Godin 5th Ave Kingpin and quest for a Hardshell Case

4ever_tunes · #1 01-18-2012, 08:18 PM

So my new guitar is the Godin 5th Ave Kingpin. The TRIC case is marketed as the best case for this guitar, but I can't help but think there is a traditional style HSC that will work adequately too. This is my first archtop, but I firmly believe in a HSC for all my guitars. If I did not the woodstove in my cellar would dry out my guitar humidifiers way too fast. A HSC protects my investments and are worth the cash.

Any first hand experience with specific cases for the 5th Ave? Maybe I could be convinced the TRIC is okay, but I'm leaning toward a more traditional case (which I have experience with) for this retro style box. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Retroman1969 · #2 01-18-2012, 08:58 PM

I'll say this about the TRIC cases...
Since they seem to be made of really thick high-grade, resin-impregnated styrofoam (what it looks like to me), then they have two likely advantages:
--Excellent insulation from outside temperatures, meaning the guitar inside won't be as affected by extreme temperatures, or temperature changes.
--It will absorb more impact than a regular case, if it happens to be dropped down a flight of stairs, for instance.

If you still prefer a more standard hard case, then I would think any standard acoustic or archtop case made for a typical 16" hollow body would work just fine.

SamBooka · #3 01-18-2012, 09:27 PM

I bought a tric for my 64 ES125.

Mine is the deluxe with the straps and the zipper.. I think I should have bought the regular since the zip/velcro annoys me.

I agree it is a light and amazing case.

I agree that it is probably at least just as good at protecting from changes in temp/humidity as the TKL that came with my ES165.

I am not convinced it is as rugged in one respect. I find the top seems to flex more than I like. If the case is sitting on its back and someone throws a suitcase on it I am more worried about damaging the top (via the bridge). A conventional plywood case seems more rigid.

I also find the damn thing doesnt want to stay open without falling over.

Since I bought the TRIC I never use the case that came with the guitar (non original Everest) but I do have to be careful it doesnt get crushed by my 4 yo in the car.

Retroman1969 · #4 01-18-2012, 10:14 PM

You're right that it has more flex and may not protect as well with a crushing amount of weight on it.
My reasoning was that in an impact situation, that rubbery styrofoam-ish material will be more "light and bouncy" and absorb the impact rather than broadcast the shock of the impact to the inside. This is, of course, just speculation on my part though.

If you are to get a traditional case, I'd personally want one of the ones with the arched top in it. More rigid and with more clearance and padding over the bridge area.

bborzell · #5 01-19-2012, 02:12 AM

I continue to believe that the TRIC is uglier than mortal sin, but I think it just might be more protective than any other HS case I own.

RAQ · #6 01-19-2012, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ever_tunes

So my new guitar is the Godin 5th Ave Kingpin. The TRIC case is marketed as the best case for this guitar, but I can't help but think there is a traditional style HSC that will work adequately too. This is my first archtop, but I firmly believe in a HSC for all my guitars. If I did not the woodstove in my cellar would dry out my guitar humidifiers way too fast. A HSC protects my investments and are worth the cash.

Any first hand experience with specific cases for the 5th Ave? Maybe I could be convinced the TRIC is okay, but I'm leaning toward a more traditional case (which I have experience with) for this retro style box. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I eventually bought the TRIC case for my 5th Ave and although it is a radical departure from the standard kind of case the insulating properties are good, and while it is more flexible than a HSC it would take a pretty unusual impact to damage the contents - I bought the case for protection around the home and for carrying in the car.

The one thing that has been disappointing is that the plastic 'strip' hinges have broken along the folds - so I now have a case of two halves. I have had no luck getting replacement hinges. This must have compromised the case to some extent.

I have a similar shaped guitar (Aria FA50) and have used a Hiscox case for that by 're-shaping' the internal foam. I suppose that too has compromised the shock and insulation properties to some extent, but again it is only needed for home and car use. I wouldn't use a TRIC case again without being able to solve the plastic hinge problem.

Norman931 · #7 01-19-2012, 05:04 PM

I bought one of these for mine:
Musician's Gear Deluxe Dreadnought Case: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend
Get the tweed one, as it has an arched top. Works great for my Godin Kingpin or my Ibanez AK80.

ah.clem · #8 02-19-2012, 07:32 PM

I just got back from a week-end road trip with the 5th Ave. in a Tric case with the canvas cover. I can't say enough good things about it, beginning with how light it is to carry for any length of time. Years of lugging HS cases for my instruments had me dreading this week-end, but the Tric case was a delight. I wish they built a 17" for my Imperial; that case weighs a ton!

I'm starting to look for an EPP foam/canvas flight case for my flat top for flying. What a treat that would be.

Just my opinion (and a happy back).