How to Know if Your Guitar Will Fit Properly in the Case

how to know if your guitar will fit properly in the case

The other day I was walking through my local music store. Looking at all the different guitar cases as I needed to get one for the gig. I already had a soft shell case. But now I’m looking for something a little more substantial. Which got me thinking about how to know  if your guitar will fit properly in the case.

There are specific parts of the guitar that are measured to get precise specifications. Prior to the case being manufactured. If you want to know how to measure your guitar to make sure it fits properly read more…

How to Choose a Guitar Case 

There are lots of measurements that are taking to measure the guitar to make sure it fits in the case properly. If the guitar is to loose it could get damaged in transport. Due to it moving inside the case. If the case is to tight the case won’t protect the guitar properly.

When you are buying a guitar case there are 4 things you want to keep in mind. Besides the cost of course.

  1. Does the guitar fit snug in the case?
  2. What type of guitar case do you need? (soft case or hard case)
  3. What is the guitar case going to be used for?
  4. Style of Case

These seem like rudimentary questions, but ones that must be thought of before making the final purchase.

Let’s take the first question, which may be the most important question. Does the guitar fit in the case properly? To answer this question we need to know what to look for.

First off there are 6 measurements that one must look at to make sure the guitar is going to fit in the case properly.

  • Upper Bout
  • Lower Bout
  • Guitar Waist
  •  Total Length
  • Body Length
  • Body Height

We will go over these measurements in a minute. Next let’s take a look at the different case styles. Which has everything to do with buying the right case.


Cases Come in all Different Sizes & Styles

  • Dreadnought, full size big body acoustic guitar
  • Gibson body style single cutaway 
  • Fender body style, electric guitar
  • Hollow body, double cutaway, electric guitar
  • 7/8 size guitar
  • 3/4 size guitar
  • Parlor size

This is easy enough to find the Style, just figure out what size guitar you have. 

Next question to be answered is: What is the guitar case going to be used for? Are you storing the guitar for a long period of time Are you taking the guitar across the pond?

Yes we know we need a guitar case to protect our guitar. But what are we protecting it from? If you are planing on storing your guitar for a long period of time. Say in a storage building, you would want to get a case that will keep it free from the elements. Dust, Cold, Hot…

A solid case will be a better choice for the job! Just a little side note. If you are going to be storing your guitar. You should keep it in a climatized room.

Humidity can play a factor when storing anything especially wood. The same substance as a guitar. Take a look at this post on the best humidifiers for your acoustic guitar. To keep your guitar at the correct humidity level all year round.

What Type of Guitar Case do You Need?

Which Brings us to the 4th, and last question. What type of guitar case do you need? This is a similar question to the previous one. It is a great question to think about. When your looking to buy a guitar case.

What are you going to be doing? Maybe you have joined a band, and you need to take your guitar to the gig. Well a good padded Gig Bag can do the job.

If the bag is Padded, with a big pocket. To hold extra guitar strings, some picks, Tuner and a Capo. A good Gig bag usually has a large pocket to hold any extras you will need to take with you. With padded straps for easy comfortable carrying.

Maybe your Gig is across the country, and you need to load up everything in a van. All the amps, speakers, Monitors, mics and stands. Everything including your guitar. You will need a guitar case that is a little tougher. That will keep your guitar safe.

What if you are taking your guitar on vacation? Maybe your going oversees. Then you will want a different type of guitar case. A case that has plenty of padding. One that the guitar fits snug in the case for any rough housing. Or just the luggage guys throwing things in the belly of the plane.

TSA Approved Case

This type of case has to be made rigid, and be TSA approved. You definitely want to be able to lock the case. If you are looking for a guitar case. I recommend Gator Case. They have all Sizes, Styles, and a variety of specialty cases to fit your needs. Here is a link to the best guitar cases deluxe, ABS, TSA,Wood. 

How to Know if your guitar will fit properly in the case
Picture Gator Case

Here is how to measure your guitar for a perfect fit. The Manufacture of the case takes the guess work out of it for you. They get all the specifications, and make the cases. Here are some specifications for guitar cases to help you make the right decision. Check out the link for  the best guitar cases deluxe, ABS, TSA,Wood. 

What are Guitar Cases Made of ?

There are several different types of cases. They are all made out of different materials. Designed to best fit your needs.

A case that we are familiar with is the “Gig Bag“, Which is made of a light weight material. Usually nylon, or a weather resistant material.

The Gig bag has some padding for protection. The Gig bag interior is usually made of foam, or a lighter material. Enough for light duty protection.

There are wood cases made of plywood, or a burlap exterior. The case has a plush crush velvet interior. Some wood cases are made with a foam padded interior.

The interior is lined with a thicker material than the Gig bag. This is to safeguard against damage against impacts. Like is found if you were to accidentally drop your guitar. The hardware on the wood cases are heavy duty. The hardware is most often a heavy steel or brass.

Some cases are made of ABS and ATA cases. These are hard plastic materials. ABS material is hard molded plastic that is almost indestructible.

The ABS Plastic is impact resistant yet light weight. It is cost effective for manufactures to make. This is of course past onto the consumer. You will notice the reasonable price tag of the ABS case.

The Scientific name for ABS is Polyethylene Molded. This material is just as strong as steel or metal. It is lighter, and more cost effective to produce. To see all of the choices of materials.  Guitar Cases, Styles, Specs and Sizes click this link.


Guitar Case Size Chart

Dreadnought Guitar Inside Dimensions (Full Body Guitar)

  • Body Length 23 “
  • Body Height 5.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 16 “
  • Middle Bout Width 12.25 “
  • Upper Bout Width 12.5 “
  • Overall Length 41.25 “

Dreadnought Guitar Inside Dimensions 12 String

GC Deluxe Molded Case Specs source Gator Case

  • Body Length 23 “
  • Body Height 5.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 16 “
  • Middle Bout Width 12.25 “
  • Upper Bout Width 12.5 “
  • Overall Length 41.25 “

Gibson body style single cutaway Interior Dimensions

  • Body Length 18 “
  • Body Height 2.75 “
  • Lower Bout Width 13 “
  • Middle Bout Width 8 “
  • Upper Bout Width 9.75 “
  • Overall Length 40 “

Specs from GC Deluxe Molded Click here to see more specs and guitar cases.

Gibson Les Paul single cutaway style Guitar Case G Tour Interior Specs 

  • Body Length 18 “
  • Body Height 3.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 13 “
  • Middle Bout Width 13 “
  • Upper Bout Width 13 “
  • Overall Length 40 “

Gibson Les Paul Style Nylon Light Weight Guitar Case Interior Specs

  • Body Length 21.625 “
  • Body Height 2.75 “
  • Lower Bout Width 13.875 “
  • Middle Bout Width 9.375 “
  • Upper Bout Width 10 “

Overall Length 42.25 “

Gibson Les Paul Single Cutaway Style Wood Case Interior Dimensions

  • Body Length 20.5 “
  • Body Height 3 “
  • Lower Bout Width 14 “
  • Middle Bout Width 9.5 “
  • Upper Bout Width 10 “
  • Overall Length 42 “

Fender body style, electric guitar Case Interior Specs

  • Body Length 18.8 “
  • Body Height 2.8 “
  • Lower Bout Width 12.8 “
  • Middle Bout Width 12.8 “
  • Upper Bout Width 12.8 “
  • Overall Length 39.8 “

PRS Style Case Deluxe Wood Interior Dimensions

  • Body Length 18 “
  • Body Height 3.25 “
  • Lower Bout Width 13 “
  • Middle Bout Width 13 “
  • Upper Bout Width 13 “
  • Overall Length 36.5 “

Semi Hollow body, double cutaway, electric guitar Case Interior Specs (ES 335)

GC Deluxe Molded Case

  • Body Length 22.5 “
  • Body Height 4.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 16.5 “
  • Middle Bout Width 11 “
  • Upper Bout Width 13 “
  • Overall Length 42.5 “

ATA TSA Gutiar Case Semi- Hollow Interior Specs

  • Body Length 22.5 “
  • Body Height 4.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 16.5 “
  • Middle Bout Width 11.5 “
  • Upper Bout Width 13 “
  • Overall Length 43 “

Deluxe Wood Semi Hollow Guitar Case Interior Specs

  • Body Length 22.5 “
  • Body Height 4.25 “
  • Lower Bout Width 16.5 “
  • Middle Bout Width 11 “
  • Upper Bout Width 13 “
  • Overall Length 44.5 “

7/8 size guitar Case Interior Specs

Mini Light Weight Taylor Case Interior Specs

  • Interior Length 38.4 “
  • Body Length 17.8 “
  • Body Height 4.3 “
  • Lower Bout Width 14.3 “
  • Middle Bout Width 9.1 “
  • Upper Bout Width 10.1 “

7/8 Mini Electric Guitar Case Inside Specs

  • Body Length 19 “
  • Body Height 2.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 15 “
  • Middle Bout Width 14 “
  • Upper Bout Width 14 “
  • Overall Length 38 “

3/4 size guitar Case Interior Specifications

GWE 3/4 size guitar Acoustic Case Inside Specs

  • Body Length 19 “
  • Body Height 4.75 “
  • Lower Bout Width 13.75 “
  • Middle Bout Width 9.75 “
  • Upper Bout Width 10.25 “
  • Overall Length 38 “

Parlor Size Guitar Case Interior Dimensions

I can recommend this case because I own one. It does the job, There is a plush interior, its not heavly padded but it works to and from the camp every weekend.

Washburn Parlor Coffin Case fits all parlor guitars Take a look at the picture here on Amazon.

Classical Guitar Case Interior Specs

GL Guitar Series Light Weight Case

  • Body Length 20.5 “
  • Body Height 4.5 “
  • Lower Bout Width 15.5 “
  • Middle Bout Width 10.25 “
  • Upper Bout Width 11.75 “
  • Overall Length 41 “

I Hope You have enjoyed reading about all the guitar cases and there different specs. Click the link to have a look at some of the interesting article in the Guitar Essentials Blog.


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Source

Washburn.com

Gator Cases

GatorCases.com

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