In this Guitar Space feature, we’ll be looking into your options when searching for your perfect Telecaster case. We’ll give you some background info on your different options and why we think it’s imperative all players have a case before examining five of our favorite options.
We’ll then be looking at and examining some of the questions and queries we get asked the most related to Telecaster cases. Once we’ve answered those, we’ll give you our final thoughts on which Case is the best and which Case will suit you.
But before we get into the details of each telecaster case option, let’s take a look at an overview of the five we’ll be investigating today.
Five of the Best Telecaster Cases
| Model | Color | Included | Price Range |
| Gator Molded Electric Case with LED Light | Black | Molded guitar case | $$ |
| MONO Mono M80 Stealth Electric Guitar Case | Black | Waterproof guitar case | $$$ |
| Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat-Tele Guitar Case | Black, Grey/Silver | Deluxe guitar case | $$$ |
| Gator GBE-ELECT Economy-Style Padded Electric Guitar Gig Bag | Black | Gigbag, shoulder strap | $ |
| SKB ATA Electric Guitar Case With Open Cavity | Black | Heavy-duty guitar case | $$$$ |
What is a Telecaster?
The Fender Telecaster is widely regarded as one of the original electric guitars and certainly one of the first ones to go on to become a commercial success. Introduced in 1950, its simple solid body design has proven to be so popular in the 70 years since its release that the original design remains in production today.
Much like its sister model, the Stratocaster, the Telecaster (or just ‘Tele’) achieved commercial success due to its versatility, build quality, and overall sound. Suitable for a hugely diverse range of genres, the Tele has been used to play Jazz, Rock, Country, Reggae, Soul, Blues, Funk – you name it, the Tele has been used to play it.
Why Do I Need a Case for My Telecaster?
All guitars should have cases. Even if you never plan on removing yours from your practice room, a case can still provide vital protection from things like dirt, dust, and direct sunlight. There are many reasons buying a protective case is suitable for you and your guitar, some of the major ones include;
Protecting Your Investment
Guitars can be really expensive instruments that you hold on to for years and years. Keeping them safe and in good condition makes perfect sense. Although there is an initial outlay when buying a case, it’s an investment in your prized instrument’s health.
You Only Need to do it Once
If you decide to invest in a premium quality guitar case, such as a solid one, you will only need to do it once. The beauty of modern guitar cases is that they tend to fit a wide range of styles. Although there are differences in electric and acoustic guitar cases, you will be able to use most electric guitar cases with your Telecaster.
Surviving Travel
One of the main benefits of purchasing a guitar case is that it allows you to travel with your guitar confidently. When using a gig bag, you will be able to quickly and effectively carry your Telecaster and a host of other equipment. However, if you are planning on flying then you may want to prioritize getting a solid case. This will protect your Tele against any unwarranted bumps and scratches it may otherwise pick up during the journey.
Safe Storage
Even if you don’t plan to travel anywhere with your guitar investing in a case is still a smart idea. This is because you want to keep your Tele from gathering too much dust or being exposed to any direct sunlight, as both will cause damage.
Similarly, in a disaster such as fire or flood, then having an effective protective case will give your Tele the best chance of surviving.
Electric Guitar Case Options
When it comes to choosing your ideal Case there are essentially two choices available to you. These are soft-shell gig bags and solid hard cases. Which type you opt for will depend mostly on what you need your Case to do and how much you’re willing to spend on it.
Soft Cases
Softer cases are ideal for the musician on the move. This form of Case adds portability to your guitar and allows you to carry your instrument, plus some extra gear like cables and picks, anywhere you’d like. They tend to be cheaper than the more solid variety and may need to be replaced if used over a long period. It’s worth noting that these cases don’t usually offer the most amount of protection while traveling and certainly wouldn’t be of much use in the event of a fire or similar disaster.
Solid Hard Cases
This is your best option should you be looking for maximum protection for your Telecaster. Solid cases offer great protection both when traveling and when storing at home. The downsides associated with solid cases are that they are heavy, meaning they can be difficult to move around and that they are more expensive than a softer shell option.
5 of The Best Telecaster Cases on the Market
Gator Molded Electric Case with LED Light – A Tough Case With Added Extras
Kicking our list off is one of the biggest names in guitar cases. Buying a Gator case is a sure-fire way to protect your Telecaster for years to come and if you opt for this particular model you’ll get the added benefit of some cool features like integrated LEDs.
There is aluminum skirting incorporated into the design alongside a tough and durable plastic exterior. On the inside, your Tele will be protected from harm thanks to specialist foam padding. These protective features are great but what made this Gator case stand out to us was the super useful LED system that allows you to see in the dark.
Maybe you’re backstage somewhere or can’t find your best pick, well with this Case you’ll never get lost in the dark again.
Specifications
- ABS plastic exterior that is impact-resistant meaning high levels of durability
- EPS foam & plush interior helps protects against damage
- Interior LED light illuminates both your Telecaster and storage area for quick access to picks & strings
- Ultra-strong handles give a firm grip
- The overall strength of the Case is reinforced by heavy-duty aluminum
- Instruments kept safe at all times due to secured latches
- Exterior features special LED edition badge
Pros
- Well-known brand
- Tough and durable
- Extremely useful in dark environments
Cons
- If you’re after a solid case there are more durable options available
MONO Mono M80 Stealth Electric Guitar Case – A Sleek Soft-Shell Case That is Perfect For Carrying Your Telecaster
Next on our list of telecaster cases is our first soft-shell offering. If you’re looking for maximum portability while still protecting your guitar then one of these could be perfect for you.
MONO’s gig bag is a classy case that hasn’t been lured into including loud colors or striking design features. Instead, the all-black color scheme creates an unassuming but classy case for your Tele.
It comes with an array of features such as a waterproof exterior, comfy shoulder straps, extra storage for cables and any other bits and pieces you keep with you when gigging, neck suspension, and a top-loading design. These features combine and result in an efficient and practical product that makes transporting your guitar from A to B easy whilst providing a good amount of protection.
Specifications
- 45″ x 18″ x 4.7″ (114.3 cm x 45.72 cm x 11.94 cm) total size
- 42″ x 15″ x 2″ (106.68 cm x 38.10 cm x. 5.08 cm) inside
- 3.3lbs (1.5kg) total weight
- 1 large pocket with extra storage
- Pocket size is 17″ x 15″ x 1″ (43.18cm x 38.1cm x 2.54cm)
Pros
- Great in all weather due to it being waterproof
- Its top-loading design means it is quick and easy to use when on the go
Cons
- Some people may argue that it is expensive for a gig bag
Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat-Tele Guitar Case – A Solid Case From One of the Biggest Names in the Industry
It will come as no surprise that Fender also makes excellent cases for their guitars. The Fender Deluxe Molded ABS features military-grade materials on the exterior and uses a luxury plush interior.
Even the handle on this Case has been designed with the guitarist in mind as Fender took a whole host of user feedback into consideration during the design phase.
All of these things have combined to create a case that is not only user-friendly and super portable, but one that is also solid as a rock and is sure to keep your prized possession safe.
Unlike the other cases listed, this offering from Fender has been designed and built specifically with Teles and Strats in mind. This does mean that if you were wanting to use a case with another guitar model then it wouldn’t work, but if you’re looking purely for your Tele then this is one of the best options out there.
The tough exterior is matched by a TSA-approved locking center latch that will appeal to those who regularly travel with their instruments. There’s also plenty of extra room to throw in extras such as cables, picks, and straps.
Specifications
- ATA molded military-grade polyethylene external casing
- Locking center latch (TSA-approved)
- Protective foam guitar casing
- High-quality polyester plush interior
- Protective neck cradle
- Ergonomic molded handle
- Surface-mounted impact diversion latch housing with red release trigger
- Durable injection-molded polyethylene feet
Pros
- Perfect if you want the Fender branding
- A very tough bit of kit
- Portable
- Looks good
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- If you did want to use it with another guitar model you wouldn’t be able to
Gator GBE-ELECT Economy-Style Padded Electric Guitar Gig Bag – A Great Option for Those on a Budget
Any Guitar Space list wouldn’t be complete without some great budget-conscious options. The first of those to make this one is the Gator GBE-ELECT Economy style. As we’ve already discovered, Gator is a premium brand when it comes to guitar cases and make excellent solid models. As it turns out, their budget gig bags aren’t too bad either.
This Case is designed to fit all electric guitar shapes so naturally, it will be a good fit for your Telecaster. Perhaps aimed more at the
While this is a great option if you just need to get your guitar from A to B daily, it wouldn’t be a good idea to travel long distances with it. It offers little in the way of security or protection against bumps and knocks. But what it does do, it does well.
Specifications
- Suitable for all electric guitar models, including Telecasters
- Nylon exterior: 600-denier
- Nylon interior: 420-denier
- ⅖-inch (10mm) internal padding
- The interior is reinforced at headstock & the bridge
- Includes exterior pocket for extras
- Ergonomic shoulder strap
Pros
- Comfortable enough while carrying your guitar
- Cheap
- Good storage solutions
- Better than the vast majority of budget gig bags
Cons
- Offers very little in the way of security or protection
SKB ATA Electric Guitar Case With Open Cavity – A Heavy Duty Case for Those That Want Ultimate Protection
Last up on our list is the toughest option we’ve included. The SKB ATA case is for anyone who wants maximum protection for their beloved Telecaster. If you’re on the road, this beast of a case will keep anything inside it safe from damage as well as stopping anyone from breaking in and stealing the contents.
It features a military-grade plastic casing with a totally waterproof seal meaning it’ll keep your guitar safe from just about anything you can throw at it. From fire to flood this baby will see it out.
Also resistant to corrosion and any impact damage with industrial-grade locking mechanisms, this really is the choice for you if you need total protection and peace of mind.
No expense has been spared on the interior either with a plush cushioned design to prevent any bumps or scratches from getting anywhere near its cargo. It even features an ergonomic handle for transport!
Specifications
- Made using ultra-strong polypropylene copolymer resin
- Resistant against UV, solvent, corrosion, and fungus
- Watertight due to complete gasket seal
- Automatic pressure equalization valve
- Impact damage resistant
- Molded hinges
- Trigger release locking latch system (TSA approved)
- Reinforced locking loops
- Molded rubber cushion grip handles
- Ultra-quiet wheels
Pros
- The most durable option on our list
- Gives total peace of mind when traveling and storing
- Looks awesome
Cons
- This is a pricey option
Frequently Asked Questions About Telecaster Cases
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common questions and queries we hear when people are looking to purchase Telecaster cases.
Question: How Much Should I Spend on a Guitar Case?
Answer: There is no right or wrong answer here. You should ultimately look to spend as much as you feel comfortable spending. There is, however, an unofficial guide that says you should aim to spend 6-15% of the cost of a brand new guitar.
It’s also important to bear in mind that buying a solid case for your instrument is an investment in itself. If you have a Telecaster that is worth a sizable amount you definitely don’t want it getting damaged unnecessarily.
Question: Can You Stack Guitar Cases?
Answer: No. It’s always best to store guitar cases separate from each other unless you have invested in professional flight cases that are designed to do so. This may sound obvious but this point is especially true if you’re storing your instruments in gig bags or soft shell cases.
Question: Which Type of Case Should I Get?
Answer: This really depends on what you intend to use your guitar case for and how long you intend to keep your guitar in it. If you are literally just looking for something to keep the dust from affecting your instrument and will be taking it out to play every other day then a gig bag or soft shell case could be perfect for you. It offers portability and flexibility whereas a hard case is much more rigid and sturdy.
If you want to take maximum care of your guitar or intend to travel with it a lot, we would highly recommend investing in a good quality hard case.
The Bottom Line – Which Case Should You Buy?
As we alluded to above the choice of which Case to go for initially comes down to whether you want a soft or hard case. The soft Case gives you flexibility and portability, whereas the harder cases give much more protection – and that’s what a case is ultimately for, right?
If the answer to that is a resounding yes that we have a couple of recommendations for you. We say go for the Gator Molded Electric Case with LED Light for those not looking to break the bank on their new hard case. It’s the right balance of cost and quality and will give more than enough protection for your Telecaster.
If, however, you’re not averse to spending a little more then the Fender Deluxe Molded ABS Strat-Tele Guitar Case is the must-have from our list.
Finally, if you’ve decided a softer case will do the trick, we would go for the MONO Mono M80 Stealth Electric Guitar Case. It’s one of the best on the market, looks great, and will provide a higher level of protection than your standard gig bag.
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