A case is bought on internal dimensions and padding thickness, in that order. A dreadnought does not fit a concert-size bag whatever the photograph suggests, and 5 mm (0.20 in) of foam is a dust cover while 20 mm (0.79 in) is protection. Beyond that, the parts that fail are predictable: zips, strap anchor points and the neck block that stops the headstock taking an impact. We compare stated internal sizes, padding, neck support, water resistance and how the straps attach.
A padded bag for full-size acoustics between 39 and 41 inches, with 8 mm (0.31 in) of foam. Enough for dust, rain and a car boot; not enough for anything that gets thrown.
Padding
8 mm (0.31 in)
Fits
39 – 41 inch acoustic guitars
Type
Soft gig bag
Amazon reference
B07BMQMF9N (identical on 5 markets)
EAN
5060987640434
Eight millimeters is real padding, not the 3 mm (0.12 in) that passes for it on cheaper bags
The size range is stated in inches, so it can be checked against your guitar
A soft bag protects against knocks, not against being dropped or crushed
Best for: Carrying a full-size acoustic to a lesson or between rooms.
A heavier gig bag: 12 mm (0.47 in) of padding and a water-resistant outer, sized 40 to 42 inches. The version to choose if the guitar travels regularly rather than occasionally.
Padding
12 mm (0.47 in)
Shell
Water resistant
Fits
40 – 42 inch guitars
Manufacturer reference
CY0075-1
Amazon reference
B074DT3JJ9 (identical on 6 markets)
EAN
5060987640519
Half again as much padding as the 8 mm (0.31 in) bag, for a small difference in price
A water-resistant shell matters more than padding for a walk in the rain
No US offer at the time of writing
Best for: A guitar that leaves the house every week.
A stretch cover that wraps an 88-key piano where it stands, music stand and sheet music included, and goes in a washing machine afterwards. It carries nothing and protects against nothing that falls.
Type
A stretch dust cover, not a carrying case. The shelf’s own scale, published on another page here, puts anything under about 5 mm (0.20 in) of padding in this category — and this cover publishes no padding at all
Fits
88 keys, stated for most leading brands including Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Kawai and Korg (maker’s bullet). HOIGRBOM asks that the key count be confirmed before ordering
Material
High-elasticity spandex, soft-touch, stated to resist friction and not scratch the instrument (maker’s bullet)
Fixing
Heavy-duty round elastic with an ABS cord lock, for a fit stated to stay in place without slipping, sagging or gaping (maker’s bullet)
Coverage
Wraps the piano, the music stand and the sheet music together, and is stated to block dust, animal hair, food residue and moisture (maker’s bullet)
Care
Hand or machine washable, stated to resist shrinking, fading and staining. The only item on this shelf that can be washed (maker’s bullet)
Included
A matching drawstring storage pouch, so the cover folds into a bag rather than a drawer (maker’s bullet)
Padding
HOIGRBOM puts nothing in writing on this. There is none: it is a fabric cover, and the two bags on this shelf that publish a figure give 8 mm (0.31 in) and 12 mm (0.47 in)
Dimensions
HOIGRBOM puts nothing in writing on this, which is why the key count is the only fit check available
Also available
The same cover in a 61-key size under the reference HGPC15B, at the same price
Manufacturer reference
HGPC15A
Weight
Not in the product record
Amazon reference
B0GT9BPJZ8
EAN
0649226717288
The lowest published price on this shelf, for the one problem a standing piano actually has
Covers the music stand and the sheet music with the instrument, which no bag here can do
It is not a case. It carries nothing and absorbs nothing, and the shelf’s own scale says so
Best for: An 88-key piano that lives in a room and never moves, gathering dust and animal hair between sessions.
A padded bag for a 49-key keyboard with an X-shaped zipper that opens the whole top, a reflective strip on the front, convertible straps, and two elastic bands inside to hold the instrument still.
Fits
49 keys — the M size, stated in the maker’s own bullet. The only bag on this shelf sized below 88 keys
Opening
X-shaped zipper, stated to give easy access rather than the struggle of a straight zip. The only X-zipper on this shelf (maker’s bullet)
Visibility
V-shaped reflective strip, stated for low-light conditions. The only reflective element on this shelf (maker’s bullet)
Carrying
Single shoulder strap, convertible to a dual-strap backpack, adjustable (maker’s bullet)
Shell
Stated thick, durable and waterproof material, against rain, spills and accidental bumps (maker’s bullet)
Inside
Two mesh pockets on each side for chargers, phones, microphones and manuals, and two elastic bands that hold the keyboard against sliding in transport (maker’s bullet)
Padding
GETTOONE puts nothing in writing on this. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in), and the two guitar bags here publish 8 mm (0.31 in) and 12 mm (0.47 in)
Recorded size
911 × 300 × 90 mm (35.9 × 11.8 × 3.54 in) in the product record
Manufacturer reference
GET-EPB-3S
Weight
Not in the product record
Amazon reference
B0D25VD6BG
EAN
0762206599497
An X-zipper opens the whole top, so the keyboard lifts out instead of being threaded through a slot
The only reflective strip on this shelf — which matters walking back from a venue at night
No padding thickness published, on a shelf where another page publishes the scale that decides it
Best for: A 49-key controller or keyboard that travels on foot or by bike, often after dark.
An 88-key case that publishes what is actually inside it: 6.6 mm (0.26 in) of foam on all six sides, a 600D Oxford shell, a stated interior of 53.5 by 13 by 6.7 inches, and three external compartments.
Padding
6.6 mm (0.26 in) foam on all six sides — the only keyboard case on this shelf that publishes a thickness. Another page here sets the scale: 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 in) handles ordinary transport, so this sits just below that band (maker’s bullet)
Interior
53.5 × 13 × 6.7 in stated, with room for a music stand under 16 in, sheet music, power adapters, a metronome, pedals and cables (from the title and maker’s bullet)
Shell
600D Oxford fabric, which MUINS states is three times more durable than standard materials — the maker’s claim, and the lower of the two fabric weights published on this shelf (maker’s bullet)
Outside pockets
Three — one large and two small. The most external storage published on this shelf (maker’s bullet)
Carrying
Backpack mode with wide anti-slip padded straps, plus a reinforced briefcase handle with extra padding (maker’s bullet)
Closure
Heavy-duty two-way zippers, with reinforced stress points and a wide opening (maker’s bullet)
Included
A removable key-name sticker set and a music page holder. The only case on this shelf that includes anything else (maker’s bullet)
External size
MUINS puts nothing in writing on this. The product record gives 1,400 × 450 × 170 mm (55.1 × 17.7 × 6.69 in), and the stated interior is the only figure the maker publishes — which is the reverse of what this shelf asks for
Load rating
MUINS puts nothing in writing on this. No case on this shelf states what its straps will carry
Manufacturer reference
piano bag — a description rather than a code, which is how the maker publishes it
Weight
1,179 g (41.6 oz) in the product record
Amazon reference
B0F2Z9KBRV
EAN
0797606807842
A published foam thickness on all six sides — the only keyboard case here that gives one at all
Three outside pockets and a stated interior, so the pedal and the adapter travel with the instrument
6.6 mm (0.26 in) is below the 8-to-12 mm band another page on this shelf calls ordinary transport
Best for: An 88-key stage piano that travels by car with its pedal, adapter and music in the same bag.
A padded 88-key bag sold for the Yamaha DGX-670, with a reinforced handle, an adjustable shoulder strap and an exterior accessory pocket. Its near-twin sits on this same shelf, five centimeters longer and six dollars dearer.
Stated model fit
Yamaha DGX-670, 2020 to present, and most 88-key keyboards and portable digital pianos. OXDFTGDZ asks twice that the keyboard be measured first (maker’s bullet)
Stated size
A: 135 × 33 × 17 — given in the title with no unit. Read as centimeters it is 53.1 × 13.0 × 6.7 in. The near-identical bag on this shelf states B: 140 × 44 × 17
Padding
Described as a padded interior layer with a soft inner lining. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) (maker’s bullet)
Carrying
Reinforced handle and an adjustable shoulder strap — a single strap, where three cases on this shelf carry on the back (maker’s bullet)
Storage
One exterior pocket, stated for power cables, sustain pedals, sheet music, headphones and adapters (maker’s bullet)
Shell
OXDFTGDZ puts nothing in writing on this — no fabric, no weight of cloth, no water resistance. The twin on this shelf states Oxford and water resistant
Closure
OXDFTGDZ puts nothing in writing on this. The twin states smooth two-way zippers
Manufacturer reference
63910_OXDFTGDZ-17563630-FF-01 — a marketplace identifier rather than a maker’s code
Weight
1,000 g (35.3 oz) in the product record — and the twin on this shelf also records 1,000 g (35.3 oz) exactly. That is a shipping figure, not a weighed bag, and nothing here is ranked on it
Amazon reference
B0HF7B9JPG
EAN
6082477016818
Six dollars less than its near-twin on this shelf, for the same stated job
A stated size in the title, which is more than two of the cases here manage
No padding thickness, no fabric, no water resistance and no zipper type published
Best for: A reader who has measured a DGX-670 or a similar 88-key piano and found 135 centimeters is enough.
The larger of two all-but-identical 88-key bags on this shelf, and the one whose seller writes more down: Oxford fabric, a water-resistant exterior, a padded bottom panel and smooth two-way zippers.
Stated model fit
Yamaha DGX-670, 2021 to present, and compatible 88-key keyboards, digital pianos, MIDI keyboards and portable electric pianos (maker’s bullet)
Stated size
B: 140 × 44 × 17 — given in the title with no unit. Read as centimeters it is 55.1 × 17.3 × 6.7 in. The near-identical bag on this shelf states A: 135 × 33 × 17, five centimeters shorter and eleven shallower
Shell
Oxford fabric with reinforced stitching, and a water-resistant exterior against light splashes, dust and everyday debris (maker’s bullet). No fabric weight is given; two cases on this shelf publish 600D and 900D
Padding
Described as thick internal padding with a soft inner lining, and a padded bottom panel. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) (maker’s bullet)
Closure
Smooth two-way zippers with a wide opening, and reinforced stitching at frequently handled areas (maker’s bullet)
Storage
One large zippered front pocket, stated for sheet music, sustain pedals, power adapters, cables, headphones and music books (maker’s bullet)
Carrying
Reinforced handles and an adjustable shoulder strap — a single strap, where three cases on this shelf carry on the back (maker’s bullet)
Load rating
nhuycka puts nothing in writing on this. No case on this shelf states what its straps will carry
Manufacturer reference
132797_nhuycka-18883804-AA-02 — a marketplace identifier rather than a maker’s code
Weight
1,000 g (35.3 oz) in the product record — and the twin on this shelf also records 1,000 g (35.3 oz) exactly. That is a shipping figure, not a weighed bag, and nothing here is ranked on it
Amazon reference
B0HH7Y8B62
EAN
3832899099394
Four published facts its twin lacks: Oxford fabric, water resistance, two-way zippers and a padded bottom
Eleven centimeters deeper than the twin, which is the dimension a speaker cabinet eats
Six dollars more than a bag most readers could not tell apart from it
Best for: An 88-key piano with a speaker cabinet or a deep rear panel, where 33 centimeters would not close.
An 88-key case on wheels, in 900D Oxford, with a reinforced handle, hidden backpack straps and adjustable interior straps that stop the instrument moving. Three ways to move it, and the only rolling case on this shelf.
Wheels
Yes — wheels and a reinforced handle, stated for musicians moving between rehearsals, performances, churches and studios. The only case on this shelf with wheels (maker’s bullet)
Carrying
Three modes: wheels, reinforced handles, and hidden backpack straps (from the title and maker’s bullet)
Shell
High-density 900D Oxford — the heavier of the two fabric weights published on this shelf; one case here states 600D (maker’s bullet)
Interior
53 × 14.5 × 7 in stated (from the title)
Retention
Adjustable interior securing straps, stated to reduce movement in transport. Two of the eight cases on this shelf hold the instrument at all (maker’s bullet)
Padding
Described as thick foam padding. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) on all six sides (maker’s bullet)
Storage
Large storage pockets (from the title). No count is given; one case on this shelf publishes three
Folding
Foldable for compact storage when empty, which a hard case cannot do (maker’s bullet)
Load rating
megarte puts nothing in writing on this. No case on this shelf states what its straps or wheels will carry
Manufacturer reference
PianoBag001
Weight
3,084 g (108.8 oz) in the product record — the heaviest figure recorded on this shelf, and the only one on a wheeled case. Wheels, a handle and a frame are what the extra weight is
Amazon reference
B0H8PG3DD1
EAN
0754459260910
Wheels: the only case here that moves 88 keys without anyone carrying them
Interior securing straps, which stop the instrument arriving at the end of the bag under its own weight
The heaviest case recorded here at 3,084 g (108.8 oz), before the instrument goes in
Best for: A player who moves the same 88-key piano every week between a car and a hard floor.
A padded gig bag with straps is enough for getting to a lesson on foot or by bike. Weight then counts as much as protection.
Travel and touring
A hard case is the only thing that protects against a fall or being stacked on. The difference between a dented instrument and an intact one.
A guitar stored against the living-room wall
A case also protects against humidity swings and dust. A guitar kept in its case moves markedly less.
What you gain and what you give up, on cases & gig bags
Hard against weight
The hard case protects against impacts and sometimes weighs as much as the instrument. The gig bag carries easily and absorbs nothing serious.
Universal bag against fitted case
A generic bag is loose and lets the instrument move inside, which cancels part of the protection. A molded case holds it.
Pockets against bulk
Large pockets carry sheet music, cables and accessories and add volume. On public transport you feel it.
Frequent questions on cases & gig bags
Gig bag or hard case?
The bag for short trips, the hard case as soon as there is a risk of a fall or of being stacked on. The difference shows at the first accident.
Does the case need to be a close fit?
An instrument that moves inside its case is poorly protected. The fit counts as much as the thickness of the padding.
Does a case protect against humidity?
It buffers rapid swings, without replacing a humidifier in very dry air. A guitar kept in its case moves less than one left out.
Can the instrument be put away damp?
Never: an instrument shut away damp grows mold and corrodes the hardware. Wipe it before closing.
Should the strings be slackened for transport?
Not for an ordinary trip. In an aircraft hold, a slight slackening reduces the risk from pressure and temperature swings.
Are the straps important?
On a trip on foot or by bike, yes: carrying by hand quickly becomes painful. A comfort criterion that decides actual use.
How do I protect the headstock?
It is the most exposed part: a case with reinforcement there prevents the most common breakage in a fall.
Is the case supplied with the instrument enough?
It protects against dust and rubbing, rarely against a drop. As soon as a train or an aircraft hold is involved, a case with a stated shell thickness becomes necessary.
What stays with you, on cases & gig bags
The gig bag protects against dust, the hard case against impacts: the difference shows at the first accident. An instrument that moves inside its case is poorly protected, and never shut a damp instrument away — the headstock is what breaks first.
Summed up: cases & gig bags
Weight: 1,000 to 3,084, on 4 of the 8 models.
Shell: 600 to 900, on 3 of the 8 models.
Highest figure for padding: CAHAYA Gig Bag 12 mm (40–42") (12 mm (0.47 in)).
The full table of cases & gig bags
A column is opened only if four devices in five publish the figure. Below that, it would set blanks against blanks.
GETTOONE puts nothing in writing on this. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in), and the two guitar bags here publish 8 mm (0.31 in) and 12 mm (0.47 in)
HOIGRBOM puts nothing in writing on this. There is none: it is a fabric cover, and the two bags on this shelf that publish a figure give 8 mm (0.31 in) and 12 mm (0.47 in)
Described as thick foam padding. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) on all six sides (maker’s bullet)
6.6 mm (0.26 in) foam on all six sides — the only keyboard case on this shelf that publishes a thickness. Another page here sets the scale: 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 in) handles ordinary transport, so this sits just below that band (maker’s bullet)
Described as thick internal padding with a soft inner lining, and a padded bottom panel. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) (maker’s bullet)
Described as a padded interior layer with a soft inner lining. No thickness is published. One keyboard case on this shelf publishes 6.6 mm (0.26 in) (maker’s bullet)
Sources, and how the order is set
Specifications: manufacturer sheets for musical instruments and gear and the matching Amazon product pages. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure in this table names its source.
Most recent revision in this category: October 7, 2026.
