Violin Cases

Violin cases are used to keep your violin and to protect it while carrying from places to places. There are many types of cases, which comes in different shapes and sizes, and in professional or beginner grades.

In the past, many violinists chose hard-shell cases, because of its durability, which gives a sense of assurance of protecting the violin. However, the downside is it is often too heavy.

These days, lightweight cases are available too, and they also provides good protection to the instruments. It is easier to carry around too.

Violin cases can come in different qualities, and hence, different pricestoo. Some may look similar on the outside, but when you open the cases, you will find great differences. There may be more compartments, and in more expensive ones, you may find some special devices too. However, choosing a case that suits your needs is more important!

Alright, let's open it up!

The Mysteries Inside...

and outside of a case. What can you find? Let's see...

Suspension systems . They have become very common with cases, as they help to support your violin against the back of the case. A case that is well padded with it, will protect your violin from serious damage when it got knocked or dropped. The violin neck is held with either a Velcro strap, or a string tie.

The harder the outer case, the softer the suspension, the better the protection. As most violinists carry their violins around frequently for performances , the chances of them getting knocks are quite common too.

A zipper-and-lock system is fixed in most professional grade cases for security purposes. Look for zippers that start at the back and end at the center front. Some cases have flaps to cover the zippers, and some have locks at the center of the case. Better cases may have two or more locks at the sides of the cases.

Look at the interior and exterior compartments too. It's better to choose a case that suits your needs. Maybe, you need to carry your portfolio around, your sheet music, extra strings or violin bows?

Cases usually have more than one inner compartments, and one exterior which stretches to the length of the case. More violin bow holders may be required if you use different bows, and make sure the holders secureyour bows properly too. Violins can be scratched when bows fell out in the case.

Hygrometers and thermometers can be found in some professional violin cases. Hygrometers measure the humidity levels, and indicating if your violin is too dry or too damp. They are not fixed in some cases, but they can be installed separately.

Humidifiers are installed in violin cases sometimes, by releasing moisture to adjust the dryness in the case. (a necessity in very cold conditions). This will help to prevent your instruments from cracks due to dry climate, and low humidity. They can be purchased in music shops, or online. For student violins, I would say hygrometers and humidifiers are not a necessity yet.

Choosing a Violin case...

While choosing a case for your violin, it is best to choose it wisely, and most importantly, it suits your needs. Check out the different kinds of cases online, or in shops, try them out, compare the prices, before making a choice.

When you buy violins, especially good qualities and expensive ones, they usually come in high-grade violin cases too. However, do check with your music shops about the cases too.

Also, check the weight of the case. Get one which you feel comfortable carrying around, and within your strength too. These days, many cases have also been fitted with straps and handles for easy movements and carriage.

Buy one within your budget too, as you may not need all the extras. Generally, you get what you pay for. A top high-grade case may not be necessarily needed if you are not traveling around frequently with an expensive violin and exposes to drastic climatic changes. There are cases which provide good protection too, at a reasonable price.

However, don't shortchange yourself. If you really need a good one to protect your precious violin, get it. Invest in a good violin case, to give greater assurance to yourself and your violin, for many years ahead.

Also, remember that a case can only protect your violin to a certain extent, even if it is the most expensive case. Greater care should come from the violin player himself/herself. Handle your case with care too. Don't test its durability unnecessarily...