Is it ok to use a gig bag/ soft case for an acoustic guitar or is it better to use a hard case?

As others have said, a hard case is your best choice to keep the guitar safe from dings, scratches, and breakage--particularly if you carry it outside the home to play frequently.





If you ride a motorcycle, and that is your only mode of transportation, then a gig bag would be best for you.Is it ok to use a gig bag/ soft case for an acoustic guitar or is it better to use a hard case?
A good hard case (not those cheap cardboard ones they give you ';free'; with some acoustic guitars) will certainly protect you guitar better than a gig bag. They make some really well padded soft cases these days that are lighter than a hard case and would be an OK alternative if you don't want the weight and extra cost of a hard case. If you play out a lot and are constantly packing your guitar in a truck with other equipment, you most definitely need a very good hard case. If it's just sitting in a corner in your room and you don't play football in that room, then a soft case will protect it from bumps and dings alright. A gig bag will just keep dust off of it and is pretty much worthless if you bang it on anything. Of course mine just sits out on a stand in the corner of my room so I can pick it up and play it all the time, so I should talk! (but when I take it anywhere it goes in a nice Guardian hard case)Is it ok to use a gig bag/ soft case for an acoustic guitar or is it better to use a hard case?
I play trumpet (same concept) and since I am always on the move with gigs and private lessons etc. I use a soft padded case because the farthest I transport my guitar is from the building to the car. But I know there is a risk of it getting seriously damaged (I have insurance). I also travel on tour with the band Im in so I always take my hard case when I'm on tour.
The biggest problem with the gig bag for me was that the guitar was always out of tune when I got to the gig.





Once I had a guitar in the back seat floor board of my car once and with out thinking I put the seat back to accommodate my long legs and I heard an awful crack sound. you guessed it my guitar was ruined.





Definitely get the hard case as soon as you get the money.
A hard case is always better. It will protect the guitar more effectively. You might go years with the soft case with no problem, but it is certainly not as safe.