V.com weekend vote: Do you prefer a fitted or oblong case?

Written by The Weekend Vote
Published: November 29, 2013 at 9:06 PM [UTC]

Let's talk about your case: What kind do you prefer?

At this point, I'm simply talking about the shape of your case.

A fitted case can be light, compact and convenient for travel. In fact, I usually take a fitted case on every trip, and fortunately I have one with a music pouch, though it won't fit music that's anything bigger than a sheet of copy paper. I can also manage to fit my shoulder rest in there, though it's pretty close to the scroll of my violin, so I need to put my violin in a bag to protect it.

In day-to-day life, I use an oblong case. Everything fits inside with ease, and it has a nice big music pouch. Still, it's pretty heavy!

What kind of case do you prefer?

From Krista Moyer
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 12:40 AM

I use a dart-shaped case because it's lighter. My music, rosin, strings, etc. all go in a messenger bag. It might be two bags, but for me, two lightweight bags are easier than one big heavy case.

From Kevin Keating
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 12:41 AM

Oblong all the way. I don't mind the extra weight. In fact I tend to add to it more stuff than I probably need especially when I travel with it.

From Paul Deck
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 1:02 AM

The oblong fits all of my small accessories, and best of all the case fits snugly into the Joey Violin Case Carrier which is a fun way for me to get to my violin lessons on my 50-cc scooter or for my daughter to get to her orchestra rehearsals on her bicycle. The Joey has a music pouch and you can sneak your stand in there as well as long as it is not one of those ghastly contraptions with plastic panels that fold out.

From 174.28.183.201
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 2:25 AM

I need a case that will fit in my music glasses (like computer glasses) so I need the oblong. The end pocket handles the glass case, cleaning cloth, rosin and electronic tuner. Also lots of room for music one "second level." I think the weight difference is marginal but I'm not usually carrying the case very far.

From Francesca Rizzardi
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 3:31 AM

I also have a dart-shaped case and an oblong case. Same comments as Laurie regarding each. My regular case was the oblong, but I switched to using my dart shaped case when I was suffering from shoulder tendonitis. I carried everything else in my Violinist.com bag (where else?). But when traveling by car to colder climates, I prefer my oblong case because I believe it has more insulation.

From 67.0.255.128
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 2:18 PM

The fitted case tells everyone that you are carrying a violin (or a submachine gun) but but not a trombone. My old canvas covered magnesium fitted case from West Germany has no equal, but it was stolen (along with my new violin and my Tubbs bow) and I have never been able to find a replacement.

From 184.76.107.27
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 2:22 PM

I prefer oblong, but have fitted and half-moon. Oblong is just more practical all the way around.

From 76.122.57.60
Posted on November 30, 2013 at 4:46 PM

I have a violin-viola double case. I do my technical exercises on the violin, since I still use that instrument, but not in public. When I have to play for people I prefer the viola because the size and weight of the instrument hide my essential tremor. I HAVE to have an oblong case.

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on December 1, 2013 at 2:01 PM

I had a fitted plastic case all through school--it seems like most student instruments, especially rentals, come in them. You know the kind:

When I finally got an oblong case, it felt like getting a real case, and becoming a grown-up violinist. It had a music pocket. I didn't have to find creative ways to fold up my shoulder rest and stick it along the side of the neck of the instrument. It had a blanket so the bow didn't whack the instrument when I closed the lid. (My old instrument, which I still have, has a number of unnecessary dents and dings from that case). I've seen some nice fitted cases now, with blankets and music pockets, but I just won't go back.

From Laurie Niles
Posted on December 1, 2013 at 8:45 PM

Hee hee, I'm glad your V.com bag is coming in handy, Francesca! We still have some of them left, here's the link, if anyone wants one for Christmas! :)

Karen, I once had a luthier tell me that he used those old-school cases to transport Strads because they are so incredibly sturdy!

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V.com weekend vote: Do you prefer a fitted or oblong case?

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