IT'S IN THE
BAG
A Guide to Violin and Viola Cases
by Heather K. Scott

Shopping for a violin or viola case can be a daunting task. There is a wide variety of options, from basic cases that list for under $300 to truly beautiful pieces of art costing thousands of dollars. In deciding which instrument case is right for you, consider your lifestyle, your environment, and your budget. Can you afford a case with all the amenities? The benefits include a humidifier and a hygrometer. Are you a gigging musician looking for the ultimate survive-the-commute case? Be sure to look for handy end straps, often called "subway straps." Do you live in an area that subjects your instrument to extreme weather changes? Ask your dealer about water-resistant covers. Or do you need something that will stand up to heavy air travel? Manufacturers’ approaches to that problem range from cases that squeeze under strict carry-on guidelines to the virtually indestructible. Whatever your needs, the Internet provides a unique opportunity to do some preliminary research and window shopping before purchasing a case. It also helps to make a list of what you are looking for, what you can afford, and preferred companies before you venture out to your local music store.

Do Your Homework

One of the first questions to consider is what type of case will best suit your needs. Because of their durability, hard-shell cases tend to be more popular with musicians looking for assurance that their instruments will be protected. Their traditional disadvantage has been a tendency to be very heavy. But these days there are more and more lightweight cases on the market (such as the Bam Trekking case included in this review), designed to hold your instrument tightly in place and provide a good deal of protection. On the other hand, if you’re content with your current case and only wish it were easier to carry around, you might want to look at case bags, which provide additional padding and make heavy cases more manageable via comfortable handles and backpack straps.

Cases come with a plethora of options; designs and features span from minimalistic to unapologetically excessive. We looked at cases equivalent to five-star hotels that would pamper and spoil any instrument, but not everyone is looking for a luxury case. Some of the more practical amenities to consider address basic care and maintenance of your violin or viola. Changes in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on your instrument, so if you live in an area with an extreme climate, consider adding a hygrometer and a humidifier to your case wish list. Hygrometers measure humidity levels, letting you know if your instrument is too damp or too dry; humidifiers correct dryness (a common problem, especially in winter), usually in the form of a small tube filled with water-saturated material that releases moisture at a controlled rate. If a hygrometer and humidifier are the case features you are most concerned about—and if you are looking for the most accurate equipment—you might be best off buying a stripped-down case and installing a hygrometer and humidifier yourself (you may also want to look into having a music shop do this for you). You can purchase specific hygrometers and humidifiers to fit your needs through most music shops and distributors.

You should also think about how many interior and exterior compartments you need. Will you be traveling with a portfolio case? Sheet music? Cases generally have between one and four inner compartments and one outer sheet-music compartment running the length of the case. Some include gusseted outer pockets for extra storage and others feature a detachable exterior pocket for carrying portfolios. Do you use a number of different bows? Some cases have only one or two bow holders, some four. And even if you have only one, be sure to bring it to the store to make sure that it fits in the holders provided.

Examine The Options

Be sure to investigate your potential case thoroughly. Look at everything—from the instrument padding or suspension system to the hardware. Suspension cases have become the norm with most companies. They are well padded and prevent your instrument from resting flat against the bottom of the case, which can be dangerous if the case receives a blow or is dropped. The instrument neck is held in place with a Velcro flap or string tie, and padding hugs the instrument tightly in place. Suspension systems—like hardcover cases—are almost always preferable. Keeping an instrument safe while traveling is an overwhelming concern for most instrumentalists. While most of the cases we looked at will fit in overhead compartments on airplanes, airlines’ ever-tightening carry-on limitations increase the possibility of being forced to check your instrument—so the harder the outer case and the softer the suspension system, the better.

Most cases also include a zipper-and-lock system. For security, look for two zippers that start in the back and meet at the center front. Some of the better cases have weather flaps that shelter the zippers and Velcro or snaps encasing the vulnerable spot where the zippers meet. Zippered cases may or may not lock, but those without zippers generally do—sometimes one lock at the center of the case below the handle is the only way to secure the case. In other instances, two or even three locks are mounted along the sides of the case, with an additional snap-down weather flap to cover the hardware.

If you are a violist, you may have difficulties properly fitting your instrument. More and more companies are offering cases in various sizes, but another option is an adjustable case. Adjustable cases are a good investment for growing students who may need to switch to larger instruments throughout the course of their careers. Watch out for exposed adjusting hardware that could scratch the back of your instrument. Also be sure that the hardware holds the adjustable shoulder block securely in place so that there is no danger of your instrument slipping.

I spoke with several professional, touring musicians at the San Francisco Symphony to learn what they look for when shopping for instrument cases. Many pros sacrifice comfort for durability and depend more on sturdy designs than aesthetically pleasing ones. Geraldine Walther, the Symphony’s principal violist, uses a Weber case. "A suspension system was the most important thing I looked for," she told me. "Bow holders were important too, but I really just wanted it to feel sturdy. I also needed it to fit a narrow viola, because I have a 16³/₈. The Weber is pretty heavy, but it’s sturdy."

The real challenge is to find a case that’s nearly bulletproof but also feels comfortable when carried long distances. Assistant Concertmaster Jeremy Constant found himself in a situation no musician anticipates. "We were on tour in New York and something got spilled in my violin case, so I needed a new case very, very quickly," he recalled. "I was looking for suspension construction and a hard shell. My feeling was that soft cases did not offer enough protection for me."

Constant purchased a Musafia case partly for the long, wick-style humidifier it features. "When you are touring in the winter, it is a godsend," he explained, "because everything is so horrifically dry. Dampits [sponge-like humidifiers] are a losing effort unless you are willing to have one in each f-hole." The Musafia is expensive, Constant admitted, but for him it was well worth the investment.

With the help of Strings Editor Jessamyn Reeves-Brown and Teja Gerken, gear editor of Strings’ sister publication, Acoustic Guitar, I gathered and evaluated 20 violin and viola cases and case covers, ranging in price from $75 to $1,800 (list). The least expensive were made of industrial three-ply cardboard or molded plastic and featured velour interiors, one or two bow holders, and one inner compartment. The more expensive cases had better suspension systems and insulation, higher-quality hardware, more strength and durability, and in many cases built-in hygrometers and thermometers. The top-end cases combined comfort, durability, and beautiful craftsmanship. These were cases with fine wooden interior accents and bow spinners, Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers, and steel-reinforced outer shells.

We tested each case and bag for weight, strength, comfort, durability, hardware quality, and instrument fit. Some of our tests were as simple as opening and closing inner compartments, unlocking and locking bow spinners, fastening and unfastening locks, and sitting on closed cases to test their resistance to weight. We also calibrated hygrometers and thermometers and tried out various instruments to see how they fit in the different cases. As you read through the report on our findings, presented in alphabetical order (not order of quality), pay attention to the pros and cons of each case and how any special features might or might not meet your own needs.

Finally, be aware that the following reviews represent only a portion of the total number of cases we evaluated. Prices shown are manufacturers’ recommended list prices, and will vary with different shops and dealers. Complete contact information for the case manufacturers is provided below.

$700 violin. $900 viola (weather guard flap unavailable). 31 x 10 ½ x 5 ¼ inches, 7 ½ lb. Lifetime warranty. Three-layer plywood shell with cordura exterior.

Our favorite feature of this cases—aside from the roomy interior (165 cubic inches of storage space)—is the sheet music compartment, complete with partitioned mesh pockets to hold anything and everything. The molded rubber grip on the subway strap is also a nice feature, and helps to balance and handle the 7 ½ pounds of weight (this is a heavier case). The Continental features a weather guard flap which snaps down to protect the full length of the zipper. This case also utilizes the patented Suspensionair suspension system and features four bow holders, a string tube, humidifier and hygrometer, and an instrument blanket. This case is especially durable (the music distributor, Shar, tells us that a customer had a case fall off the roof of a car—going 70 mph—with a high-priced instrument inside; and the owner opened the case to find the instrument unharmed, and still in tune). Available in brown exterior with blue or burgundy red lining and onyx black exterior with silver-gray, black, or burgundy red lining.

American Case Company Passport (violin)

$595. 31 x 10 ½ x 6 inches, 6 ½ lb. Lifetime warranty. Three-layered plywood shell with Duracover exterior.

American Case Company uses a patented suspension system (Suspensionair) to ensure optimal instrument protection. The case has additional suspension padding on the lid above the end-button, as well as a diamond-shaped pad for added bridge protection. A weather guard flap folds down over the zipper and lock to preventing the hardware from corrosion and rust. The inner compartments are exceptionally deep, and easily fit two shoulder rests as well as rosin and other accessories. The compartments also have snap-back lids—a nice feature. Worth noting is the lock: it utilizes a double action closure, making it difficult to accidentally knock open (unlike other locks of similar design). We especially liked the added mesh pockets in the outer sheet music compartment for storing everything from music scores to portable CD players, pens, and notebooks. The case easily withheld our body weight test and proved to be both aesthetically and structurally appealing. Other features include four bow holders, a string tube, humidifier and hygrometer, subway strap, and an instrument blanket. Available in various color combinations (exterior/interior): navy/camel, black/bluestone, green/camel, black/plum, tapestry/green, and tapestry/camel.

Bobelock 1002 Velvet Suspension Violin

$259. 6 x 30 x 9 inches, 6 lb. 14½ oz. One-year warranty. Hard-shell case with polymer-backed nylon covering.

This simple looking case surprised us once we took a closer look. The basic design includes a full-length outer pocket and a basic handle, subway strap, and adjustable shoulder strap. For a relatively low price, you are treated to plush velvet or velour interior with a super-padded suspension system and a generous sized, knob-handled inner compartment. Other features include two bow holders, a string tube, instrument blanket, and one inner and one outer compartment. We looked at similar cases offering the same accessories for much, much higher prices. Available in velour (navy blue, burgundy, and dark green), velvet (emerald green, dark blue, light gray, and tapestry), cotton velvet (light gray), and German silk (light gray).

$1,995. 31 ½ x 10 ½ x 5 inches, 7 1/2 lb. 30-day warranty. Hard cover with cognac suede exterior.

Covered in cognac suede inside and out, the Negri Diplomat has the appearance of the wealthy traveler. There is no hygrometer or humidifier in this case, but there are some added aesthetics: All four bow holders come with wooden spinners, and there is one very small inner compartment especially for your rosin. Even the instrument blanket is trimmed in suede. Other features include a string tube, two additional inner compartments, adjustable leather subway strap, and a basic suspension system. (Shar Music offers the case for a $20 viewing—which is refundable upon purchase—because this case should really be seen first hand.)

The hard case is quite durable, but the soft suede exterior requires both waterproofing and care not to snag the leather. This is not a good example of a highly durable case for banging around on the city bus, but if you are searching for an impressive look—something elegant and refined—this is a wise choice. Available with an olive green or royal blue velvet interior.

Negri Virtuoso (violin)

$525. 31 ½ x 10 ½ x 5 inches, 7 lb. 30-day warranty. Hard case with nylon oxford exterior.

Billed as a luxury case, the Negri Virtuoso is a plush, heavily-padded case with a durable domed cover and high-quality hardware. The adjustable subway strap is a unique feature making the case much easier to carry for those of us with smaller hands. And the interior shoulder rest storage strap serves as a great space saver—freeing up the only inner compartment for other things. Our only criticism here is the leather pull-tab on the interior compartment. The lid fits so securely, that it sticks a bit when opened—something that could cause the small pull-tab to rip in time. Other features include a hygrometer, string tube, and instrument blanket. Available in various color combinations (exterior/interior): black/red, green/beige, blue/beige/ and black/dark gray.

$950. 30 ¾ x 9 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches, 7 lb 1.6 oz. One-year warranty. Hard-shell case with Cordura exterior.

This beautiful case has hand-stitched brocade trim and a two-tone interior. All of the inner compartments have brass piano knobs and snap-back tension. Another interesting feature of this case is a locking mechanism holding the instrument neck in place: one side locks into the case with a push-release knob, and the other secures to the opposite side of the neck with heavy Velcro. Additional features include subway strap, adjustable shoulder straps, string tube, basic suspension system, humidifier and hygrometer, instrument blanket, and added mesh compartments in the outer pocket. Available in two-toned gray interior.

Choose Wisely

Focusing on your individual requirements is the key to finding the right case or instrument bag for you. As when shopping for an instrument, it is always a good idea to look around, compare prices, and try out as many options as possible. I found that we gravitated toward practical, economical cases with few frills but well-made essentials. However, costlier cases tended to use more expensive—and often more durable—hardware and materials.

Even the most expensive case can’t do everything, though. No matter how much insulation your instrument case or case bag has, it will withstand only about 30 minutes of extreme temperatures. Also, no matter how advanced your case humidifier is, you should still maintain optimal humidity levels in the place in which you store your instrument. A hygrometer and humidifier will help you measure and maintain these levels, but dial-reading hygrometers—such as the ones in all the cases outlined in this review—tend to be less accurate than digital hygrometers (such as the Stretto, available in North America through Shar). Digital equipment may provide the most accurate temperature and humidity measurement and control, functioning up to two weeks compared with the two-day duration of most other humidification systems. (See "Heightening Humidity," Market Report, April 2000.)

When purchasing instrument cases, you generally do get what you pay for, but remember: you may not need all the extras. You might find the best case for your needs is a basic, sturdy, soft-lined, suspension-system case with a Velcro neck strap, two bow spinners, and one inner compartment. You can get a reasonable amount of protection at a reasonable price—and we found several cases that offer added perks for a very reasonable price that prove this. Whether your main concern is the winter dryness cracking your instrument's varnish, or a trip to rehearsals on an uncomfortably packed city bus, there are many cases to fit your needs. Once you get past the hard part—choosing the right case—and practice common sense care, you will have a case that will be around to protect your instrument for years and years to come.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR CASE MANUFACTURERS