Gear Review: Caseadillo Case Covers Offer Added Protection for High-End Guitars

When he was returning home from the 2018 Summer NAMM show, the Michigan-based luthier Sam Guidry had an unfortunate accident with the guitar he had displayed as part of the Boutique Guitar Showcase. It fell out of the car and smack dab onto concrete. Luckily, since the guitar was in a rugged flight case by Calton, it was unharmed, but the case got badly scratched. That might seem trivial, but considering it was a thousand-dollar case—more expensive than many guitars with their cases—Guidry was understandably disappointed.

After looking unsuccessfully for a case cover, Guidry decided to make his own. He formally introduced his product, branded as Caseadillo, at the beginning of 2020. Caseadillo covers are readymade for Calton shells, but they can fit most modern flight cases, like those made by Hoffee and others. While Caseadillo doesn’t produce made-to-order case covers, given a length and width measurement of a flight case, Guidry can usually find a cover that fits.

The case covers are made of heavy-duty padded Cordura and are available in three different neutral colors, Charcoal, Black, and Sand, direct or through Dream Guitars. A Caseadillo serves several different functions. It protects the case (and guitar inside) from the shocks and bumps of traveling. Its central layer of closed cell foam acts as a temperature barrier, ideal for musicians who travel between different climates. And the cover’s reinforced D-rings allow for backpack-style carrying—a definite plus for a bulky flight case.

Not long ago, I tried a Caseadillo made for a jumbo-sized Calton case. The cover is beautifully crafted, with faultless stitching and high-quality components. It slid on neatly and was perfectly fitted, with ample room for unlatching the case inside. I appreciated the Caseadillo’s thoughtful details, like a zipper that allows for the Calton’s handle to be accessed or kept safely inside, and an external accessory compartment large enough to hold a concert-sized score (9×12)—or the latest copy of AG magazine.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I attached a pair of optional backpack straps to the D-rings and went for a walk around my neighborhood with Caseadillo. It did make carrying the bulky Calton much easier than using the handle, and, accidentally banging the case against the door as I entered the post office, I was glad to have the protection of the Caseadillo.

Starting at $280, a Caseadillo isn’t cheap, but this U.S.-made case cover feels like a no-brainer accessory for protecting any high-end flight case—and, more important, the cherished instrument inside. caseadillo.com