Just a few decades ago, the choice of violin cases and was, frankly, very small. Several models, very similar to each other, and that's it. All violin cases were made of wood covered with imitation leather, some, more expensive, with genuine leather. They were mostly shaped cases, snuggly fitting the violin, with very little space inside. There was no room even for a shoulder rest. By the way, this was not required until the middle of the 20th century, when the violin shoulder rest was invented.
Now the market for musical instrument accessories offers a huge selection of violin cases for almost every taste and budget. They differ in material they are made from, in their design, in their functionality, in their weight, and, of course, in price. In this guide to violin cases, we will introduce you to the main categories of violin cases and explain the difference between them.
Foam Cases
Foam is the most popular material for Viola or Violin cases of the lower price range. They are either dart-shaped or oblong. Cases made of foam only are never shaped, that is, repeating the shape of the violin, because this requires a material from which a thin sheet can be made, which is impossible in the case of foam. Although foam viola or violin cases are comparatively inexpensive, they are not bad at all. And the main advantage is their weight. They weigh next to nothing, making them the most suitable for children and for those who don't drive. Foam cases, being softer than other cases, provide high level of protection because they absorb the shock.
GEWA Pure Oblong Violin Case is a good example of low-cost, light-weight cases made of foam. It has a large accessory compartment that can fit a shoulder rest, two bow holders, a blanket that protects the violin from accidental scratches, a full size music pocket.
Foam Cases with wooden frame (reinforced foam)
This kind of violin case is just a little heavier than just foam case, but still very light because the wooden part is not massive: it is only a side frame which makes the case stronger. They might be shaped and look quite elegant.
GEWA Concerto Shaped Violin Case by its look, reminds the old-style wooden cases that were in use many years ago, but it is much lighter in weight.
Hard-shell wooden (plywood) cases
Wooden violin cases are considerably heavier than foam cases, but they are the most reliable. They not only protect the violin from impacts, but also withstand significant pressure. Unlike the foam cases, hard-shell cases can literally be stood on, which we would not recommend, though. They can be of different shape and they are normally covered with waterproof material. Hard-shell violin cases made by Eastman are probably superior to all others in their quality. They are incredibly reliable and very comfortable.
Eastman "Galiano" Violin Case is comparatively light, very comfortable and extremely strong. It has two accessory compartments, four bow holders, and equipped with a hydrometer.
Carbon fiber cases
The three-age system is the periodization of human prehistory into three periods: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age. It looks that we are entering the Glass Age now. Carbon as a material is getting more and more popular. Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are used everywhere: aerospace, automotive and civic engineering, sport goods production, musical instruments. Many carbon violin bows show excellent playing qualities and, with Pernambuco, the most suitable wood for violin bows, becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, carbon bows are becoming increasingly popular.
Musical instrument cases made from carbon are strong, light and beautiful. This material allows manufacturer to make a case of practically any shape and color.
Carbon is perhaps the most suitable material for cello cases, which, unlike violin or viola cases, are almost impossible to make from foam, due to their big size. Hard-shell wooden cello cases are so heavy that one has to be not only a cellist, but also a powerful weightlifter to carry a cello in such a case.
GEWA Air 1.7 Violin Case has a double layer carbon fiber shell with a layer of high density foam injected between the inner and outer carbon layers. Due to this unique technology, GEWA carbon cases offer excellent protection against shocks and climate change. I addition to this, they are extremely beautiful!
Plastic cases
The word plastic sounds kind of "cheap" for today's ear. However, plastic is not "cheap" material at all. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or thermoplastic is actively used in the production of aircrafts, cars, water pipes and... cases for violins, cellos, violas, and other musical instruments. And here the unsurpassed leader is the French company BAM. Comparatively high market price is the only questionable detail. All other characteristics of BAM cases are just perfect!
BAM Hightech Oblong Violin Case has a shell that is a tripleply structure made of high performance materials (ABS, Airex foam, another type of ABS), which provides an outstanding protection and ultralight weight.
When choosing a violin case, one should consider the following factors:
1. Price. This one is always number one, and we don't have to explain why.
2. Level of protection. The main purpose of the case is to protect the violin from damage. All cases give some protection, even a soft cello bag helps to protect the instrument from damage to a certain extent. The choice depends very much on the way of using the case. Choose hard-shell or foam (or combination of these materials) if you intend to travel with your violin or if you commute to work or school by bus or subway.
3. Weight. If you don't drive and always carry your violin on your shoulder or your back, choose lighter models. Foam or reinforced foam cases, of course, win in this category.
4. Comfort. There is never enough space inside the violin case, as there is never enough space in your apartment, no matter how big it is. Oblong foam or hard-shell cases have enough room for your violin, shoulder rest, rosin, spare strings. They usually two or four bow holders and big sheet music pocket. GEWA Backpack for Shaped Violin Case and GEWA Backpack for Oblong Case can considerably improve your case adding more space and compartments for accessories.
5. Appearance. With violin cases, it works the same way as with any bags. A beautiful stylish case not only will help you to carry your violin safely, but also will outline your personality.
Visit our collection of Violin Cases to see all varieties of this product.