I have the same PBS guitar, and my solution was getting a Back Axe strap for my case. It straps around my existing case and allows me to carry it on my back. A heavy case is a light backpack. I like the high quality of the Back Axe, but it's a little pricey. There are other less expensive options on Amazon that would probably work as well.

Welcome David!

Before I dive too deep into this post, you left out a very important detail and the requirements of a case - you wrote that you travel a lot with guitars, but you didn't specify the method. Are they all road trips, or are you doing some flying as well? 

If flying is involved then it's a whole other kettle of fish.  And no - it's unlikely you would want to spend the money on a Calton case, it would probably be worth more than the guitar that's inside

Hi there Mark, I travel by plane, train and automobile regularly for work
Unfortunately, only the ladder of those has allowed me to travel with my instruments with any form of confidence in their safety. Any and all insight into a cases that can withstand this kind of abuse is most welcome and I appreciate all who have taken the time to lend me their knowledge on this issue

My guitar travels in a tkl hard case or a Reunion blue soft. heavily padded case, It has more padding than some.

Frankly the guitars are heavy no matter what.

Carry my Harlow or regal in the reunion blue. With pillow padding. Like the shoulder straps.

Similar prices for both.

The Travelite TL-60 is a good compromise between light weight and structural integrity. I used one for years of road trips with my old Appalachian.

https://www.amazon.com/Travelite-TL-60-Deluxe-Classical-Resophonic/dp/B000UGD1VY

Guys, look at David's reply to my earlier post. 

I'm guessing he wants to be able to  bring a guitar with him while on commercial flights, but doesn't want to spring for something like a Calton. 

if it were just road trips where one has personal control of the situation there are dozens of options. 
 

quote:

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Originally posted by daver

The Travelite TL-60 is a good compromise between light weight and structural integrity. I used one for years of road trips with my old Appalachian.

https://www.amazon.com/Travelite-TL-60-Deluxe-Classical-Resophonic/dp/B000UGD1VY

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I use the TL-60  for my Appy, never had a problem.

I used to have a Travelite for my Redline R-body. The only complaint I have is there was no space around the headstock to roll up the strap on the one I had. Your strap has to be detachable at the headstock or you’ll be tying and untying every time you use it. My strap was (is) from Levy’s Leathers.

I use the Access Stage 3 “semi-rigid” or hybrid bag/case, and always carry it on planes.  (I use early boarding to make sure no overhead space issues...perfect track record so far).

https://www.accessbagsandcases.com/product/stage-three-dreadnaught-acoustic-guitar-bag-new/

Great to have the back straps, and ideal for festivals and such.  If you ever decide to add a Hipshot DoubleShot, this will accommodate.

I also have an expensive Price travel case which I've checked in on occasion, but judging from the massive divots, it gets thrown around like a football.  Also, when checking in that case, TSA once left my case partially unlatched (near disaster), and another time emptied my Slyde compartment from its compartment and left a steel bar and capo floating around the case(!).

So I borrowed from Josh Swift's playbook and never check guitars in luggage - unless it's a puddle jumper, and I always check for that in advance.

Less than $200 for the Access hybrid.

Not sure how trains are handling luggage, so it may or may not be viable for you in those instances.

quote:

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Originally posted by woodcraftsman

Hi there Mark, I travel by plane, train and automobile regularly for work
Unfortunately, only the ladder of those has allowed me to travel with my instruments with any form of confidence in their safety. Any and all insight into a cases that can withstand this kind of abuse is most welcome and I appreciate all who have taken the time to lend me their knowledge on this issue

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@woodcraftsman

Hey David.  I didn't realize until now that we met when I came out to Chehalis to play with Johnny Roquemore at McFiler's!

I re-read your entire question and have a more complete reply.

I brought my Scheerhorn out to Chehalis, bur first found a used Calton case, and modified the case to fit the Hipshot Doubleshot.  The airline (Delta) required me to gate check the guitar on the way in to Portland, even though it would have fit in an over head bin.  I was glad I had the solid protection.  The return flight had room in the crew closet so I didn't have to gate check.

I fully understand that the Calton new will far exceed the value of your current guitar.  I also know that despite airline rules that say you may carry on a guitar, they add a disclaimer to gate check if there is no room in overhead bins or closet.  That process is the best hope, but there is never any guarantee of instrument safety when baggage gorillas are involved.  There is always a risk when flying with instruments that they will end up in baggage, unless you pay for an extra seat for your six-string companion.  Because of this risk, I would never carry an instrument on a plane in a soft case or a gig bag.  I know others have been successful with gig bags. YMMV.

If it were me, I would carry it in a hard case.  I would detune the guitar one whole step.  I would add padding around the body and peghead to immobilize the guitar in the case.  I would add a firm foam block between the strings and coverplate to prevent downward movement of the cone.  I would lock and/or tape all the latches (it may discourage opening of the case).  I would carry it through security with full intention of getting it on the plane.  Then I would pray if they forced my hand otherwise.  The minute I got my guitar off the plane, I would open my case, check for damage, and verify that the guitar was still in tune, one whole step low as it was detuned it in the beginning.  I did all of this for my Chehalis trip, even with the Calton case.

There are other ATA rated flight cases.  I'm only directly familiar with the Calton.  Good luck in finding a solution that works for you!

quote:

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Originally posted by daver

quote:

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Originally posted by woodcraftsman

Hi there Mark, I travel by plane, train and automobile regularly for work
Unfortunately, only the ladder of those has allowed me to travel with my instruments with any form of confidence in their safety. Any and all insight into a cases that can withstand this kind of abuse is most welcome and I appreciate all who have taken the time to lend me their knowledge on this issue

---

@woodcraftsman

Hey David.  I didn't realize until now that we met when I came out to Chehalis to play with Johnny Roquemore at McFiler's!

I re-read your entire question and have a more complete reply.

I brought my Scheerhorn out to Chehalis, bur first found a used Calton case, and modified the case to fit the Hipshot Doubleshot.  The airline (Delta) required me to gate check the guitar on the way in to Portland, even though it would have fit in an over head bin.  I was glad I had the solid protection.  The return flight had room in the crew closet so I didn't have to gate check.

I fully understand that the Calton new will far exceed the value of your current guitar.  I also know that despite airline rules that say you may carry on a guitar, they add a disclaimer to gate check if there is no room in overhead bins or closet.  That process is the best hope, but there is never any guarantee of instrument safety when baggage gorillas are involved.  There is always a risk when flying with instruments that they will end up in baggage, unless you pay for an extra seat for your six-string companion.  Because of this risk, I would never carry an instrument on a plane in a soft case or a gig bag.  I know others have been successful with gig bags. YMMV.

If it were me, I would carry it in a hard case.  I would detune the guitar one whole step.  I would add padding around the body and peghead to immobilize the guitar in the case.  I would add a firm foam block between the strings and coverplate to prevent downward movement of the cone.  I would lock and/or tape all the latches (it may discourage opening of the case).  I would carry it through security with full intention of getting it on the plane.  Then I would pray if they forced my hand otherwise.  The minute I got my guitar off the plane, I would open my case, check for damage, and verify that the guitar was still in tune, one whole step low as it was detuned it in the beginning.  I did all of this for my Chehalis trip, even with the Calton case.

There are other ATA rated flight cases.  I'm only directly familiar with the Calton.  Good luck in finding a solution that works for you!

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Hi there Dave, it's amazing to me how small this dobro community really is sometimes. I know both of us are passionate about what we do, so I guess I shouldn't be to surprised. I believe I brought up this subject up with you in person as well, mostly in passing. But bars don't tend to be the best environments for disclosing details on in-depth issues as I'm sure everyone is aware. So I'm delighted and honored you've taken the time to share your experiences on this topic with careful consideration. This is my first time reaching out or posting on in form, I am definitely impressed by how much of resource it's turned out to be. It's good to hear from you again and I thank you again for your help