The vendor I selected was Case Technologies of Ipswitch, MA, for two reasons. Their case was among the least expensive and lightest weight for a case that met ATA standards and they had a really cool design program on their website that let you specify a case style and dimensions, and get a 'ballpark quote' that was followed up by phone call.

The case on the left was designed for the body of my Fessy -- 1.5" of high density foam cut to fit exactly. You're not going to package a steel guitar body more securely. I included a pull out handle and wheels for this one.

The one on the right holds pedal bar, rods, and a BUNCH of other paraphernalia -- like fx boxes, strings, extra volume pedal, stuff like that. I made the 'miscellaneous compartment' exactly the same size as my guitar body as well, so . . .
. . . voila -- MY WHOLE GUITAR WILL FIT IN THAT CASE ALONE and I can use it for local gigs.

Packed separately, the two cases weighed in at 45 and 49 pounds, fully loaded -- well within the airline restrictions.

I always thought the two piece cases were great when you have to fly, but somewhat overkill for toting it to the corner bar for a gig. This solution worked well for me.

My original Fessy case, my Emmons case, and my Sho-Bud case all weigh substantially more than these weigh. Plus, the Case Tech folks are great to work with. Each was priced around $200.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

[This message was edited by Larry Bell on 22 July 2005 at 08:33 PM.]

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

[This message was edited by Larry Bell on 22 July 2005 at 08:41 PM.]

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

For details, see their website

The lightweight ATA page is here: http://www.casetechnology.com/lightweightATA/

from their website

quote:

---

Constructed with ABS plastic, aluminum channel, high density foam interiors, integrated recessed casters and retractable handle. These cases are extremely rugged and can be checked in during air travel with complete confidence.

---

I believe they are available with locks, but that wasn't a feature I was interested in. Contact them or visit their website.

It is noteworthy that the case on the right in the picture only weighs 21# empty. I don't recall the empty weight for the other one, but, since it's smaller and has extra hdwe, it's about the same.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Locks will be cut off by security inspection staff. You're best without them.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 197? Sho-Bud S-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps