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Gator VS SKB for precision bass hard case?

#2
rutrho said:
I just picked up a new P bass and I'm looking at snagging one of these two cases for it. Anyone have thoughts or pros/cons of one vs the other?
We normally use pelican and SKB at work, so I'm leaning that way...

Gator GTSA-GTRBASS ATA Molded Bass Guitar Case with TSA Latches

SKB 1SKB-44 Electric Bass Rectangular Case
Click to expand...
I’m not really a hard case guy, but of the two I’d probably go for the SKB, for two reasons: Firstly, the SKB is 3 lbs lighter than the Gator, and secondly, it’s got a shaped interior, so your P-bass will fit more snugly. To me, that would be worth the extra 15 bucks. That said, both are good cases and will serve you well.
 
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#3
rutrho said:
Gator GTSA-GTRBASS ATA Molded Bass Guitar Case with TSA Latches
Click to expand...

I own one of those Gator cases. It fits a P Bass just fine, and it's a perfectly nice case; if I ever had to get another low-priced but durable hardshell case I'd probably get another.


But fwiw it pisses me off to no end that Gator describes it as "ATA-approved" ...or "ATA" anything. First off, the ATA is not in the business of "approving" anybody's shipping containers. They simply provide lists of recommendations depending on intended usage, and it is then encumbent upon any case manufacturer to be able to demonstrate that their product meets or exceeds the ATA's recommendations.

Moreover, unless you explicitly note which ATA recommendations your product is in compliance with, the term is completely meaningless. I know for a fact that that Gator case does not meet or exceed ATA Spec 300, Category 1 -- which is the ATA specification most commonly cited regarding reusable shipping containers for musical instruments or electronic equipment going on tour via planes, trucks, or buses -- because ATA Spec 300, Category 1 explicitly notes that all handles and latches must be flush with (or countersunk below) the outer walls of the container when in the closed (travelling) postion.

Sorry, just a nit-picky soapbox issue I have!
 
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#4
Bob_Ross said:
I own one of those Gator cases. It fits a P Bass just fine, and it's a perfectly nice case; if I ever had to get another low-priced but durable hardshell case I'd probably get another.


But fwiw it pisses me off to no end that Gator describes it as "ATA-approved" ...or "ATA" anything. First off, the ATA is not in the business of "approving" anybody's shipping containers. They simply provide lists of recommendations depending on intended usage, and it is then encumbent upon any case manufacturer to be able to demonstrate that their product meets or exceeds the ATA's recommendations.

Moreover, unless you explicitly note which ATA recommendations your product is in compliance with, the term is completely meaningless. I know for a fact that that Gator case does not meet or exceed ATA Spec 300, Category 1 -- which is the ATA specification most commonly cited regarding reusable shipping containers for musical instruments or electronic equipment going on tour via planes, trucks, or buses -- because ATA Spec 300, Category 1 explicitly notes that all handles and latches must be flush with the outer walls of the container when in the closed (travelling) postion.

Sorry, just a nit-picky soapbox issue I have!
Click to expand...

Criticisms about advertising materials meeting specific specs and then not complying with them is pretty reasonable, imo.

I like hardshells because half the time I have the top off my jeep in the summer, and I have to strap it down on top of other gear in my jeep.
I'm 99% sure I'll be going with the SKB one as we use those a lot at work and they're fantastic. I haul around a half million dollar optical CMM in a SKB case, and its a super well built shipping case. I wouldn't hesitate to jump on a C-17 with it.
 
#5
JakobT said:
I’m not really a hard case guy, but of the two I’d probably go for the SKB, for two reasons: Firstly, the SKB is 3 lbs lighter than the Gator, and secondly, it’s got a shaped interior, so your P-bass will fit more snugly. To me, that would be worth the extra 15 bucks. That said, both are good cases and will serve you well.
Click to expand...

I didn't even catch this weight difference, Its not much in the grand scheme of things but good catch.
 
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#6
I’ve owned a few of those Gator hardshells over the years (just got a new one for my new bass, in fact) and they’re decent enough IMO.
If money were no object I’d probably spring for an SKB iSeries but the Gators do the trick and are like $100 or so less.
(Photo of new Gator ATA for reference :bassist:)
FB4CE82E-EC23-4E47-8CE1-C3EB5F223587.jpeg
 
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#7
I had a shaped SKB case and a Gator rack case and they were both okay, but nowhere near the quality of construction or the rigidity of my Hiscox case, which is a quantum leap improvement over the other two manufacturers.

In my opinion, a Hiscox case, although pricey, is the very best possible case you can buy for your instrument, bar none. You can check them out here, including a short video:
Precision / Jazz Style Bass Guitar Hard Case
 
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#9
Bob_Ross said:
Hiscox makes great cases, no doubt. But a top of the line Calton Case is in a completely different league, superior to a Hiscox in nearly every way
...unless you have a limited budget. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. I do like the customising options on their website. But I’d have to physically get my hands on one before judging one properly. And $2000 plus for a case? Er, not for me, thanks.

So, I guess it’s good for me that I consider Hiscox to be perfect - for me, anyway. :)
 

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