Archtop Cases
$1,500
- 1 Model
- 2 Exterior
- 3 Interior
- 4 Upgrades
Top Brands
-
Gibson
From the 1922 L-5 to today's ES-275 these archtops have been favored by players such as Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Dave Grohl.
-
Select options -
Gretsch
Founded in 1883 and now owned by Fender, Gretsch blends style and tone in stunning models like The White Falcon and the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman.
-
Select options -
Epiphone
Known as Gibsons main rival up until Gibson acquired it in 1957, Epiphone has been producing influential archtops throughout its history.
-
Select options -
Collings
Fascinated with Archtop instruments and built in tribute to the world's best archtops guitars, Bill Collings lived up to his reputation by creating a highly sought after tone.
-
Select options -
Benedetto Guitars
Building his first guitar in 1968, Robert Bennedetto has inspired numerous jazz musicians with his signature archtops.
-
Select options -
D’Angelico
Completely built by a team of 3 people, the first generation of these instruments have become the single most sought after archtop guitars.
-
Select options -
Sadowsky Guitars
Coming to be known as one of the best craftsmen in the business, Roger Sadowsky offers a beautiful array of archtops featured in various burst finishes.
-
Select options -
Campellone
Inspired by traditional big band guitars, Mark Campellone produces some of the finest high end archtop guitars.
-
Select options -
Heritage Guitars
Heritage Guitar was founded in 1985 after Gibson families in the company could not move with Gibson to Nashville. Today they offer affordable and exceptional archtop guitars.
-
Select options
Boutique Brands
-
Marchione Guitars
With a history in both jazz and classical disciplines, Stephen Marchione has earned a reputation for unique, highly specialized guitars.
-
Select options -
Maegen Wells Guitars
Built completely by herself in her shop in the Redwoods, Maegen Wells produces only six custom orders per year. Each of her commissions come pre-fitted with a Calton Case.
-
Select options -
Brown Guitars
Handmade in his one man shop in California, Tad R. Brown creates a one of a kind tone by using bridges and saddles made entirely from wood.
-
Select options -
Thorell Guitars
Born out of a custom of completely handmade guitars, Thorell models his amazing archtops on Lloyd Loar's Gibson L-5.
-
Select options -
Zimnicki Guitars
A guitarist dedicated to the perfect fit for every player, Gary Zimnicky personally guarantees every guitar will inspire players for years to come.
-
Select options -
Grimes Guitars
The Grimes motto is “one guitar at a time”. Moving slowly and staying focused on the details ensures the perfect tonal response and separation for your archtop.
-
Select options
REVIEWS
I just received my 4th Calton Case, and have a 5th on order. Calton Cases, in my opinion, offer the best protection, the highest level of customizability, and the peace of mind that I want when it comes to protecting my instruments from any accident that could come their way. The fit and finish of […]
Tony Polecastro
Visit Website
“Calton is legendary for making cases to protect your instruments.”
Banjo Ben Clark
Visit Website
“I’ve been using Calton cases since about 1988, when I used to get them from Al Williams in Calgary, Canada. Every case I got was custom fitted to the shape and size of my various instruments. Not to sound too much like a beer commercial, but they were, and still are as good as it […]
Steve Grimes
Visit Website
“‘I first started using Calton Cases 7 years ago. I am endlessly impressed by the build quality, fit and customer service that the team continues to deliver. We hand-build instruments for musicians all over the world and I believe that there is no better case to protect these instruments on their travels.”
Rory Dowling
Visit Website
“In my opinion, Caltons are the hardest-working cases out there. Working with the Calton team is a joy, and they jump through hoops to make sure I’m satisfied. I didn’t really appreciate how tough these cases are, until I shipped a guitar in a lesser case and it ended up getting damaged. With Calton, it’s […]
Eric Weigeshoff
Visit Website
“Very cool videos of the building process. Calton cases are without a doubt the best fitting, finest quality anywhere. Here are a couple photos of the CC Blue archtop in its new custom Catlon case. Perfect fit, and beautiful matching color. Thanks again, Tad Brown”
Tad Brown
Visit Website
Explore Archtop Guitar Cases
FEATURES
Floating Headstock
Your Archtop will stay in tune and stay safe in transit. The neck support positions the headstock floating in the center of the sturdy shell.
Completely Custom Cases
Calton Cases are famous for custom fit and we also offer custom style. A Wide variety of exterior and interior finishes allow you to customize your case to match your style.
Snug Fit
Calton Case interiors are custom cut to the specific model. The protective soft foam and velvet interior hug the contour of the guitar body.
All Models Welcomed
Our Cases can accommodate nearly any archtop. We can accommodate a wide range of tailpieces including stop tail, trapeze and Bigsby vibrato. We make case for top brands link Gretsch, Gibson, and Collings. We also support boutique brands like Brown Guitars, Grimes, and Megan Wells. If you have a one-off custom we can make a case for that too.
PROTECTION IS WHAT WE DO
Protective Shell
Our reinforced and reliable fiberglass shell offers layer upon layer of security and protection for everything from punctures and impacts to weather and temperature.
Humidity Regulation
Calton Cases maintain interior humidity for at least 72 hours, even when external humidity rises or falls by 40%.
Temperature Regulation
When exposed to rapid temperature change, case maintains a gradual increase or decrease in internal temperature for up to 90 min.
Heights Ready
Drops, falls and stage dives don\'t stand a chance: your instrument is secure for impacts from up to 9 ft.
Unmatched Latches
Sturdy steel latches surrounded by snug, durable rubber bumpers ensure your latches can take the abuse, stay shut and last in every environment.
Crush Proof
Life aboard a touring van is a dangerous place for a guitar. So is being under one: our advanced design and quality materials are made to withstand up to 1100 lbs of pressure.
ANATOMY OF A CALTON
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
We're In This Together Quality Customers Support
To us, customer experience is as important as a quality case.
Drop us a line and our sales team will be on the case.
MATERIALS
- Reinforced Multi-Layer Fiberglass Shell
- Premium Velvet Interior
- Nickel Plated Steel Latches and D-rings
- Rubber Latch Bumpers and Corner Bumpers
- Nylon Shoulder Strap
- Hand Stitched Leather Handle
FEATURES
- Made in the USA in Austin, TX
- Custom fit for the specified instrument
- Road-ready latches protected by rubber bumpers
- Padded pick box for storage
- Neck guide suspends headstock in case
- D-rings and shoulder strap for carrying (optional backpack straps)
- Wide range of finishes to match your style
PERFORMANCE
- Crush Resistance
Cases can withstand up to 1100 lbs of pressure. - Drop Protection
Your instrument is kept safe in drops up to 9 ft. - Temperature Testing
Case maintains a gradual increase or decrease in internal temperature for up to 90 minutes. - Humidity Testing
Case maintains an ideal 50% interior humidity amid changes of external temperature from 30°F-105°F.
"Phenomenal cases. Best I have ever seen! Completely customized exactly the way I wanted it."
Steve Williams
"I just finished backing over my Martin guitar with my van like a moron. Thank goodness it was safely tucked into its Calton case. Case needs hinge repaired, guitar is still perfect."
Roy Rchneider
"These folks refined a wonderful case with informed insight, real value, and great attention to customers. I have more orders in the plan. Great work."
Aaron Huff
"Calton Cases are handmade in downtown Austin, Texas by a group of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing an excellent product to their customers, and to being a contributing part of the Austin community. They are making incredible cases that will protect your investments in prized musical instruments, and they are super friendly. I had a great visit to their shop when I purchased my case for my Gibson ES335, which is amazing. I strongly recommend protecting your investment with one of these terrific cases."
Rob Turk
"I just flew today with my guitar. It was reassuring to know I had my precious instrument secure in the strongest possible case on the market. I own several other brands of cases but it was a no brainer on which case to fly with. Calton all the way."
Rufus Thames
"I have two Caltons for two of my lifetime guitars. They are both very secure and perfect fitting, super durable, and I couldn't be happier… Can\'t recommend them enough. The peace of mind I have with them is totally worth it."
Ben Frantz
"I was one of the people that thought Calton Cases were too expensive, that is until I bought a guitar that required a special made case. After looking through my options, I decided to take the dive. After getting the case and witnessing the craftsmanship firsthand, I was a fan. I now own two cases and have experienced one very rough handling on a flight. The airline managed to gouge and scrape the case and obviously dropped it in the process. The case cleaned up well and my irreplaceable guitar was left unharmed. Thank you, Calton for your dedication to keeping our instruments safe."
Michael Weaver
"I get more comments these days on my cases than the guitars that are in them! They bring me great enjoyment to me and I feel fortunate to have a connection with such a great company. I highly recommend them and have fun picking out your case!"
Tone Dr.
WHERE CAN I BUY A CALTON CASE?
If you see the shield you know you're at a licensed distributor who is safe-guarding with Calton Cases. To find us, here are a few simple options:
- You can buy directly from us through our website. All of our options and customizations are available 24/7 online.
- You can call our Sales Team at 512-410-0303 and they can take your order over the phone.
- We also are partnered and proud to work with a select number of dealers and luthiers who are knowledgeable about our cases. Find your Dealer or Contact
DOES CALTON MAKE A CASE TO FIT MY "SUPER-SPECIAL, ONE-OF-A-KIND INSTRUMENT"?
Truthfully, the answer is "sometimes." We try to meet the needs of every musician so if we have not made one for an instrument like yours before, then we will likely need a measurement form filled out along with a tracing to give you an answer. We want everyone to have the case that best protects their instrument which is why we only design for instruments we know we have the means to comprehensively protect to the degree we're known for.
HOW ARE CALTON CASES MADE?
Utilizing hundreds of templates and a vast selection of molds, we tailor each of our fiberglass cases to the exact specifications of your instrument. For instruments we haven't previously encountered, we'll ask you to provide measurements and custom fit our products to your unique instrument. For over 50 years, we've earned a reputation for perfection unmatched in the industry. Without giving away too many secrets, here is how Calton Cases are made:
- The exterior, hand-laid fiberglass shell is built as durable tops, bottoms, and side walls of each case.
- The fiberglass shell is trimmed to a specific depth.
- Latches, bumpers, protective feet, and a handle are added.
- The interior is built from flexible foam and velvet using templates
- At 5 stages of quality control inspection points, every square inch of your case is looked over to ensure your product meets our standards.
- The case is cleaned inside and out, then we add your label with a new serial number and ship it to you.
WHAT DOES THE CALTON CASES WARRANTY COVER?
Calton Cases International will replace or repair any product, or part of the product that proves defective due to improper workmanship and/or material, while under normal use, service and maintenance. This lifetime limited warranty is for the original purchaser. Please be sure to keep your original sales receipt, as this is needed to process any warranty claim.Full warranty
Calton Cases International will replace or repair any product, or part of the product that proves defective due to improper workmanship and/or material, while under normal use, service and maintenance. This lifetime limited warranty is for the original purchaser. Please be sure to keep your original sales receipt, as this is needed to process any warranty claim.