Keyboard Case and Gig Bag Buying Guide

Making sure your keyboard, piano, synth, or other keyed instrument is safe and secure while you travel is a crucial factor in preserving both its functionality and aesthetic. But, since there are many different types of keyboards, there have to be many types of cases. The selection can seem overwhelming — we get it! With a few simple steps, however, Sweetwater can help you determine which option is right for you.

What Exactly Am I Looking for?

It really all depends on three factors: the type of instrument, the type of playing environment you’re in, and the needs of the player. From there, it’ll be a lot easier to establish whether a hardshell case or a softer gig bag is the more appropriate option. For instance, if you’re bringing a small MIDI keyboard to band practice and you just need something to keep it from flying around in the back seat, then a heavy, hardshell international touring case probably isn’t the best idea — as if that wasn’t obvious! So, let’s dive in to figure out what you really need.

First of all, what have you got? It’s no secret that all keyboards deserve a quality carrying case, and, depending on what exactly you’re playing, you’ll find out quickly that not all gig bags and cases are created equal. Some keyboard and synth manufacturers offer specialized cases that are designed to fit your specific instrument, in which case it’s good to know what your options are so you can find the best fit. Other non-product-specific cases vary in dimensions and key range, offering a spot for your keyboard’s older, less common, or hard-to-pinpoint design. We want to help you avoid as many pro-gear fouls as possible and to ensure your valuable instrument receives the snug fit that it deserves!

The next consideration has arguably the most influence over whether you roll with a hard case or stick with the soft-shell gig bag. Establishing the type of player/performer you are helps to narrow down what type of case is the right fit for your keyboard. If you’re going to be playing a lot of shows or you’re part of a touring group, then a stronger and more durable case is likely the right choice for your instrument. If a little bonus protection for casual gigging and for trips to rehearsals and the studio is more of what you’re looking for, then you can’t go wrong with a quality gig bag. And, remember, these aren’t strict guidelines for what you can and can’t use for transporting your keyboard. At the end of the day, you should feel comfortable knowing that your keyboard is safe.

That concept leads us into the third and final point: the needs of the player — you! When factoring in features such as safety, accessories, price, and portability, you may find that your performing status takes a back seat — and that’s okay! Beyond the three major points we’ve covered, there are a lot of other elements that can affect what type of keyboard case you want to house your instrument. This buying guide will go into detail on some of the positives and negatives of both hard and soft cases and will dive into some key scenarios to consider that will help make your buying experience less stressful. And, if you still have questions, then a call to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can clear things up right away. They know how to find exactly what you need. So, read on and follow the links to some of our different keyboard-case categories to find out which one is calling your name!

The Upsides of Hard Cases

We’ll start by talking about hardshell keyboard cases and the pros that come with them. There are a lot of benefits to rolling with a hard case over a softer option, the most upfront being the difference in durability. These cases are often constructed from a durable plastic, a composite fiberglass, or a wooden frame, making them less susceptible to factors like travel wear and weather. This emphasis on protection can mean a lot of positives for you as a player, including stress-free traveling absent of scratches, dents, and other harm to your keyboard, while usually providing a much thicker layer of foam padding than softer cases. You also won’t have to worry about internal damage to your electronics during a rainy load in/load out — you’ll be the bandmate who’s really looking out for your gear on all fronts!

Along with durability comes the stackable nature of most hardshell cases, offering a more squared-off or rectangular design that makes packing into a van, bus, or truck a geometric cinch. If you’re a regularly touring keyboardist, then going with a hardshell case is definitely the route to take. Not only is road travel made much easier, but rougher luggage treatment when flying and in baggage claim will be less of a concern for you. And that’s not nearly the half of it! Security risks are also in your favor when choosing a hard case over a gig bag as helpful features such as heavy-duty latches and locking mechanisms are common on a lot of the cases that we offer here at Sweetwater. Additionally, their large, bulky stature makes it much less likely for a stranger to just walk off with it at an airport or a gig.

It’s also good to remember that hardshell cases are not a “one size fits all” deal. There are plenty of options to fit your keyboard model, dimensions, and key range — many of which are from the manufacturer itself! Remember that the hefty touring boxes aren’t your only choice as hardshell cases can often take on a silhouette much like that of a large guitar or bass-guitar case. We carry trusted manufacturers that are always developing modern and efficient case designs, so your options really are wide open. Despite their size, hard cases can offer a variety of helpful travel qualities, too, making maneuverability less of a hassle with rolling casters and heavy-duty carry handles for those smaller synths. And, when showtime approaches, the hinged design of a hardshell case makes for quick unpacking with limited snags — and vice versa at the end of the gig!

Hardshell Limitations to Consider

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — hardshell cases are heavy! Despite their attractive, professional look and extensive safeguarding features, some cases can weigh upward of 25 pounds, and that’s before adding the weight of your keyboard! You may quickly find it to be a major pain lugging around that much weight, especially if your instrument isn’t large enough to warrant a case that heavy. Bulkiness is also a factor to consider; even though their design makes stacking gear an easier task, hardshell cases tend to take up a lot more room than their softer gig-bag counterparts. More space for your keys could also mean invading potential travel space for your bandmates’ larger gear, like drum cases or amplifier cabinets. That’s no reason to compromise the safety of your keyboard — it’s just something to be mindful of when hauling gear from show to show with your comrades.

If you’re a casual keyboardist who plays a show every once in a while, then a hardshell case may be pushing the envelope a bit. Of course, your gear deserves protection, but, in terms of practicality, it might not be the best option. We promise that no one’s going to laugh at you for not having the biggest, flashiest case you can find just for the sake of rolling up to a bar gig in style! In addition to how much use you’ll get out of your case, limited storage space is an issue that our casual gigging musicians here at Sweetwater run into. Typically, though bulky in construction, hardshell cases devote most of their internal space to padding and offer minimal room for storing your stage accessories. Sure, it’s doable, and some hard cases do feature partitions, but you may end up having to cram in your extra cables, DI box, etc. on top of your instrument itself or having to bring an entirely separate bag just for your accessories.

Finally, there’s the price factor. Hard cases are expensive; and, if you’re going to pay for the extra protection for your gear, it’s more rewarding if you end up using it frequently. But don’t feel discouraged — we know that, when it comes to maximum protection for your keys, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Making a “Case” for Gig Bags!

Let’s dive into some of the features of gig bags, which could be more up your alley, depending on your performance needs. First of all, gig bags are a softer and, hence, a much more lightweight alternative to a heavily framed keyboard case. Because of this, carrying your keyboard with a gig bag presents multiple hands-free options for transport, such as a convenient padded backpack with shoulder straps. Of course, standard handles can be just as effective, depending on the weight of your instrument, since many soft-shell-case manufacturers outfit their gig bags with comfortably padded handles, too. Speaking of padding, most keyboard gig bags are insulated with a layer of foam or a similarly shock-absorbent material, so your keys will receive a sufficient degree of buffering for those bumps in the road. And, though not quite as effective as a hardshell case, many gig bags are constructed with weather-resistant material, making a little abuse from the outdoor elements nothing to fret over.

When it comes to suiting your keyboard specifically, a major plus of gig bags is their formfitting designs. These sleek silhouettes reduce excess bulk, effectively freeing up extra travel space for passengers and/or other gear and instruments inside your vehicle. Additionally, a tighter fit to your instrument provides the opportunity for larger, more creative storage areas devoted to efficiently carrying all your keyboard’s smaller accessories. A taller, flatter storage design means the perfect zipping pouch for sheet music, while bump-out compartments give you all the room you need for headphones, mics, pedals, and power supplies. A more streamlined design also means that loading in and out before and after a performance will go a lot faster, especially given the fact that many soft-shell designs come with rollers and an extendable pull handle. So, even when you’re hauling an 88-key electric piano to the stage, you can still take advantage of travel-friendly features to make the complex side of gigging a breeze!

In general, gig bags make a lot more sense for keyboardists looking for an efficient way to carry their instrument and all its accessories to and from local shows, rehearsals, and studio sessions. And, undoubtedly, one of the most attractive elements of the gig bag is its lower price. Sweetwater offers an incredible selection of affordable soft-shell cases, enabling you to find a case that checks all the basic boxes for casual gigging without taking a huge financial toll.

Potential Soft-shell Drawbacks

Though an efficient and budget-friendly solution, there are some downsides to softer gig bags that are worth discussing. First and foremost, in relation to the safety of your keyboard, your instrument is — while still offered sufficient protection — more susceptible to damage during travel, while carrying, and in storage when not in use. The padded bag just doesn’t provide the reinforced construction and sense of security that you’d get from a hardshell case. In terms of durability, a softer nylon or similarly fibrous gig bag risks damage and wear and tear over time and, depending on the amount of use it gets, suffers in the longevity category. After weighing the odds, risking accidental damage to your instrument and case might not be a chance you’re willing to take — in which case, a hard case will do the trick!

Also consider the security risks with a gig bag versus a hardshell. Unlike the hard cases, a gig bag has no locking features, and its accessory compartments are usually only zipped pouches. On top of that, their sleek, lightweight design provides quite the fleet-of-foot approach for loading. Unless you’re one to always keep your instrument on you or within eyesight, you could more easily run the risk of your keyboard winding up in the wrong hands. Of course, while unlikely, this is something to think about when deciding which case is the best approach for you both as a musician and as an instrument owner.

At the End of the Day?

Now that you’ve had a chance to consider these alternative keyboard cases, hopefully you have a better idea of what will work best for you and your instrument. There are lots to choose from! But, after factoring in what exactly you’re playing and where and when you play it along with your personal preferences regarding its portability, we hope the fog has started to clear! If your intuition is telling you that you need the most secure case, then go for it. You’ll likely be glad you did.

Here at Sweetwater, we want to help you find that perfect piece of gear that will keep you smiling for years to come, so we’re here to help. Make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 if you have any questions or hesitations regarding any of our keyboard cases or their compatibility with your instrument — our gear experts will be standing by to help! Happy playing!

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