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If you’re a keyboardist that’ll be playing gigs around town or on the road, there’s no way around it — you’re going to need a good piano keyboard case.
This is also especially true if you’ve just bought a brand new keyboard, found one at a garage sale, or rediscovered an old model you had from years ago. A case of some sort will offer protection and an organized look, whether it’ll be played frequently or neatly packed into storage.
And that’s where it can get overwhelming, as there are a ton of differently sized and stitched bags and cases out there, and it’s a huge pain to finally get the one you’ve had your heart set on – only to find out it doesn’t fit (and then having to send it back).
What Are the Best Piano Keyboard Cases?
External Material: Always assume your case is going to be mishandled and roughed up while traveling, even if it’s not. But in the likely scenario it’s tossed around, it needs to be tough. For soft-shell cases, thick nylon can take some wear and tear, and additional rough buffer padding on the sides and edges will reduce chances of damage, but a hard shell is still the best protection against damage to your keyboard.
Internal Material:Don’t forget about the inside of your keyboard case either. Having a soft lining will help keep your keyboard cushioned and scratch-free, while extra internal straps can lock it in place even further. Soft foam padding and wedges can fill up any gaps left inside if your case is a bit too big, ensuring your instrument isn’t getting knocked around inside.
Storage:When you’re toting a keyboard around, you’re inevitably going to have some extra gear with you. A storage pocket (or two) can be a massive help to keep everything in its right place. Even if all the electronic gear is already at your gig or practice spot, storage pouches are still great for sheet music, cleaning materials, stands, or anything you can stuff into them. Soft-shell cases are also great for small spaces, since they can fold up and be hidden away when not in use.
Handles:A full-sized piano keyboard is going to be heavy, and though a case adds protection, it also adds bulk that’s awkward and uncomfortable to carry. Having a simple and strong handle can make loading and unloading infinitely easier, especially when you’re unloading it out of your trunk or the back seat. Some even have two or more handles, with cushioning, as well as backpack straps to free up your hands to carry more gear and cut down on trips back-and-forth.
Shape: Not all keyboards are sized equally, and neither are cases. Some have a nice square-edged boxy shape, others slim or rounded. Take careful measurements of your keyboard’s corners when searching for a case — it’s always best to overshoot and have it be a little too big than too small.
Weight:Since your instrument is already going to weigh you down while on the move, a heavier case (though it may offer greater protection) adds even more pounds on top of that. For cases that’ll be stored in your house or car trunk, a heavy-duty one isn’t that big of an issue because you’re only moving short distances. But for hard shells that need to be carried for long distances, wheels are an absolute necessity.
