Head to head
Fender Deluxe Molded Case vs Gator Cases Hard-Shell Wood Case
The short answer is that they are made of different materials (Moulded military-grade polyethylene shell with an EPS foam nest and plush lining against Plywood shell wrapped in moisture-resistant black Tolex PVC). Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 11 rows that actually differ marked out.
Deluxe Molded Case
For electric bass
The moulded answer for a bass, and lighter than the wood alternative
Hard-Shell Wood Case
For electric bass
A plywood-and-Tolex case, which is how basses have travelled for seventy years
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Score profile
The editorial axes for bags and cases, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where it gains ground.
- Fender Deluxe Molded Case7.2
- Gator Cases Hard-Shell Wood Case7.0
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| Deluxe Molded Case | Hard-Shell Wood Case | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fender | Gator Cases |
| Model | Deluxe Molded Case | Hard-Shell Wood Case |
| Type | Bags and cases | Bags and cases |
| Fretline score | 7.2 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 |
| Value for money | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 / 5 (192) | 4.4 / 5 (425) |
| Price | Over $120 | Over $120 |
| Fits | Electric bass guitars | Electric bass guitars, including Precision and Jazz body shapes |
| Carrying | Injection-moulded ergonomic handle, TSA-approved locking centre latch | Ergonomic handle with chrome-plated lockable latches |
| Pockets | — | Internal accessory compartment with added neck support |
| Material | Moulded military-grade polyethylene shell with an EPS foam nest and plush lining | Plywood shell wrapped in moisture-resistant black Tolex PVC |
| Protection | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Portability | 6 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Storage | 5 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Build | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Suits | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively — which, for most accessory attributes, it cannot be. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish, never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from our editorial scores for these two only. It is not a general ranking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.