Fender Deluxe Molded Bass Case

Let me be clear about one thing before starting, this is not a *light* case. At ~10.5kg, with the average fender bass inside(6kg empty), your arms will start hating it pretty quickly.

But!
It's a case and its primary objective is protecting your instrument. And it sure does! In its tenure it has handled small drops, light rain, heavy rain and multiple airplane trips in the cargo hold(and most importantly the baggage processing that takes place before and after) with only light scuffs and absolutely no effect on the instrument inside.

It looks and feels rather well made although the latches do feel a little "cheap" compared to the rest of the case. Nevertheless though, they do their job just fine. The plush interior has a nice feel to it and all my jazz basses fit snuggly inside. The interior pocket is alright, but nothing to write home about. The TSA lock does its job but aside from being there for airport security screenings, it won't do anything substantial for stopping someone from getting in the case.

Going back to my first point, all this sturdiness does take a hefty toll on weight and maneuverability. Contrary to some other reviews here, while somewhat balanced and with a pretty nice carrying handle, this thing is a nightmare to lug around on stairs, streets and public transport. Simply get a decent gigbag for that.

Another important note is that it's a bass-sized case, so if you plan on moving it by car, you'll need a sedan with a pretty spacious boot at the very minimum. Anything less spacious and it either goes on the backseats or gets lodged upright behind a seat.

TL;DR
It's a great case that provides ample protection and lets you travel worry-free about your instrument. For its protection class as a flightcase it's very much on the light end of the weight spectrum.
Pros:
- Great protection
- TSA lock
- Lightweight for a flightcase
Cons:
- Pretty heavy for sustained hand carrying
- Rather impractical for moving around
- Maybe a lil pricey, but the market's not cheap anyway

If you want flightcase levels of protection with "low" weight and a somewhat normal price, this is it. Worth it enough that I bought a second one as well!

The Fender Deluxe Molded Bass Case has built a strong reputation among bass players who need reliable protection for their instruments, whether on the road or in the studio.

On the positive side, this case is praised for its solid ABS construction, TSA-approved latches, and plush interior padding, which together provide excellent protection against bumps and impacts. The snug fit works perfectly with Fender Jazz and Precision models, but also accommodates other brands like Lakland. The interior also features a generous storage compartment for straps, cables, and small accessories, making it practical for everyday use.

Another highlight is its design for travel: the case is stackable, resistant to light rain, and light enough for the level of protection it offers. Many users report using it confidently on flights, with one even sharing that their bass survived a trailer accident thanks to this case.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Some players note that, with heavy daily use, the hinges and alignment may start to show wear. Despite being lighter than full flight cases, it can still feel heavy to carry long distances on foot. The large size also makes it harder to fit into small car trunks. Another common concern is air travel: while the case is sturdy, some musicians prefer to avoid checking it into the cargo hold and recommend gate-checking instead. Finally, compared to generic options, the price is higher, and part of that cost comes with paying for the Fender brand.

In conclusion, the Fender Deluxe Molded Bass Case is a robust, well-designed, and trustworthy solution for protecting your instrument. It’s especially well suited for musicians who tour or travel frequently and want peace of mind knowing their bass is safe. The investment is worth it if protection and durability are your top priorities, though budget-minded players might find cheaper alternatives that still get the job done.