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I need a hard case for a 16" archtop and maybe a L00.
I was looking at Calton and Hoffee. I like the options with Hoffee and the backpack straps with Calton. But, it's painful to pull the trigger on a >$1,500 case.
I may just go the regular playwood case but, I'm sure I'm missing some other options?
Not a big fan of Hiscox.
Do you you guys have any ideas?
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10-30-2025 02:36 PM
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Where are you taking it? Are you flying or just want something safe to take on the subway?
If for local uses, i think you can find good options under a grand, but i wouldn't put my 20s l5 on a plane unless it was in a calton or hoffee case.
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There's definitely a chance this may be going on a plane at somepoint so...I guess I'll go with Hoffee.
Originally Posted by omphalopsychos
I don't mind spending money just wanted to do due dilligence.
I understand Hoffees are lighter (carbon vs fiberglass?).
thanx for quick response.
p.s., I actually do mind spending the money. I don't know why I typed that.
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The Gibson Protector cases are pretty decent and have TSA latches. The J-185 case fits a 16” Gibson archtop perfectly. I don’t know if it will work for you, but it’s another option.
Gibson Deluxe Protector Case, J-185, Black
As far as the others go, a Hoffee should be quite a bit lighter, but a Calton seems to hold up better in my experience.
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Huh. Wow, I wasn't aware of these (that's why i post here
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Thanx Chuck, let me look into these. So reasonable!
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I wouldn't recommend to buy a hoffee case. I ordered one a couple of years ago, it came in the wrong color and with no "feet" to be standing upright. Shipping cost to Switzerland is high so Jeff Hoffee had promised to send spare parts instead of giving warranty if anything breaks. When i sent a mail stating the facts of the missing feet / wrong color and asking for a proposition how to resolve the problem Jeff Hoffee was not just uncooperative but was offended that i didn't praise his product and after my second mail he wrote back that he wouldn't deal with this matter anymore. That was the last i heard from him. Originally Posted by pawlowski6132
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Yikes. Sorry about that. Originally Posted by JazzNote
I wonder if the fact that they're part of Calton now makes a difference to their customer service?
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There are some great gig bag options that are as durable as any Hardshell case,sans the really pricey ones.
Try Reunion Blues Continental,and Mono Bags!
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Hiscox is out of business.
Take a look at the SKB iSeries for acoustic guitars. I believe they have a size to fit larger archtops.
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Hiscox is back up, running, and shipping. Originally Posted by Freddels
Musical Instrument Cases | Hard Guitar Cases | Leading Manufacturer – Hiscox Cases
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Here is the Gibson J-185 case with a variety of Gibsons in it. An ES-175 fits just the same, as expected.
Instagram
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That's great! It's good to know. Originally Posted by ThatRhythmMan
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Hiscox made very good quality polyurethane cases, when few other companies did, but then these polyurethane cases were copied cheaply (usually poorly) worldwide.
Hiscox cases were originally made in Cannock, Staffordshire, UK.
The company had to sell the business to a company in Poland, after a very difficult time post Brexit and Covid.
I've had many "Made in the UK" Hiscox cases over the years. Very good quality.
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Is the quality the same as before the sale? I had done some research earlier this year and was impressed with the Hiscox cases, then I learned that they were out of business. Hopefully, the new owners are just continuing on with the same operations and same employees (if possible). Originally Posted by GuyBoden
Hiscox made very good quality polyurethane cases, when few other companies did, but then these polyurethane cases were copied cheaply (usually poorly) worldwide.
Hiscox cases were originally made in Cannock, Staffordshire, UK.
The company had to sell the business to a company in Poland, after a very difficult time post Brexit and Covid.
I've had many Hiscox UK cases over the years. Very good quality.
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I don't know, I've only had UK made Hiscox cases. Originally Posted by Freddels
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The videos I had watched showed a very intensive process in manufacturing.
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The epiphone emperor is 16”. Get yourself an Epi case from GuitarCenter.
$129
Epiphone Emperor Hardshell Guitar Case | Guitar Center
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These work well for 16” Gibsons as well, but are not air travel worthy unless you buy a seat for the guitar. Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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Thanx Allan. Originally Posted by AllanAllen
I might do something like this as an interim solution.
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I think the best (only really give how hard it is to be sure you can carry on these days) is to pack the guitar in a box as if you would be shipping it - and then check it. I would not check a guitar i loved even in a hoffee or similar case - those get damaged as cargo too. But a hard case and then packed in a shipping box - that’s as good as it gets these days, other than buying it it’s own seat…
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I missed that in his second post. To be honest, I wouldn't check my archtop at all. Reminds me of Maybelle Carter showing up to record with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The band picked her up from the airport and couldn't believe she put her L-5 in a burlap sack and checked it into baggage. Originally Posted by ThatRhythmMan
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16" L5 has similar dimensions (scale length, depth, lower bout, upper bout, body length) to 175 right?
Cases might be interchangeable??
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The basic dimensions should all be the same. Originally Posted by pawlowski6132
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Thanx much.
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Originally Posted by AllanAllen
Not to be confused with the Emperor Regent model which is much larger.
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Recommandations for Hollowbodies for $600 and under?
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