Head to head
Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case vs Gator Cases Hard-Shell Wood Case
The short answer is that they are made of different materials (Moulded ABS with a heavy-duty aluminium valance 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 ABS Molded Case
For electric bass
ABS with an aluminium valance, which is where cheap moulded cases fail
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.
- Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded Case7.8
- 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 ABS Molded Case | Hard-Shell Wood Case | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Gator Cases | Gator Cases |
| Model | Deluxe ABS Molded Case | Hard-Shell Wood Case |
| Type | Bags and cases | Bags and cases |
| Fretline score | 7.8 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 |
| Value for money | 8 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.7 / 5 (887) | 4.4 / 5 (425) |
| Price | Over $120 | Over $120 |
| Fits | Electric bass guitars | Electric bass guitars, including Precision and Jazz body shapes |
| Carrying | Through-bolted handle, chrome-plated lockable latches | Ergonomic handle with chrome-plated lockable latches |
| Pockets | Accessory compartment | Internal accessory compartment with added neck support |
| Material | Moulded ABS with a heavy-duty aluminium valance | Plywood shell wrapped in moisture-resistant black Tolex PVC |
| Protection | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Portability | 6 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Storage | 7 / 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.
Best protection
Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded CaseHighest editorial protection score of the 2 compared.
Best portability
Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Molded CaseHighest editorial portability score of the 2 compared.
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.