Choosing a Case

Which case is right for me?

There is no one simple answer; rather, there are a number of factors you should consider. Different cases have different strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll need to weigh those pros and cons against each other before making your decision. The biggest differences in cases really come down to the materials from which they are made: plywood, foam, thermoplastic, fiberglass, carbon-fiber, and composite plastics, are all possibilities in the hunt for the appropriate case.

If you’re looking for a durable beginner case, take a look at thermoplastic. These cases are pretty no-nonsense; they’re lightweight, they’re strong, but they don’t have much in the way of amenities or craftsmanship.

If you’re looking for a lightweight case, consider foam. Foam cases are very lightweight, though they tend to be a bit chunky; there’s a certain threshold of bulk that foam has to cross for it to be protective enough to keep your instrument reasonably free from harm. It is an excellent choice for students who may be keeping their instrument mostly at home, and maybe taking it to lessons every week. Still, it is the weakest of all the materials, and is not generally appropriate for subways for buses.

If you’re looking for good protection at a reasonable price, wood might be worth a look. Wood cases are typically slimmer than foam cases, and also more rigid and durable. Though heavier than foam cases, the extra protection that they afford can give you a great peace of mind that may be worth the occasionally sore shoulders.

If you’re looking for something less bulky, try a dart-shaped case. Oblong cases allow you to carry your sheet music along with your violin, which is quite convenient and helps circumvent embarrassing situations in orchestra practice. However, they take up a great deal of space, and tend to weigh more. Dart shaped cases are lighter and more compact, and can make life much easier when navigating crowded public transportation.

If you need something durable and lightweight but aren’t concerned about budget, try carbon-fiber and composite plastics. These cases are top of the line in terms of protection, as the construction materials used are extremely rigid. These materials are also extremely light, making them the best of both worlds. They can also be made to be very slim. However, their cost tends to be a bit prohibitive to players who are just dipping their toes in the violin-playing world.

One note about airline travel: Different airlines have different restrictions on what they will allow in overhead compartments. For most airlines, the linear dimensions (adding the length, width, and depth) cannot exceed 45 inches. Very few cases meet these dimensions, and there is some variance between airlines, so please be sure to check with your airline before your flight to see what their restrictions are.