Case foam recommendations

[Travis Bubenik]

I have a hard case that's just slightly too wide for my steel and I'm looking to fill up some space with foam.

I've found advice here on the forum about using 3M spray adhesive - but what specific foam recommendations do y'all have? Links to specific products would be very much appreciated too - I'm pretty clueless in this domain. Thanks!

[Jerry Overstreet]

JIC it might help someone else looking for this high density foam for case padding etc, I found the foam type is XLPE which means cross linked polyethylene.

The small 12 x 24 piece I got was 4 lb. density, but you can buy it in 2,4,6 lb. etc. This one has a deflection of 14 psi but it varies with specific type and weight.

Very firm, smooth, closed cell stuff and appears just like the stuff in the case photo I posted. Dense enough to cut easily without dragging on a box knife etc. and doesn't fall apart and make a mess when working it.

Maybe too stiff for seat cushions, but great for padding to support and protect heavy instruments and gear. FWIW.

Here's a link to a source: http://www.usafoam.com/closedcellfoam/c ... -foam.html

This is what it looks like:

[Travis Bubenik]

That sounds and looks like exactly what I’m lookin for. Thanks Jerry!

[Jerry Overstreet]

You're welcome Travis. I did a lot of research and looking into the various types of foam for cases. I wanted something to support a heavy steel guitar and be easy to work at the same time. Material that would cut easily with an ordinary box knife or saw without crumbling or squashing like ordinary fabric store foam.

I'm glad you found the info useful. I'm interested in feedback on how your project goes.

[Jackie Anderson]

I want to line a couple of SKB "trap" cases, and I just received some of that 4 lb closed cell foam, 1" thick. It seems pretty firm -- make that "hard" -- for the mass of an S-10 (Carter or Sho-Bud) or Fender 400, the likely contents. Shouldn't it compress a tiny bit? I'm thinking that I should get some 2 lb and/or 3 lb density for comparison, and maybe mix & match. I'm interested to know how others have fared with various foams.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Certainly no expert here. I was just going by comparison with the Wheel EEZ case I had.

I concur with you seeking examples and experiences from other users as well.

You want a foam that is stable and won't deteriorate into a gooey mess which happens with some compositions.
Firm is good. It will compress some as you can see the impressions in that case that housed a heavy Sierra 14 Uni.

I also used it as support for the changer and keyhead ends of my D10 Fender Artist.

Even at this weight, it's still has a lot more cushion that your average plush covered wooden case blocks as witnessed over years of packing in and out.

What I do is use some spray glue and cover the material with fleece or velvet/velour fabric which provides a little more cushion for a wood finished guitar but it's fine as is for mica.

You can read the characteristics in the link I posted concerning deflection of different weights and figure if a lighter weight material would be better for your application.

This material is kind of pricey so I feel a bit responsible for my recommendation if you find it too rigid.

[Jackie Anderson]

No worries, Jerry! You had something to go by, and you have experience with this foam; that's been very helpful to me, and I don't feel misled at all.

In fact, I have realized that this foam "gives" more than I first thought, and of course the weight of a steel against it when the airplane hits some turbulence, or the case falls off the baggage cart, is certainly going to exert a lot more force than I can with my fingers! Meanwhile, I do want it to be stiff enough to support the instrument around its perimeter (without touching the peg head or the changer), and as you say, it certainly will be kinder all over than the typical wood in traditional cases.

Now I need to shop for some nice comfy fabric!

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thanks Jackie. I'm glad you feel this is going to work out for you.

Spray glue some nice plush fabric on there and you'll have a nice durable padding that should last and protect your guitar a long long time.