Each gigging guitarist who lugs their very own gear (so, 95 p.c of us) is aware of firsthand how instrument instances take a beating. Regardless of how rigorously they’re dealt with, the truth is that after a pair years of load-in/load-out, issues get whooped. Gator Circumstances’ MiniVault is designed to ease your function as roadie whereas additionally easing your thoughts – and letting you retire these valuable authentic instances to the protection of a closet.

With a shell made from roto-molded polyethylene and recessed butterfly-style twist latches (one on prime, two on either side), the MiniVault instantly appears and feels sturdy. It stands 50.5″ tall and measures 12″ extensive by 16.5″ entrance to again on the base, 18″ at its widest, and 12″ on the prime. Two baggage wheels on its backside rear edge staff with a prime deal with for tilt-and-roll transport. For lifting, there’s a flat/recessed deal with on the entrance/lid. Tabs with holes on the prime permit for padlocking, and there’s “tag” house to jot down important contact information.

Empty, the U.S.-made MiniVault weighs 21 kilos. Housing two electrics with typical physique dimensions (as much as 3″ thick, 13.5″ throughout the decrease bout) and neck lengths, its shell is 1/4″ thick, and a layer of 1″ foam traces its inside partitions. A further inch of froth protects the our bodies on the backside, and a 11/4″-thick piece retains them separated. The necks are supported by a bit that spans the inside with notches minimize for snugging – one is 1.5″ extensive, the opposite 1″. Foam within the lid additional secures the necks and our bodies, and Gator provides a level of climate resistance with a molded lip alongside the perimeter of the opening that matches right into a a gasket-lined recess on the lid.

Past its work as bodyguard, the MiniVault additionally serves as a rack, its large opening permitting for fast and straightforward swaps. And, magnets within the lid cling to items of metallic on the again to maintain the lid from turning into yet one more piece of stage litter.

This text initially appeared in VG’s November 2023 subject. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.