.00. I counter offered $2,000.00 and said I would swing by to pick it up so they wouldn't have to ship it and they accepted the offer. I showed up the next day and they couldn't find it on the floor so they thought it was possibly sold or lost. Mind you, I got the deal I did because it was used and had a ding in it on the front. They offered me my choice of 3 brand new ones in the Martin show room. They retail for $3,599.00. I picked one out, fell in love with it and got the box, case and the case candy and started to check out and the stock guy came out of the back saying he found the one I bought. The owner of Melody Music looked at me and said, do you want that one or the new one..... He said,,,, I can tell you really want this one...... Of course I chose the new one. He smiled, shook my hand and said congratulations! I hope this is the guitar of your dreams. And I got it for $1,599.00 off the retail price. It is my pride and joy and Melody Music is forever my home for buying gear. When you have a great experience like the ones you all are saying you had with Sweetwater, I completely get it. Those experiences are what makes buying a guitar even that much memorable.
# 2: I have a Grey Molded Les Paul case that warped in the sun from a window. It is now a P.I.T.A. to get closed !! Great video ! Worth a 'THUMBS UP' !!
All very good advice Tony and I've followed these rules many years. And as a cabinetmaker I can say that a small temperature change can do major damage on your guitar. Not following these rules can take a guitar geek down a few hard earned notches for sure! So can not being subscribed to ALTV can too! Thanks Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa.
Very informative advice. Thanks. What is the best way to avoid temperature shock during cold winters when it’s frigid outside but quite warm in your apartment? I typically don’t take take my guitar outside in the could or direct sunlight. I mostly use it for in house studio work. Should the guitar be kept in the case, a closet, on a stand, or near a humidifier? I don’t have a thermostat or temperature regulator, neither. I just bought a Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar last week. Any advice would be tremendously appreciated.
I just bought a thick padded Levys leather strap....i have been coiling it up and storing it where the cutaway is.... it is a very snug fit. Can the stress of the strap in the case damage the guitar? Edit: Its a Taylor 214CE plus with an Aerocase
You mentioned storing guitars in the car in the case. Another problem can be checking in your guitar while traveling by plane. The hard case does protect the guitar from bumps and grinds against other luggage. However not all airplanes have the cargo compartment pressurized, or at the same climate as the passenger cabin. The change in air pressure, as well as temperature can cause damage to guitars. At 30 000 ft the air temperature is -40 ish. The hull of the plane creates a buffer, so does the case. However with an 8 hour flight or longer, this cold will get to your instrument. If possible, bring your guitar with you on the plane. If not, well the case is your best protection, but do not leave a humid humidifier in there with it as that may turn to a lump of ice. I used to work in aerospace, and have traveled to over 30 countries in 4 continents with my guitars and have yet to have any of them take damage due to how I treat the instruments. Some options include traveling with smaller instruments like a mini Martin or Gibson. (3/4) size instruments. The cabin crew are more likely to allow those as carry on, as they are smaller. Another option is journey instruments travel guitars. I do not have one of those, would like to get one though for that purpose. Or, though not an acoustic option: a yamaha silent guitar, they are collapsable to a certain extent and make it easier to bring on as carry on.
Thank you for posting this Tony. These are all good points. I would add, to something you covered in the list. I picked this of from old bluegrass folks in the south and namely from one who's dad and brother played but he did not. He pointed out he was taught when you pick the guitar, banjo, case etc up, use three fingers and thumb on the handle and the middle and index finger holding the lid down and give the latches a quick look when you get it hoisted up. I find I normally have my guitar pointed neck first coupled with normally having to open a door or a truck door with my left hand so for having the guitar on my left side would feel awkward unless I was carrying two cases. Just my $02.00
What a bunch of great comments. I don't change my strings, since I'm blind. I have my music store do it for me. It does cost, but it is worth it in my opinion. In future, if I play outside, I will make sure my case is stored in the shade.
I know someone that had a cardboard type case that came open. That put him in the market for a new guitar. I had a cardboard case and after his accident, I always held a finger over the door side to hold it shut. Finally just bought a good case.
nice tips .my top tip is when you take your guitar out make sure the lid is fully open .yes it happed to me and the lid fell on the guitar while taking it out not just the lid but the hinge fell on it .Man i felt sick after for a week after that only had the guitar a few weeks not a cheep guitar but a Taylor.
I Use a backpack strap -strapped around the case slipped through the handle for those old cases with bad latches. When bringing in a guitar from the elements into a warm house-- don’t open it up right away- let it acclimate for an hour! Same goes with a guitar shipped to your home!!!!- it’s tempting to tear open the Box like a Christmas present-- Dont!!! Let it acclimate to the environment-especially if the guitar is shipped from several states away
Does a little room in your guitar case be ok? It's fits pretty well but I bought a PRS SE and bought a Deluxe Fender case not thinking that PRS had there own case. My fault but I was thing I could use just a small piece of Styrofoam to keep it still within the case. Thxs
Good advice which i think applies to all instruments. Also, leaving the case in a hot car or sun for a while can warp the case. That happened to me on another instrument.
Wow, been carrying my cases with the latches away from me, didn't realize just how close i have come to disaster. So in the 40 years I have been doing that and 'nothing' happened, i must have been a lucky boy!
Bonus tip: I do the Open Mic Night at my local bar. The owner will let you sing, play an instrument, do a comedy routine, whatever, as long as it's entertaining. I do a three song acoustic set. I cover Sister Golden Hair, Hotel California and Margaritaville. I go to put my lovely Martin 00-28 away, someone vomited inside my case. Keep your case closed, fully latched an tucked away when gigging.
Also, don't leave your case open when playing. I left my Calton case open when playing at a friend's party. When I went to put the guitar (custom Huss & Dalton) away I noticed the bottom was shiny. Their cat had used the case as a litter box and pissed in it. I knew enough to not put the guitar in and wrapped it in a blanket for the ride home. I called Calton and ended up sending it back to them where they ripped out the entire interior and rebuilt it. Never again.
I have the same hard case when i bought my first classical guitar its been 7 years and guitar is in amazing quality but what else to expect from alhambra guitar
guys I need your advice I have a Gator case black guitar that I use for my new guitar epiphone Acoustic & Electric guitar hummingbird. When I carry with me in my hands It so heavy plus it makes blisters on my hands. What should i use so It can make a great relaxable sensation on your hands. The blisters man they heart a lot. Plus am I carrying the guitar case position wrong?
It is very true what you said about the hinges. Those things do stick out like teeth. I'm amazed they haven't engineered cases that can help you avoid that. I spent a fair amount of money on my guitars and with my Gibson acoustic J-45, I've got to be super careful about taking the guitar in and out of its case or I could get those bite marks. I was extremely disappointed with the Gibson J-45 case. It's super easy to scratch or gouge your guitar while you're putting it in and out of its case because the tops of those hinges stick out like teeth.
I recently scratched my beautiful Taylor 616ce acoustic guitar when the top of the case fell on the guitar top while removing it from the guitar case. I called Taylor on 2/17/23 to ask if they have developed a locking mechanism I could purchase, the representative said he never heard of this type damage and no other manufacturers have such a device on their cases. Looks like a good opportunity for a company to take guitar cases into the 21st century!
Good info! Reminds me of Fire Marshall Bill ..."For your Guitar Case just about everything you see in here is a potential hazard. Let me show ya sumthin'! Let's say you're setting your Guitar Case down after a gig while reaching for a cool refreshing drink of water, only it's not water, it's gasoline and it spills all over the case!"
Not to mention that those latches are metal and I have bumped my guitar a few times taking it out and took a deep breathe. It didn’t scratch or Nick it yet but it could easily happen. The life of having nice guitars. I have 2 little girls and 5 step children two named Martin and another few named Taylor and I can’t believe how I have to care for them. For real I have humidity devices in each case to wifi me a signal if it drops below 45 percent or over 55 percent. I never knew all this about guitars and that they were this fragile. I’m afraid to even go anywhere to even take it out of the case. I am not good at servicing my guitars either I can’t even do the strings very good. So my friend does them for like 20 bucks. I’m terrified too because I have to leave it with him for a few hours. I tell him this is my baby take care of it but you just never know. The life of owning acoustic guitars. Thanks for the great video as I often do angle my guitar against a Desk. No more! Im just going to lay it down on the bed or on the side like you say. I can’t believe how fragile they are and the solid wood more expensive ones are more at risk! And I’m OCD about things a lot so that doesn’t help. Hehe.
I have a free tip for people new to a 4 latch case DONT FORGET THE LATCH IN THE BACK BEFORE OPENING IT, made the mistake yesterday I really didn’t like the sound it made.
tip number 3 is great because this could save your guitar and possibly a a lot of money And can can someone please explain tip number 4 in more detail im confused
Ok but when he was talking about latching your case my heart started to race when he lifted the mini case with the mini guitar inside. Idek why it started to race but it Fr did.
Also & I cannot stress this one enough, do not under any circumstances keep tropical fish inside your guitar case when your guitar is not inside & especially not when your guitar is inside. This is of course because the plush lining of your case will not provide an adequate filter substrate for your casequarium.
I know this is old, but I hate Chipboard cases, I bought a Kramer guitar that came with one, and had sold an 8 string Ibanez and was going to include the case with it, and I took the guitar to the spot I was going to meet at, and when I went to pick up the case, and the latches came undone and the guitar fell out and had a nasty gash on the bottom on one side when it fell and hit the parkinglot. Luckily the guy I sold the guitar to was Super chill and he didn't even care. Sure he was upset, and I offered to reimburse him, but he told me that due to how the weather was (there was a nasty storm during the middle of the transaction) that it just has a cool story to it
i always put my finger on the lid of the case when i’m walking with it so that if the latches are either unlatched or fail, the case stays closed and my guitar doesn’t fall out and gets damaged
I had an Ovation Celebrity with no case I took to church to play for some third graders I was January just outside of Chicago I brought it in and began tuning while the body was still cold and as I was tightening the strings the head stock popped off right at the neck
I have a question. I bought last year a Córdoba c5, and it’s a smaller guitar than my steal string. Should guitars have a perfect fit in a hard shell case? Or is it okay to pad a bigger case to fit smaller guitars? I appreciate your show, and advice .
It would be better than nothing! But, depends on how hard and how much bumps and knocks it'll take. I have used rolled up towels, but I don't advise it.
Any thoughts on what hard case to buy that's hopefully under $100? I am a very new acoustic player and purchased a gig bag with the guitar. I got away with that because heating season was almost over, but I really need a hard case and have no idea what to look for when purchasing. I have a dreadnought guitar.
Erinescence I like mono gig bags more than hard cases but they can be pricey. When I leave my house I take the guitar out of the hard case and put it into the mono gig bag
I would not go for Musicians Gear. I recently ordered one for $80 and it was cheaply made and flimsy. When I got it, I checked back on the site and they had reduced the price to about $65. The lock was also broken and the latches didn't secure to my liking. I sent it back. Before that I bought a Silver Creek case. It seemed much more sturdy than the Musicans Gear and I really liked it, but the lower bout is 15 3/4" wide. My Yamaha FG820 has a lower bout of about 16 1/4, so the case was too small. I sent it back as well. My other dread (cheap Kansas model) has a lower bout of 15 3/4 and it fit the SC perfectly, but I couldn't afford to keep it and still get another for the Yamaha, which is the one I want a case for. At some point I will probably reorder the Silver Creek for the Kansas. Still looking, but thinking about a Gator case. Does anyone know if they're any good? They're more expensive and I'm just not sure now because a few comments/reviews concern me and I've already sent two cases back. Kinda sucks because my money is tied up with Musician's Friend so I'm stuck ordering from them. It's just difficult to choose something without looking it over first and seeing if it fits, etc. If your guitar has a lower bout of 15 3/4 I would go for Silver Creek from Musicians Friend. It has a soft, plush green lining. The one I got seemed very well put together, but considering Michael has good experiences with the Musicians Gear and my experiences with them were bad, it could be based on individual cases. The Silver Creek is $80. I just checked and Silver Creek is on sale now for $63.99. You'll pay probably $68ish with shipping. I think the Musicians Gear is on sale too for like $55, but again the one I got was no good. Good luck.
@@insaneshanex I have a Gator case for my M.I.M. Fender Jaguar. It is excellent, but it is a rectangular case. I don't know about their shaped cases. I guess nix the Musicians Gear. I've never had a problem, but maybe their quality has gone down.
I will never forget when Mark Ignessi with Norm's Rare Guitars was showing a Rare Guitar from the 40's with all the paperwork AND EVERYTHING, And he let the case top hit this guitar. Couldn't have cared less. He went on without even saying anything. Then He went over the documentaion, "showing" how cool it was - then proceeded to bend and pack the papers together without any respect whatsoever. Never watched him again!
Don't leave batteries inside your guitar for more than a month. Over the course of years, a Duracell will leak, possibly rust and destroy connectors. PSA: the earlier Fender Eric Clapton blackies had the 9V battery inside the trem cavity.
I thought I wanted to be an electric guitarist but then someone recommend Blind willie Johnson and ever since I’ve been in love with acoustic guitar.I want to play that style but I can’t find anything good that teaches blues. Can anyone help a brother out?
You forgot to mention that if you check your guitar into an airplane hold, to pray that the baggage"maulers"will not throw the thing around like a rag doll. I've seen them do it.
One other good tip: When carrying your guitar down a staircase, reverse the hold in a way that makes the headstock end points behind you and the body pointing downward and parallel to the direction of the staircase. This way your case won’t hit the edge of the steps. Besides, it’s the most ergonomical way of carrying it.
1:dont lean your guitar
2:weather is a problem hot/cold
3.always latch it
4.dont leave your case in the sun
5.dont use your guitar case to change strings
Your welcome
Adam Schumann bless ur soul
@@hunter3641 no problem
The hero we need, but not the hero we deserve.
Thank you! Sounded like something I'd like to know, but unfortunatly this guy is just the worst. Hipster douche who says things the longest way possible just to have some attention a little longer.
not all hero wear capes. lol
I have to say, that miniature case is almost hysterical. But it's perfect for demonstrating what you've said here during the video. You made several really good points. These are things that most people take for granted but they are excellent points. I definitely want to protect my guitars. Not only are they nice guitars but ever since I was a kid, we were raised to take care of whatever we owned. Very nice presentation. For the record, I wouldn't mind getting a miniature case and guitar like that. I can use it with my GI Joe collection.
This is the hero we all needed. Also, I never in my wildest dreams thought someone would flip up the pick compartment lid and work on their guitar. If you have ever done this, you need to assess your path in life
I've changed my strings in the case plenty of times; the compartment lid is ideal for this task. 😄 Just don't do it outdoors in the wind. Oh and don't change the strings of an Ovation guitar on top of its case, that's really asking for trouble.
A lot of lids to pick compartments are deliberately curved to accept the radius of the guitar neck and for the very reason to change strings while in a plush case. You may be the outlier and the one on the wrong path.
If you have a nice old guitar, I'd suggest you stow that old cardboard case in the closet and get a hardshell that fits.
How old? Like 1990s acoustic?
@@melindasanderseclectic any guitar!!!
@@keithclark486 My rule of thumb is in the case when not being played, with not completely loosened strings.
Leave some tension on them.
A case will have its own atmosphere if sealed up tight.
The closet door won't matter unless the adjoining room is too hot or too humid.
Arrid climate will require some sort of humidifier inside the sealed case, like a
moist sponge suspended inside the soundhole,or a metered humidifier.
If you're in a humid environment,a moisture absorbing pack inside the case will help to prevent wood swelling.
NUMBER THREE!!!!!!!!!! I had my custom painted Collings 01ESS fall out of the case and land on, get impaled and stock on, I shit you not, a CROW BAR that was in a bucket of other tools in my garage (where my vocal booth / studio is)! It left a huge hole on the bottom side (lower bout), and was utterly heartbreaking. The repair was very costly, and is starting to come apart. Now, in full disclosure, the guitar sounds better to my ears and in the studio, (and I've heard this about broken Gibson headstocks) but that is WAY besides the point :). If I could load a pics here, I would. Excellent advice, thank you sir!
This video saved a lot of guitar lives, grateful for you man, thanks.
Since I bought my first “real” guitar (Gibson acoustic) I started watching videos on how to care for it properly and this was very helpful to me to get some good habits but to make a long story short I took her to a luthier for a setup after first 6 months of owning it (it needed a little adjustment after spending 6 months in Scotland after arriving from America) it was the only Gibson approved technician In my area so I went with confidence... you’d need to see my face when he casually walked out of his shop swinging my case like a carrier bag with only one latch secured and the top facing outside 🤬 and if that was the only thing I would have forgotten about it by now but no after I opened the case I discovered that it’s full of wood shavings and the guitar itself was covered in dust (a huge amount almost as if a carpenter was working above it with the case wide open) I thought I’m going to explode... I don’t think that guy ever got so many F bombs in one sentence from somebody.
Anyways nice video!
Care for your instruments folks;)
Jokes on u I don’t have a guitar case
I only have the guitar
same
lmao
Great video Tony. I own over 30 guitars , including a 1916 Gibson l 1 arch top. I've found guitars are like babies. They need a lot of care.which is almost a full time job love your videos I always learn something.
Cute miniature guitar and case...Very interesting video! Thanks Tony!
Case bite.... yup.... my favorite guitar has some bites from taking it out of the case and the top closing before I got the guitar all the way clear.... It's a Taylor. And I have heard other Taylor owners say the same thing. Cheers!
3:15 Okay so basically I rode my bike to my friend's house with my parlour guitar in a really thick backpack gig bag. I didn't zip it up when I was done playing because I thought I'd play it again. I forgot of course, and half-way back home, it fell out of the bag. It got all scratched up on the back (turns out padding in gig bags doesn't help when your guitar isn't inside), but actually the guitar didn't take any real damage, but thank God it wasn't a Martin or something. Very impressive, Indonesian Gretsch factories!
Also I can get a lot done when I'm procrastinating.
Nice tips. Some time ago I left a classical guitar on a case for a long time, I think that the case fell down in some point of time because when I went to use it I noticed that it was broken on the headstock.
Good advice all around. Especially keeping the lid to your body. In the before time, my lunch kit had a vacuum glass thermos and kids would flip open the latch. Only took one busted thermos to figure out that one. As always, enjoy your videos.
Thank you sir ❤ how do I clean dust on my guitar should I use air or just some fine cloth
I experienced accidentally forgetting to close the latches. It was a four day old Taylor 114E... It got some nasty dings on the body and back of the next. The people who I bought it from were so nice enough to replace the guitar at no charge! I am a loyal Sweet Water customer!
A guitar I ordered from them had a defective pick guard..(yeah, pick guard). They gave me a return label and then offered me a deal on another guitar for my troubles. Thus I obtained my first Martin at a few hundred below anyone's price. They do customer service right!
Sweetwater truly sets the standard when it comes to customer service.
Wow, three good reviews in a row. I might go check out Sweet Water
Melody Music in Bloomington Indiana has been amazing as well. Ordered a $230.00 used Fender Champion 100 from them on Reverb and when I showed up, they sold it in the store before I bought it. The owner gave me a brand new Boss Katana Artist 100 at no extra charge. The price tag on it was $599.00.
This last time, I bought a Martin D-28 Standard Reimagined. They were asking $2899.00 so I put it in my watch list on reverb. They shot me an email offering to sell it for $2,399.00. I counter offered $2,000.00 and said I would swing by to pick it up so they wouldn't have to ship it and they accepted the offer. I showed up the next day and they couldn't find it on the floor so they thought it was possibly sold or lost. Mind you, I got the deal I did because it was used and had a ding in it on the front. They offered me my choice of 3 brand new ones in the Martin show room. They retail for $3,599.00. I picked one out, fell in love with it and got the box, case and the case candy and started to check out and the stock guy came out of the back saying he found the one I bought. The owner of Melody Music looked at me and said, do you want that one or the new one..... He said,,,, I can tell you really want this one...... Of course I chose the new one. He smiled, shook my hand and said congratulations! I hope this is the guitar of your dreams. And I got it for $1,599.00 off the retail price. It is my pride and joy and Melody Music is forever my home for buying gear.
When you have a great experience like the ones you all are saying you had with Sweetwater, I completely get it. Those experiences are what makes buying a guitar even that much memorable.
# 2: I have a Grey Molded Les Paul case that warped in the sun from a window. It is now a P.I.T.A. to get closed !! Great video ! Worth a 'THUMBS UP' !!
All very good advice Tony and I've followed these rules many years. And as a cabinetmaker I can say that a small temperature change can do major damage on your guitar. Not following these rules can take a guitar geek down a few hard earned notches for sure! So can not being subscribed to ALTV can too! Thanks Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa.
Very informative advice. Thanks. What is the best way to avoid temperature shock during cold winters when it’s frigid outside but quite warm in your apartment? I typically don’t take take my guitar outside in the could or direct sunlight. I mostly use it for in house studio work. Should the guitar be kept in the case, a closet, on a stand, or near a humidifier? I don’t have a thermostat or temperature regulator, neither. I just bought a Gibson Les Paul Standard Guitar last week. Any advice would be tremendously appreciated.
I love the miniature :) Sooooo cute!
Thanks for the great guidelines!
I just bought a thick padded Levys leather strap....i have been coiling it up and storing it where the cutaway is.... it is a very snug fit. Can the stress of the strap in the case damage the guitar?
Edit: Its a Taylor 214CE plus with an Aerocase
You mentioned storing guitars in the car in the case.
Another problem can be checking in your guitar while traveling by plane. The hard case does protect the guitar from bumps and grinds against other luggage.
However not all airplanes have the cargo compartment pressurized, or at the same climate as the passenger cabin.
The change in air pressure, as well as temperature can cause damage to guitars. At 30 000 ft the air temperature is -40 ish. The hull of the plane creates a buffer, so does the case. However with an 8 hour flight or longer, this cold will get to your instrument.
If possible, bring your guitar with you on the plane. If not, well the case is your best protection, but do not leave a humid humidifier in there with it as that may turn to a lump of ice.
I used to work in aerospace, and have traveled to over 30 countries in 4 continents with my guitars and have yet to have any of them take damage due to how I treat the instruments.
Some options include traveling with smaller instruments like a mini Martin or Gibson. (3/4) size instruments. The cabin crew are more likely to allow those as carry on, as they are smaller. Another option is journey instruments travel guitars. I do not have one of those, would like to get one though for that purpose.
Or, though not an acoustic option: a yamaha silent guitar, they are collapsable to a certain extent and make it easier to bring on as carry on.
Contrary to popular belief it is not cool to keep guns in a guitar case....however it is cool to keep a guitar in a gun case!
Quantifiable half truth.
Thank you for posting this Tony. These are all good points. I would add, to something you covered in the list. I picked this of from old bluegrass folks in the south and namely from one who's dad and brother played but he did not. He pointed out he was taught when you pick the guitar, banjo, case etc up, use three fingers and thumb on the handle and the middle and index finger holding the lid down and give the latches a quick look when you get it hoisted up. I find I normally have my guitar pointed neck first coupled with normally having to open a door or a truck door with my left hand so for having the guitar on my left side would feel awkward unless I was carrying two cases. Just my $02.00
I just need that miniature case and guitar..adorable!!
Yes, I would also like to have one of these. A great conversation piece.
Guitar center sells some, I've seen them in the stores.
Joy Benko, good to know, thank you!
What a bunch of great comments. I don't change my strings, since I'm blind. I have my music store do it for me. It does cost, but it is worth it in my opinion. In future, if I play outside, I will make sure my case is stored in the shade.
I know someone that had a cardboard type case that came open. That put him in the market for a new guitar. I had a cardboard case and after his accident, I always held a finger over the door side to hold it shut. Finally just bought a good case.
nice tips .my top tip is when you take your guitar out make sure the lid is fully open .yes it happed to me and the lid fell on the guitar while taking it out not just the lid but the hinge fell on it .Man i felt sick after for a week after that only had the guitar a few weeks not a cheep guitar but a Taylor.
I Use a backpack strap -strapped around the case slipped through the handle for those old cases with bad latches. When bringing in a guitar from the elements into a warm house-- don’t open it up right away- let it acclimate for an hour! Same goes with a guitar shipped to your home!!!!- it’s tempting to tear open the Box like a Christmas present-- Dont!!! Let it acclimate to the environment-especially if the guitar is shipped from several states away
Does a little room in your guitar case be ok? It's fits pretty well but I bought a PRS SE and bought a Deluxe Fender case not thinking that PRS had there own case. My fault but I was thing I could use just a small piece of Styrofoam to keep it still within the case. Thxs
I got a case bite on my 214ce when it was couple of months old when i was trying to place it back after play
When a guitar gets case bite an “F” Bomb gets its wings.
Thanks for great content and good advice, I truly enjoy your videos
Good advice which i think applies to all instruments. Also, leaving the case in a hot car or sun for a while can warp the case. That happened to me on another instrument.
Not to mention the guitar 😂
Wow, been carrying my cases with the latches away from me, didn't realize just how close i have come to disaster. So in the 40 years I have been doing that and 'nothing' happened, i must have been a lucky boy!
you obviously followed #3 : )
My case is a white fiberglass’s case, is it as big a deal if it’s left in the sun? Because I play a lot of festivals.
Anyone know where the “demo” guitar and case came from? It looks so cool and cute and i want one
Bonus tip: I do the Open Mic Night at my local bar. The owner will let you sing, play an instrument, do a comedy routine, whatever, as long as it's entertaining. I do a three song acoustic set. I cover Sister Golden Hair, Hotel California and Margaritaville. I go to put my lovely Martin 00-28 away, someone vomited inside my case. Keep your case closed, fully latched an tucked away when gigging.
Wow... People don't need to drink if they can't handle their alcohol. Sorry they did they to you.
Also, don't leave your case open when playing. I left my Calton case open when playing at a friend's party. When I went to put the guitar (custom Huss & Dalton) away I noticed the bottom was shiny. Their cat had used the case as a litter box and pissed in it. I knew enough to not put the guitar in and wrapped it in a blanket for the ride home. I called Calton and ended up sending it back to them where they ripped out the entire interior and rebuilt it. Never again.
I like the use of the model
Very good ideas. Very helpful. Thanks
I have the same hard case when i bought my first classical guitar its been 7 years and guitar is in amazing quality but what else to expect from alhambra guitar
guys I need your advice I have a Gator case black guitar that I use for my new guitar epiphone Acoustic & Electric guitar hummingbird. When I carry with me in my hands It so heavy plus it makes blisters on my hands. What should i use so It can make a great relaxable sensation on your hands. The blisters man they heart a lot. Plus am I carrying the guitar case position wrong?
Maybe you can find some sort of soft fabric to wrap onto the handle for a softer grip.
One glove!🧐
How do I find the make or model of my guitar case I think I have a vintage 1970 hard case guitar
Do you have any suggestions for mold smell coming from the inside of an acoustic guitar case?
It is very true what you said about the hinges. Those things do stick out like teeth. I'm amazed they haven't engineered cases that can help you avoid that. I spent a fair amount of money on my guitars and with my Gibson acoustic J-45, I've got to be super careful about taking the guitar in and out of its case or I could get those bite marks. I was extremely disappointed with the Gibson J-45 case. It's super easy to scratch or gouge your guitar while you're putting it in and out of its case because the tops of those hinges stick out like teeth.
I recently scratched my beautiful Taylor 616ce acoustic guitar when the top of the case fell on the guitar top while removing it from the guitar case. I called Taylor on 2/17/23 to ask if they have developed a locking mechanism I could purchase, the representative said he never heard of this type damage and no other manufacturers have such a device on their cases. Looks like a good opportunity for a company to take guitar cases into the 21st century!
Good info! Reminds me of Fire Marshall Bill ..."For your Guitar Case just about everything you see in here is a potential hazard. Let me show ya sumthin'! Let's say you're setting your Guitar Case down after a gig while reaching for a cool refreshing drink of water, only it's not water, it's gasoline and it spills all over the case!"
Not to mention that those latches are metal and I have bumped my guitar a few times taking it out and took a deep breathe. It didn’t scratch or Nick it yet but it could easily happen. The life of having nice guitars. I have 2 little girls and 5 step children two named Martin and another few named Taylor and I can’t believe how I have to care for them. For real I have humidity devices in each case to wifi me a signal if it drops below 45 percent or over 55 percent. I never knew all this about guitars and that they were this fragile. I’m afraid to even go anywhere to even take it out of the case. I am not good at servicing my guitars either I can’t even do the strings very good. So my friend does them for like 20 bucks. I’m terrified too because I have to leave it with him for a few hours. I tell him this is my baby take care of it but you just never know. The life of owning acoustic guitars. Thanks for the great video as I often do angle my guitar against a Desk. No more! Im just going to lay it down on the bed or on the side like you say. I can’t believe how fragile they are and the solid wood more expensive ones are more at risk! And I’m OCD about things a lot so that doesn’t help. Hehe.
I have a free tip for people new to a 4 latch case DONT FORGET THE LATCH IN THE BACK BEFORE OPENING IT, made the mistake yesterday I really didn’t like the sound it made.
I’m getting my first guitar case for my fender can’t wait but kinda nervous about fitting it right
I'd like this advice, thanks.
I sure would love that little guitar & case for my office!!
Useful information thank u🙏😍
Okay but where can I get that mini guitar and case?? It's so freaking adorable
I got 2 cases! A black One that came with my Martin and a brown one I got with my other guitar.
Hello🙋
Can you please make a video about more practices for finger picking.
Btw Loved the 7 Day Finger Picking Course.
tip number 3 is great because this could save your guitar and possibly a a lot of money
And can can someone please explain tip number 4 in more detail im confused
Ok but when he was talking about latching your case my heart started to race when he lifted the mini case with the mini guitar inside. Idek why it started to race but it Fr did.
My guitars are. a lot bigger than yours, will these tips still work?
I LOVE that little guitar in its little case. Want one. 😀
Merci pour vos conseils judicieux. Jean
When i knock the case can o hear the vibration from inside? This is normal or am i doing something wrong?
Very helpful thank you !
Also & I cannot stress this one enough, do not under any circumstances keep tropical fish inside your guitar case when your guitar is not inside & especially not when your guitar is inside. This is of course because the plush lining of your case will not provide an adequate filter substrate for your casequarium.
Hey can i keep the guitar horizontally on floor on it's back in the bag??? (Strings facing roof)
The only way to do this - is to not do it... OR flip it everyday...
Great tips!
Would love to see a comparison of Martin Plastic cases and Martin TKL Plywood cases.
For the car heat what if you have like a trunk shade is that still a bad idea
I know this is old, but I hate Chipboard cases, I bought a Kramer guitar that came with one, and had sold an 8 string Ibanez and was going to include the case with it, and I took the guitar to the spot I was going to meet at, and when I went to pick up the case, and the latches came undone and the guitar fell out and had a nasty gash on the bottom on one side when it fell and hit the parkinglot. Luckily the guy I sold the guitar to was Super chill and he didn't even care. Sure he was upset, and I offered to reimburse him, but he told me that due to how the weather was (there was a nasty storm during the middle of the transaction) that it just has a cool story to it
How are all those latches going to let go?
I have a 1990s acoustic hard shell case. Can I take it out in the rain without damaging the case?
No!!!!
i always put my finger on the lid of the case when i’m walking with it so that if the latches are either unlatched or fail, the case stays closed and my guitar doesn’t fall out and gets damaged
Is it bad to leave the case on the floor flat?
Great tips. Thanks
I had an Ovation Celebrity with no case I took to church to play for some third graders I was January just outside of Chicago I brought it in and began tuning while the body was still cold and as I was tightening the strings the head stock popped off right at the neck
Very informative thank you very much for the video man beginner guitarist here
I have a question. I bought last year a Córdoba c5, and it’s a smaller guitar than my steal string. Should guitars have a perfect fit in a hard shell case? Or is it okay to pad a bigger case to fit smaller guitars? I appreciate your show, and advice .
Pepper Jackey
Your guitar shouldn’t move in the case. Always use an appropriately sized case.
It would be better than nothing!
But, depends on how hard and how much bumps and knocks
it'll take.
I have used rolled up towels, but I don't advise it.
There are cases for every type of guitar and model , classic, acoustic dreadnought, etc... Your guitar shouldn't be moving.
Can one use the guitar hardshell case as a means to a sitting surface? (Sitting on it if for exemple there is no bench outdoors)
Well why would you do that when you can sit on the floor bro
🤦🏼♂️
Very handy thank you
Yeah! Extreme temperatures for wood are nasty. Some cases are quite isolating against humidity but for temperature not too long.
Any thoughts on what hard case to buy that's hopefully under $100? I am a very new acoustic player and purchased a gig bag with the guitar. I got away with that because heating season was almost over, but I really need a hard case and have no idea what to look for when purchasing. I have a dreadnought guitar.
Erinescence I like mono gig bags more than hard cases but they can be pricey. When I leave my house I take the guitar out of the hard case and put it into the mono gig bag
I have an Alvarez hard case for my Martin, works really well and was under $100
I would not go for Musicians Gear. I recently ordered one for $80 and it was cheaply made and flimsy. When I got it, I checked back on the site and they had reduced the price to about $65. The lock was also broken and the latches didn't secure to my liking. I sent it back. Before that I bought a Silver Creek case. It seemed much more sturdy than the Musicans Gear and I really liked it, but the lower bout is 15 3/4" wide. My Yamaha FG820 has a lower bout of about 16 1/4, so the case was too small. I sent it back as well. My other dread (cheap Kansas model) has a lower bout of 15 3/4 and it fit the SC perfectly, but I couldn't afford to keep it and still get another for the Yamaha, which is the one I want a case for. At some point I will probably reorder the Silver Creek for the Kansas.
Still looking, but thinking about a Gator case. Does anyone know if they're any good? They're more expensive and I'm just not sure now because a few comments/reviews concern me and I've already sent two cases back. Kinda sucks because my money is tied up with Musician's Friend so I'm stuck ordering from them. It's just difficult to choose something without looking it over first and seeing if it fits, etc. If your guitar has a lower bout of 15 3/4 I would go for Silver Creek from Musicians Friend. It has a soft, plush green lining. The one I got seemed very well put together, but considering Michael has good experiences with the Musicians Gear and my experiences with them were bad, it could be based on individual cases. The Silver Creek is $80.
I just checked and Silver Creek is on sale now for $63.99. You'll pay probably $68ish with shipping. I think the Musicians Gear is on sale too for like $55, but again the one I got was no good. Good luck.
@@insaneshanex I have a Gator case for my M.I.M. Fender Jaguar. It is excellent, but it is a rectangular case. I don't know about their shaped cases. I guess nix the Musicians Gear. I've never had a problem, but maybe their quality has gone down.
It just happen to me I lean into the wall, then it fall down headstock is broke, my gibson sg standard 61 🙁
Thanks Tony
I learnt to always latch the case when my home invaders accidentally dumped my les paul out of the case and onto the concrete driveway.
I will never forget when Mark Ignessi with Norm's Rare Guitars was showing a Rare Guitar from the 40's with all the paperwork AND EVERYTHING, And he let the case top hit this guitar. Couldn't have cared less. He went on without even saying anything. Then He went over the documentaion, "showing" how cool it was - then proceeded to bend and pack the papers together without any respect whatsoever. Never watched him again!
The same rules you listed here aplies to the ukulele aswell.😊
Yeah fine but now what about getting pitted frets? Which happens too often. That's a pain in the neck. Mabe using inlay glass instead of fret wire?
Joe and Don R need to tell me where they got that mini guitar and case because I want it and I have money.
The last thing happend to me on my led Paul just a smal scratch/chip
Good advice
I LOVE this video. Absolutely unique content. Very interesting and useful. Just smashed the subscribe button.
Excellent
Don't leave batteries inside your guitar for more than a month. Over the course of years, a Duracell will leak, possibly rust and destroy connectors. PSA: the earlier Fender Eric Clapton blackies had the 9V battery inside the trem cavity.
I'm from Rhinelander! Where did you get your Hodag mug!
From your mom
Slow clap... So original.
@@MrJoshpstephens damn lmao
Ok, I watching this, looking at my guitar case, leaning up against the wall. Thank you, I will move it now.
I thought I wanted to be an electric guitarist but then someone recommend Blind willie Johnson and ever since I’ve been in love with acoustic guitar.I want to play that style but I can’t find anything good that teaches blues. Can anyone help a brother out?
Calvin
Lots of acoustic blues vids on RUclips.
So, if I'm in the sun, could I just leave the case open until I'm done and not have any issues?
You forgot to mention that if you check your guitar into an airplane hold, to pray that the baggage"maulers"will not throw the thing around like a rag doll. I've seen them do it.
Yep. I, too, am an eyewitness to that. Long time ago, though.
Where'd you get the hodag coffee mug?? Happy Hodag!