Flight cases are absolutely necessary for your guitars to survive the rigors of the road. I do not believe that a standard hardshell guitar case would offer the protection let alone hold together after being constantly handled from venue to venue. Things get get a little frantic on tour and items can get dropped or slide off ramps…..it happens! For these reasons flight cases are well worth the investment and can last for years.
Having said that there is one little known evil about flight cases that never really gets discussed. This evil is the foam lining that keeps your guitar secure inside the heavy duty case. What happens is the foam can actually have a chemical reaction with your guitar’s finish. Nitrocellulose lacquer, varnish and shellac are much more susceptible than a modern poly type of finish. The chemical reaction from the foam makes the finish become very dull and sometimes discolored. I remember seeing a vintage 1963 Fender Stratocaster with original Olympic White finish that turned as dull as could be and the actual texture of the finish changed to become very rough feeling. This was a perfect example of the chemical reaction between the flight case foam and the delicate nitro finish. Luckily the foam was light in color and did not discolor the Oly White finish on the Strat.
How do you prevent this from happening? Very easily. When you buy a flight case make sure that the inside has a cloth lining over the foam. Some companies use a velvet-like material and I have seen other types of lining as well. This layer will protect your guitar from any finish damage from the foam. It adds to the cost of the case but will save the finish on your guitar. If you buy good quality cases they may last your entire career on the road so I say it’s a tremendous value. Pun: This cloud does have a silver lining……
Photo courtesy of RJ Flytes.
My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).
I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer.
I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open.
Email me: billy@300guitars.com
Call or text me: 848-218-0362
Shipping Info for all repair work:
Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:
- Set-ups
- Fret dressing
- Re-fretting
- New hand cut custom bone nuts & saddles
- Electronics work
And amplifier work which includes:
- Basic maintenance
- Bias adjustment
- Repairs and restorations
- Modifications
- And more....
Testimonials:
David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!
Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.
Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around. With the "lower" action it feels easier to play. I will definitely spread the word.