Bringing your musical instruments on the way to a gig can be a difficult task.
Acoustic guitar players can most commonly experience this since they can avail gigs anywhere because the guitar is the most played musical instrument.
Not to mention, the commute ride can be tight and crowded.
The selection of enclosure is essential not only to help you carry your instrument but also to protect it from any damage so that there will be no problems when you arrive at the gig.
Your instrument is your investment as a musician, and therefore it is only logical to protect your asset.
Top Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
1. ChromaCast 6-Pocket Padded Gig Bag
This guitar bag boasts its multiple compartments up to six pockets. The padding is around 1 cm and had rubber bumpers outside the bag for protection.
A Velcro strap is there to secure the neck of the guitar and to keep it in place.
The handles are reinforced to allow ease of transport. There are also two shoulder straps included that are padded and adjustable.
It is available in sizes where it can fit most types of standard guitars.
Pros:
- Lots of storage capacity
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Available in multiple size options
Cons:
- No indicator of being waterproof
- No loop handle feature
2. CAHAYA Acoustic Guitar Bag 0.3 Inch Thick
This guitar bag has a 0.3 inch (0.76 cm) of padding and an oxford cloth as a waterproof exterior. It also has two exterior pockets: one large pocket at the front and another one on the neck.
The opening has large zippers for easy access.
The bag has a rubber bottom for shock protection and a silicone handle for that comfortable gripping when carried.
It also includes dual adjustable straps and a loop handle to hook the bag for easy wall display. It is also compatible with any size of standard guitars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
- Offers feature for wall display
Cons:
- Less amount of pockets
3. Fashion 41 Inch Guitar Bag
This guitar bag is made from a very durable, high-quality material. It has a soft, non-abrasive lining and can resist any possible punctures and scratches.
It has a rubber guard at the bottom for shock immunity.
It has three gusseted pockets, including a large one for storage or more prominent accessories.
It has a traditional back-up style for easy carry, and the adjustable, dual shoulder strap is included for secure handling during transport. The bag can fit any standard-size acoustic guitar.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
Cons:
- No indicator of being waterproof
- No loop handle feature
- Less amount of pockets
4. Yamaha Guitar Case
This product refers to both soft case and hard case styles. As a soft case style, it is made from soft vinyl and has durable foam padding equipped with shoulder straps.
As a hard case style, it is made out of vinyl hardshell and has plush inner lining equipped with latches and hinges made of gold.
The case, either soft styled or hard, can cater plenty of guitar sizes, from a 1/2 size classical guitar to dreadnought size acoustic guitars.
The hard case style can be rectangular, wherein it is preferable for electric guitars or having a guitar-outlined design. Although it is more substantial, the durability is much more guaranteed.
Pros:
- Selection of having either a hard case or soft case
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight (for mild cases)
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
Cons:
- No indicator of being waterproof
- No loop handle feature
- Less amount of pockets
5. Andoer 600D Gig Bag
This product is made from excellent quality 600D oxford cloth that guarantees a waterproof exterior.
The thickness of the interior padding is about 1 cm and has rubber at its exterior bottom for shock protection.
The color design is a very cool camouflage pattern of blue and black colors. It has numerous pockets stitched for appropriate storage rooms and has gripped handles for easy carry.
Also included are backpack types of straps that are easily adjustable to the user’s size.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Lots of storage capacity
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No loop handle feature
- No indicator of options being available to any guitar size
6. Carrion Black Hardshell Case
This product is a hard case style made from heavy-duty multi-layered plywood that guarantees resilience and superior strength.
The exterior is covered with black Tolex, which assures that the case remains durable for more years to come by.
It also has a densely padded interior with a black plush and a small accessory pocket inside. The handle is of top quality while the latches and hinges are chrome-plated.
The product is available for sizes from ukulele to a dreadnought guitar.
Pros:
- Waterproof (due to the indication of Tolex material)
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
- Offers feature for wall display (since it is hard case style)
Cons:
- Less amount of pockets
7. CAHAYA Acoustic Guitar Bag 0.5 Inch Thick
This guitar bag has a 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) of padding and an oxford cloth as a waterproof exterior. The opening has large zippers for easy access.
It also has two exterior pockets: one on the neck and another one more gigantic pocket at the front.
The bag includes dual adjustable straps and a loop handle to hook the bag for easy wall display.
It also has a rubber bottom for shock protection and a silicone handle for that comfortable gripping when carried. It is also compatible with any size of standard guitars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
- Offers feature for wall display
Cons:
- Less amount of pockets
8. YMC 41 Inch Guitar Gig Bag
This product is made from excellent quality 600D oxford cloth that guarantees a waterproof exterior.
The padded sponge of the interior is about 0.5 cm thick, and the lining fabric is from a smooth, soft 210D material that protects from scratches due to unwanted collision during transport.
It has a rubber guard at the bottom for shock protection.
The bag comes with two comfortable and adjustable backpack straps and two gripping handles, which offers you more ways to carry it.
Three gusseted pockets are also features of the bag that enables you to store necessary things for the gig. It also offers sizes from a 34-inch acoustic guitar to 46-inch bass.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
Cons:
- Less amount of pockets
- No loop handle feature
9. CAHAYA 6 Pockets Guitar Case
This guitar bag has a 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) of padding and a stylish brown textured oxford cloth as a waterproof exterior.
The opening has large metal zippers for easy access. It has six pockets available, including the discretely hidden compartment beneath the front handle.
The bag includes dual adjustable straps equipped with thick sponges for comfortable backpack carry and a loop handle to hook the bag for easy wall display.
It also has a rubber bottom for shock protection, and side handles to carry it like a large handbag. It is also compatible with any size of standard guitars.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Lots of storage capacity
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
- Offers feature for wall display
Cons:
- Possibly the brown color makes it noticeable for dirt accumulation with relative ease.
10. Donner Premium Gig Bag Soft Case Cover
This product is made from excellent quality 600D oxford cloth that guarantees a waterproof exterior.
The padded sponge of the interior is about 1.2 cm thick, and the lining fabric is from a smooth, soft 210D material that protects from scratches due to unwanted collision during transport.
It has a rubber guard at the bottom for shock protection.
The bag comes with two adjustable backpack straps and a padded gripping handle, which provides comfort when hand-carried.
The zippers are designed to be two-way for easy access, and there are two pockets featured at the front: 1 large storage and one neck pocket.
The bag is available in different sizes, from the size of a mandolin to the electric bass.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Made durable
- Lightweight
- Compatible to many guitar sizes
Cons:
- Less amount of pockets
- No loop handle feature
11. Ibanez IAB924 Powerpad Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
This gig bag is lightweight. It comes with durable and sturdy padding. You can use it to hold numerous accessories, such as chords, pedals, capo, strings, and tuner. Moreover, it can even hold your laptop.
It gives your guitar supreme protection. Also, there is a padded rubber bottom. This bag is perfect for carrying and intensive traveling. It is built with a waterproof fabric. Therefore, it can protect your instrument from spills, dust, and rain.
Moreover, three spacy pockets allow you to carry anything. Such as your strings, books, tuners, headphones, as well as any others. It ensures to give you great value for the money.
12. Road Runner RR2AG Boulevard Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
This bag is built with a 600 denier covering. Also, there is a 22mm padding. The gig bag also comes with a comfortable padded carry handle.
You can use it to carry your laptop, thanks to a large external pocket. Besides, it comes with a small pocket at the headstock. Therefore, you can store your single pedal and a cable. The gig bag also has two zipper sleeves that allow you to hold smaller things.
13. Reunion Blues RBXA2 Acoustic Guitar Bag
When it comes to the best acoustic guitar gig bags, we cannot miss out on the Reunion Blues RBXA2. If you are looking for a safe way of traveling your guitar, it is for you. It comes with a rugged waterproof chevron exterior. It protects your items from outside elements.
Also, the bag comes with nylon patch guards at the bridge and headstock. Therefore, it can prevent your instrument from damage. Another great feature of this guitar bag is padded backpack straps. Thus, you can carry it with comfort.
Additionally, the model comes with a large pocket that allows you to bring other essential things for your travel.
14. Gator Cases Gig Bag for Dreadnaught Guitars
This acoustic bag is at a fair price. It gives you all the essential things you want in a good bag. It can protect your items from rain as well as physical damage. Also, you can carry your instruments with comfort.
It has a standard nylon construction. Moreover, there is a great little extra feature. It also comes with a reinforced interior at the bridge and headstock. Therefore, it offers you extra safety.
15. Gator Cases Gig Bag for Mini Guitars
Another good choice from Gator is this guitar bag. It has a high-quality nylon construction. Moreover, it includes sturdy internal padding. There is also a reinforced interior at the bridge and headstock.
The model also comes with a larger exterior pocket. Therefore, you can store your accessories. Besides, it includes a comfortable padded shoulder strap as well. Therefore, there is no reason why you go wrong with it.
How to Choose the Best Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
There are some things to consider that help you select the best acoustic guitar bag. Here are the following:
Range of gigs
This means the concerts you are considering to accept. Some may have regular gigs just around the city block, which can be traversed through a bike.
Some may take out-of-town gigs wherein the commute can be a challenge.
The guitar case must be in accordance with what you usually do to maximize its value. If you have gigs only nearby, you can consider a generic guitar bag.
If your concerts consist of traveling in faraway places, you can invest in very durable, all-weather guitar bags.
Things to bring along with the guitar
The acoustic guitar is not the only thing you need to carry on a gig. You may not need to bring your amplifier, but definitely, it is recommendable to bring your guitar wires.
Usually, upon the location of the event, you will be performing, there may be a sound system being used.
You can attach your guitar to their existing amplifiers and do some tuning. The brands may be different, so the difference in wires can affect the sound quality of the guitar.
Also, you need some extra guitar strings for emergencies and some tools to use.
In situations like out-of-town events, accessories, and back-up materials are more highly necessary since there can be no nearby resources.
If you depend on the events wires and turns out negatively, for cases like this, you will need a guitar bag with many pockets.
Flexibility of usage
Sometimes, when you have a gig, you may not be required to play an acoustic guitar. It can be another stringed instrument that you might be skillful of, like a bass or a ukulele. Select a gig bag wherein those stringed instruments can fit on it perfectly.
Fit
The most important thing you need to consider this aspect. The future gig bag should be suitable for your instrument. This factor is important, especially if your guitar comes with an asymmetrical or an atypical design.
Materials
You should choose ones made of high-quality, durable, and sturdy materials. Also, the model you choose should be able to protect your instruments from many threats, such as dust, rain, accidental impacts, or excessive temperature.
Storage
You may want to get a guitar gig bag with roomy pockets or not. If you choose a smaller model, it brings fewer compartments. You want the pockets to store accessories, such as strings, picks, capo, tuner, or others. If you buy one only to store your instrument, you can choose a simpler model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you buy a brand new acoustic guitar, it usually comes with its bag. Isn’t that enough?
The bag that comes along the guitar both are meant for casual usage only. When it comes to attending gigs, you will be traveling in conditions like unfavorable weather, crowded people, and even the possibility of lacking wire compatibility.
It is essential to have a bag that helps you prepare to overcome those situations.
What other stringed instruments can the acoustic guitar bag be compatible with?
The guitar bag can be useful as long as the stringed instrument is not exceeding the guitar’s length nor shorter than 75% of the length.
Short stringed instruments might be moved around because of the extra room inside and can even be damaged unknowingly upon travel.
What is the difference between a hard case and a soft case in terms of usage?
Most hard cases are considered luggage. So, it is not comfortable enough to be brought on the back, but the durability of the enclosure is guaranteed.
Soft cases are like backpacks worn when you are going to or from a gig.
This frees your hand movements, but it might trigger your concern for hazards on your surroundings.
Conclusion
A durable guitar gig bag may be enough, but if you are accepting gigs from outside your town or city, a better select additional enduring feature like being waterproof.
If you are used to handling your instrument like luggage and travel through private rides, choose a hard case style gig bag.
If you are comfortable at using other instruments, select a brand that offers multiple size options.
If you have many things to bring like music sheets, wires, and accessories, consider a gig bag with multiple storages or at least a large compartment.
Your bag is what protects your investment, which is your musical instrument. The more you value your investment, the more careful you must be in examining the considerations for your selection.