Mono Case Bewilderment

[Ibanez1998]

I'm absolutely STUNNED that EBMM is now shipping their high end guitars with a soft case. I have a couple EBMM's and they all have the beautiful hardshell case that I've actually had people compliment how nice the case is. So tell me, am I missing something? I can't stand the thought of dropping thousands on a guitar in a softshell gigbag. I mean, that's Fender Squire kind of stuff. I don't think there's anyway I'll stand for this. Just me? Am I missing something. I hear the Mono cases are huge and safe but... Hellz to the no. What say you?

 

[Sweat]

While the mono case is by no means a soft shell gig bag/ case, they do a good job of protecting the guitar , I still dislike them, my vote was SKB. I expressed my dislike before,

They are large , bulky and do not store well

 

[Norrin Radd]

What say I? I say you’re on crack. I will take one of those mono cases over one of those ridiculous hardshell cases any day. I need something that is lightweight, strong, easy to transport and has no trouble going on a plane. I can’t say any of that about a hard shell case. Before you knock the mono bags, I suggest you go look at some videos where they are comparing the protection that you get from one of them versus a hardshell case. It might open up your eyes a little bit. Hardshell cases are nice for collectors. Not so great for players.

 

[dibart77]

I need something that is lightweight, strong, easy to transport and has no trouble going on a plane.

Greg... apparently you don't actually have one of the EBMM Mono cases, because your argument holds no weight (pun intended). The new EBMM Mono cases are HEAVIER and LARGER in length, width, and height than the SKB cases. Hands down. I have weighed and measured them. The shipping boxes are larger, which means shipping is not only heavier (because the case is heavier) but more dimensional weight because the case is bigger.

Having said that, I have used gig bags for years when actually going to rehearsal, etc., and agree with your point about generic gig bags over hardshell. The EBMM Mono case is NOT a generic gig bag. If you think one of the EBMM Mono cases is easier to get on a plane, you are WRONG. Not saying the SKB is easy, but you'll get just as much grief from the airline carrying on a EBMM Mono as you will an EBMM SKB. I know, because I've done it. Admittedly, they might be less likely to force you to check the Mono because an SKB "looks rugged" while a cloth gig bag case looks more likely to be damaged in the cargo hold.

And the case doesn't have shoulder straps so you can't carry it on your back like a normal gig bag. You still gotta carry it like a hardshell.

And if you wanna challenge me on this, I will go weigh and measure both with photos to prove my point. I have dozens of EBMM Mono and hundreds of EBMM SKB (and probably 100 EBMM G&G).

"I say you're on crack" -- I say you're commenting on something you don't actually know about. Sorry, old buddy.

BTW... despite my comments, I do think the EBMM Mono cases are high quality and nice and NOT cheap or low-end.

 

[Ibanez1998]

What say I? I say you’re on crack. I will take one of those mono cases over one of those ridiculous hardshell cases any day. I need something that is lightweight, strong, easy to transport and has no trouble going on a plane. I can’t say any of that about a hard shell case. Before you knock the mono bags, I suggest you go look at some videos where they are comparing the protection that you get from one of them versus a hardshell case. It might open up your eyes a little bit. Hardshell cases are nice for collectors. Not so great for players.

LOL Fair enough. Though I'm a player not a collector. All my guitars have hardshell cases. My keyboard has a softcase. Doesn't protect shite and it's awkward as hell to sling. FWIW, I've flown with my 7-String Majesty in the Hardshell case a few times and it was never an issue in the least. But I'll take your comments to heart and checkout more info on the mono cases.

 

[jlf599]

I recently got an Axis SS in the Mono case. It's rugged and will absolutely protect the guitar...but I kind of hate it. It is WAY more awkward to store for sure.

I wish EBMM had just used a branded version of the Classic:

Classic Electric Guitar Case, Black

The Classic Electric Guitar Case can be found in the hands of influential musicians from Brooklyn to Seoul to Sao Paulo and everywhere in between. Its patented protective features and light weight hybrid shell revolutionized the way we travel with o…

monocreators.com

I'd have been THRILLED with that.

 

[Norrin Radd]

Greg... apparently you don't actually have one of the EBMM Mono cases, because your argument holds no weight (pun intended). The new EBMM Mono cases are HEAVIER and LARGER in length, width, and height than the SKB cases. Hands down. I have weighed and measured them. The shipping boxes are larger, which means shipping is not only heavier (because the case is heavier) but more dimensional weight because the case is bigger.

Having said that, I have used gig bags for years when actually going to rehearsal, etc., and agree with your point about generic gig bags over hardshell. The EBMM Mono case is NOT a generic gig bag. If you think one of the EBMM Mono cases is easier to get on a plane, you are WRONG. Not saying the SKB is easy, but you'll get just as much grief from the airline carrying on a EBMM Mono as you will an EBMM SKB. I know, because I've done it. Admittedly, they might be less likely to force you to check the Mono because an SKB "looks rugged" while a cloth gig bag case looks more likely to be damaged in the cargo hold.

And the case doesn't have shoulder straps so you can't carry it on your back like a normal gig bag. You still gotta carry it like a hardshell.

And if you wanna challenge me on this, I will go weigh and measure both with photos to prove my point. I have dozens of EBMM Mono and hundreds of EBMM SKB (and probably 100 EBMM G&G).

"I say you're on crack" -- I say you're commenting on something you don't actually know about. Sorry, old buddy.

BTW... despite my comments, I do think the EBMM Mono cases are high quality and nice and NOT cheap or low-end.

I own 2 of them. I’ll measure and weigh them. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe not. I don’t have hard cases to do the same so I’ll rely on you to do it. I know it’s anecdotal but I’ve never had an issue bringing any gig bag on a plane. I’ve even carried on a Mono dual gig bag loaded with two guitars.

Will be interesting to see. I DO dislike that there are no backpack straps on the EBMM bags. That would make them just about perfect (at least for me!).

I’ll get measurements done by this weekend and then we can compare. I’d really like to know!

 

[racerx]

Forgive me if I'm wrong but this feels like bait at worst and false comparison at best. Regardless of feelings about the new Mono cases vs. the old molded cases - the Mono bag is not a cheap soft gig bag. It is a heavy duty well padded case with firm lining on all sides. I personally received several shipped across the country without additional packing materials. All enclosed guitars arrived safe and sound (even if the boxes did not).

 

[tbonesullivan]

Well, this is a perfect way to say "I've never actually seen a Mono soft case or hard case in person, nor have you seen how much they cost." Also shows that they are unaware of this website: Everything You Want To Know About the Ernie Ball Music Man MONO Cases .

That said, while they are light weight and provide great protection, the Music Man Mono cases are bulky, and have a zipper closure. I know that a lot of high end cases are like that, but for me I am just a fan of the black ABS cases, even if they are heavy.

 

[Mill road barn]

I bought my first EB MM in 2022 and was bummed when it came in a big Mono case. I thought I was going to get a hardshell case. The Mono is nice but the hardshell cases look more "professional". I'm still trying to find a used one.

 

[beej]

Give me a Mono gig bag any day over either

 

[Norrin Radd]

Greg... apparently you don't actually have one of the EBMM Mono cases, because your argument holds no weight (pun intended). The new EBMM Mono cases are HEAVIER and LARGER in length, width, and height than the SKB cases. Hands down. I have weighed and measured them. The shipping boxes are larger, which means shipping is not only heavier (because the case is heavier) but more dimensional weight because the case is bigger.

Having said that, I have used gig bags for years when actually going to rehearsal, etc., and agree with your point about generic gig bags over hardshell. The EBMM Mono case is NOT a generic gig bag. If you think one of the EBMM Mono cases is easier to get on a plane, you are WRONG. Not saying the SKB is easy, but you'll get just as much grief from the airline carrying on a EBMM Mono as you will an EBMM SKB. I know, because I've done it. Admittedly, they might be less likely to force you to check the Mono because an SKB "looks rugged" while a cloth gig bag case looks more likely to be damaged in the cargo hold.

And the case doesn't have shoulder straps so you can't carry it on your back like a normal gig bag. You still gotta carry it like a hardshell.

And if you wanna challenge me on this, I will go weigh and measure both with photos to prove my point. I have dozens of EBMM Mono and hundreds of EBMM SKB (and probably 100 EBMM G&G).

"I say you're on crack" -- I say you're commenting on something you don't actually know about. Sorry, old buddy.

BTW... despite my comments, I do think the EBMM Mono cases are high quality and nice and NOT cheap or low-end.

Here they are:

Cutlas case
18 inches wide - tapers into less than a foot
45 inches tall
6 pounds .8 ounces
6 1/2 inches deep

Kaizen case
5 pounds 10.6 ounces
41 inches tall
17 1/2 inches wide
6 inches deep

What have you got for me?

Also - I never said anything about smaller - that is a mischaracterization of my comment. That was not one of my criteria. Size has never been an issue for me.

 

[mikeller]

I am in the camp "like them" they are very rugged and worthy. BTW - standing up (how I store my guitars) a Sabre Mono case is just over 6" deep and a JP SKB case is just under 5.5" deep.

 

[gadgetguitar]

Vote here for the Mono case, although I use the MONO Vertigo for all my guitars. The EBMM Mono case is pretty bulky and storing it is an issue. I have 3 of them. The soft case has become the norm. My PRS Core Silver Sky (only the 1st 100 got hard cases) and PRS Fioria all come with gig bags ($2K price tag). I have a few Suhr's guitars, all gig bags purchased back in the mid 2000s. The EBMM Mono is a premium compared to the PRS/Suhr gig bags.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I have posted this before, but will do so again.

Here's an SKB case next to a Mono case for comparison - both are for a JP guitar.

	Length	Width	Depth
SKB	42"	17"	6"
Mono	45.5"	18.5"	7.5"

My opinions below!

My Mono pros:
1) it's lighter than the SKB case by 2-1/2 pounds, which is awesome!
2) supposedly provides equal or greater protection for the instrument than the SKB did.
3) it's a legit case, not a bag, and it allows for the tremolo bar to remain on guitar when closed.
4) zippers mean no more busted latches and no more forum/FB threads like "my dealer shipped me my guitar but the case is locked and the keys are inside!"
5) large padded zipper pouch on front will fit books/folders/sheet music/tablet and has a second smaller mesh pouch inside that can fit a few packs of strings, back plate, or small tools.


My Mono cons:
1) it's noticeably bigger in every dimension
--this means a decent increase in shipping cost to/from dealer, larger storage space requirements, may not fit in vehicle as easily for gigging musicians, may not fit under the bed if you keep it there, etc
2) interior compartments are both angled/tapered and a pack of EB strings needs a gentle squish to fit in either one. A pack of strings in cardboard might need to have the corners bent to fit. You can just barely fit a spare backplate if you like to keep one in the case with the instrument. Yes, you can keep strings/plate in the pouch outside, but for me this always seems to kink strings when using the pouch on a gig bag.
3) Interior compartments are on the smaller side and fitting a strap along with cable, strings, and a pedal might be an issue (if you are already using the front pouch for a tablet/music, etc).
4) no provisions for shoulder straps means that you are carrying this just like you carried your SKB case
5) zippers appear to be of good quality but they are still zippers.
6) I will miss the entertainment value of forum/FB threads like "my dealer shipped me my guitar but the case is locked and the keys are inside!"

 

[thawk819]

+1 for the Mono case. I got my Kaizen 6 last month in the Mono soft case and I love it. It's way better protection than the reissue Lifton style case that my R0 came in. The rigid panels inside are cut for a perfect, snug fit and there is ample space around the headstock. I hope to never put it to the test, but I doubt that falling over inside the case would even lead to any headstock damage as it would with many other hard cases. If there's any downside, I imagine (a total guess; I have no engineering specs about the materials used) this is probably less crush resistant than like a Fender or SKB flight case with the TSA locks, however, flight case or not, I don't think I'd ever want any of my guitars in the cargo hold of a plane anyway.

 

[Magic Jason]

As stated many times, I'll swap hard cases for mono any day.

 

[Mace13]

I'm a bit confused on the weight of these cases. One post says the Mono is about 2 1/2 lbs lighter than SKB (without giving actual weights of either). Another poster compares weights of Cutlass case 6 lbs 0.8 oz and Kaizan case 5 lbs 10.6 oz (no idea which is Mono and which is SKB, or are they something else entirely).

One weight measurement says Mono is 2 1/2 pounds lighter, another says the difference (implied) is less than 1/2 a pound. Is there such a large range in the weight of cases? Assuming these are all Music Man shipped cases and not "after market".

As far as Mono vs. SKB I'm not help as I don't have a Mono guitar case. I just got a Mono pedal board case and it is quite nice. Hope the zippers hold up....

 

[Norrin Radd]

I'm a bit confused on the weight of these cases. One post says the Mono is about 2 1/2 lbs lighter than SKB (without giving actual weights of either). Another poster compares weights of Cutlass case 6 lbs 0.8 oz and Kaizan case 5 lbs 10.6 oz (no idea which is Mono and which is SKB, or are they something else entirely).

One weight measurement says Mono is 2 1/2 pounds lighter, another says the difference (implied) is less than 1/2 a pound. Is there such a large range in the weight of cases? Assuming these are all Music Man shipped cases and not "after market".

As far as Mono vs. SKB I'm not help as I don't have a Mono guitar case. I just got a Mono pedal board case and it is quite nice. Hope the zippers hold up....

Part of your confusion comes from the fact that both of my cases are the mono cases. I have no hard cases for my EBMM guitars.

As far as I can tell, no one has yet posted the weight of any hardshell case.

 

[MichaelR]

i was disappointed until the guitar arrived. Love the softer case