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4649 Views 23 Replies Latest reply: Mar 27, 2013 11:15 AM by thezoo RSS
Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
Rowbi
7,745 posts since
Nov 25, 2006
Currently Being Moderated

Apr 20, 2011 2:19 AM

Variax Hard Cases

for those lucky enough to be able to afford a US JTV, they will get a hard case.  Those of us on more regular budgets will get the Korean models.  I had the chance to play on some of both Korean and US models at MusikMesse, and the build quality on the Korean guitars is every bit as good as the US versions.  I was very impressed.

 

BUT, I would really like a hard case for my Korean JTV59 when it arrives.  This got me thinging about others who may want to do the same, and that I've already read the 59 wont fit a regular Les Paul case, and I assume needs something that a tele or something similar would fit into.

 

Anyway, if possible, anyone who has a JTV already (lucky you) please state which model it is (59/69/89) and whether it's US or Korean (shouldn't matter though) and the model of case you have bought that it fits in.  i.e. a Gator hard ABS case, model: GC-ELEC-XL.

 

That way we can have a little list of compatible cases that are known to fit.... Personally it would be ace if LIne 6 could get some ABS moulded cases that said LIne 6 on the side (like the Ibanez ones do).... But I know Line 6 don't like to re-make products that other manufacturers already do well, and of course there's already lots of good case makers.

 

Cheers

 

Rowbi

  • Kneehow UberGuru
    Kneehow
    6,750 posts since
    Dec 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 20, 2011 10:27 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: RE: Variax Hard Cases

    Hi Rowbi; actually the best person to ask this would be Rich (we'd end up asking him the same question for you).

     

    I'd say PM him or email him; I'm fairly certain that he's provided a contact email in one of his many JTV support postings.

     

    FWIW, we here in Support have only ever encountered grey gigbags with the Korean models. I saw one of the hard cases for the American-made models, but they're exclusive (as you already know) to that series.

     

    Hope all is well 'cross the ocean...

  • kenchristiansen Just Startin'
    kenchristiansen
    7 posts since
    Feb 3, 43005
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 21, 2011 3:49 PM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    I had the same question... a gig bag was not going to cut it for me.... Sweetwater (.com), sent me a Gator GCLPS case for the JTV-59.... It fits pretty good... not perfect, but pretty well... you can call my guy there, Emmett at 1 800 222-4700, Ext. 1344...

  • joshs Just Startin'
    joshs
    29 posts since
    Jan 25, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 23, 2011 7:59 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    Hey I just bought a Korean JTV-89 (yes, I, too, have a budget.)

     

    My guy @ sweetwater.com actually went to the floor, grabbed the other 89 that was in stock and put it in the SKB66 case.  Said it fit just about perfect.  So I had him send it to me. 

    Should show up today and I'll know for sure, but I trust Michael.

     

    BTW, ask somebody at MusiciansFriend to check if that case fits that guitar....  :-)

     

    Josh

  • Daddy_Rocker Just Startin'
    Daddy_Rocker
    8 posts since
    Dec 27, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 23, 2011 10:06 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    I have a Korean JTV69, I use a Gator GL-electric case: http://gatorcases.com/Default.aspx?Section=Products&Page=Details&CategoryID=4387&CatalogID=11147

     

    It fits great, it is a lightweight case with a hard shell so more protection than the gig case.  I am more of a hobbiest so I do not need to take it on planes, not sure I would bagage check it, but it is fine for local travel.  In the reviews, some had issues with the strap, but that was not important to me since I do not need it.  Can't beat the price for the quality.

  • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
    Rowbi
    7,745 posts since
    Nov 25, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 28, 2011 5:45 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    thanks chaps.

     

    once I have my JTV I'll update this too with whatever case I end up getting.... I've got a few here to try first.

  • lindsayward Just Startin'
    lindsayward
    156 posts since
    Mar 7, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 9, 2011 1:57 PM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    Hi. I'm finding it hard to get a rectangular hard case for my JTV59 and would like a few more suggestions here if people have got any.

    (Rowbi, still waiting for your update.)

     

    Does anyone know if the Warwick Rockcase will fit it well?

    http://www.cranbournemusic.com.au/cstore/930054004476.html

    I know the Epiphone LP case will fit nicely, but there's no room to put other stuff in and I'd have to take my strap off each time, which is too much for me.

    • Nick_Mattocks Best of the Best
      Nick_Mattocks
      9,065 posts since
      Mar 26, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 9, 2011 4:10 PM (in response to lindsayward)
      Re: Variax Hard Cases

      lindsayward wrote:

       

      Hi. I'm finding it hard to get a rectangular hard case for my JTV59 and would like a few more suggestions here if people have got any.

      (Rowbi, still waiting for your update.)

       

      Does anyone know if the Warwick Rockcase will fit it well?

      http://www.cranbournemusic.com.au/cstore/930054004476.html

      I know the Epiphone LP case will fit nicely, but there's no room to put other stuff in and I'd have to take my strap off each time, which is too much for me.

       

      I use the Hiscox Single Cut (EG) hard case for my JTV-59 - this is the Les Paul case.  It's a great fit

       

      Nick

      • lindsayward Just Startin'
        lindsayward
        156 posts since
        Mar 7, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 9, 2011 7:17 PM (in response to Nick_Mattocks)
        Re: Variax Hard Cases

        Hi Nick,

        Thanks. I actually came to the forum just now to ask about the Hiscox cases and which would be best...

        They're a bit more expensive, but sound like they're good ones. Can you comment on the case other than fit? Is it worth it? Also is there enough space to put cords and to not have to take your strap off?

         

        Thanks very much.

        • Nick_Mattocks Best of the Best
          Nick_Mattocks
          9,065 posts since
          Mar 26, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Oct 9, 2011 11:50 PM (in response to lindsayward)
          Re: Variax Hard Cases

          Yep - I would say the Hiscox cases are worth it.  They are pretty strong, well padded and hold the guitar firmly.  I have some lesser cases around here which were in the sub £30 range and they are springy and thin if that makes sense - OK for situations where basic protection is needed but not for chucking a decent guitar ito the back of a van.  The Hiscox cases are a lot stronger than those and better put together.  I can't really speak for certain for Rowbi, but I think he may have opted for the Hiscox case too for his JTV-59 - I think GAK in the UK had them in stock at around £69 last week.

           

          I tend to place my strap in the main body of the case, but yes there is a lidded compartment which will take a cable and a spare set of strings and a few tools like the Allen Key set that comes with the guitar.  You wouldn't be able to fit in the charger as well as the WorkBench interface though IMO, but you might get the charger itself in the compartment but the PSU might be a bit chunky.

           

          The padded bag that came with all my Variaxes is not at all bad it has to be said and occasionally I do take the JTV 59 out in that bag because, being padded it can sometimes be a better fit in the car for transportation than a solid case is BUT I have to stress that I only do this when I am driving myself and when I have packed the guitar.  I wouldn't necessarily entrust the guitar just in the padded bag to someone else's care

           

          Nick

  • daferalo Iknowathingortwo
    daferalo
    270 posts since
    Apr 12, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 19, 2011 6:35 PM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    Does anyone know if the jtv-59 fits perfectly into this case? http://www.zzounds.com/item--SKB3I421456

     

    Thanks in advance.

     

    Daf

    
    • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
      Rowbi
      7,745 posts since
      Nov 25, 2006
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 24, 2011 6:26 AM (in response to daferalo)
      Re: Variax Hard Cases

      daferalo wrote:

       

      Does anyone know if the jtv-59 fits perfectly into this case? http://www.zzounds.com/item--SKB3I421456

       

      Thanks in advance.

       

      Daf

      

      the manufacturers site for that case is here: http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=610&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75

       

      something I've seen was a problem for the JTV was body widths of some cases smaller than 33cm, and body lengths a little too short.  that cases dimensions look ok, but I have personally tried my JTV59 in an Epiphone Les Paul case, and it fits, but a Gator's LPS Les Paul case's dimenjsions are similar to the SKB and the JTV is a very tight fit in the Gator... too tight for me to want to leave it in there.

       

      I've been offline for a while, whilst I became a dad a while back.  Nickl was right, I did get the Hiscox case, the STD-EG model, but I've not actually had time to try the JTV in it yet... I will do soon and I'm sure I will agree with Nick that it fits well, as I bought mine on Nick's recommendation :-)

       

      Cheers

       

      Rowbi

      • daferalo Iknowathingortwo
        daferalo
        270 posts since
        Apr 12, 2010
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 24, 2011 8:20 AM (in response to Rowbi)
        Re: Variax Hard Cases

        Hey Rowbi, fantastic, congratulations for your baby!!!!! I hope everything is O.K. and I wonder you are really really happy!!!! Congratulations again man!!!!

         

        Also, thanks for your replies, I do not know the Hiscox cases and my problem is that I always buy in USA through internet, as I live in Colombia, and I have never seen that brand in MusiciansFriends or zzounds web pages. I was looking for a rectangular case, and the SKB one looks very strong and luxurious. The gator case that you mention looks fine, but I was looking for something better. And the fact that the gator case is too tight also worries me, as you said. I was wondering if someone has already tried that SKB case into him/her jtv 59, but as you said, if its dimensions are very similar to the gator case, then I had better consider it.

         

        So, I come back to my starting point, I do not what to buy!!!! If you know where I can buy the Hiscox case through internet in USA, please let me know. Or if you think the Epiphone les paul case is great for that wonderful instrument, then let me know too. Thanks in advance.

         

        Best Regards,

         

        Daf

        • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
          Rowbi
          7,745 posts since
          Nov 25, 2006
          Currently Being Moderated
          Oct 24, 2011 8:28 AM (in response to daferalo)
          Re: Variax Hard Cases

          yep I sure am a happy chappie right now.  Everything's going great for mum and baby now.

           

          well the epiphone case is a good case.  I have several of them, with everything from a £300 Epi LP standard, to an Epi Slash AFD signature in those cases. (the Slash sig came with the case).  they're good cases, but here in the UK they have now jumped from £48 to around £65-70.  So that got me looking at alternatives that were molded plastic (the Epi case is wooden with like smooth tolex over it, so if you knock it you can tear the tolex).  the plastic cases like the Hiscox and Gator cases, to me, look better if they take a few knocks. 

           

          it looks like HIscox are a UK company, so may not sell in the USA.  perhaps as JTVs are more common in stock these days, maybe you can call a guitar store with a JTV59 in stock and have them test a few cases they have in stock, and that will tell you what fits.. just a thought.

           

          Rowbi

          • lindsayward Just Startin'
            lindsayward
            156 posts since
            Mar 7, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 2, 2011 4:55 PM (in response to Rowbi)
            Re: Variax Hard Cases

            Hi folks. I just got my Hiscox STD-EG case this week and thought I'd post a few photos for anyone considering this case for a JTV-59 in the future.

            I think it fits well and am happy with it.

            I have to wrap my strap around the top instead of lying it over the strings like I usually do, otherwise it doesn't close enough. If I leave the strap over the bridge/strings, the case sits open about 1cm (2/5"); you can shut it, but it feels like too much pushing.

            As it is with the strap out of the way, the case doesn't close by itself, but it only sits a few millimetres open, which seems good (see photo).

            The only complaint I have is that there's only one foot at the headstock end so it's a bit unstable when sitting up.

            HiscoxJTV59.jpg

            HiscoxHeadstockEnd.jpg

            HiscoxCaseClosed.jpg

            • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
              Rowbi
              7,745 posts since
              Nov 25, 2006
              Currently Being Moderated
              Nov 3, 2011 2:56 AM (in response to lindsayward)
              Re: Variax Hard Cases

              good call. I agree.  it's not too tight to put pressure on the guitar, but there's enough pressure to hold the guitar in place.  the neck and body are supported perfectly bu the bottom of the case too, which is great.

               

              I put my strap in the compartment in the case, so that's not an issue for me.

               

              I noticed there's only 3 feet on the bottom, so you just have to be careful when you put the case down on its side that it doesn't fall over... but perhaps the lack of a 4th foot is so it doesn't get in the way when you're opening the case.

               

              I'd recommend this type of case to anyone who has a JTV59, or a Les Paul... it's a lovely case.

  • RayVol Just Startin'
    RayVol
    1 posts since
    Dec 24, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 11, 2013 10:31 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    I checked out this post when looking for a hard case for my JTV-89, so when I found one, I thought I would update it.  I tried out a lot of cases at stores and just didn't like the strength of many of them.  I really liked the guarantee of SKB cases, basically it's lifetime of the case in the hands of the original owner.  If you pop a wheel or a latch, they'll send you user replacable parts to fix yourself.  They also have waterproof cases that no one stocks, of course, because even mail order they are about $250.  http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/prodlist.php     However, I worked with Sara at SKB, sending her photos and measurements of my 89, and with Danielle at Sweetwater, to try to make sure the guitar would fit.  Danielle finally got an 89 and put it in the case and declared that it would fit.  I ordered it and it fits like a glove, even though the case says it is made for a Fender Tele/Strat.  That should also fit the JTV-69.  http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=590&o=&offset=1&c=82&s=75  They also have one for the Les Paul.  http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=610&o=&offset=1&c=82&s=75  Since I don't have a 59, obviously I haven't tried that one, but if you call Daniell at Sweetwater, I know she will give it a try if they have one in stock.  (I called other on-line stores, and they wouldn't provide me that service.  Guitar Center said that they would order a case and if it didn't fit I wouldn't have to keep it.)  This case is built as tough, or almost as tough as a Pelican case, and has three handles, wheels and TSA locking latches.  It could use more storage in the box, but has a decent sized accesory compartment.  I would put some guitar decals on it so it doesn't look like a rifle case, and so I can tell mine in a stack of plastic cases.  There are definitely cheaper cases out there, but not of this quality or that will protect your sensitive electronics as well.

  • SliderJack Just Startin'
    SliderJack
    14 posts since
    Nov 28, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 18, 2013 11:08 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    FWIW, I use my Gibson's Les paul hard case for my 59 and it fits.

  • adessmith Just Startin'
    adessmith
    119 posts since
    Jan 6, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 20, 2013 3:59 PM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    I just found a gibson custom case for a les paul at a pawn shop.
    It was a perfect fit!

    • davidb7170 Just Startin'
      davidb7170
      253 posts since
      May 3, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 20, 2013 8:09 PM (in response to adessmith)
      Re: Variax Hard Cases

      I had my 59 in a Gator case that I used originally for my Variax 300 -- it was a rectangular kind of universal hardshell abs plastic one I picked up at the music store where I got my 300 in 2005. When I got my 59, I found it fit fine in that case and used it for about two years. I had picked up an Epiphone Les Paul a few years before my 59, and bought an SKB LP case for it. Last fall I got my 2nd JTV -- a 69S, and am now using the Gator for it, and the SKB for the 59. They both work great.

       

      Dave

  • thezoo Just Startin'
    thezoo
    5 posts since
    Jan 13, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 27, 2013 11:15 AM (in response to Rowbi)
    Re: Variax Hard Cases

    I use the JTV-89 and I have a ton of cases. I tried a few but the Fender Pro Series Stratocaster and Telecaster Case fits best. It is snug and it is very sturdy.

     

    Tweed Vintage Strat Hardshell Case.jpg

    Fender Tweed Case Open.jpg

    You can also purchase them in black, but the will have the Fender logo on the front...

    0996180320-7dc24d5ee1e5d7ff3f38a0f1f98d9df4.jpg

    0996180320v2_me-1a813bc0f7b9f60c777c39f91c36054f.jpg

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