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Does Anyone Else Hate the TSA Approved Fender Bass Cases?

Shadi

Shadi

Supporting Member
Feb 22, 2008
690
1,021
Carbondale, IL
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#1
Sorry for the gripe, but I just cannot stand the plastic latches and the cheap feel of these 'TSA Approved' cases Fender has been using the last few years. I wish we had a case option when purchasing a new Fender...I'm an old fart and like the classic tolex cases.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Has anyone been able to opt into a different case when buying new??
 
#4
Shadi said:
Sorry for the gripe, but I just cannot stand the plastic latches and the cheap feel of these 'TSA Approved' cases Fender has been using the last few years. I wish we had a case option when purchasing a new Fender...I'm an old fart and like the classic tolex cases.
Click to expand...

.. do you mean this one? I like these, have four as they stack so well and lock in place ...
 

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#6
I agree that the TSA-approved cases look cheap; however, they’re sure more practical if there’s any chance you’re ever gonna fly with your instrument.

I have a few instruments that need cases, and I’m a bit torn on which direction to go. So far, I’ve resisted getting plastic TSA ones, but... I dunno. I’ll probably succumb eventually. Tolex cases are nice and all, but it’s not like I sit around staring at and fondling my beautiful cases (well, not much anyways ;) )
 
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#9
I like them... I have them for both the GL Jazz ('older' style case) and a MIM Precision (newer style)...

... not too worried either way, though... doubtful they'll be checked on any airline, anytime soon... :laugh:!
 
#10
I like the current cases, with the gray interior. I bought and returned a Pro Jazz but I really liked the case. Good amount of storage, not too heavy, and a handle big enough to be comfortable in hand.

I have an older MIA P that came in the old style fender form fit (not rectangular case) and it is kind of a pile of junk. The metal feet have punched through the plastic, the hinges have some sharp bits that dig into the floor, but it normally closes ok. I also have a G&G tolex case that came with the AV bass that looks awesome, but has a latch that doesn't want to work 100% and it is heavy. Also not sure how well it really protects, but I guess it is time proven. Also the handle is one of the worst.
 
#12
elgranluis said:
The tsa cases are for flying with your bass. I would never check in a bass in a Tolex case.
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While it's true that a "TSA" case is specifically for flying, it's misleading to suggest that the "TSA" designation implies that the case offers any more protection than a non-TSA case.

You may be confusing "TSA" with "ATA". A case that meets or exceeds ATA specifications certainly would offer more protection than one that didn't.

"TSA" only means that the locks on the case can be opened by master keys that the TSA has in their possession.
 
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#13
Bob_Ross said:
While it's true that a "TSA" case is specifically for flying, it's misleading to suggest that the "TSA" designation implies that the case offers any more protection than a non-TSA case.

You may be confusing "TSA" with "ATA". A case that meets or exceeds ATA specifications certainly would offer more protection than one that didn't.

"TSA" only means that the locks on the case can be opened by master keys that the TSA has in their possession.
Click to expand...

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#16
Bob_Ross said:
While it's true that a "TSA" case is specifically for flying, it's misleading to suggest that the "TSA" designation implies that the case offers any more protection than a non-TSA case.

You may be confusing "TSA" with "ATA". A case that meets or exceeds ATA specifications certainly would offer more protection than one that didn't.

"TSA" only means that the locks on the case can be opened by master keys that the TSA has in their possession.
Click to expand...

While technically correct , I believe we can agree that a fender skb molded case (what we usually call a flight case) will offer significantly more protection than a tweed case. Apart from the high impact plastic the instrument is surrounded in high density foam.

And talking about that master key , I’ve only ever seen one style of key being used in cases since like ,forever . Did we really need a new lock , TSA?
 
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#17
I love mine, had it about 8+ years.
The big trigger latches feel cheap compared to the metal latches but they are not cheap plastic.

Easier to relock, I take out my bass and with one foot lock all four of the locks with a small push from my shoe. No bending over flipping the ring up then the piece down, just a small kick and go. When picking it up to place it vertically against a wall the top latch (head stock location) is grabbed to swing it vertically and into place, it still feels and functions as new.

Now I hate them old metal flip up push down ring locks.
 

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