Tips on Building a Musical Keyboard Case

As the proud new owner of a keyboard, you’ll want to protect your investment. Unfortunately, a high quality case could end up costing you nearly as much as the keyboard did, with prices climbing upwards of $500 for the highest quality models. A great alternative is to build a keyboard case yourself. There are many factors to consider when undertaking such a project.

Before deciding to make your own keyboard case, there are a few things to think about. First, do you have access to the necessary tools? Ideally, you’ll need power tools like a table saw and a screw gun. If you decide to glue the components of your case together, you’ll need clamps to hold them in place while the glue sets. Next, assess your own skills as a craftsman. Do you have the skills required to build the case? The design of your case can and should be relatively simple, but some people will find the process rather arduous and regret not buying a used hard shell case to save time.

Create a budget before beginning. Some do-it-yourself keyboard case builders report spending over $100 for materials. Check out the prices at your local hardware store and lumberyard before beginning to get an idea of how much you’ll spend. At the very least, you’ll need case materials, hinges, padding for the inside, a handle, and clasps to keep your case closed.

One of your primary concerns will be weight. The last thing you want to do is construct a fifty pound keyboard case. Remember that some keyboards can weigh fifty pounds or more by themselves, and a one-hundred-pound unit is simply not feasible for a musician bringing their keyboard to rehearsals and gigs. Instead of using a heavier material like half-inch plywood, try something lighter like ABS sheet plastic.

If you ultimately decide that building your own case is the correct course of action, it’s important to fully design your case before beginning the construction process. Measure the dimensions of your keyboard. You only want an inch or so of space on all sides of your keyboard when it’s in the case. If the case is too large, your keyboard will bounce around during transportation, potentially causing damage.

In addition to constructing a sturdy case, you’ll want to make sure that you use proper padding inside of the unit. Egg-carton shaped foam is probably your best bet. Thick carpeting or foam rubber insulation are also good choices. Be sure to select high-quality hinges and clasps. The last thing you want is a hinge to break while you’re carrying your case, and having your keyboard fall to the ground.