In the last ten years or so, Crossrock has made a name for itself in the mid-price segment of classical guitar cases. Known for quality build and clean aesthetics, the Chinese brand for many years had been a behind-the-scenes OEM case maker for other prominent names before setting out on its own.
Crossrock today is fairly well established in the US and European markets with a range of guitar cases in different materials and for different budgets.
While soft guitar cases – called gig bags – offer next to no serious protection beyond providing a cover and keeping away a light shower, hard cases are the real gig bags, the ones that reliably carry your guitar to performances. Depending on how much protection you need (how much is your guitar worth?) and the price you’re willing to pay, Crossrock hard cases come in different materials:
- Basic hard cases (wooden and ABS) – cheaper
- Fiberglass cases – mid-range
- Carbon fiber cases – expensive
Table of Contents
Crossrock wooden and ABS cases: Affordable and well rated
Crossrock Wooden Case: A move away from soft cases (CRW620CBR)
A wooden frame at the very least affords greater protection than a soft bag. Crossrock has a popular model that is just over a hundred dollars and fits standard, full-size classical guitars. The arched top design offers better protection than standard flat top cases.
It comes with smart gold latches and good quality hinges to provide reasonable protection against bumps. The 5-ply wood core structure provides strength and support for your guitar in transit and storage.
User reviews say it is a durable hard case with clean looks. Beats most Asian-made hard cases by a wide margin seems to be the verdict. The fourth lock on the side of the case provides additional security and is noteworthy. And the price is affordable.
You certainly wouldn’t use it for air travel. But it is a good choice for a walk to the guitar class or a ride on the subway. For the money, it is hard to complain about.
Check the Crossrock Wooden Case at Amazon.
Crossrock ABS Classical Guitar Case: A step up to a tougher shell (CRA400CBK)
ABS (a kind of tough plastic) is a step up from wooden frames and this model from Crossrock is one of its popular ones. ABS is heat-resistant, lightweight and impact-resistant. It is also cheaper than fiberglass or carbon fiber. It is reasonably waterproof and quite sturdy. The case exterior is anti-scratch and has a zipper closing system with a password lock.
The ABS case has a spacious accessories compartment with a lid for spare strings and things. Two backpacking straps help you cart your guitar about. The handle feels secure and the hinges work smoothly. This is a good case for home storage and visits to the conservatory. You will not go so far as to trust baggage handlers in airports with it.
Some users have commented that the outer ABS casing is somewhat thin, although lined with a thick foam layer. The corrugated design should help with rigidity and overall this Crossrock case should be more than adequate if you’re not a professional with constant travel plans. It is lightweight, looks cool and offers decent protection at an extremely attractive price.
Check out Crossrock CTA400CBK at Amazon.
Crossrock Classical Guitar Case ABS Molded Arch Top for extra protection (CRA860CSL)
For a little more money, you can have the Crossrock ABS version with a moulded archtop design. The ABS exterior appears to be of higher quality with a high-density foam core and plush lining inside. There are 5 metal latches with 3 metal hinges and the handle feels solid.
You have the ample accessories compartment with a lid here too. There are rings on the backside for attaching backpack straps with metal buckles (included). The molded protective strips around the case are a good feature for protecting the case from scratches and impact.
This case is well made and lightweight, designed to fit full size 4/4 classical guitars. It comes in a version, costing slightly more, with TSA latches if you intend to travel by air. The raised textured finish of the outer shell looks attractive and will also withstand scrapes along walls – a better option than the usual vinyl options you get in this price range.
Although some users have taken the case on planes a few times without any mishaps, it’s difficult to endorse it for air travel at this price level. Also, you certainly shouldn’t try standing on it to test its strength (as you can on certain models of certain brands including Crossrock).
But it is a great and affordable option for in-house storage, travel on the subway, a short distance walk in a quick downpour, etc. The light weight ABS construction and the comfortable shoulder straps make it ideal for these purposes.
Check out the Crossrock ABS moulded Archtop at Amazon.
Crossrock Fiberglass Cases – Popular for good reasons
Crossrock Fiberglass classical guitar case with a market reputation (CRF1000CBRL)
The CRF1000 series is where Crossrock made its reputation as a brand. For all the thousands of players who don’t own a $4,000 plus classical guitar and don’t travel by air much, there are a handful of brands like Hiscox and Crossrock with quality models under the $400 range. The backpack style CRF1000 is a pretty strong guitar case with an archtop exterior.
It can hold 400 lb of pressure and a grown man can stand on it without ensuing damage.
The fiberglass body is light and strong. 6 latches and a thick rubber strip seal ensure security and waterproofing. A thick padded velvet lining with an additional bottom pad provides adequate customizing. A large accessories compartment with a lid, a sturdy leather handle and an integrated hygrometer are the other main features of this case. Detachable backpack straps are a handy feature.
Although there isn’t enough room to carry big textbooks or binders for students, some repertoire sheets or a thin method book will fit in comfortably.
It’s nicely padded on the inside and my Cordoba C12 fits perfectly inside and is cradled perfectly in the padded insides. There’s a hygrometer built into it. A roomy storage compartment under the neck. Straps that are padded and adjustable for carrying it on your back like a backpack…
I’ve been using my Crossrock CRF1000 blue version for 2 years now. It’s held up great after weekly lessons, gatherings and workshops. It has maintained humidity nicely over the past two winters. As a matter of fact, I just ordered another one for my new Cordoba Solista.
I have 2 Crossrock CRF1000 cases for my classical guitars. They are priced in the $200-250 range. Price varies depending on your color choice.
I’ve got 2 of the CRF1000 models for 4 years now. They’ve gone to weekly lessons, jams, workshops, vacations and never had any issues. A guy accidentally stepped on my case and all it did was flex a little.
I bought a CRF1000 so I can carry my guitar on my back to save my arms on the long walk to weekly lessons from the parking lot. So I guess for toting around town, it should be sufficient.
Those statements are from real users in forums, user reviews and blogs (paraphrased). The CRF1000 has its fans for its hardy construction and everyday protection while being lightweight. Nobody is saying they crisscross the country on airplanes with these cases but for the price, they are extremely happy with them for daily use. For tossing your guitar into your car boot or on a practice hall floor these cases are absolutely fine, they are saying. But you seriously wouldn’t undertake air travel with any under $300 guitar case.
Check out the Crossrock CRF1000 at Amazon.
Crossrock 3/4 Classical Guitar Case Fiberglass Hardshell
This is the slightly less expensive version designed for a 3/4 size classical guitar like the Cordoba Dolce. All the features are the same as its older brother, holding up 400 lb pressure, velvet lining, good waterproofing, 6 latches, a large accessories compartment and an integrated hygrometer. It has a fiberglass archtop exterior.
Check out the Crossrock CRF1000 for 3/4 size guitar at Amazon.
Crossrock Classical Guitar Case for a stronger outer shell (CRF2020CIV)
This model is an aesthetically pleasant-looking case with a thick rubber strip seal ensuring good waterproofing. A detachable bottom cushion offers extra protection. The accessories compartment is ample (with lid) and there is a hygrometer. This is more expensive than the popular CRF1000 series.
The more recent CRF2000 series from Crossrock is costlier than the CRF1000 presumably for the following features:
- Extremely strong fiberglass hard shell case for full size classical guitar
- Super thick high density padding
- Heavy duty latches and lock
- Genuine leather handle
- Deluxe padded backpack straps
The handle is solid and feels comfortable. High quality backpack straps are included.
Crossrock claims that a 200 pound person can stand on it. I’ve tried that but without my guitar in the case and it held up… LOL. It’s all fiberglass. Very sturdy and well insulated with rubber seals around the edges.
Check out the Crossrock CRF2020 at Amazon.
Crossrock Lightweight Ultra Fiberglass Backpack Case (CRF5000CBK)
To build decent strength into a guitar case while keeping the weight low takes better quality material than wood or ABS or even fiberglass. This usually takes us to carbon fiber guitar cases. Yet this model is NOT a carbon fiber one.
It is noteworthy that using something called “Ultra fiberglass“, this range of guitar cases are stronger than regular fiberglass ones. They are certainly a worthwhile option for those not willing to pay a hefty premium for carbon fiber cases.
The Ultra fiberglass case weighs only 5.7 lb, which is quite remarkable while promising adequate strength. It is therefore an extremely light case to carry around. It comes with soft padding, a blue velvet lining to nestle your guitar snugly. Reinforced metal latches and TSA lock. Integrated hygrometer. Detachable padded backpack straps.
Reviews mention the case is quite strong and seals well with 6 solid latches. The case comes with a soft cover to protect the finish. A few say they’ve taken it as a flight case and faced no issues. The TSA lock apparently is problem-free.
Most classical guitarists, 90% of the time, cart their guitar around town and so look for a lightweight option that offers adequate protection. You don’t want the exterior to be easily scratched or damaged. Backpacking straps are a great help as they enable the hands to be free. And if the case is designed to lock in humidity, that’s a great advantage too because you don’t have to change the humidifier often. Sufficient storage and a comfortable handle are welcome features.
For all these reasons along with the basic sturdiness of an (ultra) fiberglass case, the Crossrock Ultra Fiberglass seems to deliver a good slew of features, although at a slightly higher price than regular fiberglass cases.
Check out the Crossrock Ultra Fiberglass CRF5000 case at Amazon
Crossrock Air Carbon: Top of the line
Air Carbon Hard Shell With backpack (CRF6000CBK)
The CRF6000 series is top of the line from Crossrock. The Air Carbon classical guitar case is one of the lightest guitar cases you’ll find with the company claiming it is “the lightest guitar case in the world.”
Carbon fiber is pretty strong and unbelievably lightweight. It is also expensive. Crossrock is among many companies that use carbon fiber to make guitar cases. And it certainly does a great job of it.
From its reputation as an affordable, middle-of-the-road, value-for-money guitar case brand over the last decade, Crossrock has built on its success and jumped onto the expensive, carbon fiber wagon – with renewed success, it must be said. The Air Carbon series is not the most expensive guitar case in the world, however – there are other brands like Hoffee, Calton and a few others who vie for that honor.
“Light as air, strong as steel” is the slogan the company touts for this line of cases. Air Carbon cases are meant to feel like air on your back as you strut with your guitar and yet good enough for overcoming air travel stresses. It is also a smart, good looking case.
The Air Carbon’s weight is a measly 5.5 lb and comes with a thick padding and Dupont-made Nylon TSA-lock with solid metal latches. A genuine leather handle and detachable backpack straps are standard and a free padded cover comes with each case.
If your guitar isn’t too basic and you take occasional or frequent trips by air with your guitar, it is hard to find fault with the Air Carbon case. It was founded with the idea of “a case for the many” and at its price band it is really good value for money. Online forum users generally lavish high praise on the Air Carbon case for its durability and security. Among various brands that offer carbon fiber cases, the Air Carbon is a well priced flight case.
Barring perhaps those with luthier guitars costing anything upward of $5,000 and who may feel the need to spend on the “best there is” to be able to sleep well at night, most others will comfortably settle for the likes of a Crossrock Air Carbon or a Hiscox which too roughly targets the same mid-price market with affordable quality.
Speaking of which, you can get some good information on Hiscox cases in my article Why are Hiscox Guitar Cases so Popular? before you make up your mind. Or if style matters to you, read my piece BAM Cases Review.
Check out Crossrock Air Carbon case at Amazon.
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If you’re a traveling guitarist, read my article that reviews a bunch of flight cases: 7 Flight Cases Reviewed.
Happy travels!
Very nice comments on the Crossrock cases. I have been trying to locate a specific Crossrock case for my mandolin, it is case CRW600MATW. Would it be possible to order this case for me? Note: I ordered from the Amazon vendor ’ musicasesellers’ but they sent the wrong model, CRW620MATW.
Thanks. -bill b
Hi William, this is basically an independent review site run by one person to help out fellow classical guitarists. I have no contacts with dealers and can’t help sell or buy anything. Cheers.