TEST: Enki AMG Cases

 Times are changing, again. When the author of this article acquired his first guitars, a high-quality case was an integral part of every purchase. The same case was usually made of simple plywood, had a roughly matching molded cutout, the matching snaps and a carrying handle, covered with black Tolex. For the high price range, there was the "luxury shaped case" with a shaped cutout, usually in dazzling pink or purple, along with "support flaps", a padded handle and artificial leather cover in nappa leather look. An instrument without a case? Totally unthinkable! That's probably what the American company Enki thought with its Enki AMG Cases ...

Cause and effect!

The decline of protective cases began with the introduction of the guitar bag. At its time the ultimate tube when it came to the most flabby packaging of a classical / Spanish guitar, the leatherette flap kept just a few scratches off the surface. It's hard to estimate the number of bent tuning machines these sleeves had on their conscience. But they were cheap to make and fit the "beginner's instrument" so wonderfully. What works for acoustic guitars should also work for electric guitars with a few modifications, some resourceful manufacturers said to themselves, and sold their lined bags with the additional argument of carrying strap transportability like hot cakes for so long, yes, until you had to drive to the first gig with the station wagon or the Transporten ...

Nowadays, the packaging of an instrument has become almost completely the responsibility of the buyer. Even instruments beyond the three-digit sales price are partly delivered in cheapest cardboard packaging with rubber bands, a disrespectful behavior towards the instrument. Only in the ambitious midfield is a bag included, the case packaging is reserved for the high price range. So far, so good. But what if our friendly airline transport staff or the stagehands of the local promoter have a bad day? You think you've seen it all? You can be helped!

You can't get any worse

In my early days I also heard various horror stories regarding the loading of instruments and dismissed them as exaggeration until I myself became a victim of senseless violence against instruments several times. I myself had to witness a baggage employee abusing a guitar case of a colleague on the tarmac as a kicking pad to get to a nozzle on the wing of the plane. My own instruments flew off the trolley at maximum speed or were thrown over 2 meters. My collection of broken 3-way switches, chipped paint, and to top it off, a smashed hardshell case fill entire closets. A normal case can no longer withstand this, so that one can only take refuge in the flight case area.

Of course, these cases can be made almost indestructible, but this also brings with it the fact that you can hardly transport them as a single person for weight reasons, and much worse, you exceed the usual 23 kg maximum weight in the cargo area of the airlines. Therefore, the premise is to generate an ultra-stable, but still as light as possible case, in which the instrument(s) are optimally protected from the destructive rage of third parties.

This same market is very, very small worldwide, not to say that there has only been one manufacturer who, in addition to a few lateral entrants from the weapons market (rifle cases with a different molded cutout), has met all of the above criteria. It is the company Scott Dixon Cases from UK, which manufacture their cases from aluminum. The more professional a music festival is, the more said cases pile up in the backstage area. It was truly time for a new contender.

The concept of Enki AMG Cases

I myself was in the situation that my baritone guitars didn't fit into my Scott Dixon cases and I needed a new case with the ultimate protection mechanisms with bass case dimensions for my touring activities. Enki Cases were not a concept to me until I saw the following video by chance, which inspired me from the spot:


With the Enki AMG Cases, the complete focus is on stability and protection, combined with the lowest possible weight. Thus, the truly very imposing case with the dimensions 140 cm x 28 cm x 48 cm and a net weight of 11.8 kg including my two guitars manages to stay under 21 kg. Mind you, this is a bass case! The Enki Cases are always a double case, unless you take the version for the acoustic guitar, where, as expected, there is only room for one instrument inside.

The material used is Roto-Molded Polyethylene, which is very sturdy yet comparatively light. In contrast to stiff materials like wood or aluminum, the case is stretchable, so that small to medium impacts on the case can be cushioned. For easier transport, the case has 2 sturdy plastic wheels and a massive handle.

To protect the instruments themselves inside, EA foam is still the way to go, so it's no surprise that Enki AMG Cases have stocked up on it in abundance. Not only are the edges completely padded, but the body area has an insert of foam with a very important divider that prevents the instruments from hitting each other in the event of an impact. A little pressure
is required when placing the instruments inside, but this is beneficial for transport safety.

The guitar necks are also in a large foam block, which can be locked in height. The block is milled in such a way that it gives a good hold to straight headstocks up to angled Les Pauls. Those who own instruments with very strongly angled headstocks should "test place" once if necessary. The final touch is a block above the headstocks of the instruments, which is intended to prevent the headstocks from hitting the top of the case in the event of a fall.

A special feature is the removable lid of the Enki AMG cases. If you remove the lid, you automatically have a high-quality guitar stand for the stage, in which the main or spare instrument can remain during the show. As a guide, the lid has two sleeves at the bottom edge, which are slid laterally over two guide pins and which were attached to the case. Thus, with a little dexterity, it can be mounted and dismounted within 10 seconds. Inside the lid is another small, removable case, in which you can place small things like guitar strap, Inear System or cables. If placed intelligently, the guitar strap should also find its place inside the case next to the guitars.

The lid is protected against rainwater penetration by a rubber bead and has a massive snap closure for locking purposes. Last but not least, the case can be secured with 2 padlocks. But beware, what may still work in the EU, looks completely different for intercontinental travel. American and Russian security officials love to break open locked cases, here it remains to consider whether you secure the contents with a cable tie.


The Enki AMG cases in practice

In principle, I can save myself any comment, who has seen the above video, knows what to think of the case. I admit, I've always been a big fan of massive and stable cases that secure the contents, so the case really hits the mark for me. The case is easy to transport for its size, both the handle in general and the wheels on flat ground are a great relief. However, one should not forget that the case with its dimensions requires at least a station wagon for transport, but since there are very few vehicles with notchback anyway, this problem can probably be considered solved.

Conclusion

With the Enki AMG Cases, the American supplier has a protective case of the absolute Premier League in its portfolio. Only a small handful of manufacturers are even able to offer a case of this protection class, with Enki being among the top 2, if not number 1 worldwide.

Those who now turn away with the words "only something for professionals" should always keep in mind that you can travel much more structured and relaxed with your instruments if you really don't have to worry about their condition on site at all.

Conclusion: An absolute top product, almost unrivaled and actually a must for every musician!


Additional informations:

- Enki Cases is a US-based company that specializes in the design and production of high-quality protective cases for professional equipment. Founded in 2016 by a group of engineers and designers with years of experience in the field, Enki Cases has quickly become a leading brand in the industry thanks to its innovative approach to product development, exceptional customer service, and commitment to quality.

At Enki Cases, the team's mission is to provide customers with the most reliable, durable, and customizable cases for their valuable equipment. Whether you are a photographer, videographer, musician, or industrial worker, Enki Cases has the perfect solution to keep your gear safe and secure in any environment.

The Enki Cases Difference

Enki Cases is not your average protective case company. What sets Enki Cases apart from its competitors is its commitment to innovation and customization. Each case is designed and built with the specific needs of the customer in mind, from the size and shape of the case to the type of foam inserts used to protect the equipment.

Enki Cases offers a wide range of customization options to ensure that each case meets the unique needs of the customer. Customers can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and finishes for the exterior of the case, as well as different types of foam inserts to protect their equipment. In addition, Enki Cases can create custom logos and branding for businesses and organizations.

Enki Cases also takes pride in its exceptional customer service. The team at Enki Cases understands the importance of providing a personalized experience for each customer, from the initial consultation to the final delivery of the product. They work closely with customers to ensure that each case meets their specific needs and requirements, and they are always available to answer any questions or concerns.

Products

Enki Cases offers a wide range of protective cases for professional equipment. From cameras and lenses to drones and musical instruments, Enki Cases has a solution to keep your gear safe and secure in any environment. Some of the most popular products include:

Camera Cases: Enki Cases offers a range of camera cases designed to protect your valuable camera equipment. Whether you need a case for a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera, Enki Cases has the perfect solution.

Drone Cases: Enki Cases offers a range of drone cases designed to protect your drone and its accessories. Whether you need a case for a DJI Phantom or a DJI Mavic, Enki Cases has a solution to keep your drone safe and secure.

Musical Instrument Cases: Enki Cases offers a range of musical instrument cases designed to protect your valuable instruments. Whether you need a case for a guitar or a trumpet, Enki Cases has a solution to keep your instrument safe and secure.

Industrial Equipment Cases: Enki Cases offers a range of industrial equipment cases designed to protect your tools and equipment. Whether you need a case for power tools or electronic equipment, Enki Cases has a solution to keep your equipment safe and secure.

Materials and Construction
At Enki Cases, every case is designed and built to the highest standards of quality and durability. Each case is constructed using the finest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure that it can withstand the most demanding environments and conditions.
The exterior of each case is made from high-strength materials such as aluminum or polycarbonate, which provide superior protection against impact, water, and dust. The interior of each case is lined with custom-cut foam inserts, which are designed to fit the specific shape of the equipment and provide maximum protection against shocks and vibrations.
Enki Cases also offers a range of accessories and options to enhance the functionality and durability of each case. These include reinforced corners, locking mechanisms, wheels and handles, and custom branding.

- Guitar cases are an essential accessory for any guitar player who wants to protect their valuable instrument while traveling. A good guitar case not only provides protection against damage from bumps and impacts, but it also shields the guitar from environmental factors such as moisture and extreme temperatures. In this article, we will discuss the different types of guitar cases available and what to look for when choosing one.

Types of Guitar Cases

There are three main types of guitar cases available: hardshell cases, softshell cases, and gig bags. Each type offers a different level of protection and convenience, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual's needs and preferences.

Hardshell Cases

Hardshell cases are the most protective type of guitar case available. They are made from sturdy materials such as wood or ABS plastic and provide excellent protection against impact, moisture, and temperature changes. Hardshell cases are also the heaviest and bulkiest type of case, making them less convenient for travel.

Softshell Cases

Softshell cases are lighter and more compact than hardshell cases, making them easier to carry and store. They are made from materials such as nylon or polyester and have a padded interior to protect the guitar from bumps and scratches. Softshell cases offer less protection than hardshell cases but are still a good option for guitar players who need to travel frequently.

Gig Bags

Gig bags are the lightest and most portable type of guitar case. They are made from lightweight materials such as nylon or canvas and have a padded interior to protect the guitar from minor bumps and scratches. Gig bags offer the least protection among the three types of cases but are ideal for short trips or for carrying the guitar around town.

What to Look for in a Guitar Case

When choosing a guitar case, there are several factors to consider, including:

Size
The guitar case should fit the guitar snugly to prevent it from moving around inside the case. It is important to choose a case that is specifically designed for the type of guitar you have, whether it is an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar.

Protection
The case should offer adequate protection against impacts, moisture, and temperature changes. A hardshell case provides the most protection, while a softshell case or gig bag is suitable for less demanding environments.

Durability
The case should be made from high-quality materials and should be able to withstand wear and tear over time. The hardware, such as the latches and hinges, should be durable and easy to operate.

Convenience
The case should be easy to carry and store. A hardshell case can be heavy and bulky, while a softshell case or gig bag is more portable and easier to carry around.

Price
The price of the case should be reasonable and within your budget. While a high-quality case can be expensive, it is worth the investment to protect your valuable instrument.

Conclusion
A good guitar case is an essential accessory for any guitar player who wants to protect their valuable instrument while traveling. Whether you choose a hardshell case, softshell case, or gig bag, it is important to consider factors such as size, protection, durability, convenience, and price when choosing a case. By investing in a high-quality guitar case, you can ensure that your instrument stays safe and protected on the go.