SKB Hard Cases?

[avalanchis]

I'm interested in getting some new hard cases for my three Warmoth Strats and I've read lots of good things about the SKB brand.

I'm looking at two different SKB cases:

The "PRO" model which sells for around $159:

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=775&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75

and the "Regular" model which sells for around $139:

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?id=234&c=82&o=&s=75

Does anyone have any experience with these cases?

I'm wondering if the Pro model is worth $20 more?

Thanks,

Alan

 

[mayfly]

I have one of the "regular" cases for my warmoth fender XII.  Nice case, works well.  Not strong enough to fly with and it's not water tight though.  Works well enough for that guitar.

I also have one of the SKB iSeries cases, which is an awesome case.  I would fly with that without fear.  Much better quality than the 'regular' one.

Have not seen one of the 'pro' cases.  Does not look that different to the 'regular' ones to my eye.  But if it says SKB on it it will be a high quality case.

 

[avalanchis]

Apparently, the "Pro" case was one that SKB used to produce exclusively for Fender (for the American Standard series), but then Fender changed manufacturers or something and now SKB is selling it.

 

[Ddbltrbl]

My Deluxe came with the Pro case and I really like it. Wouldn't hesitate to fly with it.
I don't know the difference between it and the regular case though, sorry.

 

[Cagey]

I bought a "regular" SKB for my Jazzmaster, and it's a fine piece. Very happy with it. Nice and strong, but still lightweight. Beats the snot out of the typical square box cases. It's not a waterproof floater like the iseries cases, but I don't plan on taking it on a boat anytime soon. The form-fit interior is perfect - the guitar doesn't (can't) move while it's in there. I don't know if I'd fly with it, but would sooner than with the typical hardshell case. It's a rugged piece of gear that I'm sure will take a helluva lotta abuse while keeping the contents safe. Highly recommended.

 

[stubhead]

Gee whiz, that tan acoustic guitar case on the SKB  page looks an awful lot like the tan "Pelican" #1720 case that I got for an MSA Superslide "lap*steel guitar." I have a few SKB's, and they're quite nice, but probably not "fly-worthy." The flying SKB's and Pelicans have all the reinforcing ribs and TSA locks.

NO, NO, ossifer, dems my guitar, not my machine guns!



The stickers oughta be a giveaway, hmm. I think in order of toughness, first you get your Pelicans & SKB flyboys, then the SKB regulars, then there's another maker of plastic cases called "Gator." Which are proportionately cheaper , thinner plastic, but they work fine for just carrying stuff around. I wouldn't pile amps on one... but I have read of several people who's Gator cases stated bananaing, the ends warp up away from the center. Anything's got to be better than the soft nylon-y backpack type "cases." It might seem like the reinforcement around the neck is a good idea, but if you strap one on your back with the neck pointing above your head; and fall off your bicycle/motorcycle - eek.

 

[6stringer]

Gee whiz, that tan acoustic guitar case on the SKB  page looks an awful lot like the tan "Pelican" #1720 case that I got for an MSA Superslide "lap*steel guitar." I have a few SKB's, and they're quite nice, but probably not "fly-worthy." The flying SKB's and Pelicans have all the reinforcing ribs and TSA locks.

NO, NO, ossifer, dems my guitar, not my machine guns!



The stickers oughta be a giveaway, hmm. I think in order of toughness, first you get your Pelicans & SKB flyboys, then the SKB regulars, then there's another maker of plastic cases called "Gator." Which are proportionately cheaper , thinner plastic, but they work fine for just carrying stuff around. I wouldn't pile amps on one... but I have read of several people who's Gator cases stated bananaing, the ends warp up away from the center. Anything's got to be better than the soft nylon-y backpack type "cases." It might seem like the reinforcement around the neck is a good idea, but if you strap one on your back with the neck pointing above your head; and fall off your bicycle/motorcycle - eek.

Yup, that's the 1720....same case I keep my match rifle in. They are bombproof, waterproof, and heavier than hell.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I have a couple of the pro cases - labeled as fender cases.  Keep your eyes open on eBay, etc and you can find them for quite a bit less.  I bought one of mine on eBay for $70 shipped and the other one used through Elderly instruments for $75 - both were like brand new.

 

[avalanchis]

I ended up ordering three of the "Pro" cases from Zzounds.  They gave me a great price match deal on them.

I'll report back once I receive them if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

Alan

 

[Bob Hoover Ross]

It's not a waterproof floater like the iseries cases, but I don't plan on taking it on a boat anytime soon.

I didn't plan on having the storage facility where I used to keep all my hard cases flood 6" deep with human excrement either...never making that mistake again! 

 

[Cagey]

Yeah, I guess a boat isn't the only place where waterproof might come in handy.

 

[Steve_Karl]

I have one of the older ones with the Fender logo and the TSA approved latches ...
got it on sale for $99.xx or so a few yrs. ago.
It's nice.
My only complaint is that I can see the case flexing around where the handle is attached when I pick it up,
so it's not really perfectly solid, but it works and looks good.

 

[mark1178]

Have had an skb case for almost 20 years. Road worthy, my American X SG fit in it nicely, though last time I was out on the road it did fall from the top of the truck right on the corner and some of the material broke off, but the dang thing is still rock solid.

 

[avalanchis]

I got the cases and they are very nice.  They fit my Warmoth Strats very well and they seem very rugged.

They seem like a great value for the price.

 

[stratamania]

I have an iSeries, great case and very solid. I plan on getting a pro, at some point too.