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If you’ve got a top quality banjo, you’re going to want to get a quality banjo case. In this guide, we’re diving into the top brands and their solutions to give excellent protection to your banjo.
You probably don’t need us to delve into the horror stories, but we will anyway! Imagine taking your banjo to a gig or practice, and finding that it has been damaged in transit. If you put it in the trunk of your car, no matter how hard you try to pad the surroundings, a poor quality banjo gig bag can easily result in a breakage. It’s inevitable for the instrument to get thrown around a little while you drive.
That’s why it’s so vital to think about whether you need a hard case for your instrument, whether it needs to be waterproof, and how much you’re willing to spend on your bag or case.
Let’s dive into our list of 10 of the best banjo cases.
1. MUSIC FIRST Country Style Banjo Gig Bag
Soft but sturdy banjo gig bag
This banjo gig bag is a great option for those who want to take their banjo out and about with them and offer decent protection without the need for a hard case.
The MUSIC FIRST soft case fits banjos up to 97cm in size, so be sure to measure your instrument before you purchase it.
The gig bag has a fabric shell with suede lining, which is relatively thick, meaning a good level of cushioning to protect the banjo. There’s also abrasion-proof rubber on the bottom of the case so it is protected when you set it down, too.
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Of course, it doesn’t quite give the level of protection of a hard case, but the fact that there is a padded design is a plus point, and this is a lightweight way of carrying your instrument. Choose to use the carry handle or the shoulder straps to use this like a rucksack.
There is even a 3D front pocket to allow things like your banjo books to slot inside.
2. Protec Banjo Gig Bag-Gold Series – Best External Storage
Simple black design with plenty of external storage
The Protec Banjo Gig Bag has a lot going for it in terms of the design. It’s a really simple case to look at, but it has some flexible functionality for those in the market for a banjo gig bag.
It has a 600D nylon design with reinforced stitching, so it is built to last a long time. This is resistant to rips and tears that are almost inevitable if you’re taking your instrument out and about with you a lot. The headstock, bridge and end pin areas are also reinforced.
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You can choose between using the carry handle or backpack straps, and the external design is incredibly flexible. There are gusseted pockets with sleeves, so you can take all sorts of items out and about with you, from picks to tuners, to your phone and wallet.
One of the coolest things about this case is the adjustable modular design for different-sized resonators. Alter the size to perfectly fit your banjo.
3. Performance Plus Gig Bag – Nylon Bag For Banjo
Excellent value gig bag for banjo
This is something of a “no-frills” banjo bag. It does a good job of keeping most beginner instruments safe and secure in transit, and has some smart design functions, all while costing far less than many of the competing models.
At 38 inches in length, it fits the majority of four and five-string banjos, and also has removable backpack straps and a comfort grip handle. You choose how you wish to carry this bag.
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It has a 600D nylon exterior, and non-abrasive lining on the inside to protect your instrument. There are also smart reinforcements to help to protect the tuning machines and other hardware of your instrument.
There isn’t a huge level of padding. This banjo gig bag may protect your instrument from the elements and make it much easier to carry, but if you are planning on a world tour, you might want something with a little more protection.
4. Superior C-267 Trailpak II – Best Open Back Banjo Gig Bag
Excellent banjo gig bag with padded lining
If you need a reliable and securely-fitting gig bag for an open back banjo, the Superior C-267 can provide you with an excellent option with plenty of padding.
Open back banjos tend to have a very similar design when it comes to dimensions, and this fits banjos up to 27 inches in scale.
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It is good value for money, especially when you take into account the brilliant materials that are used in the design. It has a 600D luggage-grade exterior and an impressive 12mm padding inside, which is non-abrasive, so it keeps your banjo’s finish looking perfect and scratch-free.
Like most banjo gig bag options, you can choose to use either the handle or padded backpack straps to take this out and about with you. It also has zippered and velcro pockets where you can keep accessories.
5. Kala HCBK-BNJ-C – Best Banjo Hard Case
Excellent hard case for banjos and concert ukuleles
This is a banjo hard case that is designed to give you really rugged protection. Even if your banjo is going to sit in the back of a truck with other equipment and run the risk of getting hit or damaged, this case can give protection.
It’s a traditional black design and is a very heavy-duty case. If you want something that is lightweight then this might not be for you, but if durability is top of your list, the Kala model could be ideal.
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Kala is actually a ukulele brand and this case fits banjoleles and concert ukuleles too. Check the measurements to see if your banjo will sit nicely within.
It has a velour interior to shield and protect your instrument from scratches and chrome hardware along with a compartment for accessories.
6. Boulder Banjo Bag (CB-367TN) – Soft Case For Open Back Banjo
Soft yet durable banjo case
If you’re playing an open back banjo, finding the right case can be tough, and it is essential that you get the correct fit no matter what style of case you’re looking for.
This boulder banjo bag offers great protection for this particular design of instrument, but as always with the slightly unusual design of the open back banjo it is important to ensure plenty of padding and a non-scratch design. That comes from the soft interior lining, which also keeps your instrument in place.
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You can choose between backpack straps (which even have a chest strap) and webbed secondary handles. This modern design has even thought of accessories and a side-mounted pouch for your water bottle. A waterproof case that even helps you to stay hydrated.
The 600D nylon exterior keeps the product in really good condition and there is plenty of padding on the inside, too. The gig bag is available in a few different colors so you can choose whichever you would prefer.
7. Superior C-269T Trailpak II – Lightweight Protection
Lightweight protection with 12mm padding
This is the sort of model you’ll opt for if portability is your number one priority and you don’t want to be lumbered with a huge heavy case. It fits the majority of 4-string resonator banjos, and has some excellent features for keeping your accessories protected as well as the instrument itself.
It boasts a 600 denier ballistic nylon material, and inside there is 12mm of padding for your instrument, this is pretty standard for soft cases. The lining on the inside is made out of flannel and gives a protective and snug fit for many banjos, but it is vital that you check the size and ensure that this is going to fit perfectly around your instrument.
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There are webbed nylon handles and optional backpack straps. These are padded so they don’t dig into your shoulders too heavily.
The length is 35 1/8” so make sure this marries up nicely with the length of your instrument. If it doesn’t, the case can be a little floppy and not as supportive if it doesn’t quite fit perfectly.
8. Crossrock Fiberglass Case – Extreme Banjo Protection
Exceptional protection for your open back banjo
If you’ve invested in your dream instrument, it is time to find a case to match. The Crossrock fiberglass case means you have an incredibly hard-wearing option that can protect your open back banjo.
As you can see, this is a hard-shell banjo case, perfect for touring musicians and for making sure your instrument doesn’t get damaged by water or being thrown around the back of a car while you drive to your next concert.
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It has a high-density padding, with a silk style lining, which keeps your open back banjo sitting snugly within. All of the hardware is also heavy-duty to keep your instrument from jolting around and risking scratches.
Most people carry with the leather handle, but there are also padded backpack straps capable of holding 170lb worth of instrument – that should be fine for your banjo!
9. Superior CD-1536 Deluxe Hardshell – Affordable Hardshell Banjo Case
Protect your banjo and your pockets
This is another option for open back banjos. It is a hard shell case that is a little more affordable than the Crossrock Fiberglass Case, so if your budget won’t quite stretch to the most expensive model you can still enjoy a good level of protection. It still isn’t cheap by the standards of soft gig bags, but it is for a hard shell instrument case that could last you decades.
This is the open back banjo case, but the brand makes a lot of other hard case options for other instruments. It’s cleverly designed, with a five ply wooden core so that you can ensure that the case can withstand the elements or any issues it may encounter in transit.
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It’s a relatively waterproof case as it has a Tolex coating which gives it a quality look and, in the words of the manufacturer, “a lifetime of protection against wear and tear”.
The arched top design gives an extra layer of protection, and inside the case there is both a dense layer of foam to position your banjo securely inside, and also a layer of green velvet to avoid scratches. It also looks incredibly cool.
10. Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case for Full Size Banjo – Best Brand
Top brand for instrument cases
Gator cases have become world-renowned when it comes to keeping instruments safe and secure, and this is certainly a reasonable option for those who want a supportive case for their banjo.
The brand even offers multiple shapes and sizes to suit your specific banjo.
The outer shell of the waterproof case is made out of ABS, and there is an extra strength removable strap and handle.
Inside, aluminum valances are designed to keep the case perfectly in place, so it isn’t rattling around getting scratched while you’re traveling. There’s a foam interior and plush lining to further assist with protection.
The case comes complete with a storage compartment, which doesn’t fit things like books but it is great for capos and strings.
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The gator case isn’t quite as hard-wearing and sturdy as some of the other hard shell models. It’s made out of plastic, which divides opinion, but it certainly does a good job of keeping your instrument securely in place, without costing as much as some more boutique cases.
Ensure you match up the right shape and size and this could be the ideal case to take your instrument to practice and to gigs.
Summary – Best Banjo Cases
It’s time to choose between a light and portable gig bag for your banjo or a more expensive, durable hard case that can go on tour with you.
There are a number of options on our list that can be perfect for both beginner and professional players, whether your banjo cost you $100 or $2,000. Be sure to invest in the protection you need so your instrument doesn’t get damaged in transit.