i usually use those beat to crap MIJ cases that came with surplus guitars. they are like 30 years old or something, and they werent really made to handle that much abuse, so i guess it is understandable. besides, they came free... never had to pay for em.
however, since we gig and rehearse a lot more often now, the japanese cases couldnt handle it, and they just ripped themselves to death lol
so i had to buy a new one. and true to what i said, i ended up with a made in china(?) one
its rather new, so it still functions well. got it for 1.8k in a local mall.... its way better than RJ and lazer. i do not know where it was made exactly (my guess is china)...
i dont know how long it holds up. if ever i end up on tour or a real gig ... im getting both a mono case and an SKB, gator, fender, etc. hardcase
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investing on a hardcase is a must when you are touring. touring involves other people carrying your gear (sea baggage, bus baggage, airplane baggage).
if you are a normal gigging musician, a hardcase is too cumbersome. ever rode a jeep carrying a hardcase? ever walked 1K carrying a hardcase? add that with the pocket limitations of hardcases. you cannot stick a lot of things in it