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Musician's Guide
By The Case Place Team · Updated April 2026 · 8 min read
Touring musicians deal with a brutal combination of factors that destroy equipment: cargo holds, loading docks, roadies in a hurry, humidity changes, and the occasional tumble off a stage riser. A hard case isn't optional for anyone who depends on their gear for income — it's the difference between playing the show and calling it off.
TL;DR — Quick Answer
For instruments and audio gear on tour, SKB iSeries cases are the go-to — designed specifically for music applications with TSA latches and ATA 300 certification. Pelican cases work excellently for electronics, pedals, and smaller items. Both are available at The Case Place at surplus prices.
What Makes a Case Right for Touring Musicians?
Not all hard cases are equal for music applications. Here's what to look for specifically:
ATA 300 Certification is the airline industry standard for cases that can survive checked-baggage handling. If you're flying with instruments, your case should meet ATA 300. Both SKB and Pelican cases meet this standard.
TSA-Approved Locks are essential for checked baggage. TSA agents can open and inspect without destroying your lock. All Pelican cases have stainless steel lock hasps; SKB cases include TSA latches built into many models.
Foam Customization matters because musical instruments have unusual shapes. Pick-and-pluck foam works for irregular shapes; pre-cut instrument-specific foam inserts (available from SKB and third parties) are ideal for guitars, keyboards, and horns.
Interior Volume is critical. A keyboard player's needs are very different from a guitarist's. Know your dimensions before you buy.
Best Cases by Instrument Type
🎸 Guitars & Bass
SKB iSeries Guitar/Bass Cases
SKB makes instrument-specific cases with pre-molded interiors that fit standard guitar body shapes perfectly. The iSeries cases are lightweight, ATA 300 certified, and TSA-approved. For touring guitarists, these are the industry standard. At The Case Place, we occasionally have SKB music cases in surplus stock at significant discounts.
🎹 Keyboards & Synths
SKB iSeries Rolling Keyboard Cases
Keyboards are large, heavy, and expensive. SKB's rolling iSeries keyboard cases are the standard for working keyboard players — they include wheels, a telescoping handle, and custom-fitted foam interiors for popular keyboard sizes. For synths and smaller controllers, a large Pelican rolling case with pick-and-pluck foam works excellently. Most "rifle cases" will be similar dimensions to modern keyboards.
🎛️ Pedals, Electronics & Audio Gear
Pelican 1510 / 1560 Cases
For pedalboards, audio interfaces, in-ear monitor systems, and small electronics, a Pelican case with pick-and-pluck foam is the most flexible solution. The 1510 is carry-on compliant, while the 1560 rolling case handles larger setups. Both protect against the vibration, humidity, and impact that touring equipment endures.
🥁 Percussion & Cymbals
Pelican Hardigg Footlockers
For drummers traveling with hardware, cymbals, and smaller kit components, Pelican Hardigg footlockers offer enormous volume in a military-grade waterproof shell. Originally designed for military equipment transport, they're virtually indestructible and available at The Case Place as surplus at major discounts.
Tips for Touring Musicians
Always fly with your instruments as carry-on when possible. The 1510 and SKB equivalent cases are designed to meet airline overhead bin limits on most carriers. Keep your most valuable and irreplaceable gear with you.
Label everything inside and out. Put your name, phone number, and email on a card inside the case and on the exterior. Airline luggage gets separated — your label is what gets it back to you.
Use TSA locks, not regular padlocks. TSA agents will cut a regular padlock without hesitation. TSA-approved locks can be opened with a master key and then re-locked, keeping your gear secure through inspection.
Consider surplus cases for rehearsal vs. touring. Many musicians keep pristine hard cases for touring and use surplus cases (cheaper, fine to get beat up) for local gigs and studio sessions. The Case Place surplus cases are perfect for this — same protection, lower cost.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy two cases — a pristine one for airline travel, and a surplus case for ground transport. Your touring case takes the airline abuse; your local case takes the van and loading dock abuse. Total cost is still less than one new case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a Pelican case as carry-on with my instrument inside?
Yes, if it meets your airline's size requirements. The Pelican 1510 (22" × 13.8" × 9") fits most overhead bins. However, airlines have the right to gate-check oversized carry-ons, so call ahead if your case is at the limit.
Are surplus SKB music cases still safe for instruments?
Yes — SKB cases are extremely durable. Cosmetic wear (scratches, scuffs) doesn't affect structural integrity or waterproofing. Every case at The Case Place is inspected and tested before shipping.
What's the best case for an acoustic guitar?
SKB makes acoustic guitar-specific cases with pre-molded interiors that cradle the instrument perfectly. For a universal option, a large Pelican case with custom pick-and-pluck foam works well, though it's heavier.