Thanks for this video - really interesting & helpful. I've picked up 2x different shaped Fender cases over the years & always wondered what year they may have come from. One is the second 'silhoutte' type with no badge recess and the plastic feet, which I use for a '98 Strat. The other is the 'cloud' type but with plastic feet and the Fender logo has a copyright 'r' in a circle, which I use for my Baja Tele. Great to have confirmation that the cases are contemporary with the guitars I use them for. 👍
Wow, this is a great walk thru the history of these cases. Just to warn viewers, just because it is a TSA case doesn't mean it is durable. I had an airline destroy the triple ribbed case you showed. I now fly with only SKB 3i cases. I was encouraged after i bought my first one after seeing a pro touring musician backstage using them. I currently own 4.
Thanks for this video - I just picked up a 1983 two-knob Dan Smith era Standard Stratocaster, and it came in/with a Gen 3 case with the twist latches (the middle one was gone and replaced with an older-style latch). Small pocket interior as well. Who knows for sure if it was truly original to the guitar - I was just glad that the guitar came with a Fender case and the correct termolo bar was inside. 😅
Things were a little tumultuous during that time of Fender's history, so it's hard to tell. It's a cool case though, and the twist latches are less common.
I have a Gen 2 flight case which came with my 87 Strat Plus. I got it in 1988. Its falling apart so I have it bound with clear packing tape...wish I could fix it. I also have a contoured flight case for my 2000 American Deluxe ( I like locking tuners). Thanks for the video! very informative
Hi all, I have a Shaped Flight Case, Gen 3, in stock. The year of manufacture is around 2005. There is a gap at the bottom (where there is no latch). I understand it is warping from time. Is it possible to fix this?
I have found that gently adjusting the metal trim can help close small gaps. I would avoid applying significant heat, like a heat gun or hair dryer, but you might try leaving it in the sun for a while before you try to adjust it.
@@hacksguitarhobby Could you please tell me more about the process of adjusting these metal plates? There are no screws or nuts... I would be very grateful. This gap between the flaps at the back of the case is very annoying((
The trim I’m talking about is the thin aluminum that runs around the entire length of the edge on each half of the case, and adjusting it is nothing more than pushing and pulling on it to align the halves. It’s a bit of trial and error. Open the case, gently bend the trim on one of the halves a small amount with your hands, close it to check your progress, and repeat. I have sometimes used a rubber mallet, but that is a bit extreme.
@@hacksguitarhobby Thank you very much for the answer! I've tried everything, but the gap at the bottom of the case (where the widest part is and there are no latches) is not going anywhere:) it doesn't get bigger and it doesn't get smaller ((
Hi thanks for this video, excellent! I’m wondering how I can get in touch with you about vintage case linings-looking to buy some of the used fabric if you or anyone you know have any from repairs, refurbishing/re-lining, etc.. thanks again!
I don't know a specific source, unfortunately. If I were in the market for it, I would just visit a local fabric store and ask to look at samples of "fake fur" and "crushed velvet" fabrics depending on the style of the case. Hope that helps!
Interesting info on the Fender cases. Thanks. I have one that came with my old HM Strat. A gen2 like yours but with horseshoe latches. The middle latch is broken. Would you happen to know what to buy to replace it? If I can get the exact part, I think I could cobble it together without dealing with the rivets. It just needs the lever, the horseshoe and the lever pin. Thanks!
I don’t have a source for the exact part, but I have used some from Amazon on some other aftermarket case repairs. They look pretty close, might work: a.co/d/ggqz17t
I’ve tried it myself a couple of times with mixed success. I had to pull the liner out, heat the plastic with a heat gun, set the plastic on a flat surface (outside down), and place plywood over the warp with heavy objects on top until it cools. You have to be extremely careful not to overheat the plastic.
i bought an 80's tele last year on Reverb with a Fender Gen 2 case ,however it was warped and missing a hinge ..I contacted SKB about a replacement, they were very helpful but didn't carry spare parts from that long ago. i found a 1-1/2 " small brass hinge at Ace hardware that fit right , probably better quality too. i believe the stock hinges on those cases were machine crimped on anyway... the warped case isn't all that bad , I'll just live with it.
Thanks for the info, now I know what I have, a second gen flight case I bought brand new in 2000 with a Strat. However mine is unique because it's only for a left handed. Out of curiosity many yrs later I tried and a righty doesn't fit.
Hey I just found out this great video I was trying to figure out the age of production of my fender hard case. I own then an early 90's silhouette from what I hear from you with the red logo with my surprise they seem to be are and vintage? I could not imagine that since I've never used it I sold the strato and I want to sell it for 150 Euro which I believe is a fair price? considering its light weight.... Thank you for the precious info
I don’t know the European market well, but that’s a good selling price in the States. I encourage you to check EBay and Reverb for comps. You should find several by searching for Fender red label or red badge case. They aren’t uncommon but are getting harder to find in good condition.
1979-82, 4 draw hasps,velvet lining. 1983-84 (end of CBS) three flip latches. Much cheaper. 1987-1990 4 draw hasps, then come the chainsaws, which I don't know much about
Great info! I am aware of one more, the Voyagair TSA came with the Gold Elite Line.
Nice, I just saw one on Reverb!
Thanks for this video - really interesting & helpful. I've picked up 2x different shaped Fender cases over the years & always wondered what year they may have come from. One is the second 'silhoutte' type with no badge recess and the plastic feet, which I use for a '98 Strat. The other is the 'cloud' type but with plastic feet and the Fender logo has a copyright 'r' in a circle, which I use for my Baja Tele. Great to have confirmation that the cases are contemporary with the guitars I use them for. 👍
Thank you! Exactly why I created the video… wanted to match my own guitars with period cases.
Wow, this is a great walk thru the history of these cases. Just to warn viewers, just because it is a TSA case doesn't mean it is durable. I had an airline destroy the triple ribbed case you showed. I now fly with only SKB 3i cases. I was encouraged after i bought my first one after seeing a pro touring musician backstage using them. I currently own 4.
True, the TSA designation only means that the government has a key to your case. :)
I love this. Super useful!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video - I just picked up a 1983 two-knob Dan Smith era Standard Stratocaster, and it came in/with a Gen 3 case with the twist latches (the middle one was gone and replaced with an older-style latch). Small pocket interior as well. Who knows for sure if it was truly original to the guitar - I was just glad that the guitar came with a Fender case and the correct termolo bar was inside. 😅
Things were a little tumultuous during that time of Fender's history, so it's hard to tell. It's a cool case though, and the twist latches are less common.
Very Very Very nice video
Very informative
Well done
Glad you liked it
Very good video thank you!
You are welcome!
Very informative, thanks, I've a Red Radge silhouette in mint condition, I was thinking of selling it but now I don't know
They are coming up in price a bit, but the market has really slowed down this year.
I have a Gen 2 flight case which came with my 87 Strat Plus. I got it in 1988. Its falling apart so I have it bound with clear packing tape...wish I could fix it. I also have a contoured flight case for my 2000 American Deluxe ( I like locking tuners). Thanks for the video! very informative
I have fixed cracks by layering epoxy on the inside (pull out the styrofoam liner), if it helps!
@@hacksguitarhobby yes! Im going to try that! I fixed a microwave handle that way!
Hi all, I have a Shaped Flight Case, Gen 3, in stock. The year of manufacture is around 2005. There is a gap at the bottom (where there is no latch). I understand it is warping from time. Is it possible to fix this?
I have found that gently adjusting the metal trim can help close small gaps. I would avoid applying significant heat, like a heat gun or hair dryer, but you might try leaving it in the sun for a while before you try to adjust it.
@@hacksguitarhobby Could you please tell me more about the process of adjusting these metal plates? There are no screws or nuts... I would be very grateful. This gap between the flaps at the back of the case is very annoying((
The trim I’m talking about is the thin aluminum that runs around the entire length of the edge on each half of the case, and adjusting it is nothing more than pushing and pulling on it to align the halves. It’s a bit of trial and error. Open the case, gently bend the trim on one of the halves a small amount with your hands, close it to check your progress, and repeat. I have sometimes used a rubber mallet, but that is a bit extreme.
@@hacksguitarhobby Thank you very much for the answer! I've tried everything, but the gap at the bottom of the case (where the widest part is and there are no latches) is not going anywhere:) it doesn't get bigger and it doesn't get smaller ((
Hi thanks for this video, excellent! I’m wondering how I can get in touch with you about vintage case linings-looking to buy some of the used fabric if you or anyone you know have any from repairs, refurbishing/re-lining, etc.. thanks again!
I don't know a specific source, unfortunately. If I were in the market for it, I would just visit a local fabric store and ask to look at samples of "fake fur" and "crushed velvet" fabrics depending on the style of the case. Hope that helps!
Does anyone know where to get replacement handle for the Gen 2 Shaped Flight Case?
eBay is the only place I’ve found (used). SKB made the cases, so you can sometimes find SKB cases for parts.
@@hacksguitarhobby Thank you! Appreciate the information. I'll hunt around 🙏
Interesting info on the Fender cases. Thanks. I have one that came with my old HM Strat. A gen2 like yours but with horseshoe latches. The middle latch is broken. Would you happen to know what to buy to replace it? If I can get the exact part, I think I could cobble it together without dealing with the rivets. It just needs the lever, the horseshoe and the lever pin. Thanks!
I don’t have a source for the exact part, but I have used some from Amazon on some other aftermarket case repairs. They look pretty close, might work: a.co/d/ggqz17t
Any tips on how to pull the warp out of the cases?
I’ve tried it myself a couple of times with mixed success. I had to pull the liner out, heat the plastic with a heat gun, set the plastic on a flat surface (outside down), and place plywood over the warp with heavy objects on top until it cools. You have to be extremely careful not to overheat the plastic.
i bought an 80's tele last year on Reverb with a Fender Gen 2 case ,however it was warped and missing a hinge ..I contacted SKB about a replacement, they were very helpful but didn't carry spare parts from that long ago. i found a 1-1/2 " small brass hinge at Ace hardware that fit right , probably better quality too. i believe the stock hinges on those cases were machine crimped on anyway... the warped case isn't all that bad , I'll just live with it.
One of their downfalls is that they do warp, especially in heat. Some hinges are just crimped on, unfortunately, but good job repairing yours.
Thanks for the info, now I know what I have, a second gen flight case I bought brand new in 2000 with a Strat. However mine is unique because it's only for a left handed. Out of curiosity many yrs later I tried and a righty doesn't fit.
I think I’ve actually seen one of those.
@@hacksguitarhobby The guitar is in pristine condition and case is good. Both are worth 2-3 times what I paid for them 😁
Hey I just found out this great video I was trying to figure out the age of production of my fender hard case. I own then an early 90's silhouette from what I hear from you with the red logo with my surprise they seem to be are and vintage? I could not imagine that since I've never used it I sold the strato and I want to sell it for 150 Euro which I believe is a fair price? considering its light weight.... Thank you for the precious info
I don’t know the European market well, but that’s a good selling price in the States. I encourage you to check EBay and Reverb for comps. You should find several by searching for Fender red label or red badge case. They aren’t uncommon but are getting harder to find in good condition.
1979-82, 4 draw hasps,velvet lining. 1983-84 (end of CBS) three flip latches. Much cheaper. 1987-1990 4 draw hasps, then come the chainsaws, which I don't know much about
I don’t know of a four latch case that late unless it’s a bass case. Love to see one if you have a link.