You are currently viewing 5 Best Guitar Cases for Stratocaster – Tommy’s Top Picks

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Teemu Suomala

Best Overall – Fender Deluxe Molded Case

Reviewer: Tommy Tompkins

Protection
Quality
Portability
Value for Money

Summary

Why we chose this to be The Best Overall?

1. It’s constructed of military-grade polyethylene and shock-absorbing EPS foam.
2. With its moisture-sealing continual valance, extra-thick plush interior, and custom-fit padding to hold your Strat steady, there’s hardly anything this case can’t stand up against.
3. Built to ATA flight specifications, this case can ease your mind anytime your guitar’s gotta fly.

Cons? Well, the case is on the pricey side.

When you want the best for your Strat, the Fender Deluxe Molded Case is a safe bet. The best guitar case for Stratocasters.

4.9

Check Today’s Price on:

*Consider all links in this post to be affiliate links. If you purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. It helps us to keep the lights on, thanks! 🙂


The Next Best:

Runner-Up – Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case

Check Today’s Price on


Our Overall Rating

Summary

Great Protection.

  1. Outside you’ve got a durable ABS plastic, the same material used in motorcycle helmets. If people trust their brains to ABS, it makes sense to me to trust it to protect a guitar.
  2. The inside padding is EPS foam, which is basically the well-known styrofoam material. It’s not exactly fancy-seeming to look at it that way, but it does a good job nonetheless.

Let’s just say, if it does prove to hold together(it should), your Strat will be in good hands.

Most Portable – Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam

Check Today’s Price on


Our Overall Rating

Summary

One of the lowest-cost cases on this list, but it doesn’t fall short in quality.

Although the lack of an actual hardshell means it doesn’t protect against the worst of the worst kinds of damage, its rugged build will secure your Strat through most of what you could put it through.

You get a couple of heavy-duty blocks of EPS foam covered with strong water-resistant 600D nylon on the outside and soft black plush on the inside.

Great protection.

Multiple carry options and a durable build give you an easy, convenient way to travel with your Strat with your heels to the ground.

Best Budget – AW Electric Guitar Hard Case

N/A

Check Today’s Price on


Our Overall Rating

Summary

Not the most protective case on the market...

But, it’s not bad actually. 

It’s padded with plush-covered foam on the inside for scratch and shock protection. 

The main frame of the thing is made of wood, so it can take a bit of rough treatment but shouldn’t be piled onto like you might with a hard plastic case.

Solid.

This is a good case for beginners or other players on a budget because it is very affordable and still offers enough protection.

Most Classic Design – Fender Classic Series Case

Check Today’s Price on


Our Overall Rating

Summary

This delivers a little more in looks than in actual safety…

Internally, your guitar is nestled in soft red plush over basic foam padding. Wide neck support furthers the job of preventing headstock damage.

Externally, well, there’s not a lot going on in way of protection…it’s vintage for sure.

If your case doesn’t need to survive a plane crash…

Plus if you value good looks, this Fender hardshell will add a touch of vintage spice to your ensemble for a decent price.

Compare:

graph compares Cases for Stratocasters

Take good care of it and your Strat will keep you rocking for decades. And a great case is one thing that can keep your Strat safe.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a case for Stratocaster! Plus, we reveal our 5 favorite cases for Strat. These hard cases will keep your guitar safe and sound whether you’re touring, recording, or just taking it easy at home.

Let’s first look at these fine guitar cases, and at the end of the post, you can find the FAQ section that helps you to make the best choice possible.

Who crafted this post:

Tommy Tompkins Profile Picture 2

Author: Tommy Tompkins

Playing guitar since 2004. Primarily an acoustic guitarist who plays and writes traditional American folk music, with a background in melodic metal and a solid foundation as a bassist.

photo reveals owner of guitaristnextdoor.com

Editing & Research: Teemu Suomala

I first grabbed the guitar in 2009. I started this website in January 2020 because I couldn’t do window installation anymore due to my health problems. I love guitars and have played dozens and dozens of different guitars through different amps and pedals over the years, and also, building a website interested me, so I decided to just go for it! I got lucky and managed to get awesome people to help me with my website.

I also got lucky because I have you visiting my website right now. Thank you. I do all this for you guys. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. I have also been fortunate to produce content for several large guitar websites, such as SongsterrMusicnotesGuitarGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar.

I spend my spare time exercising and hanging out with my wife and crazy dog (I guess that went the right way…).

Every one of these cases is here based on extensive research and decades of combined guitar experience of our team.


Our Favorite Music Store in The World!

Why?

– Excellent Customer Service (4.7/5 Trustpilot Score)

– Fast & Free Shipping

– Gear is Inspected, Tested, & Ready to Play When it Arrives to You (We love this)

– Fair Prices

Visit Sweetwater:

Our reviews of the top 5

Best Overall – Fender Deluxe Molded Stratocaster – Telecaster Electric Guitar Case

Dimensions

  • Interior Overall Length: Not available
  • Interior Body Length: Not available
  • Interior Body Depth: Not available
  • Interior Lower Bout Width: Not available
  • Interior Upper Bout Width: Not available
  • Exterior Length: 41.3″
  • Exterior Width: 16.1″
  • Exterior Depth: 4.7″
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs.

Protection

Constructed of military-grade polyethylene and shock-absorbing EPS foam, the Fender Deluxe Molded Stratocaster/Telecaster Case is by far the best case around for Strats.

With its

  • moisture-sealing continual valance,
  • extra-thick plush interior,
  • and custom-fit padding to hold your Strat steady…

…there’s hardly anything this case can’t stand up against.

Plus, built to ATA flight specifications, this case can ease your mind anytime your guitar’s gotta fly.

Quality

In line with its flight-friendly build are its TSA-approved locks for easy security clearance and its stacking design. A really rugged case, the Fender Deluxe Molded easily stands on end for space-saving storage thanks to its injection-molded feet.

All its hardware is as heavy-duty as the rest of it, leaving no area where this case falls short. 

Summary

Pros

  • Designed for air travel
  • Made with military-grade exterior and TSA-approved locks(this is a tank)
  • Large interior storage and thick plush protective lining
  • Custom-fit for Stratocasters and Telecasters

Cons

  • On the pricey side

You might not need such a hardcore case if you’re just looking to protect a Squier Strat, but if you’re serious about guitar protection, you can’t beat this case.

It’s a bit expensive, but that price is nothing compared to the value of your guitar and the cost of repairs should your axe become damaged.

When you want the best for your Strat, the Fender Deluxe Molded Stratocaster/Telecaster Case is how you want to go.

Check Price on:


Runner-Up – Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case for Electric Guitars

Dimensions

  • Interior Overall Length: 39.4″
  • Interior Body Length: 18.3″
  • Interior Body Depth: 2.4″
  • Interior Lower Bout Width: 12.6″
  • Interior Middle Bout Width: 12.6″
  • Interior Upper Bout Width: 12.6″
  • Exterior Length: 40.7″
  • Exterior Width: 15.4″
  • Exterior Depth: 5.5″
  • Weight: 8.79 lbs.

Protection

By specs alone, the Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case for Electric Guitars is a promising choice for the best Strat case.

On the outside, you’ve got a durable ABS plastic, the same material used in motorcycle helmets. If people trust their brains to ABS, it makes sense to me to trust it to protect a guitar.

The inside padding is EPS foam, which is basically the well-known styrofoam material. It’s not exactly fancy-seeming to look at it that way, but it does a good job nonetheless.

Because EPS is great at insulation, the GC-ELECTRIC-A should offer at least a bit of protection against rapid humidity changes as well.

Quality

These protective features are topped off with a soft plush lining for your finish and a strong aluminum valance that helps seal moisture out of your case.

While its accessory storage is minimal, there are a couple of slots around the neck you can put cables in. It’s when we dive a little deeper that we see a few issues with quality, however.

It just seems that oftentimes this case isn’t put together very well… sometimes people get this model and the foam has separated inside the case because of weak adhesives. 

Other times it comes misaligned and doesn’t shut properly. When shut, the latches might be too easy to flip open. So although lots of folks get their money’s worth from the GC-ELECTRIC-A, there is a slight chance of you recieving a lemon…

Summary

Pros

  • Made with rugged materials and hardware
  • EPS foam protects guitar on all sides
  • Strong aluminum valance shuts tight to keep out moisture

Cons

  • Sometimes hasty construction and poor quality control
  • Latches open too easily

Gator Cases is a well-reputed brand, so my money’s on this case being a good one for most players who aren’t playing shows every night.

Let’s just say, if it does prove to hold together(it should), your Strat will be in good hands.

Check Price on:


Most Portable – Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case

Dimensions

  • Interior Overall Length: 42.1″
  • Interior Body Length: 18.5″
  • Interior Body Depth: 2.4″
  • Interior Lower Bout Width: 12.6″
  • Interior Upper Bout Width: 12.6″
  • Exterior Length: 43.3″
  • Exterior Width: 15.7″
  • Exterior Depth: 5.63″
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs.

Protection

The Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case is what is called a hybrid-style case. It’s not quite a gig bag and not quite a hardshell.

What it is is a couple of heavy-duty blocks of EPS foam covered with strong 600D nylon on the outside and soft black plush on the inside. It’s cut to fit most double-cutaway electrics, so your Strat will slide in no problem.

Although the lack of an actual hardshell means it doesn’t protect against the worst of the worst kinds of damage, its rugged build will secure your Strat through most of what you could put it through.

Quality

This case is a testament to Gator’s typical craftsmanship. It’s very well put together, with seemingly every stitch in perfect placement.

Its 600D nylon exterior does a good job of keeping water out, and its high-quality zippers aren’t prone to leaking either.

Unlike a real hardshell, this case shines in portability. It weighs less than 6 pounds and actually includes a removable shoulder strap. I think you’d have to be pretty tall to comfortably carry it on your shoulder, but it’s a nice option to have.

Additionally, the GL-ELECTRIC has lots of accessory storage, including two large zippered pockets on the front and a couple of lidless compartments inside.

Summary

Pros

  • Lightweight with multiple carrying options
  • Spacious accessory storage
  • Water-resistant 600-denier nylon exterior
  • Offers good protection

Cons

  • Not as safe as traditional hardshell cases

When your trip to the rehearsal space is dependent on public transit, this Gator Cases Lightweight Polyfoam Guitar Case is a great way to go. 

Though one of the lowest cost cases on this list, it in no way falls short in quality.

Multiple carry options and a durable build give you an easy, convenient way to travel with your Strat with your heels to the ground.

Check Price on:


Best Budget – AW Electric Guitar Hard Case for Stratocaster & Telecaster

N/A

Dimensions

  • Interior Overall Length: 40.25″
  • Interior Body Length: Not available
  • Interior Body Depth: 2.75″
  • Interior Lower Bout Width: 13″
  • Interior Upper Bout Width: Not available
  • Exterior Length: 41.7″
  • Exterior Width: 15.25″
  • Exterior Depth: 3.75″
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs.

Protection

Looking at this AW Electric Guitar Hard Case for Stratocaster and Telecaster—or at least at its price tag—you should know straight off that it’s not the most protective case on the market.

Comparing it to the costs of higher quality cases, you might wonder just how safe it can be.

Well, it’s not bad actually. 

It’s padded with plush-covered foam on the inside for scratch and shock protection. 

The main frame of the thing is made of wood, so it can take a bit of rough treatment but shouldn’t be piled onto like you might with a hard plastic case.

Quality

So where exactly is the problem?

It’s mostly in the hardware and just general build quality. The lock is known to break easily, which isn’t a huge problem but does detract from its value.

PU leather for the exterior is a decent material choice. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t easily absorb moisture, but in my experience, this is a very easy kind of case to knick and scuff. I even heard that someone’s handle snapped off while they were carrying their Strat in this case! 

Obviously this is a scary kind of issue to think about, but maybe as a testament to the protection this case offers, their guitar only had a dent in the finish after crashing down several concrete steps. Of course, these kinds of accidents are rare.

Summary

Pros

  • Low cost makes it an accessible case for beginners
  • Lightweight wood construction
  • Polyurethane exterior for easy cleaning

Cons

  • May have faulty construction
  • Lock can easily break

This is a good case for beginners or other players on a budget because it is very affordable, but if you’re going on tour I wouldn’t exactly trust it with the safety of my prized axe.


Most Classic Design – Fender Classic Series Case

Dimensions

  • Interior Overall Length: Not available
  • Interior Body Length: Not available
  • Interior Body Depth: Not available
  • Interior Lower Bout Width: Not available
  • Interior Middle Bout Width: Not available
  • Interior Upper Bout Width: Not available
  • Exterior Length: 42.1″
  • Exterior Width: 15.3″
  • Exterior Depth: 4.7″
  • Weight: 11.15 lbs.

Protection

Fender’s Classic Series Stratocaster/Telecaster Guitar Case gives your Strat a nice cozy fit to protect it from the usual trials of the road.

Though it delivers a little more in looks than in actual safety, it’s a fine enough case for players below the pro level.

Internally, your guitar is nestled in soft red plush over basic foam padding. Wide neck support furthers the job of preventing headstock damage.

Externally, well, there’s not a lot going on in way of protection…

Quality

The exterior of this case is plastic covered with a thin layer of Tweed. It looks cool, but it doesn’t do a lot to keep your guitar safe.

Not only can the Tweed absorb moisture, but the lack of any valance makes the chances of rain getting in even higher. If you only play at home or have a pretty easy commute to your shows, this will probably never trouble you. 

But, if you’re in a 5-piece band and your drummer’s kit has a habit of banging up the string cases, I can’t say the lower quality materials of this Fender Classic Series case will last long under that kind of beating.

Summary

Pros

  • Fender-made for optimal fit
  • Tweed exterior and orange plush interior for cool vintage aesthetic
  • Durable chrome/brass hardware with double locking latches

Cons

  • Exterior materials of low quality

Some guitarists are big on aesthetics, and that’s perfectly ok. Not everyone needs a case that can survive a plane crash.

If you don’t have much to worry about when it comes to transporting your Strat, this Fender hardshell will add a touch of vintage spice to your ensemble for a decent price.

Check Price on:


Verdict

There’s a case for every need on this list, but I’d recommend the budget option last of all. 

If you’re in desperate need of a quick case, the AW Electric Guitar Hard Case for Stratocaster and Telecaster will certainly suffice, but I’d suggest saving up for something like the Gator Lightweight Polyfoam Case for better security and convenience.

It comes as no surprise that the best hardshell case for Stratocaster around is the Fender Deluxe Molded Stratocaster/Telecaster Case. 

Far exceeding the minimum standards for safety and quality, this is a case that meets all professional requirements.


Buyer’s Guide – FAQ

Do I Need a Hard Case for My Guitar?

I can’t tell you that you absolutely need a hard shell guitar case, but I can tell you that it will more than likely be a big benefit to you at some point.

Hard cases provide the best protection you can get for your guitar.

A good hardshell case can protect your Stratocaster from:

  • Scratches and scrapes
  • Bumps, bangs, and dents
  • Fall damage like broken headstocks
  • Climate/Humidity damage
  • Crushing, crashing, and more
Compared to a gig bag, which at the most will keep your Strat safe from minor damage, a hardshell case can give you a lot of peace of mind anytime you have to travel with your axe.

Although you might not think you need one, it’s good to have one around just in case of an emergency.

To illustrate this point, I’ll tell you quickly that I had been going the gig bag only route for a few years.

Early in 2020, I moved to Poland, bought a new acoustic, and all was well. However, I found myself having to fly back to the US pretty unexpectedly, and I had no case for my guitar.

Long story short, I had to leave it behind because I couldn’t trust my gig bag in the plane’s cargo hold.

Although I did have a high-quality gig bag, videos like this one made me think the risk would have been too great. 

Can you imagine your Strat being thrown like that?  

Now I’m out a sweet guitar AND my nice gig bag simply because I wasn’t prepared. Learn from my mistake and get your Strat a hard case, if for nothing else than to be prepared for the unexpected.

If you think that a gig bag is a better option for you, this article will help you out: 5 Best Gig Bags for Stratocasters in 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

How to Pick the Right Case for You

No matter what hard case you pick, it’s going to do a better job than any gig bag of protecting your axe.

Probably the most important thing to ask yourself is how often and what kinds of traveling do you plan to do with your guitar?

Once you’ve got a good idea of your travel needs, picking the right case is a lot easier. There are some differences from case to case that might make one better for you. To simplify things, I’ll talk about three grades of cases.

  • Grade 1 – Low cost, basic protection, good for beginners
  • Grade 2 – Good protection, bonus features, good for all levels of guitarist
  • Grade 3 – Best quality and protection, professional-level safety, materials, and features

Keep in mind that a lower grade doesn’t mean lower quality but is just made for less treacherous travel.

Grade 1 Cases

If you’re the kind of player who’s in it just for the hobby, a less expensive case is a fine option.

You don’t need the toughest hard case around if your guitar’s never going to leave your home.

All your case needs to do in this situation is keep the dust off your Strat, protect it from falls, and maybe be used to help regulate its humidity.

Grade 2 Cases

Now I’m somewhere between that category and this next one, which is the occasional gigger.

I don’t play out often at all these days, but every once in a while I might get the urge to play an open mic.

A high-quality Strat gig bag would be a good choice for the infrequent open mic, but I prefer the look, feel, and security of a mid-tier hard case. These kinds of bar shows are when the lock of a hard case can come in handy. You never know when an alcohol emboldened thief might try to sneak off with your axe, and the lock can be all the discouragement they need.

Grade 3 Cases

The third and final category is made of you guitarists who are taking things to a more professional level. You play shows regularly or you’re in and out of the studio.

Your guitar is your lifeblood, and so you need to make sure it’s never damaged in transit. This is where you’ll want the top-grade hard case. They’re about as indestructible as guitar storage can be.

So whether you’re taking a plane, a bus, a train, or your drummer’s beat-up Astro Van, your Stratocaster’s hard case will keep your guitar safe every leg of the journey.

What Makes a Great Guitar Case for Stratocaster?

Let’s keep looking at our 3 case grades to see what you can expect in the best Stratocaster hardshell cases:

Grade 1 Cases

  • May or may not lock
  • Water-resistant up to a point
  • Made of durable materials
  • Protection against drops and collisions

Grade 2 Cases

  • Feature standard case locks
  • Water-resistant up to a point
  • Made of durable materials
  • Protection against drops, collisions, and climate-caused damage
  • May or may not be molded specifically for Stratocaster-style electrics

Grade 3 Cases

  • Feature TSA-approved locks for theft-protection and airport convenience
  • Highly water-resistant
  • Made of top-quality materials, sometimes military-grade
  • Quality construction; will serve you for years
  • The best protection against all likely damage
  • Molded specifically to give a secure fit to Stratocasters

Conclusion

There’s no better way to protect your guitar than with a quality case.

You and your Strat can have a long happy life together if you choose to keep it safe and sound in the best guitar case for Stratocaster you can find.

With so many good cases to choose from, I think both you and your axe will be happy with the options.

I wish you all the best and keep rocking!

Tommy Tompkins

Playing guitar since 2004. Primarily an acoustic guitarist who plays and writes traditional American folk music, with a background in melodic metal and a solid foundation as a bassist. Has also taught guitar playing for years.   Expertise: teaching guitar, acoustic guitars, gig bags, guitar stands, folk, metal, and rock. You can connect with Tommy on LinkedIn or just email him.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments