Music Man Hardshell Cases

[boristhespider7]

I'm not trying to create any controversy here, but as many of you know, Fender came out with a redesigned American Standard series of basses and guitars. Remember, Music Man rules in all respects! However, I must concede that the new Fender SKB hardshell cases that come standard with the new American series are the nicest hardshell cases I've ever seen. They are as thick as flight cases, have huge protected snap latches, a high-end TSA lock, and an extremely comfortable and sturdy rubberized handle. They are also surprisingly light and compact. I'm simply blown away by these cases! They are spectacular. (Of course, Fender had been using some of the crappiest HSC with their basses for years, so this was overdue.)

So Big Poppa and clan, is there any plan to raise the bar on Music Man cases? IMHO, as nice as the Music Man cases are, they are a bit dated. The metal latches aren't that sturdy, the lock is weak, they are oversized compared to the bass itself (especially the Sterling), the corners are prone to chipping, the handle hurts the hands for long hauls, and there is no covered compartment inside. I think it's time for a drastic redesign. Your basses are far superior to Fenders, the cases should be as well!

 

[Big Poppa]

you like the new chinese made SKB's?

 

[T-bone]

you like the new chinese made SKB's?

Do you think we can get them at Walmart?

tbone

 

[INMT]

All SKB's blow....

 

[TNT]

It's nice to have "extra" heavy duty case.

However, the Musicman case is MORE than sufficient for the need.

With that said, do you want:

1. The guitar builder to focus on the quality of the guitar or case?
2. Do you want the guitar maker to put improvements etc. . in the guitar or case?
3. Do you want to PAY extra for the upgraded case (yes, the cost is there somewhere in that Fender case). Players barely want to pay extra when it's the guitar that was upgraded!

The "guitar" is the focus; and if the case is already more than enough, I think I've said enough!! LOL

Besides I really like the MM case - in fact, I just bought an extra one this weekend.

 

[boristhespider7]

Look, I'm a die hard Music Man (though I have a few Fenders) and MM basses are clearly superior. My Sterling HS is No. 1! It's not about that. I'm not admiring the new Fender SKB cases off the cuff. I have one, I've studied it, and it's top-notch. Prior to these new models, MM cases blew the crappy SKB Fender cases away. Those cases warped, the latches broke, and they overall sucked. However, seriously look at the new cases. They just came out (you can see them on Musicians' Friend under the new American Series). Feel that handle, play with the latches, and see how light and compact they are. They are superior. Hey, it's good to be OBJECTIVE once in a while!

So, do we just sit back and rip on Fender -- a revered past time in the forum -- or do we consider whether it may be time to upgrade the Music Man cases? Not my decision, of course. But progress is good and imho the MM cases could use some updating, especially in light of what I've now seen is possible. It could be like Big Poppa's post about Guitar Center: What would be your one wish to improve MM cases? A lot of good can come out of it.

 

[soniq]

I dunno Man...those new F*nder cases look more like Samsonite luggage . Being a decrepit old man with a bad back I would prefer a case with less weigh, like those soft/hard shell cases.

 

[robobass13]

I work for GC, and I can tell you first hand that we have had several of those cases come right of the box with those over sized plastic latches broken, and a couple of them sheared completely off. BP you guys just go ahead and keep using the cases that have been working just fine for all these years, If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!!

 

[RobertB]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!!

Right on. "Updating"? What, just for the sake of needlessly screwing with it? If the suggestion were based on having identified something wrong with it ... ok. But I don't see that that's the case, in your post. I can't think of one thing my EBMM HSC's aren't doing for me that they should be doing & haven't been doing for years.

That said, to each his own, of course. But I wouldn't hold my breath on it, if I were you.

Respectfully,

 

[Hutton]

however nice fender cases are, but the majority of the items they hold tend to be honest, quite crap

Must this Fender bashing continue? I know that this is an EBMM site. I know we all love the instruments. However, I, for one happen to like the product produced by Fender. I don't mention that here out of respect to the EBMM company and their excellent product. But, come on, can we not make our points without describing other makers products as "crap". If a product by another company is compared to an EBMM product then, by all means, make your comments constructively therefore raising the tone of the forum and stopping this nonsense.

 

[maddog]

I vote for a Forum LE case!

Purple Paisley anyone?

 

[silverburst]

I thought the regular EBMM cases were made by SKB.

 

[RobertB]

I vote for a Forum LE case!

Purple Paisley anyone?

Haha ... like the forum LE bass, right?
Edit: Purple Paisley like the forum LE, that is.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

The only thing wrong with the MM case is that it's an inch too long to fit into my trunk.

 

[oli@bass]

I thought the regular EBMM cases were made by SKB.

That's what I thought as well. They do look suspiciously similar to the SKB-44.

 

[RobertB]

The only thing wrong with the MM case is that it's an inch too long to fit into my trunk.

Hmm ... I'd say that's an issue with your trunk.

 

[oli@bass]

Hmm ... I'd say that's an issue with your trunk.

Can't be. Doesn't fit my car's trunk either. Must be the case.

 

[strummer]

Can't be. Doesn't fit my car's trunk either. Must be the case.

Fits mine, Chrysler Voyager

You need to get a proper car

 

[GWDavis28]

I thought the regular EBMM cases were made by SKB.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, Rex is the winner. I remember reading that they are.

Glenn |B)

 

[bovinehost]

Must this Fender bashing continue? I know that this is an EBMM site. I know we all love the instruments. However, I, for one happen to like the product produced by Fender. I don't mention that here out of respect to the EBMM company and their excellent product. But, come on, can we not make our points without describing other makers products as "crap". If a product by another company is compared to an EBMM product then, by all means, make your comments constructively therefore raising the tone of the forum and stopping this nonsense.

Agreed. Let's ease up on the "crap" type of statements, please.

But I don't agree about the "continue" part. I police this stuff as best I can and I do not like the bashing. It does happen now and again, but it's not as rampant as some people like to think.

So don't make me do any real work around here, people.

Jack