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  1. #1

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    I have a Guild X-700 with the original hardshell case. It’s a beautiful, functional case. However, the cushioning inside the case has somehow got really stiff which makes it difficult to get the guitar in and out of the case. It makes a horrible cracking sound when doing so and it sounds like the lower bout is being crushed (which it isn’t). It’s just the stiff cushioning making the sound.

    So, I’m wondering if anyone has replaced their Guild X-700 (or X-500) case and what they they replaced it with. If all else fails I will of course take the appropriate measurements and contact TKL and the like.

    Thanks!

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  3. #2

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    Any standard 17 inch hardcase will work. TKL and used Gibson whatever you can find not a big deal. Some folks of course ask a lot for cases but one can he had for less than $200. I am pretty sure.

  4. #3

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  5. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by deacon Mark
    Thanks, Deacon Mark. Looks really nice. I had a Crossrock case for a classical and it was really nice.

    I have no idea why the cushioning got stiff but maybe as it aged it decomposed and changed its compliance. It’s too bad because the original case otherwise looks and works great and has an alligator embossed pattern on the exterior.

  6. #5

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    Chinese cases are simply not as good as Montreal cases (made in Montreal) or Hiscox cases (made in England). If it has a tag that says "Made in Canada" it's made by Boblen in Montreal, labelled as Guild, Gertsch, Gibson, TKL and others. Not that hard to find a deal on a new or almost new 17" archtop Montreal case.

  7. #6

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  8. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hammertone
    Chinese cases are simply not as good as Montreal cases (made in Montreal) or Hiscox cases (made in England). If it has a tag that says "Made in Canada" it's made by Boblen in Montreal, labelled as Guild, Gertsch, Gibson, TKL and others. Not that hard to find a deal on a new or almost new 17" archtop Montreal case.
    Interesting, Hammertone. I thought TKL was the actual manufacturer of these cases, but now I know it’s Boblen.

    I see that Folkway Music has a Hiscox case in stock but it seems that Hiscox is struggling with sourcing materials to make their cases. At one time they pulled their North American dealer distribution network. Not sure what the current situation is. I have a Hiscox case and it’s a great, extremely well made case.

  9. #8

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    Thanks Bebop Tom. I did see that Guild directly sells their branded cases online. I also saw them online at Sweetwater, etc.

  10. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Eisele
    Interesting, Hammertone. I thought TKL was the actual manufacturer of these cases, but now I know it’s Boblen. I see that Folkway Music has a Hiscox case in stock but it seems that Hiscox is struggling with sourcing materials to make their cases. At one time they pulled their North American dealer distribution network. Not sure what the current situation is. I have a Hiscox case and it’s a great, extremely well made case.
    The one at Folkway is at CAD 635, which is @USD 470. Plus shipping. Great case, if you want that level of protection. The current Guild case smells Chinese to me, but I haven't checked one out personally.

    More later...

  11. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hammertone
    The one at Folkway is at CAD 635, which is @USD 470. Plus shipping. Great case, if you want that level of protection. The current Guild case smells Chinese to me, but I haven't checked one out personally.

    More later...
    Yes, that is their case with the highest level of protection. Mine is the Pro II which is plenty for my purposes. And I actually prefer the ivory ones. Black doesn’t show the dirt, etc. But it quickly creates an oven inside the case in the sunlight. When I ordered my Hiscox case it had to be shipped directly from the factory and the shipping cost was almost as much as the cost of the case.

    I was hoping the Guild case was a Boblen but it’s possible that it’s Chinese. I have dealt directly with the Crossrock folks in the past and they are very accommodating. And they always ask for feedback which is good. But I don’t know anything about the quality of their lower priced cases. And I do get concerned about the transfer of dyes from the interior fabric to the finish of the guitar but it happens with cases made in North America.

  12. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Eisele
    ...I have no idea why the cushioning got stiff but maybe as it aged it decomposed and changed its compliance...
    I think the same can be said of quite a few of us, no?

  13. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by jazzshrink
    I think the same can be said of quite a few of us, no?
    Something to look forward to! For some of us sooner than others.

  14. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hammertone
    The one at Folkway is at CAD 635, which is @USD 470. Plus shipping. Great case, if you want that level of protection. The current Guild case smells Chinese to me, but I haven't checked one out personally.

    More later...
    The Twelfth Fret has some Hiscox cases in stock as well but nothing in stock to accommodate a 17” archtop.

  15. #14

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    Hammertone, Guild is a division of Cordoba Guitars so it wouldn’t surprise me if the Guild cases come from China.

  16. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Eisele
    ...I do get concerned about the transfer of dyes from the interior fabric to the finish of the guitar but it happens with cases made in North America.
    Gross over-generalization. I'm not aware of this ever happening with Boblen Cases. IIRC, it happened to only a few Cedar Creek cases - probably one dye batch of green. If anyone has first-hand knowledge of it happening to other makers, and other colours (red, pink, grey, purple, black), please post it here.

  17. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hammertone
    Gross over-generalization. I'm not aware of this ever happening with Boblen Cases. IIRC, it happened to only a few Cedar Creek cases - probably one dye batch of green. If anyone has first-hand knowledge of it happening to other makers, and other colours (red, pink, grey, purple, black), please post it here.
    Yes, you are correct. It was Cedar Creek cases reported here. So a gross over-generalization on my part. I stand corrected.

    I think Cedar Creek cases are part of Ameritage. Is that true? Or are they a separate entity?

  18. #17

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    Mono gig bag. More utility than a hard case.

    For a hard case I like Hiscox.

  19. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Eisele;[URL="tel:1265706"
    1265706[/URL]]Yes, you are correct. It was Cedar Creek cases reported here. So a gross over-generalization on my part. I stand corrected. I think Cedar Creek cases are part of Ameritage. Is that true? Or are they a separate entity?
    Cedar Creek/TKL/Harptone and Ameritage are separate companies, last time I checked.

  20. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hammertone
    Gross over-generalization. I'm not aware of this ever happening with Boblen Cases. IIRC, it happened to only a few Cedar Creek cases - probably one dye batch of green. If anyone has first-hand knowledge of it happening to other makers, and other colours (red, pink, grey, purple, black), please post it here.
    I own a Lehmann that has dye transfer from a green lined Guardian case.

  21. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
    I have seen every color of Cedar Creek cases bleed.
    Maybe start a separate post if we want to reach more forum members to get more balanced feedback?

  22. #21

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    The other thought I had regarding replacement of the X-700 case is to instead take it to an upholsterer. It seems ashamed to just toss the case because the foam has hardened over time. But I have to wonder if the cost of doing that would be equal to just buying a new case. And, then I have to somehow store the guitar and keep it humidified while the case is being re-upholstered and the glue has completed dried. Interestingly, the local music shop just got in a consigned Guild X-700 from an estate and I could ask the shop owner if I could borrow that guitar's case while mine is being repaired. This isn't archtop guitar territory and I would imagine the consigned X-700 will sit there for months.

  23. #22

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    Your case is likely made by Gator, TKL or SKB. Those were the suppliers to Guild prior to 2007.

    This Guild case is likely very similar to yours is being sold for just under $200, in the US.

    Guild Premium Humidified Archtop Wood Case Jumbo USA - B-Stock 809870304764 | eBay

    You could re-line it but that will likely be problematic. If you want to look into it, this person has some keen ideas, that might be worthwhile.

    Guild X-700 Replacement Case?-screenshot-2023-05-15-02-22-12-png

    Hiscox cases are quite common here in the UK on the second hand market. I could keep an eye out for you but it would likely be $150 shipping off the bat.

  24. #23

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    They used to sell Hiscox at Musicians Friend... now it appears they are difficult to find in the US. What the heck happened?

  25. #24

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    I have a couple Cedar Creek cases where the padding got stiff and crunchie. I was able to massage the foam and get the padding to soften up so the case is useable again. Mine were only stiff where the lining was glued to the foam but all over. Possibly a reaction of the glue to the foam padding. I hope this helps, not much to lose.
    Thanks John

  26. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by Archie
    Your case is likely made by Gator, TKL or SKB. Those were the suppliers to Guild prior to 2007.

    This Guild case is likely very similar to yours is being sold for just under $200, in the US.

    Guild Premium Humidified Archtop Wood Case Jumbo USA - B-Stock 809870304764 | eBay

    You could re-line it but that will likely be problematic. If you want to look into it, this person has some keen ideas, that might be worthwhile.

    Guild X-700 Replacement Case?-screenshot-2023-05-15-02-22-12-png

    Hiscox cases are quite common here in the UK on the second hand market. I could keep an eye out for you but it would likely be $150 shipping off the bat.
    Thank you for the research and offer, Archie. I did happen to see the Guild case you provided the link to.

    I thought about doing the relining myself however it does present challenges during the process and afterwards. I think if I were to do so I would take it to a professional.

    I wish the used Hiscox cases were more common here. They come up on the used market here from time to time but they are typically the more common sizes. I appreciate your offer to keep an eye out, however I think I will try to find something here in the states. Perhaps the one you provided the link to.

    Thanks again,

    Bill