Parlor Guitar Case & Gig Bag Roundup

While parlor guitars are known for being reliable, they still require secure storage and protection. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many good guitar cases for parlor guitars, especially since parlor guitar shapes and sizes tend to vary.

Here we present you with the best parlor guitar cases, updated for 2024, to help you find a good match for your beloved parlor guitar.

While parlor guitars are known for being reliable, they still require secure storage and protection. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many good guitar cases for parlor guitars, especially since parlor guitar shapes and sizes tend to vary.

Here we present you with the best parlor guitar cases, updated for 2024, to help you find a good match for your beloved parlor guitar.

NB: If you have a guitar larger than a parlor, click the Gearank guide: The Best Acoustic Guitar Cases & Gig Bags.

The Best Parlor Guitar Cases & Gig Bags

 

 

About the Different Types of Parlor Guitar Cases

Traditional hardshell wooden cases will always look good and never go out of fashion; they also provide solid protection for your instrument when traveling. On the other hand, hybrid “semi-hard” cases are modern alternatives that provide the same, if not improved protection without the heavy hard shell covering – making them more comfortable and lighter to carry at the cost of reducing outward ruggedness.

If you’re going for a more traditional look to match the vintage appeal of parlor guitars, wooden hardshell cases would be your choice, but if you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable way to transport your instrument regularly, you should consider hybrid cases, and if you mainly carry your guitar around by walking then a gig bag is your best option due to their lightweight and backpack straps.

How to Measure Guitar Size When Buying a Case or Gig Bag

To ensure better guitar case compatibility, it is advisable to have the dimensions of your guitar ready before buying a guitar case. So get a measuring tape and carefully measure the dimensions of your guitar as described below.

Overall length, measured from headstock to the bottom of the lower bout, is a common guitar measurement, although you won’t have many problems with it because most cases have extra length space.

The body is where the most important dimensions are, and it has four main measurements that are relevant: the upper, middle, and lower bouts, in addition to the body length. You can measure the upper bout by running a measuring tape on the top of the guitar along the widest part of the curve. The same goes with the lower bout, only this time, you measure the lower portion below the sound hole. The lower bout is usually wider, but it’s not a rule set in stone. Do the same for the smaller middle bout, which is usually near the soundhole.

Having these measurements handy will make it easier to check for size compatibility, so you won’t have to worry about ordering the wrong size.

The diagram below shows the key parts of your guitar to measure:

1. Lower Bout
2. Middle Bout
3. Upper Bout
4. Body Length
5. Overall Length

Detailed Information About Each of These Parlor Guitar Cases:

 

Gator GWE-ACOU-3/4

Gator continues to be one of the leading brands when it comes to instrument cases, and as such, it is only natural for them to produce smaller hard cases for 3/4 size guitars and, more importantly, parlor guitars. This particular case allows many parlor guitars to fit nicely, including the Gretsch Jim Dandy, Art & Lutherie A&L AMI, and other models that follow the smaller, more traditional sizes.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 38″
• Middle Bout: 9.75″
• Upper Bout: 10.25″
• Lower Bout: 13.75″”

The Gator GWE-ACOU-3/4 is a smaller version of their standard hard case, featuring the same reliable design as its bigger counterparts. It is built using the same 3-ply wood construction with a Tolex PVC covering that provides ample protection against the usual bumps, scratches, and damaging elements when traveling. It also comes with contrast stitching to highlight the guitar case’s shape and features an ergonomic matching handle. If you’re looking for an affordable and traditional-looking hard case for your parlor guitar, check this one out.

Get the latest Gator GWE-ACOU-3/4 price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Godin TRIC Parlor Deluxe Case

Godin is known for their modern and unconventional approach to guitar building, and this same drive for innovation has spilled over into the way they design and build their guitar cases. A great example of this is the TRIC Parlor Deluxe Case, which features high-impact resistant Expanded Polypropylene – the same shock-absorbent material used in car bumper cores and bicycle helmets. This ensures that the TRIC case provides more than enough protection against the usual bumps that musicians experience on the road.

On top of being virtually indestructible, the label TRIC stands for “Thermally Regulated Instrument Case”. Each case is temperature tested from -35°C (-31°F) and up to +65°C (+150°F), to ensure that it case can withstand extreme conditions while keeping your guitar sheltered and protected. Godin was able to accomplish all this while maintaining the case’s lightweight and comfortably soft profile.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 39″
• Body Length: 20″
• Upper Bout: 9.5″
• Lower Bout: 13.”

Various parlor guitars from Larrivee, Seagull, Martin, and many more have been tested to fit snugly inside this case. Although a bit bulky and not as affordable as the others in this list, this hybrid guitar case provides the best possible protection for your parlor guitar in my opinion.

Get the latest Godin TRIC Parlor Deluxe Case price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Gator 4G Series Gig Bag

Although gig bags are not suitable for throwing in the back of the van when you’re going on tour, they are the perfect lightweight solution for carrying your precious guitar around on foot, catching public transport, or going for a drive in your car to gigs and rehearsals. They’re also great for protecting your guitar’s finish from dust when you’re not using it.

Gator is one of the leading brands when it comes to gig bags and guitar cases, and they have designed their Gb-4b-Miniacu for flexibility by accommodating a wide range of small guitars from 1/2 to 3/4 size and by providing adjustable backpack style straps in addition to a regular handle which is reinforced.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 38″
• Upper Bout: 11.5″
• Lower Bout: 14.75.”

The entire gig bag has 20mm of padding, and the bottom, bridge, and headstock areas are reinforced for added protection. It also has a mesh front pocket for storing your accessories, such as tuners and spare strings, and a small zipped pocket for your picks. Lastly, it’s less than half the price of most hardshell cases.

Click here for the latest Gator Mini Acoustic Gig Bag price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

MONO M80 Acoustic Parlor Hybrid Gig Bag

Mono is one of the companies that blur the distinction between guitar cases and gig bags. The M80 is a great example, looking and feeling very much like a gig bag but protecting your instrument much like a guitar case. This is made possible by the lightweight laminate foam shell, which provides good protection and support without the weight and bulk of wooden cases. The lightweight design of the M80 case complements the naturally light and portable body of parlor guitars.

Another cool feature of this case is its molded rubber sole on the bottom part of the case, which protects the instrument at its most vulnerable point. To better protect the neck, this case is equipped with a special headlock neck suspension system that secures the neck without belting, which may damage the finish. It also has ample compartments for storing other gear.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 39″
• Body Length: 21″
• Upper Bout: 12″
• Lower Bout: 14″

My only complaint about the Mono M80 is that it feels too soft, much like a gig bag, but it does not take away from its reliability.

Finally, the exterior is designed to be somewhat water-resistant, reducing your worry even further.

Click here for the latest Mono M80 Acoustic Parlor Hybrid Gig Bag price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Gator Lightweight Case for Taylor GS Mini

The Taylor GS Mini is so popular it warranted a dedicated guitar case from Gator. This case is similar to the other hybrid cases from Gator, the only difference being that it is designed to match the specifications of the GS Mini.

As an owner of a Gator Hybrid case myself, I have nothing but good experience; mine is more than a decade old, and everything is still holding up, even the zippers. And most reviews are singing pretty much the same song, where most are impressed with its durability.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 38.4″
• Body Depth: 4.4″
• Lower Bout: 14.5″

One thing to note is that this case is a bit on the heavy side and bulky. While this case is meant specifically for the GS Mini, other similarly sized parlor guitars can benefit from this case, although they may not fit as snugly, depending on the specifications.

If you are a Taylor GS Mini owner and want a reliable guitar case, then this is a no-brainer.

Martin 12BTG Case

The Martin LX1E and its variants are undeniably popular, used even on stage by big-name artists for many years now. As such it is only natural to expect a good matching guitar case, but Martin decided to instead produce a padded gigbag for it – which somewhat makes sense because giving it a bulky hardcase will reduce its portability. On the other hand, a good gig bag complements the parlor guitar’s portability and compact size.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 34″
• Body Length: 15″
• Body Depth: 4″
• Lower Bout: 12″

While there are many gig bags available, they don’t have the Martin brand on them, ensuring that the case is on par with the quality of their guitar products. This particular guitar case is designed so that LX1E, and other similarly sized guitars can fit snugly.

If you’re looking for a good quality parlor guitar padded gig bag, then check out the Martin 12BTG.

Click here for the latest Martin 12BTG Case price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Taylor Baby Gig Bag

As the name implies, this guitar-padded gig bag is meant for Taylor Baby guitars, all of which are smaller than standard guitar sizes. It comes in a distinct tan color that makes it easily stand out from among the many black gig bags on the market. More important than aesthetics is its build quality, and reviews are quite positive in these aspects.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 34.5″
• Body Depth: 3″
• Upper Bout: 9.5″
• Lower Bout: 12″

While it is meant for Taylor Baby guitars, it can work with other similarly sized parlor acoustics that can fit into the internal dimensions provided above. This gig bag is padded and quite well done at that, but don’t expect it to offer the same solid protection as hard and hybrid cases.

Fans of the Taylor brand or not, this gig bag is well worth considering, especially if you have a Taylor Baby guitar

Click here for the latest Taylor Baby Gig Bag price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Cordoba Deluxe Gig Bag – 1/2 and 3/4 Size

Cordoba continues to gain traction in the acoustic guitar market, so it’s no surprise to see them in this list. This is a padded case that’s designed to provide basic protection for acoustic guitars, only this one is meant for the Cordoba Iberria 3/4 scale guitar series, but it should also work well with similarly sized parlor guitars.

While it is a gig bag, it is still a far cry from cheap cloth gig bags because this one features thick foam padding and is wrapped in water-resistant nylon material.

Interior Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 37.4″
• Body Depth: 3.4″
• Lower Bout: 12.36″

Many are impressed with its reliability, especially when considering its price. It also helps that it looks nice. Like other padded gig bags, this does not offer the same protection as hard or hybrid cases.

Whether you have a Cordoba guitar or not, this case is a good, affordable option for those looking for a budget-friendly, good-quality gig bag.

Click here for the latest Cordoba Deluxe Gig Bag – 1/2 and 3/4 Size price and customer reviews at Sweetwater.com

Final Words

I trust that the information you found here is helpful; after all, I’ve been playing and carrying guitars around for many years, and I know how important a protective guitar case is. If you have any questions or want to suggest other parlor-sized guitar cases, you can post them in the comments below.