recommendations? for a good soft gig case for my new Taylor acoustic guitar

[mandotaylormom]

Hi all,

I just bought a great new Taylor acoustic guitar: model 412-e ('Grand Concert' size). I find the hard case is too heavy for me, so I am looking for just the right soft gig case. Can anyone recommend a good one? I would prefer not to get the tan Taylor one - Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable with the Taylor gig case because: 1) I don't want to advertise so strongly (big letters on the case) that I have a Taylor inside it. I go to festivals etc. , lots of people around, and 2) I prefer a black or dark grey color. I am currently looking at a 'Gator Transit Series Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag' - Does anyone have this one? I would appreciate any feedback or guidance anyone here might have. Thank you so much!

Mandotaylormom

[Edward]

Gator makes great gig bags; I own the one that has hard sides that accommodates my DN, and formerly my GA.  Tough, light, and really "solid" protection (though the backpack straps really suck, which I fixed by replacing them with an excellent pair of backpack straps from Amazon for $14).  That said, their Transit series gets lots of love from folks who use those, too.  Gator is a great company that I've used over many years and would not hesitate a bit, though you may want to buy from a place that will allow you easy return (Sweetwater, Amazon, et.al.) should the fit not be to your liking.

FWIW, if you're feeling like you want the gold standard in a guitar bag, go with either Mono or Reunion Blues.  I have two Mono bags (for electric) and the level of protection and their overall build quality are the reason they are so pricey.  But if you consider the cost of the guitar you're protecting, the cost of these high-quality bags comes into perspective rather easily, IMHO!  I've not had personal experience with Reunion Blues but they enjoy the same stellar reputation as Mono.  Hope that helps you a bit

Edward

[greg947]

Check out Access gig bags:  https://www.accessbagsandcases.com/product-category/access-bags/

I have a Stage One for my GS8. The Stage One is basically the same as the bag that comes with the GSmini.  I also have a Stage Three for my 712e.  It is a little sturdier.  The size for your 412 would be the same as my 712, a "small body acoustic".  The Stage Three's for the small acoustic are on sale now on a clearance.  It's a good price.  The only thing wrong with the Stage One is it lacks a support for the neck just below the tuners.  They do make a support that you can buy, though, and install yourself.  It was inexpensive and easy to do.  For the price, I think the cases are excellent, and they are much lighter than the hard case that comes from Taylor.

[Earl]

Access Stage 3 actually IS the Taylor hard bag.  And it's really nice.  It is all I use as a gig bag most of the time.  In my case, the Taylor's are usually the least expensive guitar riding in it, but I get your point.  I always hated the "steal me" logo molded into my Martin thermoplastic hard case, and usually went with a plain black Tolex case instead.

Going to festivals, there are hundreds of identical black cases.  I actually prefer something that looks a little different.  If the case isn't different, I use flashy ribbons or bumper stickers to make my case look distinct.

[DennisG]

I agree with Edward on the Mono cases.  I've tried pretty much every brand there is, and none compares to the all-around versatility, comfort, and protection that the Mono offers.

[mandotaylormom]

Thank you all SO much!! I've learned from unsuccessfully buying a case online, that I am best to go to a store and try them with my guitar. I have lots of great info from you now - thanks again!
mandotaylormom :-)

[Strumming Fool]

Check out Access gig bags:  https://www.accessbagsandcases.com/product-category/access-bags/

I have a Stage One for my GS8. The Stage One is basically the same as the bag that comes with the GSmini.  I also have a Stage Three for my 712e.  It is a little sturdier.  The size for your 412 would be the same as my 712, a "small body acoustic".  The Stage Three's for the small acoustic are on sale now on a clearance.  It's a good price.  The only thing wrong with the Stage One is it lacks a support for the neck just below the tuners.  They do make a support that you can buy, though, and install yourself.  It was inexpensive and easy to do.  For the price, I think the cases are excellent, and they are much lighter than the hard case that comes from Taylor.

I also have an Access Stage Three that I use for all my Taylor GAs (not all at the same time, of course!). It's a great, all-purpose bag - more of a lightweight case, really....

[Frettingflyer]

I have 2 Access stage 1 bags that fit the GC really well, a bit taller than needed for my 12 frets but with the added neck support they are great for my travel needs(usually with my GC sized Rainsong CF guitar, but the same size really).
The stage 3 are actually a bit more protection with the hard shell inside the softer parts. But it weighs in at about twice as much IIRC. While my bag usually rides in the cockpit with me I think I have one that is approaching the 1 million + air miles I had on my Mini and bag, and both the Mini bag and the Access are holding up very well( while I skip the baggage handlers I still get hotel van drivers etc...).
So, I really liked the stage 3 but it was too heavy, I got the stage 1 with the neck support and have not looked back.
Good luck on your search,

[MrHarryReems]

I do have the Gator transit bag.  I've hauled it from Hawaii to Ireland and back, and to the mainland several times.  The closure for the flap over the main pouch kinda sucks, but that's my only real complaint about it.