Over the years I have owned countless Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster models and while they have all varied in series, tone, electronics and colors, the one constant have been the wonderful cases they have all come in.

Fender Deluxe Tolex Stratocaster /Telecaster Electric Guitar Cases are a staple, like salt and sugar, you just have to have one and most musicians likely have a few lying around their homes and studios. The great thing to me about a Fender case is the fact that they haven’t changed much since my first Stratocaster, an early 60’s models bought in '68, a guitar that I incidentally, still own! The case on that '62 is tattered and the Tolex ripped to shreds from constant use and as I am looking at it this moment, all three latches are as functional as they were on day 1. Most importantly, the case has protected my prized Strat all these years.

Fender Deluxe Tolex Stratocaster /Telecaster Electric Guitar Cases are pretty much the same cases the company started out with aside from a few Tolex and badge variations throughout the years. Triple 5 rivet back hinges with 4 steel feet are rock solid. I am amazed the feet stay on with all the dragging against concrete and steel as you load in and out of vans onto sidewalks over the years. There is something to be said for old school engineering!

The double spring loaded latches with the center catch are staples for cases makers today, but Fender pioneered the case engineering durability and reliability into them early on.

The Tolex materials today come in various colors including the old standard, black, grey blond and brown. Vinyl piping accents and vinyl “pleather” double stitched end caps substitute for the leather end caps of yesterday, and yet they are durable as ever. A plastic molded handle simulating the leather wrapped handles of the original cases, are more durable yet lack the charm of the leather used originally.

Inside plush interiors, in various shades of orange, yellow black and grey adorn the inside of my cases. While I can’t be certain, I am sure there were other colors that were introduced over the years. A foam bumper is manufactured into the base just under the body of the guitar with corresponding foam padding on the lid spanning the entire length of the guitar. I haven’t seen the lush poodle interiors on a Fender case for a while but a rich velour-like material substitutes quite nicely protecting your guitars finish.
The external dimensions on the rectangular case are:

• 39” long
• 12.5 wide
• 2.5” deep

An ample storage bin (18”l x 4.5d x2.5h) accommodates all your strings tools even tuners. I am amazed when I see a case where there is little space for all the necessities of the working guitarists. It is obvious to me Fender has done their homework with their cases. I own several other cases from other manufacturers that have literally come apart, latches unsprung and handles undone, which is disappointing. I try to keep all my cases looking fresh by cleaning them regularly, even treating them with Armor All in some instances. Vintage cases now fetch a hefty price. Knowing what I know now, I would have been a little gentler with all my cases back when guitars were “used” not “vintage” given the asking prices we are seeing today.

Closing Thoughts

Old friends are reliable, they’re right there when you need them. You can depend on a friend to keep your best interests at heart, they won’t let you down. The Fender Deluxe Tolex Stratocaster/Telecaster Electric Guitar Case is such a friend. My relationship with this fine company, guitars and cases has spanned decades. I have never been let down by Fender ; that’s what a true friend is all about.


Recommended: Yes