Putting Bo Diddley in a box...

Muddslide · July 3rd, 2009, 11:39 AM

Folks, I believe I may have posted this question a while back, but I did a search and couldn't find the thread.

I have an Electromatic Bo Diddley (model G5810)...stock photo:

And I'd really like to find a case for it. Now, I know the pro-line Diddley models come with a nice case. I actually saw one on eBay a few weeks back, but it was already going for close to $150.

Also, from the specs I've seen, the E'matic Bo is 9.75 inches across and the pro-line is 9.25 inches, so I was afraid it wouldn't fit even if I could have afforded it.

I've also not found anyone who can obtain the pro-line Bo case on its own.

Not to sound snobby, but I do not care for gig bags.

Does anyone know of an acceptable case for my Bo? Should I just try to find a generic one somewhere and maybe cut out some foam to line inside the case to make it more form-fitting to the guitar?

I'd appreciate any help or suggestions. I know this isn't a terribly popular model (though there are those of us who love it!)

Incidentally, I plan to add a swingin' tailpiece that Jukebox gifted me with and a silver pickguard and matching truss rod cover soon.

I'll post actual pics of the actual guitar once it's dressed up.

Thanks again and happy weekend to all.

Pappy · July 3rd, 2009, 11:48 AM

Have you called Joel? Usually he's able to find cases on their own and would probably know if it would fit.

Jukebox · July 3rd, 2009, 12:57 PM

I used a rectangular fender tweed style cas from MF or GC. they fit great!

Muddslide · July 3rd, 2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pappy

Have you called Joel? Usually he's able to find cases on their own and would probably know if it would fit.

Would this be the guy from Blackrider? Forgive my ignorance...still something of a Gretsch newbie...but not newbie enough to not realize Gretsch is the best!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukebox

I used a rectangular fender tweed style cas from MF or GC. they fit great!

Ah. Thanks, Juke! I think you gave me this info before and it just slipped my mind. Will search one up next month...all of this month's slim supply of leisure cash is going to celebrate my 13th anniversary.

Hot Rod Michelle · July 3rd, 2009, 01:53 PM

Is that thing hollow? I've always wanted one of those.

Muddslide · July 3rd, 2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Michelle

Is that thing hollow? I've always wanted one of those.

I guess I'd say it's "chambered." It definitely has some hollow places, but also something of a frame inside...some blocks where the bridge, electronics, etc. are affixed. I'd love to see an x-ray of it because I'm really not sure of the construction.

It's very light. And I'm VERY fond of it. Neck plays like a dream, sounds sweet to me, good variations in tone and--most surprisingly--it's really comfortable to play, even sitting down. I wasn't expecting that.

I do kind of wish they had a Bigsby option and were available in other colors. I've seriously considered getting another someday and refinishing it in vintage white or a nice gold.

Hot Rod Michelle · July 3rd, 2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddslide

I guess I'd say it's "chambered." It definitely has some hollow places, but also something of a frame inside...some blocks where the bridge, electronics, etc. are affixed. I'd love to see an x-ray of it because I'm really not sure of the construction.

It's very light. And I'm VERY fond of it. Neck plays like a dream, sounds sweet to me, good variations in tone and--most surprisingly--it's really comfortable to play, even sitting down. I wasn't expecting that.

I do kind of wish they had a Bigsby option and were available in other colors. I've seriously considered getting another someday and refinishing it in vintage white or a nice gold.

Yea, its pretty cool. And, Bo Diddley is one of my favorites. I would love to own one of those, and now that i know they're semi-hollow, I can start schemeing to get one.

Pappy · July 3rd, 2009, 04:18 PM

Joel works at Shanghai Music & Sound.

tartanphantom · July 3rd, 2009, 05:34 PM

Hey Muddy... I used to use a standard rectangular case, with mine, but I had to put foam on the side of the guitar to keep it from bouncing around.

Then I found the Coffin Case. It's a PERFECT Fit, with no movement inside. Yes, there is space on either side of the guitar, but the narrower angled bottom of the case holds the end of the guitar very well and prevents the guitar from sliding around at all inside the case. Plus, the long middle neck support section is channeled to cradle the neck and also helps to stabilize the guitar. (see pics) Look for a Les Paul sized Coffin Case. I found mine for $75 lightly used at a local store.

Pappy · July 3rd, 2009, 05:57 PM

I would opt for the flight case looking one. The regular plastic one warps over time.

tartanphantom · July 3rd, 2009, 06:02 PM

Plastic? I thought mine was made out of wood.

Pappy · July 3rd, 2009, 06:18 PM

mine's plastic.

tartanphantom · July 3rd, 2009, 06:26 PM

Mine is an older model... look closely, it doesn't have an accessory cubbyhole.

araT · July 3rd, 2009, 10:40 PM

Love those coffin cases! the bo diddley looks sweet in there, too!

Jukebox · July 3rd, 2009, 11:46 PM

The one I got from Dan P. today is made out of wood. It came with a Corvette witha set of Hilo's in it. Yes I know about the pictures, but it was pouring out when I got home. I will post picture tomorrow.

Pappy · July 4th, 2009, 06:01 AM

Mine's plastic. If I remember right, I bought it new in '98 or '99. I wish mine WERE wood, don't get me wrong, and looking at their site it doesn't look like they offer plastic cases anymore. Mine has hung in their for quite some time now, but it is warping, which is a shame. My LP looks SMOKING in it. Well, any guitar looks smoking in it, really.

Pictures to follow!

Pappy · July 4th, 2009, 06:08 AM

tartanphantom · July 4th, 2009, 09:18 AM

Wow, Pappy! Yours is built like an SKB plastic-shell case! I've NEVER seen a Coffin Case constructed like that! It's a shame that it's warping on you!

Pappy · July 4th, 2009, 09:24 AM

It's OK. It's holding up pretty well, still protecting the guitar. I can close the latches but it's obvious that won't last forever. I plan on replacing it when it does go belly up with another coffin. The quality is pretty stunning. I mean, look how long this one's lasted!

Jukebox · July 4th, 2009, 09:43 AM

The one I have is just like rob's. Yea Russ that is a nicer case!

Muddslide · July 4th, 2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tartanphantom

Well, I'm definitely gonna be on the hunt for one of those. I've known of Coffin Cases for awhile, but don't have any experience with them. Looks perfecto.

Also, Phantom, I just noticed your Bo is a little different from mine. Mine has the Gretsch Logo on the headstock and the Bo Diddley "signature" on the truss rod cover.

Also, can't be sure from these photos, but it looks like yours has black binding or trim around it and mine is white. Hmmm. I'm sure they are of pretty much the exact same construction and materials; I just wasn't aware they had re-ished them with these slightly different variations.

tartanphantom · July 5th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Muddslide-- mine is an earlier model. In late 2005 they changed the binding to white, tuner buttons (mine has "modified D-kidney" buttons on Gotoh style tuners), and the headstock overlay/trussrod cover-- minor cosmetic changes. Otherwise, they are identical mechanically, electrically, and sonically.

Jukebox · July 6th, 2009, 12:02 AM

That sure is a nice Bo you have there Rob!