ISO of a very light viola case

September 8, 2023, 10:27 AM · My daughter ended up getting the Shar Lion case, which is very lightweight. The weight is not listed on the website but it feels around 5 pounds to me. The main reason we picked this case was because it fits literally any oddly sized viola -- we only found one other case that our viola fit into properly.

It usually sells for $599, but we waited for a sale and used an additional coupon and were able to get it down to close to $400.

September 8, 2023, 10:40 AM · @Susan - thanks so much!

September 8, 2023, 11:00 AM · The Pedi viola case is very popular with music school students in my area for its light weight, great storage room, and higher-end backpack strap setup. It sells for just under $400 too.

September 8, 2023, 11:26 AM · I got a Shar Lion case for my viola as well. It's really nice and light, although the exterior scratches easily, just like the BAM cases.

September 8, 2023, 11:33 AM · I bought a Shar Lion violin case last February. I paid about $750, which is the most I've ever paid for a case, but I'm getting old and I couldn't drag my old wooden American Case around town any longer (I usually commute on public transportation). The Shar weighs almost nothing in comparison to the wooden cases I've owned. Some of the details aren't great (the velcro ties for example; there is no protection from heat/cold; the backpack straps are weird heavy duty rubbery things; the case is so light that it tips over backwards when you open the lid), but it seems sturdy and I don't mind carrying it all over the city. Wish I'd paid $400, though!

September 8, 2023, 1:53 PM · Thanks to all who responded. The Pedi weighs 5.5, and the Lion weighs under 5,, so they are close in weight but I would rather get a Lion if I can find one that is priced well for me. I will also look more closely at the Pedi, since it seems cheaper and is close to my weight range.

September 8, 2023, 2:37 PM · Scott, maximizing Shar sales is an art unto itself! In this situation, it was more a matter of luck, though.

September 8, 2023, 3:19 PM · Susan, my wife has tried to teach me to be a wiser shopper, but I appear to be an idiot who always pays full price for everything. I don't have the patience to wait for things to go on sale, either.