by Danielle Corbett

Created on: March 21, 2009   Last Updated: March 22, 2009

A violin case is more than something to carry your instrument in, it is actually your violin's permanent home. If you are a seasoned professional, awkward beginner, or somewhere in between there is definitely a case out there for you. This article will cover many of the never thought about intricacies of purchasing a violin case.

In the beginning, there were the ever so popular thermoplastic case that often came furnished with student string outfits. These cases were super cheap and often cracked upon a hearty impact (i.e. after hitting a corner wall). Superb choices if you're renting your violin or if you know your child is going to enter a growth spurt and you will be done with their current sized instrument within a year or two. However, if you're a beginner playing a full size instrument who plans to never depart with or someone lucky enough to find a well crafted valuable instrument, it would be best to think about purchasing something a little better than the ancient thermoplastic case.

In the non-thermoplastic world you can find really durable student violin cases and professional cases. Professional cases can run from anywhere between $140 to $2,000 and above, while student cases can start from $40 and run up. When evaluating a case keep in mind the following: weight, bulkiness, sturdiness, protection, inner and outer construction, and accessories.

Weight: What is your objective, to train for military boot camp or to effortlessly transport your instrument through town? Many violin cases weigh on average 7 lbs. It is not uncommon for find cases that weigh a mere 4 lbs. If you find yourself touting your instrument in your personal vehicle and to gigs with short paths, then the extra weight found in a 7 lb case or slightly heavier would probably not be a hindrance. However, if you frequently walk around with your instrument or like to attend festivals and music camps, investing in a lighter case might make better sense.

Shape: The shape of your case often determines the bulkiness and usability. Shaped violin cases like a Dart model are often smaller, take up less space, less bulky and are easier to travel with in airports or on a bicycle or public transportation. They also weigh less. Oblong cases allow for more compartment spacing but are longer and sometimes can get in the way, nevertheless, do provide other creature comforts like more storage. The half-moon case addresses this issue as it is slightly less bulky than an oblong case with its half moon shaping

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