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NS4 88 light semi-rigid/sturdy soft case options - 2025 Edition

Posted: 18 Mar 2025, 21:20
by Mighty Motif Max
Hey all,

Just received my NS4-88 - shout out to the guys at The Music Connection in Forest Lake, MN for being awesome to work with! :keyboard2: I am aware there have been a substantial number of topics on the forum surrounding case recommendations, with a lot of support going towards the 76-key Gator GK series or the SKB i-series hardshell options. I have perhaps a different situation than many of those posters, so I'm starting separate thread to focus on this use case. I currently own a Gator GKP76, (which is supposed to be a variant of the regular GK76), which is a semi-rigid case. I use it with another board but bought it intending to use it with my NS4 once that was purchased. Officially, the interior length is supposed to be 51.5", while the NS4-88 is a full inch shorter at 50.5", so I thought it would be about a perfect fit. However, I was packing for a gig today and discovered that the NS4 does not actually fit inside the GKP-76. It overhangs by a few inches (see the picture below). Unfortunately I don't have a case that will fit the NS4 at this point, as a result. So I am looking for a recommendation that folks can confirm actually fits a NS4-88, preferably not the large expensive Nord bag.

Image

Here's the use case:
  • Lowest weight is the biggest priority, followed by size, then protection. Semi-rigid would be ideal.
  • No touring - I would be loading this in/out of my own vehicle, transporting on a cart/wheels to venues, etc.
  • I have weight restrictions due to a back disease, which motivated my change from my Motif XF8 (63.5 lbs) plus its hardshell case (around 30 lbs), for a total of around 94 lbs. I can't gig something that big and bulky anymore, and it's not negotiable unfortunately.
  • In accordance with the above, I need as compact of a case as possible. Not something with six inches of extra space adding length and bulk.
  • Price would be a concern once it gets to the territory of the Nord bags (~USD 599)
  • I would like wheels and good ergonomics/handle placement
TLDR: Looking for the lightest, most compact, but reasonably sturdy case for a NS4-88.

Thanks all!

Re: NS4 88 light semi-rigid/sturdy soft case options - 2025 Edition

Posted: 10 Apr 2025, 02:57
by Mighty Motif Max
Update on this - my independent dealer was able to get me the promo GB88 bag for the cost of shipping, so $29. It's a solid bag - in no way whatsoever is it worth the MSRP though. Build quality is somewhere between a semi-rigid case and the Gator bags (i.e. the GKB61) - not bad but a tier lower than my GKP76, padding/interior aesthetics aside. Wish the handle was higher on the back side like the Roland SC-G cases or my Gator GKP76 is, but all things considered it's alright. Not complaining for that price with the promo...I would not be as happy had I paid $599 + tax. ;)