Question Which Year Did EBMM Switch from G&G Tolex Cases to SKB Molded Cases?

[Slav123]

An EBMM customer service rep told me a while ago that the switch happened in 2001. Although, I see a lot of 1999's and 2000's with the plastic SKB cases and the owners always say that they are the original cases. So, when did the switch actually occur?

One other thought is why did it happen? I figure that it's a cost thing but, I would really like to know. I'm not a big fan of the bulky and generic guitar fitting plastic cases (which develop cracks with time). The G&G tolex cases gave these wonderful guitars a bit more class and prestige that they deserve.

Thanks,
Slav

 

[YtseJam92]

All of the BFR JPs come in the G&G cases. I'm not sure about the other ones. The non-BFRs I do believe they come in the SKB cases still. Not 100% sure, someone will give you a good answer to when and why.

 

[Slav123]

The anniversary and special editions do come with the custom G&G cases (which are actually larger then the original old G&G cases) but, I'm talking about the old school small black G&G tolex cases that just one day disappeared and were magically replaced with plastic SKB cases. These original small G&G cases are also extremely hard if not impossible to find out there for sale.

Slav

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

My 2001 JP has an SKB style case. My 2001 Axis Sport has a G&G case. While the G&G cases are sure nice to look at,and they do smell fantastic inside, I have found that they don't hold up nearly as well during shipping as the SKB cases do. They may be more roadworthy to some people, but that is a moot point if the guitar doesn't arrive safely the first time. Give me an SKB case over the other style any day.

 

[bkrumme]

My 2001 JP has an SKB style case. My 2001 Axis Sport has a G&G case. While the G&G cases are sure nice to look at,and they do smell fantastic inside, I have found that they don't hold up nearly as well during shipping as the SKB cases do. They may be more roadworthy to some people, but that is a moot point if the guitar doesn't arrive safely the first time. Give me an SKB case over the other style any day.

I'm with Pete on this one. I love the G&G cases that came with my BFRs, but really just for looks. The guitars slide around a little too much in these cases. The SKB cases that came with my JP6 and my wife's Silhouette protect the guitars much better. The JP has a "form fit" case so there's no sliding around at all. The Silhouette has a generic "one case fits all" case, but it's still very protective.

 

[spkirby]

Its the sheer weight of the G&G cases that gets me. I too prefer their looks but not the lift! I tend to use the EBMM gigbags (levys) when I go to gigs and practices as they are much more compact, light and manageable...

 

[mesavox]

I agree... the G&G cases are nice for the special edition aspect... but when my first seven string was swiped it wasn't in the case so my BFR gets hauled in the skb style. For one, I don't want another ding in the G&G (I don't know where it came from but I'm sad), and 2 the neck of the guitar just seems better supported... and yes, it's lighter. lol

 

[paranoid70]

I have both and both are ok with me. However, the G&G cases are definitely much heavier as already indicated.

 

[candid_x]

G&G's are lots more elegant, and I think more clumsy to get around with (though they stack better). I'd think the heavy weight is a factor in the amount of incurred damage during a fall. Plus there's no give or flex to them. But I can see and would dig special editions coming in G&G's. Just so classy.

SKB's come a pretty long way since the original smooth sided "warp boxes". The extra ridges and supports in the MM cases are a big plus, imo. I'm curious if MM will move to the new SKB handle and over sized latches.

 

[happiegolfer]

I have a 97 sport and that snug in right into the case (G&G?), but it is heavy to carry. My 07 axis has a SKB case which is lighter, but it seems like it's a little big for the guitar and my baby slides around a little. I never liked SKB cases, they don't seem very sturdy.

 

[mesavox]

I'm like Pete--my 2001 JP also has the SKB case.

Here's a thing to think about though: I own two JP's, and a friend of mine owns one as well. My second one is from 2003 (and still has the pre-d-sonic pickups) but has a case like my friends JP from late 2007. They are both matte plastic on the outside, and on the inside they have very short "fur" lining, and the guitars are able to shift very slightly inside them (i've heard this was a good thing by the way).

The case on my 2001 JP on the other hand, has NO sliding room what-so-ever. And we criss-crossed guitars in cases to make sure it wasn't the guitar size or something. But yeah, no movement at all, it's literally stuck fast. Also, when you place the case beside the newer cases, it almost looks shiney, like an enamel is put on it. And the "fur" on the inside is much longer than on the new ones--it's almost like shag carpet in comparison!

I guess it's just changes in the SKB cases over the years that account for that stuff?

I think the reason the pre 01 skb doesn't allow the guitar to move is they made an adjustment so the guitar would move because they found that the cases were the biggest part of why the JPs had so much neck pocket cracking in the first couple of runs. So they let it slide around a little bit and it seems to have helped. My 2002 JP7 still cracked, but I'm not sure if it was pre new case or not... .and there are still other reasons why they'll crack from time to time... and that goes for every guitar not just mm.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I have had both, and the SKB plastic ones do tend to last longer.

However, to mix it up, I would say that Hiscox make the best cases!

 

[Hendog]

My 2001 JP has an SKB style case. My 2001 Axis Sport has a G&G case. While the G&G cases are sure nice to look at,and they do smell fantastic inside, I have found that they don't hold up nearly as well during shipping as the SKB cases do. They may be more roadworthy to some people, but that is a moot point if the guitar doesn't arrive safely the first time. Give me an SKB case over the other style any day.

I love that smell!