Guitar case keys

  • Thread starter Thread starter moresound
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moresound

Loud Sun Studios
Who really uses them?
I have three or four cases with missing keys while the eight cases that I do have keys for are always in the accessories compartment. Never to have been used.
 
Good questions. I've never flown with an instrument. If I can't drive there, fuck it. I've got the case keys for my 72 Tele and 73 Epi on my keychain. Never used them. Newer cases, the keys are the acc compartment, or just gone.
 
Most new molded plastic cases (like the Fender ones that come with American Standard guitars and bases) have TSA-rated locks that can be opened with TSA keys.
 
BrentDomann said:
Most new molded plastic cases (like the Fender ones that come with American Standard guitars and bases) have TSA-rated locks that can be opened with TSA keys.
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I'll be danged!
So if I lose the keys ..... I just show up to the airport for the TSA to open my guitar case for me. ;)
 
I've flown with a guitar in a gig bag and put it in the overhead, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything you care about.
 
Years ago I usta carry on a guitar and put it between 1st and 2nd class where there is a small closet.
 
I always figured if someone was gonna steal it, they'd just take the whole case and use some pliers to break the lock open. I think all locking it would do is make me lose the keys and have to break my own case.

Funny though, I got a 62 AVRI jazzmaster with keys in the case that came with it, but the case doesn't have a lock!
 
aaronmcoleman said:
I always figured if someone was gonna steal it, they'd just take the whole case and use some pliers to break the lock open.
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^^ This.

Having a lock on a guitar case seems to me to be an exercise in futility or optimism.
 
I bought one of these for my Dot. TSA lock, and as sturdy as any case I've seen. I won't fly with an expensive guitar, but I trust this one with my epi.

I think I have keys for some of my other cases, but IDK where.
 
The best thing to do is to keep your eye on your guitar when you're gigging.
Even as a teen, I heard tales of customers walking out with bands' guitars, and other equipment.

One band had their equipment, their truck, and a fully loaded trailer stolen; when they stopped to eat in the wee hours of the morning.
Keep an eye on your shit.
 
The one time that I did lock a guitar (German made six stringed acoustic bass) in it's case for air travel.
I left from Hawaii and upon my arrival at the Hong Kong airport I picked up a case that looked as if someone had drove an I-beam right through it! Totally destroying my favorite giging axe. :cursing:

Fully insured but had to finish out the tour with my back up. :facepalm:
 
arcaxis said:
Reasons to lock your guitar case at home.....

- Your 8 year old finds a box of Sharpie pens and wants to make your vintage Martin look pretty.

- You're in college heading home for a long weekend, but not taking your guitar. Roomate has a keg party planned.
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I don't believe that this is the first time that you have mentioned this. Did that happen to you? :eek:
 
arcaxis said:
Reasons to lock your guitar case at home.....

- Your 8 year old finds a box of Sharpie pens and wants to make your vintage Martin look pretty.

- You're in college heading home for a long weekend, but not taking your guitar. Roomate has a keg party planned.
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haha, true! my dad let us know we would not live long if we ever opened his Martin without permission.
 
Kids need to be taught at an early age. Same with guns, needles, chemicals, etc.

You cannot always rely on locks to do your job.
 
I flew my fender over to spain to gig with a pal. I wouldnt reccomend putting anything expensive in the hold though. I've seen those baggage handlers chucking bags on the trolleys.

I got lucky it made it home in one piece guitar and plastic case intact. Fun times. Alicante in the hills you could hear that fender singing out over the orange and lemon groves for miles.

I think the keys are still in the little compartment since though even though i've gigged and jammed it many times since i dont see the need to lock it i just keep my beady eye on it.:D
 
I left my 72 Tele at my best friend's house first year of college - we had been in bands together all through high school. When I came home at Christmas there was a ding out of the body (down to bare wood) and out of the edge of the neck - guess I should have locked it.
Same 'friend' went on to steal about 150 of albums over the next few years.
 
I've always thought that the locking latch wasn't for theft reasons but to ensure that the latches remained closed during moving. I have had it happen where when getting to a gig after a long trip, the two end latches were open and the locked one remained closed. I did lock that one after the experience of picking up the case and the lid opening and my guitar falling out....I caught it before it hit the ground. I don't use my hard cases unless I'm travelling and I always lock the center latch. Note: I don't fly so that has never been an issue.
 
I always keep mine locked not to stop theft it wont, but to stop sticky, beer covered dirty, drunk prying hands from helping themselves to a free go....

If you want an anti theft option then you need to get some small proximity censors. I use them at shows and some gigs.
 
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