Topic: Banjo guitar case

[uncle bud]

Hi all - my guitjo came to me caseless and I feel like getting one, if only to protect the strings from the summer humidity. I've tried to fit it in a 5-string resonator banjo case but this doesn't work since the neck support is too high because of the resonator. I'm wondering if any guitjo players have any case recommendations. I guess what I need is a case for an open back banjo with a 12-inch head to dummy as a guitjo case? Or would the neck support be too narrow? Any brands or stores to recommend? By stores, I mean, a store you know stocks cases that fit banjo guitars. I'd probably even consider a basic chipboard case but I guess something along the lines of a TKL-type is best. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

[frankie]

A hardshell case for a guitar banjo is kind of a tough call, especially since there really is no standard dimension for any part of it.  Most guys I know with older ones have original cases or gig bags for them.  Not ideal, but better than nothing (by a very slim margin).

I have a Summit banjo case++ that has accommodated a number of different banjos with all kinds of dimensions.  It's reinforced on the top so it's quite a bit sturdier than the run of the mill gig bag, and has some adjustable padding on the inside so you can work with the particular dimensions of your instrument, including a pad specifically for supporting the neck.  I'm not sure if they're still being made, but it might be worth looking into.  There's no way I would check an instrument in this case when flying.

The other alternative is to have someone like Cedar Creek custom make you a case.  Pricey, no doubt and I'm not sure they'd do a one-off, but if you love the instrument...

Good luck!

edited to add the following footnote:

++  I should say that a couple of banjo owners that I know also totally HATE this case - can't stand it.  I'm kinda hot & cold about it myself, although I do know people that love them as well.  It does have the benefit of being both adjustable for a wide range of banjo geometry, and "better than no case at all," so you should probably see if you can check one out in person before committing to one.

[banjochris]

UB -- why not try contacting Deering or Gold Tone and asking them if you can buy a case that fits? They both make banjo-guitars.
Chris

[uncle bud]

a wide range of banjo geometry

Now there's a couple words you don't see together every day...

Thanks fellas. Good ideas. You've also reminded me that one of the co-owners of the Twelfth Fret told me to check with him if I need a case for anything since he can get all sorts of stuff from his supplier.