Best string instrument bags & cases according to redditors
We found 26 Reddit comments discussing the best string instrument bags & cases. We ranked the 22 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 26 Reddit comments discussing the best string instrument bags & cases. We ranked the 22 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Fun fact, I actually bought a miniture violin just like that as a "motivational tool" in my shop whenever someone starts complaining. perfect 5/7 would recommend for everyone.
incase you want one of your own
as you are not a professional, there is a good chance you can add a rider to your (family's) existing homeowners or rental policy.
the regular policy will probably already cover fire and theft, but for a violin used by a student, you want a special thing that will cover it from accidental damage.
i always tell my students to tell their insurance company that it is a fragile thing that will be used regularly and aggressively by a kid around other kids, and even when you try to be careful, accidents can happen... so this specific situation is what you want covered.
some companies call this a "personal articles rider" but im not sure if thats industry standard.
this should get you a low or zero deductible just on this one item that covers more types of risk than the regular policy.
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also, agreeing that bobelock is a great brand!
my students really like this style: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ZT7IE8/ref=s9_dcacsd_bhz_bw_c_x_2_w
or this older version where the outer cover is less tight, cause they can use it for extra storage... not that thats what its for.. but..
https://www.amazon.com/Bobelock-1047FV-Fiberglass-Interior-Protective/dp/B009Z92D3O/ref=lp_2586104011_1_7?srs=2586104011&ie=UTF8&qid=1482882900&sr=8-7
send your friend this PIC.
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it's for this cello case on amazon.
amp-Golden-Curry-Mild-Hot/dp/B003OMMUKE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=7ROEFRHQDCZ&coliid=I1XPSYGUO07V8E) Best ever
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Oregan
fear cuts deeper than swords
Shar Music or Quinn Violins are a great place to start for most things violin-related, especially accessories. Here are some of the cases Shar has available. For the most part, any well-made case should be pretty effective at keeping the rain out - I used a half-moon shaped lightweight case for something like 10 years similar to this one that didn't have a rain flap (a covering that snaps over the zipper on top of your case), and had no issues with leaking.
That said, I wouldn't go too far under $100 if you're planning to travel around with your instrument - cheap cases aren't worth the risk, because no matter how careful you are, your case will get banged up at least a little bit, and cheap cases tend to have faulty hinges and uneven closures. The cheaper the case, the less they spend in things like padding or stronger exterior materials, so keep that in mind while you shop around.
Personally, I use this specific Bobelock case that does have a rain flap. It's admittedly much heavier than my old one, but it has a ton of storage and protects the heck out of my violin...it's been rammed into doorways, shut in doors, sat on, and dropped from standing height in a parking lot and my violin was perfectly fine (though I think my heart almost gave out at the time). I teach lessons and do some freelance playing, so it travels around with me a bit.
They also make case coverings that are pretty good at keeping the elements out, depending on how extreme you plan on getting in your adventures :)
Congrats on the new violin, and good luck on your journey!
I've seen a lot of young professionals with cases like this. Not sure of the quality, but I've seen enough of them around that they're probably not terrible. Plus, they're cute and lightweight.
https://www.amazon.com/Tonareli-Violin-Oblong-Hard-Case/dp/B00IJGNJZ0/ref=lp_11968951_1_18?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1482868503&sr=1-18
That, or something similar is my recommendation. You want plenty of cushion and preferably rectangle or oblong rather than the "violin-shaped" case. The Hygrometer is also important because the humidity will affect your instrument significantly, especially with an older instrument like that, you want to keep the humidity level steady.
I'm currently using this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF68NR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_smY7CbBXMDG4C and it's a great bang for the buck
I got the Bam Stylus; it's actually $271 but it's still a lot cheaper than most Bam cases and it seems to be quite good so far. I had a rather cheap case also for about 4 years, but the latch broke and the music pocket zipper stopped working so I decided to get a new one.
From your flickr channel it looks like you play in a band...that's so cool! I mostly do classical but I've always wanted to try an electric violin.
Ooh, books! Right now I'm reading "A Novel Approach" to prepare to re-structure a unit coming up with my students. I'm presently looking forward to the latest D&D campaign guide, though... :)
UN: Shelbymcb85
Gifting : Codestones, wishlist items, dubloons and tea to celebrate achieving one of the more difficult/expensive RIC items I need!
Seeking: NC Wishlist is here and my tea wishlist. If you'd like to trade for any of those tea NC items I'd be THRILLED.
My daughter loves Protec bags, this one with plenty room for music in the bag https://www.amazon.ca/Protec-MX144-Violin-Oblong-Black/dp/B019F9KDIK?th=1&psc=1
I used this one... (did not buy from Amazon though): https://www.amazon.com/BOBELOCK-EXTERIOR-INTERIOR-PLYWOOD-CONSTRUCTION/dp/B00VO1VY7M
For shoulder rest and more storage, you'll probably want the oblong one. I picked the shaped one because I could technically get it into a plane if needed. Their backpack harness is super solid with good hardware too if that's a need of yours.
Quinn Violins had good prices on these, IIRC. I bought through my luthier to give her the business however.
It's just a random $100 thingy from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Tonareli-Ultra-Light-Half-Moon-Violin/dp/B00IM1R5F2/ This is the half-moon version. I have a rectangular version, which doesn't seem to be sold anymore.
I just packed up the violin for an afternoon out in a case like this and closing the lid felt fine to me. The upper tail pad is soft and compliant, just firm enough to keep the fiddle steady on the lower cushion. If you still felt the lid was closing too hard, an X-Acto knife and hot glue gun would be enough to remedy that.
Most people aren't willing to part with so much money right away, that's fantastic that you're okay with it. It's a great idea. You'll get a far better instrument from Givens than Shar.
As for stand, case, and rosin I'll give you a couple of my favorites:
Solid stand (does not collapse) - Manhasset
Collapsible stand - K & M heavy duty
BAM Cases are awesome This one is a newer version of the case I've had for 10 years. It looks like this case has some improvements over the one I have (my locks rusted, but still work, and I don't have wheels, I've also needed to re-glue the inner padding once) but this case has an excellent "bang for your buck" value. I once fell on ice and landed squarely over my cello case (I'm about 200 pounds...so yeah, OUCH) and my cello was perfectly protected inside. No damage at all. There are stronger, less flexible, lighter cases out there but they'll cost over $1000 easily.
Rosin - If you're in a cold, dry area (especially in the winter) you may want to get a dark rosin, they're a bit stickier than light rosin. Generally speaking, light rosin is all-purpose. There's little or no difference between violin/viola rosin and cello rosin (stay away from Bass rosin, it's like glue on your bow and you won't be able to play well). I've used most of these and have never had a complaint. I currently have Jade rosin, but I'm finding it a little slippery and dusty for my playing style. I found Pirastro Goldflex to be a good starting point for me and I still buy a cake every now and again. You'll need a new cake every 6 months to a year because it'll dry out and crack, so you'll get plenty of opportunities to try different brands.
You also might want to think about a humidifier to put in your case in the winter, and some peg compound to help smooth sticky tuning pegs.
Hope this helps!
I always recommend this Kinsman Regular Hardshell Concert Ukulele Guitar Case https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005F40SMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2vaExbCW8S560
I have one for a tenor, don't let the cheap price put you off, it's fantastic.
I just purchased a Travelite TL-20 Deluxe Cello Case - 4/4 Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052M1C1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AJG5Cb6CZNZ8Y. It’s a fair price for what it is. It’s harder than a gig bag but not a solid as a hard shell case. It’s what I could afford. It has an inside compartment, 2 bow holders, and a sheet music pocket on the back. You can also decide to attach the backpack straps that come with it.
I don't really know what the actual name of it is, but it is soft fabric that comes with the case that you lay over your violin. It's extra protection for the instrument, I guess, and helps regulate temperature. Maybe protection from bows or anything else in the case. Mine has soft maroon velvety fabric on one side, and like a gold satin sheen on the other side. I put the satin side down in summer and cloth side down during winter; I don't know if it does anything or if it's just a placebo effect. Here's a link to a case with the cloth in front: http://www.amazon.com/DLuca-VC-380-Oblong-Violin-Hygrometer/dp/B004QQ2MR8/ref=sr_1_28?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1413229130&sr=1-28
Or here's a picture of my violin I just posted on my blog- you can see my cloth thing in the background: http://theclassicalmusicblog.tumblr.com/post/97441417698/pictures-of-my-violin-as-per-request
let me know if you have other questions- i'd love to help! :)
I can say I flew my T-Bird with the rockbag that came with it, that said I was allowed to take it with me in the overhead so it ended up just fine, but the situation can widely vary from flight to flight.
I'm a huge fan of the Protec cases - I've had the Pro PAC as my everyday carry for a few years and it's still in great shape