Gator GK-61 Lightweight Keyboard Case

I ordered a keyboard case for my daughter. It was much more sturdy and well-built than I anticipated! I liked the many handles on it and I didn't realize it had wheels, which makes it easy for her to move. We were pleasantly surprised. I also loved the option of paying for it over se ersl months. It was also delivered in a timely manner.

Decent Case for the price

First and foremost, a case needs to protect your gear. It also should simplify transport. After that, features like extra space to carry accessories or light weight are nice to have. This case unfortunately fails on the most important point. The area on a keyboard most sensitive to damage is the top since that is where all the knobs and switches are. This case protects the keyboard top with a piece of fabric. The edges and bottom are protected with some semi-rigid plastic, but not the top. Hence, the only way to use this case properly is to put the keyboard in top-down. This is doable, but seems like a serious design flaw to me that could have been avoided by simply adding some plastic ribs to the top. The case is also quite heavy and is about the same weight as a ... MoreFirst and foremost, a case needs to protect your gear. It also should simplify transport. After that, features like extra space to carry accessories or light weight are nice to have. This case unfortunately fails on the most important point. The area on a keyboard most sensitive to damage is the top since that is where all the knobs and switches are. This case protects the keyboard top with a piece of fabric. The edges and bottom are protected with some semi-rigid plastic, but not the top. Hence, the only way to use this case properly is to put the keyboard in top-down. This is doable, but seems like a serious design flaw to me that could have been avoided by simply adding some plastic ribs to the top. The case is also quite heavy and is about the same weight as a fully rigid case I have for a slightly smaller keyboard. The Gator site says 22 lbs, which is about the weight of the keyboard itself (Nord Stage 2 - 73). On the positive side, it is cheap, holds a decent amount of pedals or cables, and the wheels are a big help. Could use another handle on the bottom though to allow a helper to help lift the case. Don't know how it will hold up but other similar models get complaints that the zipper breaks.

Exellent Case

I ordered this case for my new Casio XW-P1 because the keyboard is deeper than most and it fits perfectly. The padded hold down straps are a fantastic idea to keep the keyboard stable and in case you have a "Oops Moment" when you pick up the case without zipping the top shut the keyboard won't fall out. The front storage bag has plenty of pockets and storage for everything needed. I'm slowly changing all my cases to this soft shell design because they do not destroy anything around them and protects the inside of the car. The wheels are great and functional. Musicians Friend gave me a great deal and quick service.

Just a tad too big

A while back I posted a review of a guitar case I purchased that was too small and barely fit my guitar. You would think that from that mistake I would have learned to do a better job measuring but I am legally blind and cannot read all those little numbers on the tape measure anyways. So I clicked the 'add to cart' tab and went for broke on this keyboard case.The good news is that this case is NOT too small. In fact, not only can I fit my new Yamaha 61 key synth in it, but also my guitars, a few drums and cymbals, a mic stand,amp, a 6 pack of beer w/small cooler and oh yes my grandkids love playing hide and seek in there as well...It IS very sturdy though and the wheels are a nice feature to help all that extra weight to 'keep on rollin'

Love / hate

I've used this soft case for my Roland Fantom 61 board. Love everything except the zipper has cratered which basically totals it. Early on the handles ripped out too. That's a shame because aside from those two things it's great. I may buy another one as hard cases really tend to screw up a car interior (and gig bags won't cut it).Note that if you are gigging hard and throwing gear in a van or truck, this is not your case. However, it's great for sliding in the back seat of a car or SUV for occasional gigs etc.

Pros and Cons

Overall I believe that Gator makes a great product. Let me give you my take on this case. The case is made to protect wider, 61-key keyboards. The inner straps add great holding protection and they are padded as well. This case seems like it will definitely defend your instrument from any bangs and bruises. The issues that I counter, which caused me to have to return it are: 1.) even with the wheels, that case adds weight and the lifting and pulling the keyboard are bit harder because it is now heavier. 2.) if you are a shorter person the the handle for pulling the keyboard case is in a akward position. It resides at the top of the case once the case is standing upright. Also, this handle is screwed in instead of sewn and I've seen cases where the handle has become ... MoreOverall I believe that Gator makes a great product. Let me give you my take on this case. The case is made to protect wider, 61-key keyboards. The inner straps add great holding protection and they are padded as well. This case seems like it will definitely defend your instrument from any bangs and bruises. The issues that I counter, which caused me to have to return it are: 1.) even with the wheels, that case adds weight and the lifting and pulling the keyboard are bit harder because it is now heavier. 2.) if you are a shorter person the the handle for pulling the keyboard case is in a akward position. It resides at the top of the case once the case is standing upright. Also, this handle is screwed in instead of sewn and I've seen cases where the handle has become detached from being pulled. So just be careful if you decide to buy it. 3.) The case is a bit bulky because of its attempt to add a great protection layer between the keyboard and outter elements. the keyboard would not fit in my trunk. It was too long to place in there and my trunk is very very spacious.

Really Good product!

It fits in everything including the music stand of my PA900. Perfect bag. Maybe a few roller wheels would had been an advantage. A little tad heavy, but necessary. Fits in the car only after folding a seat of my Ecosport. The advantage over the hard case is that it is a few inches lengthwise smaller than the hard case of Gator 61 or fitting it into my car would had been a hassle.

Really happy with my purchase.

I just received my case. It came early, and looks like it's brand new. Haven't been able to try it on the keyboard till later in the day.. I'm probably going to add additional layer of padding to the top cover, and the pockets could have been deeper, but overall, this case appears to be a very decided improvement over my previous one. Moreover, the addition of the wheels and end handle are super. The reduced price of the case is just plain wonderful as well. Thanks so much for everything.

THE case for local gigs

MUCH more protection than a soft gig bag but still lightweight and compact, very user friendly for manhandling in tight spaces. Great for local gigs where you don't need a true road-worthy but heavy and bulky molded or flightcase style case. I love how the padded straps gently but firmly secure the keyboard. One design weakness is that the lid, though very well padded, does not provide as much protection as the bottom and sides as they inexplicably did not provide any rigid reinforcement to the top. I have a large, heavy expensive workstation (Korg Kronos) so I place four 1'X1'X2" pieces of medium density foam on top of the keyboard between the straps for good measure. Someone else suggested loading the keyboard in upside down, another good idea.