Custom Cases - How I Got Started

Welcome to my Cool Guitar Display Cases ebay store. I started building guitar displays 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).

I have been doing this for nearly 4 years now, and it is absolutely amazing the path I have been taken down. I have had the chance to work with hundreds of excellent people and have put some of the coolest things in my cases. Take a look at some of the photos and see the captions below.

Top Quality and design

I take my time with each case. Each one is custom built from scratch upon order. I do my best to get them shipped out in a timely manner. It really depends on my current work load. Not to mention, I usually have several 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

I make my cases out of all types of solid hardwoods; primarily Oak, Maple, Curly / Quilted maple, Cherry, Mahogany and just about any other species you can think of. 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.

Other Options

You can also get lights, custom interiors and other hardware on your case as well. I use 20w Xenon puck lights or LED strip 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. 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 have had requests for multi-guitar cases built in one piece, floor based designs etc. So, if you have an abstract idea for your guitar, run it by me. If it doesn't defy the laws of physics, 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 make these cases out one at a time with attention to detail and a great deal of care. Most of my customers do not seem to mind that it takes awhile 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 made a display case for a pair of shoes worn by Pete Townshend on the Who's last worldwide tour. 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!!

Dimensions

My standard vertical cases are approximately 46" tall, 20" wide and 6" 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.

Guitar Types

My standard 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. This covers most electric 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 6 to 8 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. I do my best to deliver orders as quick as possible, but my priority is to deliver quality display cases to my customers.

Shipping

The cases ship out in 200lb test heavy duty boxes with plenty of packing materials to protect them, 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. 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 hardware as unnoticeable as possible. You want to display your guitar, not my exceptionally genius mounting hardware 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 them. 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. 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. Thank you for your time and for your interest in my cases.

Mike