Other than choosing a violin, choosing a violin case is probably one of the most important decisions a violinist will need to make.
Just like you need a home to keep you and your family safe from the outside elements, your violin also needs a safe place to keep it safe from outside elements. This is especially important if you do a lot moving around with your violin.
When it comes to looking for a violin case, most violinists want something that looks cool and unique. And while all of that is okay, the most important factor you want to consider is overall quality, and how effective it is at protecting the violin.
After all, the main purpose of a violin case is to keep your instrument safe.
Like most things, violin cases come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. There are hard violin cases, which are usually made out of either wood or strong plastic, and “softer” cases that are made using carbon fiber.
There are also compact violin cases that have pockets and compartments for you to store your accessories, and travel cases that are lightweight and great for those who tend to move around a lot.
While it's common for most beginner violin sets to come with a standard violin case, there is a good chance you will want something that will better suit your needs.
Protective violin cases are the best option. They are also the most expensive. However, the cost can prove to be well worth it when you consider the type of protection they provide.
If by chance you already have a violin case you like, consider investing in a waterproof case cover. Doing so will add an extra layer of protection for your case and the violin.
Whether you have a case or not, this guide can prove to be very useful. Let’s dive in and talk about the most important things to look for in a violin case.
Top 5 Best Violin Case Reviews
Now let’s get down to business and discuss the top 5 best violin cases currently on the market. These cases have all the features you would want in a violin case.
You will have the freedom to pick one that reflects your personal style.
This case was designed by a notable designer, and a violin instructor. This means these cases are designed from the perspective of an educator. Because of this, these cases tend to meet the needs of all violinists.
The interior is offered in two colors. Red and dark blue.
If you are okay with an interior that is either red or blue, you will love the American Case Continental Violin Case.
Not only is it heavy duty and elegant, but it also comes with additional storage space, built in straps, and a hygrometer.
And thanks to its deep cushioning silk embrace, you will have a decent level of protection for your instrument.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a violin case that is lightweight, compact, and resilient, the BAM Contoured Violin Case is just what you need.
If price is not an issue for you, and you want a case that’s lightweight, compact, resilient, and provides a great deal of protection, this case would be perfect for you.
It is by far one of the best lightweight violin cases on the market.
Pros
Cons
This violin case utilizes the BAM technology and has an elegance that is usually only reserved for contoured cases. The one big difference is this case is a much more affordable option.
If you are looking for a violin case that in elegant, and provides the ultimate in protection, the BAM St. Germain Shaped Violin Case is what you need.
Aside from the great level of protection this case provides, it also comes with a two year warranty that protects you from any defects in workmanship.
Pros
Cons
While this isn’t technically a violin case, it does have the ability to protect your violin from the outside elements better than a regular violin case can on its own.
Not everyone can afford a new high tech violin case. And that’s okay. If you already have the standard violin case that came with your instrument, it will get the job done.
However, if you want to ensure your violin is always protected from the weather, you will need to invest in a violin case cover.
Violin case covers such as the Cushy Shaped Violin Case Cover are durable and expertly crafted. They are fitted and shaped based on the dimensions of your standard case.
With this violin case cover you will never have to worry about your instrument being ruined by the outside elements.
Pros
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The best way to describe this violin case is simply beautiful. It features some really amazing colors for both the interior and the exterior.
And the best part is the colors are completely customizable.
When you look at the elegance of this violin case, you will be surprised at how reasonably priced it is.
If you love beautifully crafted violin cases that are compact, you will love the Embassy Ambassador Oblong Violin Case.
It features an arched top wood case shell and has an overall design that is quite impressive.
Pros
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4 Key Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Violin Case
When choosing a violin case, there are a few very important factors you will want to consider. Please read over each of these factors so you will know exactly what to look for.
Shape, Sizes, and Fit
Violin cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are shaped like a violin, while others are more contoured. There are even some violin cases that are oblong, or in the shape of a rectangular box. Half moon shaped and dart style violin cases are also an option.
Students tend to opt for contoured or dart shaped cases because they are lightweight. They are also compact which makes them easier to transport.
The one big downside is these types of cases don’t have the extra space to store extra accessories. They will usually only be able to handle the rosin and an extra set of strings.
Though not as popular, the oblong and rectangular shaped cases are slightly larger and can fit more things. Besides the rosin and spare strings, they can also fit a bow, mic and shoulder rest.
Keep in mind, if the case is slightly larger, that also means it will be a bit heavier in weight. This could be a problem for those who travel with their violin on a regular basis.
Besides style and shape, you also want to make sure you have a case that is compatible with your violin.
For example, if you have a full size violin, you want to make sure your case is also full size. Otherwise you will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to fit your violin in the case.
You also run the risk of damaging your violin when you try to make it fit in a case that is not the right size.
Durability
When it comes to durability, and the level of protection a case provides, it all boils down to the type of material that was used.
It is very important you understand the details surrounding different materials. This is the only way you will know if you are getting a case that will actually protect your instrument.
Here are some of the most commonly used materials for violin cases.
Violin Case Materials
Compacted Foam
Compacted foam is a lightweight, and relatively cheap, material. It is very common for beginner cases to be made out of this type of material.
While compacted foam is considered a cheap material, cases made out of it tend to be very well constructed. The interior of the case cradles the violin which means it stays nice and safe when you are travelling.
Compacted foam cases usually are designed as a “French” or “semi-French” fit.
When it comes to strength and durability, compacted foam is not the best. Even still, it is a decent material for beginner violin cases.
Please note, if you are travelling outside of the country, this type of material will not provide you with the type of protection needed to keep the instrument safe.
Wood
Wood is a better option than compacted foam because it is tougher and heavier. However, the problem with wood cases is they have very few insulation properties.
If you’re not travelling a lot with your violin, a wood case would be the most economical option due to their affordability.
Carbon Fiber
The three words that best describe carbon fiber are lightweight, strong, and durable. Cases made using this material can be taken almost anywhere.
Not only are they extremely portable, but it is also believed that they are crush resistant. Because of this they are considered one of the best materials for violin cases. However, they don’t have a lot of insulating properties which can prove to be a problem in the long run.
If you travel around the world from gig to gig, having a crush resistant violin case is in your best interest. Just be sure to purchase an additional outer case so your violin will be protected from the outside elements.
Violin Case Features
Each violin comes with its own set of features. Every manufacturer is different and will have a different style and mastery process. The result is something unique that can fit the style of just about every musician.
Exterior
Most violin cases will have some sort of exterior accessory pocket for storage, and straps for ease of carrying.
Oblong and rectangular cases tend to have larger outside pockets that can be used to store things such as music sheets and spare strings. Some cases will also have closures and other mechanisms.
Oblong cases usually have dual zippers and flaps that are designed to protect the zipper from outside elements such as rain or snow.
Interior
Just like the exterior of a violin case can differ from case to case, so too can the interior. It can be utilitarian or more opulent.
However, when it comes to the interior, the most important thing to consider is how well your violin fits in the case.
If your violin doesn’t have the same dimensions as a standard violin, you may find it difficult to find the perfect fitting case.
With that being said, most violin cases come with a Velcro neck restraint. This helps secure the violin in place during transit. It also helps prevent the instrument from getting damaged.
While every violin case is designed to fit some aspect of the violin, the interior can vary from case to case.
As previously stated, a French or semi-French violin case has the exact same contours as your violin. This gives the case a tighter fit and better protection from both changing temperatures and constant movement.
Even better is the fact many of these cases will come with a bag or blanket to provide even more protection for the instrument. The interior materials used for this may be silk, nylon, velvet, cotton, or suede.
Other interior features you will want to consider are the size of the accessory compartments, number of bows you are able to store, and storage for extra strings just to name a few.
If you have multiple violins that you want to travel with, or you just need a safe place to store them, consider investing in a dual violin case.
As the name suggests, a dual violin case gives you the ability to safely store up to two violins. Dual violin cases are usually oblong or rectangular, and made out of compacted foam.
Violin Case Colors
For many violinists, the color of their violin case is the last thing they are concerned with. However, the look of a violin case can be just as important as the overall function of it.
When you like your case, you will be more likely to take better care of your instrument.
Most violin case makers sell their cases in a variety of different colors and finishes. For example, Bam fiberglass violin cases come in over 10 different colors.
While we did not include a fifth factor, it's very important you also consider price. Everyone has a different budget they are trying to adhere to. The good news is you can find a violin case in just about every price range.
Our Final Thoughts
And there you have it, 5 of the best violin cases currently on the market. Keep in mind all violin cases are a little different and will have something different to offer.
It is very important you do your research to find a violin case that best suits your individual needs.
You should choose your case based on a few very important factors. They are shape, size, and fit, type of materials used to design the case, features, colors, and price.
If you or your child are just learning to play the violin, there is no need to invest in one of the higher end cases.
For now you can just stick with the standard as it will provide ample protection. If you start to do a lot of traveling with the instrument, that is when you will want to invest in a better case.
A violin can be a pretty big investment. Make sure you protect that investment with the right violin case. Doing so could save you a lot of money, and heartache, in the long run.