Questions & Answers

Cases come in all sorts of different shapes and materials. Where to start?

Styrofoam

Today's inexpensive violin cases are basically made of styrofoam, that white material, ofcten used for packaging. They usually have a stripe of plywood around the top (the lid) and bottom, so that the cover can be attached with small screws. Also the handle needs plywoode, rather than just styrofoam.

Advantages: Inexpensive AND they protect the violn really well as long as no one ac cidentally sits/stands/falls onto it. In fact, if the case is accidentally dropped, there will be LESS impact for the violin because of the light weight. According to Newton, the weight decides on the gravity, and the gravity decides on the speed the item gaines before hitting the floor. The higher the speed the more danger for the violin, obviously. So that danger is minimal with a styrofoam case. The inside of some of these $99 cases looks very expensive; some of them have a thermometer or higrometer and a tube for spare strings (Prices: Around $59 for shaped cases and $99 for oblong/rectangular/moon-shaped cases), and virtually all of tem have a compartment for sheet music.
Disadvantages: Will not last as long as dearer cases, less protective in some circumstances, any dent in the styrofoam will stay forever.


Plywood

The next level is a plywood based case. Traditionally, cases used to be made with plywood, and they are still available. Again, these cases are covered with canvas. The cases are significantly heavier, and they will therefore develop a greater speed should the case be dropped, but they will successfully resist impacts coming from accidentally sitting on it, falling onto it , hiting it with a foot etc. Because of higher manufacturing costs they are more expensive than styrofoam cases. Shaped cases start at around $89 and oblong cases start at around $199.00.

Advantges: More strength, more solid, more durable, more protective in some circumstances, compared to styrofoam cases.
Disadvantages: More expensive, heavier than styrofoam, carbon fiber or fiber glass cases. Develops more speed should it be accidentally dropped.


Fiber Glass / Fibre Glass / Fibreglass / Fiberglass

Fiber glass cases are very study, very durable! They come in shaped and oblong. They are usually not covered with any materials and therefore have that 'naked' look. They come in all sorts of colours.

Advantages: They may last even longer than plywood cases and can cope with even more impact
Disadvantages: No sheet music pocket, and still a little heavy.

Carbon Fibre / Carbon Fiber

Carbon fibre cases are the ultimate violin cases as they combine strength with lightness.

Advantages: Very protective, strong, lasting, very light.
Disadvantages: None, except for the price


High Tech

There are violin cases, made of 'high tech' materials. These are as light as carbon fibre but thicker.  For this reason they have a very good insulation against temporary changes in temperature. The most famous brand is the 'BAM'

Advantages and disadvantages are similar to Carbon Fibre.