Ukulele Case article
Ukulele Case for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Getting a case right from the start prevents damage and builds good instrument care habits. Here's what every beginner should know.
If you've just bought a ukulele, the question of which ukulele case to get is often an afterthought. It shouldn't be — instrument damage from inadequate protection is common and avoidable. This guide explains what beginners need to know and what to do once you have the case.
Which Type to Start With
For most beginners, a gig bag or semi-hard EVA case is the right first choice. A hard case is excellent but heavier, bulkier and more expensive than most beginners need. If you're taking the ukulele to lessons once a week and keeping it at home the rest of the time, a well-padded gig bag handles that use perfectly.
The one exception is if you already know you'll be travelling by air or will be keeping the instrument in a bag that gets stacked with other luggage — in those cases, start with a semi-hard or hard case from the beginning.
Getting the Size Right
Size matters more than brand or price. A ukulele case that's too large lets the instrument shift during transport; one that's too small won't close properly. The four sizes — soprano, concert, tenor and baritone — each require a case rated for that specific size.
If you're not sure what size your ukulele is, measure the total length from the end of the tuning pegs to the bottom of the body. Soprano is typically around 53 cm, concert around 58 cm, tenor around 66 cm, and baritone around 76 cm. Match that measurement to a case's listed interior length.
How to Use Your Case Properly
- Loosen the strings slightly before storing the ukulele for more than a week — this reduces tension on the neck over long periods
- Remove any capo from the headstock before putting the instrument in the case; leaving a capo on causes pressure marks on the neck over time
- Place the ukulele in the case with the strings facing upward so the finish rests against the lining, not the latches or hard shell edges
- Use the neck cradle or block if one is present; it keeps the headstock from rattling during transport
- Close latches or zip fully before carrying — a half-closed zip or unfastened latch is a common cause of cases coming open unexpectedly
Humidity and Storage
A ukulele case is also a humidity environment. If you live somewhere with very dry winters (central heating removes moisture from the air), the instrument can dry out and crack. A small soundhole humidifier placed in the case during storage prevents this. Conversely, don't store a damp instrument in a sealed ukulele case — elevated humidity inside a closed case encourages mould on the finish and swelling of the wood.
Upgrading Later
Starting with a basic gig bag and upgrading to a hard ukulele case once you've committed to the instrument is a perfectly sensible approach. If you're buying your first case alongside a beginner instrument, set aside £25–£45 for a good gig bag, and keep the upgrade option open for later.
For guidance on which specific cases offer good value across different budgets, the ukulele case buyer's guide covers the options clearly.
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