Locking the case or closing is sufficient?

[captainamerica]

I just bought a new 214ce DLX which comes with the Taylor hard case, and is quite protective. 

However, to open the case you have to unhook about 5 latches  and I do not want to be have to replace latches that are repeatedly opened and closed every time I take the guitar out of the case/return the guitar. 

My question is: if the case is closed completely, but the latches aren't applied - would that be sufficient to maintain an airtight lock so the Oasis humidifiers inside the case can work propery?

[MikeRGR]

Hey Capt

Personally I would lock it.  You make a tighter seal, but even more important, its going to prevent somebody from picking up the case by the handle thinking the case is locked and having the guitar come falling out.  I can only guess this has happened more than once

Take care

mike

[kcnbys]

If you live in a situation where no one will inadvertently pick up the case, closing the case without locking it should be fine for using your Oasis.

[captainamerica]

Hey Capt

Personally I would lock it.  You make a tighter seal, but even more important, its going to prevent somebody from picking up the case by the handle thinking the case is locked and having the guitar come falling out.  I can only guess this has happened more than once

Take care

mike

Ha, interesting point but wouldn't happen in my household.  Once I get decent and play out it probably won't happen there either because I plan to get a sticker for the case saying "DO NOT OPEN UNLESS YOU ARE A LEFTY", which since it is and 98% of guitarists are righty there's no point in someone trying it out.

That said, I'm storing it standing straight up due to lack of space in my apartment so I'll have to lock the latches.

[Guitar Cowboy]

I agree with Mike on this one. One tiny distraction when you go to pick up the case, forget its unlatched and you will regret it.

[mgap]

I rarely lock all my latches.  I don't normally latch the one back buckle.  Often times I will not use the head latch.  I always use the other three, for storage while not playing.  If I am in and out of a case in one playing session I still use at least one latch, usually, well most of the time.  If I am playing more that one guitar in a session I'll just keep them out on a stand, so that I don't have to pull them out and put them back in a case.

[MikeB]

At home I just close one latch - that's all that's needed in case of an accident (I leave it standing up, leaning against other guitar cases) and it only takes a second to unlatch and take the guitar out.

[HAPPYDAN]

My first electric guitar was a Kay with a fiberboard case. One time, even though I closed the latches, the case popped open and down she went - in the yard! Grass and mud, but no damage. I wrapped an old belt around it after that.

[Gordo in OZ]

Slightly off topic but important. If the guitar is in the case, always shut the lid. This prevents damage from drunk friends and falling grandchildren.

[Minnesotaman]

Rule one: Always lock the case for the reasons stated. I have a 40 year old Martin that was my only guitar for years. Still in the original case and the latches all work fine. If latching and unlatching the case is to much work, sell your guitar and take up the harmonica....

[Strumming Fool]

I've never given this much thought. By habit, I use all latches whenever my guitar is in the case. I've never had a latch fail on any case I've owned....

[DennisG]

Exactly how difficult is it to release 5 or 6 latches?  Takes you, what ... under 5 seconds?  Are we so busy in life that we can't take that tiny fraction of our day in order to make sure that our expensive guitars are fully protected?

[TaylorGirl]

Me too SF. I store my guitars in their cases and secure all the latches each time. In 43 years I've never experienced a latch failure. Maybe I'm just lucky. Like Dennis said, only takes 5 seconds with both hands.

When I'm playing and take a break, I either put the guitar on the Hercules stand or put it in the case. If it goes in the case, I always secure a couple latches, in case someone inadvertently picks up the case (which really doesn't happen, because people don't touch my guitars). I could also be stupid and pick up the case. Better safe than sorry.

[captainamerica]

Exactly how difficult is it to release 5 or 6 latches?  Takes you, what ... under 5 seconds?  Are we so busy in life that we can't take that tiny fraction of our day in order to make sure that our expensive guitars are fully protected?

It has nothing to do with time/effort, it the repeated opening and closing of the latches which like any mechanical parts will lead to their eventual wear and breaking down, which is the case for everything from your car to the hard drive in your computer (unless its flash).  There are similar latches on my suitcases but I doubt they were meant to be opened/closed 3-4 times per day, for years.  Is this a huge issue, not really.

[TaylorGirl]

I doubt they were meant to be opened/closed 3-4 times per day, for years.  Is this a huge issue, not really.

Mine don't get opened/closed 3-4 times a day. But still, they get used and I've never had even one latch failure.
I don't think it's something to worry about. Just use the case as it was intended and enjoy the music.