Hardcase recommendation for a 15 1/4" size Epiphone archtop?

**Barman** · 11-05-2022, 06:54 AM

Hi folks,

This is my first message on the board. I am the happy owner of a 1935 Epiphone Zenith (solid top, laminated back & sides), which needs a proper hardcase.
The guitar's size is unsusual at 15 and 1/4" and I just can't find anything specifically for that format online.

I am considering buying a 16" case but fear the guitar will move too much inside.
Would any of you have some recomendation that isn't bespoke and über-expensive. I'm willing to spend 300 bucks maximum and I am located in Europe (France).
Many thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Cheers

**Hammertone** · 11-05-2022, 02:50 PM

Martin OOO/OM guitars, along with their numerous copies, have body lengths of 19.3 inches and body widths of 15 inches. There are several arched top hardshell cases made for these guitars. The plush padding of such cases has plenty of give, and easily accommodates slightly wider guitars.

In your shoes, I'd go to a music store that stocks OOO sized flat top guitars and check the cases for fit, ensuring that the depth of an arched-top case is sufficient to allow the lid to close properly.

**Barman** · 11-05-2022, 06:05 PM

Thanks! I'm going to look into that! It seems the Gator GWE-000AC may fit the bill.
Have a good evening.

**Hammertone** · 11-05-2022, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Barman

Thanks! I'm going to look into that! It seems the Gator GWE-000AC may fit the bill. Have a good evening.

May not be deep enough. Here's another one:
TKL LTD™ Arch-Top OM / 000 Limited Edition™ Hardshell Guitar Case - TKL - World-Class Cases

**Hammertone** · 11-06-2022, 02:53 PM

While checking cases for fit, you might also consider trying some arched-top dreadnought cases. Martin dreadnought guitar dimensions are an industry standard:
-Body length: 20 inches/508mm
-Body width: 15.6 inches/396.9mm
-Body depth: 4.8 inches/123.8mm

These typically go into "16" cases" with some kind of compressible plush lining, and it's possible that there might be enough plush material to accommodate your 15 1/4" wide instrument. The bonus here is that dreadnoughts are quite deep, so case lid clearance will be less of an issue.

Good luck with your search.