As a musician, you need to protect your investment. Guitar cases and gig bags are a great way to preserve your guitar and limit the dings and scratches that often occur when transporting your instrument. Less damage means a longer life for your guitar, which is good news for any practical musician. How often you use your guitar and what you use your guitar for will determine whether you need a case or a bag. If you’re a musician heading to gigs on a nightly or weekly basis, then your best bet would be a guitar case. Cases are harder so they’re better for traveling long distances. If you’re an occasional player and the guitar gets put away in the closet until the next house party, then a gig bag is perfect. Gig bags are softer and lighter, making them more flexible and ideal for storage.Some things you need to look for when choosing a guitar case are sturdy latches, a durable shell and a soft interior. Extra storage inside the case will come in handy too. Sturdy latches or fasteners ensure your guitar stays exactly where it needs to be until you take it out. The last thing you want when transporting your instrument is for it to fall out en route to a gig. A durable shell withstands the bumps and hits that often occur when transporting your guitar from place to place. And the soft interior not only provides extra protection, but creates a snug fit when your guitar is placed inside so there’s no wiggle room. Having a pocket inside the case or even extra room around the neck allows you to bring along your essentials and have everything you need all in one place. Certain bags and cases are made for specific types of guitars. If you own an Ovation guitar with a deep body, consider the Ovation 8158 Guitar Case. A plush lining keeps your guitar firmly in place, heavy duty hinges and drawbar latches provide added security when you’re on the road and the molded shell is shock absorbent, making this guitar case ideal for airplane travel.When searching for a gig bag, you’ll want one made from a robust material that’s easily portable and provides substantial protection for your guitar. The Musician’s Gear Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag is a fantastic choice. It’s lightweight and features heavy duty zippers that will stay in place from the house to the van to the show. A thick padded interior safeguards your guitar against accidental knocks and bangs while 2 handles and removable backpack straps offer carrying options.The guitar case or gig bag that’s right for you really comes down to personal preference. With a vast selection to choose from, you’re sure to find one that will protect your gear so you can continue to rock on for years to come.