Top 10 Best Gig Bags for Acoustic Guitar

Your acoustic guitar needs a gig bag if you want to take your guitar outside the house - whether for practice with the band, recording in the studio, or going out for a gig. Gig bags for acoustic guitar provide protection against the occasional bumps and falls that are bound to happen during travel. The only way to avoid dings (or more serious damage) is to securely place it in a well-padded guitar bag.

What is a "Gig Bag"?

Compared to a hardshell guitar case that provides full protection to the instrument, the gig bag is light with a substantial amount of solid protection inside and out. Moreover, it is easier to carry around as it has handles built-in, has a shoulder strap to wear it like a backpack, and have pockets ranging from small, medium, and large to put in other things like music sheet, thumb picks, essential tool kit, and even can fit in a small laptop.

Buying a good guitar gig case is not cheap and easy, but investing in it will save you more in the long run, especially when considering the cost of repair and replacement. Here in this article, we have compiled some of the top-rated gig bags with thick padding to help you find the best bags for your acoustic guitar.

A note: How did we select the bags listed below? We combined the approval ratings on current models, checked that against our own industry experience, and then made sure to include options across a spectrum of price ranges.

Top 10 Best Gig Bags for Acoustic Guitar

1. Fender FA610

Fender FA610 gig bag offers a simply stylish and secure way to keep your acoustic guitar safe while traveling. This bag has an asymmetrical shape design with a durable outer layer made of tough 600 denier polyester that can protect the instrument against impacts as well as avoid ripping and tearing of the material.

The gig bag also has 10 mm padding, lined with soft microfiber, a strap button protection, cushion neck cradle rest to support the neck, exterior rubber bumpers, super-padded handle, rear handle, ergonomic air mesh backpack straps with an easily adjustable ladder lock buckles, and a single large size pocket with mini pocket inside to put other essential things needed.

You can buy it on Amazon.com, list price is $59.99.

2. MONO M80 Vertigo

Another gig bag that deliver superior protection and advance luggage design to safely protect your instrument during travel-the MONO M80 Vertigo guitar case. It has a top-loading design that allows easy access for removing the guitar out of the case and putting it back again in an instant. It has a thick bag extension compatibility and sneaker boot technology to protect the guitar against the vertical drop. The gig bag’s exterior cover is extremely abrasion-resistant and has water-resistant properties. In the inside, the gig bag has a plush lining to protect the delicate finishes of a guitar, protective fabric on the bridge and headstock area to avoid damaging that part of the case and a Headlock neck suspension system is placed that clamps down automatically to hold the guitar firmly in place when in transit.

Other features on MONO M80 Vertigo bag are the large front pocket to bring other things, triple D-ring to extend the storage capacity of the gig bag, soft padded steel riveted backpack straps, riveted side and rear handle that come standard on this gig bag. Buy online at Amazon.com for $249.99.

3. Ibanez IAB924 Powerpad

Presented with a water repellent exterior fabric and sports a thick 25 mm padding on top, bottom, and sidewalls, Ibanez IAB924 POWERPAD acoustic guitar gig bag will keep your acoustic instrument in tip-top working condition. This guitar gig bag has everything you need. It is feather-light in spite of the thick padding and has three outer pockets with heavy duty zippers to drop-in a laptop or tablet, valuables and other gears.

On the inside, the POWERPAD is lined with a fine fabric that protects the finish, includes a neck pillow to cradle the neck of the guitar, nylon patch on the headstock, bridge and strap pin area for the overall safety of the instrument. Other features on the gig bag are the padded side handle, front handle, fully adjustable backpack style straps with meshed back and waist cushion for comfort, rubber bottom, and a plastic D-ring. It is available online at amazon.com, currently at $81.90.

4. Crossrock Fiber, Purity Ultra-Light Carbon Hard-shell 4.5lb in Champagne 4/4 Classical Guitar Case

If you're looking for a high-end case made from the most advanced materials, and extremely light weight...then this is it. The case is designed for classical guitars. Inside dimensions fit most classical guitars. Specific dimensions of the inside are:

• Overall length: 104cm (41”)
• Body length: 530cm (20.9”)
• Upper bout: 29cm (11.4”)
• Waist: 27.5cm (10.8”)
• Lower bout: 37.5cm (14.8”)
• Max depth: 18.5cm (7.3”)
• Depth of lower lid: 10cm (3.9”)
• Depth of lower lid (with suspension): 7.5cm (3”)
• Width for head: 12.5cm (4.9”) .

The Crossrock Fiber, Purity Ultra-Light Carbon Hard-shell 4.5lb classical guitar case comes in a number of colors, including Champagne as picture above, as well as blue, black, maroon, and more. It is only 4.5 lbs, has a carbon fiber exterior, and easily locks with a TSA lock. A perfect case for travel.

Available on Amazon.com for $1,016.

5. Crossrock CRF1000DNVBL Fiberglass Acoustic Guitar Case Hardshell- Backpack Style for 40"/41" Dreadnought

Another great option as you're considering gig bags for acoustic guitar. This Crossrock case differs from the previous one in three key ways: It's made of fiberglass instead of carbon fiber, it's made for dreadnought body-style acoustic guitars, and it's significantly cheaper.

Inside dimensions are:

• Overall Length 110cm (43.3in);
• Body Length 52cm (20.5in);
• Upper Bout 30cm (11.8in);
• Waist 29cm (11.4in);
• Lower Bout 41cm (16.1in);
• Body Depth (Arch top) 13.5cm (5.3in)-17.5cm (6.9in);
• Neck Width 4.5cm-7cm (1.8in-2.8in);

Both Crossrock gig bags are included here, despite technically being hardshell, because they fit the other requirements. They're lightweight, include shoulder/back straps, are intended for travel, and have extra storage space.

Available on Amazon for $170.99.

6. Reunion Blues RBCA2 RB Continental Voyager

The Reunion Blues RBCA2 RB Continental Voyager is somewhere between a gig bag and a hard case. It's 1” Thick Shock-absorbing Flexoskeleton and reinforced neck brace system provide extremely firm hold and protection for the guitar. It's heavier than many gig bags at 9.5lbs, but the padding, ballistic quadraweave exterior, and water resistant zippers are heavier duty than normal as well.

While this wouldn't be good for a flight, it's an extremely protective case for getting your guitar around town.

7. Gator Cases Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag

The Gator Cases Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag is a great value for money. It has a weather resistant exterior, padded (and adjustable!) interior, accessory storage with multiple strap-down points, and a protective rubber bottom for setting it down on the concrete or in the rain.

This gig bag is designed for dreadnought body styles, interior dimensions are:

• Body Length: 21"
• Body Height: 6"
• Lower Bout Width: 16.5"
• Middle Bout Width: 13"
• Upper Bout Width: 13"
• Overall Length: 44"
• Body Style: Dreadnaught Acoustic

Available on Amazon for $109.99.

8. Gruv Gear GigBlade 2 for Acoustic Guitar

The Gruv Gear GigBlade 2 for Acoustic Guitar features a unique design with a long side strap (in addition to the typical backpack straps) and a side/headstock mounted pocket. It's designed to be worn hanging beneath the shoulder (see image below). This gives it a low center of gravity, making it easier to carry. Reviews indicate most people find it very comfortable.

Available on Amazon for $199.99.

9. Godin TRIC Deluxe

The Godin TRIC Deluxe Multifit guitar case gives you the convenience of portability while offering as much protection as traditional hardwood cases. It is a hybrid guitar case featuring a lightweight yet high impact resistant extended polypropylene. It offers good protection while keeping weight reasonable at 3.65 lbs.

This case is also designed to protect guitars from extreme temperatures, tested to work well from -31°F to +149°F, hence its name TRIC, which stands for Thermally Regulated Instrument Case. Other features include shoulder straps, and multiple compartments both exterior and interior.

Available on Amazon for $109.

10. CAHAYA 41" Acoustic Guitar Bag

For a very low-price option, while still maintaining protection for your guitar around town, the CAHAYA gig bags are a great option. They have waterproof oxford cloth exterior, dual adjustable shoulder straps, and two exterior pouches

Available online at  Amazon for $16.99.

Other suggestions for great gig bags for acoustic guitar? Put 'em in the comments below!

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