looking for a hard case for a 1964 M-30

[chrisdb]

I recently was given a '64 M-30 mahogany acoustic guitar by the original owner. The case, which may be the original case, is a low quality chipboard case. The case is not in bad condition but I'd like to keep it in a better hardshell case to better protect the guitar.
I'm looking for suggestions for a decent quality hard case that will fit my guitar and won't beak the bank.

 

[adorshki]

Hi Chris, welcome aboard. Can't give specific makers right now but I think just about any F30 case should work, the body dimensions were the same between F30 and M30, although the F30's outline changed very slightly over time. But I think the older guitars should still fit in newer cases.
(Guaranteed somebody'll correct me if I'm wrong. )

Tip being that you'd probably get a lot more returns searching for an F30 case than an M30 case as M30s are pretty rare.

In fact...got pics? We love pics.

And more tips are sure to follow.

 

[chrisdb]

Thanks for the tip... I only have one pic at the moment. It is in remarkable condition for it's age with the bridge lifting slightly from the body from string tension and the plastic veneer on the headstock separating from the headstock being the only problems. I restrung it with light gauge strings and tuned it to DADGAD just to hear it. It sounds like angels singing. I'm getting it. to a proper luthier ASAP for whatever it needs.

 

[mavuser]

"any F-30 case will fit" is definitely not true! it would need to be a Hoboken F-30 case, or possibly one from much, much, later like late 90s or early 2000s when they changed the shape of an F-30 back to "martin" from "gibson."

it should fit in any *dread case, that does not appear oversized/too deep/12 string etc.

nice score!

 

[RBSinTo]

Chris,
If you aren't determined to get an original Guild case, why not just visit a music store and get something correctly shaped and within your budget?
RBSinTo

 

[Sal]

If you really want an old Guild case here's an F30 case on Mpls Craigslist for $121. I think I know this guy and if you're interested I'd be happy to help. The case looks maybe a little newer than your M30 though. Factor in what shipping might cost you.

Guild Vintage Hardshell 000 Size Guitar Case - musical instruments -...

Has 4 buckles & 1 locking hasp lower bout is 15.5 mid is 10 1/4 upper is 11.5 length is 42.5

minneapolis.craigslist.org

 

[chrisdb]

Thanks for the link. That looks like the right shape but it's hard to judge the condition without seeing (and smelling) the case as well as trying on on for fit. Hard to do from Philadelphia, PA.
My guitar came with what I believe to be the original case, as the friend who gave it to me is the original owner and bought it new with a case in the mid 60's from a reputable local music store. The guitar was listed as a "budget" model in he '64 price list and the case is in decent shape for 57 year old budget chipboard. I totally plan to keep the original but don't actually want to use it.

 

[adorshki]

Thanks for the link. That looks like the right shape but it's hard to judge the condition without seeing (and smelling) the case as well as trying on on for fit. Hard to do from Philadelphia, PA.
My guitar came with what I believe to be the original case, as the friend who gave it to me is the original owner and bought it new with a case in the mid 60's from a reputable local music store. The guitar was listed as a "budget" model in he '64 price list and the case is in decent shape for 57 year old budget chipboard. I totally plan to keep the original but don't actually want to use it.

It certainly could be, and kudos for wanting to keep the old case even though you want better protection for the guitar.

 

[mavuser]

If you really want an old Guild case here's an F30 case on Mpls Craigslist for $121. I think I know this guy and if you're interested I'd be happy to help. The case looks maybe a little newer than your M30 though. Factor in what shipping might cost you.

Guild Vintage Hardshell 000 Size Guitar Case - musical instruments -...

Has 4 buckles & 1 locking hasp lower bout is 15.5 mid is 10 1/4 upper is 11.5 length is 42.5

minneapolis.craigslist.org

pretty sure this case does not fit your guitar (upper bout)

 

[PeppiCat]

I saw this on FB Marketplace, not sure if it's the right fit, but it's worth a try:

 

[PeppiCat]

Okay, this is a private group in FB, but anyone can join. It's called Guild Guitar Players. Case it's posted first on the newsfeed.

Good luck!
-chf

 

[PeppiCat]

Here's a snapshot:

 

[chrisdb]

thanks for the tip-I could be mistaken but that looks like a dreadnought case to me

 

[marius]

I agree, that looks like a dread case to me too.
Really what you are looking for would the an OM or 000 sized case and that includes most F-30 cases, excepting only the mid-70s small jumbo body shape.

Guild's current Orchestra sized case would likely be a good fit, but to confirm I would compare the body size of the current OM-150 to the measurements of your M30.

 

[Sal]

pretty sure this case does not fit your guitar (upper bout)

Now I'm curious to know the measurements of an M30. That vintage Guild F30 case lists measurements "15.5 mid is 10 1/4 upper is 11.5 length is 42.5"

 

[donnylang]

Pretty sure that would fit in a dreadnought case if it’s the same size as a 1970 F112, which I believe it is.

‘70s Guild case I used to have:

 

[mavuser]

Now I'm curious to know the measurements of an M30. That vintage Guild F30 case lists measurements "15.5 mid is 10 1/4 upper is 11.5 length is 42.5"

that is a Westerly case and a Hoboken spec F-30/F-112 will not fit inside

 

[adorshki]

pretty sure this case does not fit your guitar (upper bout)

Thanks. Before I came back to the thread I was wondering what the issue could be, and realized that had to be it, maybe also the shoulders are bit higher so need the dread outline to clear 'em?

But I know you know your cases. You've taught me before. Yeesh they're almost as idiosyncratic as the guitars. Maybe even more?

 

[Sal]

that is a Westerly case and a Hoboken spec F-30/F-112 will not fit inside

Ok mavuser, maybe so. But I'm thinking Westerly production started about '67 yet the F30 shape didn't change until around '73 when the lower bout became rather bulbous and deeper. That F30 case does not look to have the later proportions. Perhaps you're right that it's a Westerly case but with original F30 dimensions. What more do you know?

 

[mavuser]

Ok mavuser, maybe so. But I'm thinking Westerly production started about '67 yet the F30 shape didn't change until around '73 when the lower bout became rather bulbous and deeper. That F30 case does not look to have the later proportions. Perhaps you're right that it's a Westerly case but with original F30 dimensions. What more do you know?

that is a Westerly case u can tell by the shape, but the Guild logo/badge on the side really gives it away. The Hoboken F-30 will not not fit in there. An M-30 also would likely not fit.

If you need to know more just read this thread (particularly post #64)- https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/f-112-questions.194962/

and if u still are not on board, simply buy the case and buy a Hoboken F-30, and let us know if they are a match!