Violin Case for 2k violin
I need help in looking for a protective case for a 2k violin. I've looked at a lot of reviews and discussions about choosing a violin case but am still not sure on what to buy. I value my violin very much (its akin to my life) but not sure whether it's worth it to buy an expensive case (as it's only 2k and I don't have that much money) and I'm usually really careful with it (it has only gotten one fall but it was in its case).But the thing is I move around with it a lot (walking, biking, bumpy car rides, carrying it through rainy days) and it's around crowded areas a lot (especially dangerous with my baby brother around). And I'm very paranoid about the condition of my violin, like how my violin feels VERY warm after a ride in a stuffy car.
I want it to have a suspension interior and be oblong-shaped at least. I'm kind of leaning toward hardcovers since it can be waterproof and they look nice ( I also don't like messing around with violin case covers but I will if I have too). I'm really contemplating on whether to buy a Gewa Air 2.1 or not (but it's worth about a fourth of my violin, like is that a good violin-to-case value ratio...?). I am willing to splurge around $400 on it (my heart's bleeding but my violin is more important....T^T). So yeah....I'm in deep need of help...Really grateful for any tips or suggestions at all!
P.S. The case I'm using right now is LITERALLY made of cardboard, the back extremely thin and not to mention broken. The bridge leaves marks on the top and there is barely any cushioning. I'm not sure how my violin survived in a $70 case after being jostled around so much...I.AM.PANICKING.
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Replies (18)
Your concern about the violin getting warm: Look for roomy cases. Big. The air inside serves as isolator from heat outside. The more minimalistic and contoured the case is, the least isolated it is. Many times the advantage of the wooden cases it's that they are big, so the temperature change is slower. If your case holds a lot of air, it gets warmer or colder more slowly.
Another very important thing if you are concerned about the heat: Buy it white, or at least not dark. The difference between a white and a black closed box under the sun is huge.
All those factors into account make your choice of the GEWA Air 2.1 a good one (white). Actually I have similar needs (bike, crowded places) and I am looking into a Gewa Air Ergo. But the Air 2.1 it's fine.
If you look at that style I have to tell you that here (In Vietnam), I see the string players using mostly Chinese cases, namely the Yinfente ones you can find in ebay for 100-150USD. There is an oblong model that might fit your needs. And those players are from the national orchestra and report years of happy use of those cases.
And final thought... Babies become toddlers... Choose a case with a combination lock, and use the lock...
https://www.sharmusic.com/Cases-Bags/Violin/Embassy-0153-Courier-Violin-Case-Black.axd
Not to knock Paul's good experience with the Embassy Courier, but I had a student who purchased one of the cases (shaped version) and it disintegrated within 6 months. The hinges failed and the interior separators came loose. This was a very careful student. Perhaps the design of the oblong version is more sturdy.
My only issue with it is that I cannot fit my shoulder rest inside it, which I find frustrating.
Personally, I feel that fiberglass cases are poorly designed. Very little storage space. The GEWA Air has just a bag to store your stuff in. Kinda a poor idea, don't you think?
I use a Bam contoured and the bag is more than big enough for all I carry: Rosin, clippers, hotel mute, concert mute, peg dope, tuning fork, 2 pencils and a spare of reading glasses. Don't know what else to put, frankly...
What differences the good and the bad case is not if they endure a simple fall like that. All do. Is how long the latches last, the metal parts, the zippers, the handle... The small details, which are important, but not suddenly life threatening to the violin. Just pick up a case that is comfortable for you in backpack position (as you ride a bike), and also financially comfortable. This brand or other is really not so important, as long as it's one that has been in the market long. And that includes some chinese ones.
Remember that the one that takes care of your violin is not the case. It's you. The case is a tool to help you and does not exclude that you check the straps rutinely, look for humidity issues or glue weirdness... And you have to do that with all cases, including the most expensives.
Don't stand your beer on it.