Wondering people's input on which case is better... the contoured Fender case that came with the Fender American Strats up until 2007 or the newer squared SKB cases supplied with them since 2008. Thanks.

well the older ones looked better....IMO....but the newer are built alot better......i have them both but would trade my old for a new anytime

new one

I really love the new cases. IMO very aesthetically appealing. The case itself was actually a deciding factor in buying my Sienna Sunburst strat.

One little complaint I have is the lock. I hardly ever used the lock (probably just once, really), but by repeatedly opening the case, I discovered that the locking mechanism had fallen out of the center latch and had come apart in several tiny pieces. I put them all together the best I could and reinstalled the lock, but I obviously did something wrong because now I can't lock my case with the key provided. Kind of a shame!

i guess i really shouldnt call them old and new.......the SKB case is new and comes with the 2008 and up MIA Std. .....the wht we call old (im not sure what the name is) still comes with the Am. Deluxe

I have 3 of the new square skb cases and they travel with me to all of my gig's.

I have never had any issues with them at all so far.

They are designed to stack on top of each other and this they do well, in the boot of my car.

They look great and feel well balanced and comfortable to carry.

Awesome Case!!!!!!

SKB all the way. Although I dont have one, the new case is very similar to the SKB66 case which is way cheaper than gettin the Fender original.
I love SKB, they make good quality products

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When I bought my Am Dlx earlier this year, I ended up putting the stock case in storage and buying one of those SKB cases for it. The stock case didn't even have enough storage for the few things I put in the case - a strap, polish and polish cloth.

I have the a few of the older cases. I love the looks of the sq. wood/tolex cases, but to safely transport my guitars, my money is on the skb case. The latches seem more secure, less likely to pop open, plus they stack well.

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2012 American Vintage Telecaster 1958
09 Fender american deluxe strat.
97 Gibson les paul special P90's double-cut
65 Princeton reverb re-issue
2010 Guild Gad-F40e

Hello Stratocasterblaster,

The new squared case would be my choice for
toting a guitar about, it'll take a beating and
leaves me with more confidence in having a well
protected instrument.

I do like the G&G cases best,
for their great vintage looks but that new case will
will shed the hazzards of the road much better.

As for the half sillouted tupperware case, it just never
really floated my boat for looks or durability.

My thoughts.

Cheers.

I like the squared cases. But I dont use the Fender cases. I use a green tweed case.

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I've got one of each of the cases and I definitely prefer the SKB. While the contoured Fender case seems like good quality I have problems with binding of the aluminum edges next to the hinges.

Is the SKB Fender case available separately somewhere? I don't see it in the usual places I look.

Chuck

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Custom Shop '59 Stratocaster
AV Hot Rod '52 Telecaster
AV '56 Stratocaster
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

I'd love to have an old 60's style tweed case but my Deluxe came with the SKB and I really like it.

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Donnmac

'09 American Deluxe Strat Sunburst Rosewood
'63 Les Paul Jr SG body
'80's Fender F 15 Acoustic
'09 Larrivee D 03RE
'09 Squier Affinity J Bass
'10 Martin D12X1AE
'66 Traynor YGM1 (tube)
'08 Traynor TRM30
'11 G-DEC 30 Blues
'09 Fender Rumble 15

I bought my American Deluxe in 2007 so it came with the old case. I was actually a bit miffed when the new models with the rectangular cases came out the following year. I was envious! The biggest problem I have with the old case is not with their strength but lack of storage space. I can't fit my guitar strap in the case. It's a 3" Levy's leather strap with Dunlop Straploks. It won't fit in the storage compartment nor will is fit under or beside the peg head.

That's OK though because either way, new or old design, it will eventually be replaced by a Fender brand Tweed case.

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"If I don't see you no more in this world I'll meet you on the next one and don't be late... don't be late." -Jimi Hendrix

my strat came with a tweed fender case never let me down