Custom Cases - How I Got Started

I came up with this idea because I was tired of tripping over my guitars. I am in the process of finishing my home studio and prior to completion, I wanted to put each of my guitars in a display case. So, as I started in on my first one, I liked it so much I figured I could sell them on e-bay and, well, here they are. (some of them anyhow).

Top Quality and design

I take my time with each case. That is why it usually take as long as 4 weeks for me to complete them. Not to mention, I usually have several guitar fanatic customers I am working with at the same time. The finishing takes the most time. So, once I get to the finish stage with each case, it gets my complete and focused attention.

Different Wood Options

Most of my cases are made out of oak right now. I have had a few requests for other types but maybe as I progress I will add different wood types. If you have a special type of wood you would like to look into, let me know and I will check into it and get you an estimate. Oak seems to be the most popular. It is a truly beautiful wood!

Lights and other fancy hardware and other creative custom cool designs

You can also get lights and other fancy hardware on your case as well. I use 20w Xenon puck lights. They are low in heat output and still put off enough light to showcase your guitar. However, I recommend using lighting sparingly in your case, because the heat source over a long period of time might have an adverse effect on your guitar. This is just an assumption. Lighting is extremely cool, but use it sparingly. I can also install an overhead / exterior light that would work as well. Less potential to harm your guitar.

I am getting requests for multi-guitar cases built in one piece, floor based designs etc. Not to mention, at some point I will clear some time in my calendar to launch some of my other extremely cool and innovative design ideas (TOP SECRET right now). So, if you have an abstract idea for your  guitar, run it by me. If it doesn't defy any physics laws, I am pretty sure I can pull it off.

Other Color and Stain Options

As for the color of the case, the sky is the limit. There are several additional stain and color options available for viewing at the Minwax website. (I can get most of them at the local lumberyard). You can also select a paint color from the Dutchboy website or you can e-mail me a picture of your guitar or and I can send you my suggestions. I usually charge a small fee for custom colors because, well, obviously I have to go buy it and as much as I would love to do this for free, no can do. Anyhow, its not that much considering how much you probably love your guitar. Right??

Custom One of a Kind Boxes

My guitar shadowboxes are each one of a kind. These are not mass produced products. I crank these babies out one at a time with attention to detail and a great deal of care. Most of my guitar fanatic customers/buddies do not seem to mind that it takes about a month to get them. Just read my feedback and you will see how pleased they are.  All of my cases ship complete with mounting hardware, plexiglass, hinges and door latches installed. The handle ships in a bag with mounting hardware.

Some of my customers

It is amazing what is going in my cases. When I first started, I had no idea the number of people who had signature or signed guitars by some of the biggest names in the music industry. One case went for a guitar signed by all of the Stones. I built a bass case signed by Sting. I recently finished a case for a pair of shoes worn by Pete Townshend on one of the Who's last worldwide tours. Other cases and requests have been for guitars signed by Nirvana, Bon Jovi and...well you get the picture.  This is a part time hobby/gig for me. I do it on the side so I can make extra cash for my studio and guitar collecting addiction!! So help a buddy out and buy one (or ten) of my cases. I promise you will like them. Kind of like Green Eggs and Ham. You just have to try 'em.

Dimensions

My standard vertical cases are approximately 47" tall, 22" wide and 4.5" deep. The opening in the door for the glass is about 15" by 40".  The horizontal cases are the same dimensions, but the mounting hardware is much trickier when you get into all of the other types of guitars out there. I have a Les Paul, a Strat, a Tele, a peavey,a Bass and a few acoustics to use as templates, but usually most of my customers will help me out with dimensions needed for their guitars.

Guitar Types

My vertical cases will handle any guitar that is 40" or less in length and 15" wide or less and less than 4" in guitar depth (lay the guitar on a flat surface and measure the highest point of the face of the guitar). This covers most guitars out there with the exception of the wide bodies. I can make custom cases for most, they just cost a little more and take a little more time.

Time from order to delivery

As I said above, I usually tell customers that it will take 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. I have been getting pretty steady orders and when it comes time to put on the finish, each case gets my entire attention. These cases are well worth the price. I have seen cases out there for over $500 each, so mine at the $200 range are well within reason.

Shipping

The cases (the standard ones) ship out wrapped in plastic bags and put in 200lb test cardboard boxes with foam insulation board backed around them so, they usually make it in excellent shape. However, if there are issues, I try my best to rectify them. Plus, the carriers are pretty good about making things right in the event of an accident. Which, face it, sometimes there are going to be a few shipping accidents. Custom cases that are larger than 48x24x8 have to be packaged differently. This is usually considered when providing an estimate for custom cases.

Safely and Securely Store your Guitar

When you put your guitar in the case, the mounts are sturdy and secure enough to hold the guitar in place. The horizontal cases are the same, but care needs to be taken when putting them in the case or taking them out, because gravity is doing all of the work. Still a very safe mount.  I do my best to keep the mounting harware as unnoticeable as possible. You want to display your guitar, not my exceptionally genius mounting harware designs! Although, they are a work of art. 

Thank you!

I would like to thank all of my customers for taking a chance with me on ordering my cases.  I truly put a great deal of effort into my customer's cases. I am continuously getting better at my craft as well. So, instead of tripping over your guitar or putting it in the corner of your spare bedroom, or worse yet in the closet of your spare bedroom, put in in once of my cases. They are well worth the money and time it takes to get them in. You will be able to showcase your favorite guitar (or guitars!!) anywhere in your home on your wall and it is now a piece of art which is what it was intended to be. Art making art. (how poetic I am). So, help a guitar brother out and buy one of my cases. It will be the first time you have ever paid someone to "get on your case".

Thank you for your time and for your interest in my cases (coming to your house soon).

Mike