This is an essentials list of things to pack in your guitar or bass case. Some of you will need more and some just these essentials will do for you!

Your case is much more than simply a container to transport your guitar or bass keeping it safe. Most cases have pouches and storage compartments. If you’re unsure as to what to put in a your case…….read on.

Identification….Please

A nameplate on your case may just keep honest people honest. Sometimes your guitar may get misplaced, left behind, lost in luggage, or taken. You may want to put some distinctive identification on your case to minimize chances of someone else picking it up on accident and for quick identification for you.

Several business cards should also be in your case if you gig. You never know when you’ll have an opportunity to make a new contact or if someone does pick your case up on accident…..they’ll know who to contact and how to contact you.

Strings & String Winder

We all know that strings break, and it’s never convenient. If you gig or travel you’re gonna regret if you don’t bring extra strings with you. Obviously, the string winder is for convenience the inconvenience of not having a string winder is well worth the price of getting one and having it.

If you have an acoustic guitar you may also want to have a bridge pin removal tool….some string winders have that build into them.

Guitar Tuner

It goes without saying why a guitar tuner should be in your case. There are a lot of options ranging from chromatic tuners, polyphonic tuners to digital strobe tuners. The best guitar tuners for travel are simple clip-on tuners or pedal-type chromatic guitar tuners.

Bass Tuner? Make certain that it is designed for the lower frequencies of a bass. A lot of the inexpensive guitar tuners are designed for a guitar and are ineffective for basses. Check and make sure yours works to your expectations.

Digital Strobe Tuners

Strobe tuners are generally not what you would consider “case and travel friendly”. Strobe tuners are usually used by the professionals setting up your guitar. Here at KickAxe USA we use a Peterson Pro Strobe tuner to get your intonation perfect!

Guitar Strap

If you use a strap it should be in your case. If you have a premium quality strap you should remove it from your guitar and carefully store it in the case.

Picks in a Container

It’s always a good idea to carry some extra picks in your case in some sort of container. Having them lay around in your case makes them hard to keep track of.

Capo

A capo is great for playing and a really handy tool for maintenance. If you use it to play, it definitely should be in your case.

Ear Plugs

You need to make certain you have ear protection if you’re playing or around loud music. The harsh reality of potential hearing loss is there whether your at practice or giging.

Whammy Bar

Even if you don’t use your whammy bar you should keep it in your case. It will keep it from getting lost and it doesn’t take up much space at all.

Cleaning Cloth

Any guitar or bass owner should recognize the value in taking care of their instrument. If you will take the time to wipe down your instrument, it will look better and the finishe will last longer. We recommend keeping a small micro-fiber cloth in your case. Occasionally you may want to wash the cloth without the use of fabric softeners.

Basic Tools

If you’re taking your guitar away from home you need to have at least a few basic tools. You need to be able to do basic tasks such as changing strings or tightening loose screws. Among the tools you may want to keep in your case are:

• Wire cutter pliers for string changes
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver (small head)
• Allen wrenches (hex wrenches)
• Nut driver with 8mm, 10mm sockets
• Guitar / Bass Multi-tool

Other Extras

Your personal needs may call for some other extras in your case. In speaking with a number of players, novice to professionals, these are the extras most often mnetioned:

• New battery for active electronics.
• Bridge pins for your acoustic guitar.
• The playlist for your gig.
• A pen and small notepad.
• Small flashlight (great for dark venues)