Reddit mentions: The best string instrument bags & cases

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!

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BAM Cases are awesome This one is a newer version of the case I've had for 10 years.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!

1. Something Grey We are indeed all mad here.
   
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain. I love the smell of tomato plants after rain.
   
   
3. Something food related that is unusual Carrots were originally purple until the Dutch bred orange ones
   
   
4. Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. For my husband because he is evil and can do Rubix Cubes without much/any thinking involved. This will teach him to be so smug.
   
   
5. A book You should read because it's mad, very clever and very well written, the entire series is so easy to consume.
   
   
6. An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping - ¬_¬ damn you americans and you awesome cheap amazon items.
   
   
7. Something related to cats My playing sounds like a wailing cat
   
   
8. Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it :)
   
   
9. A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. If i have to explain this one to anyone here...
   
   
10. Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. I'll be able to hide away int he deepest woods behind all my defences and grow food to survive no matter what the climate.
    
    
11. Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. I daresay there's nothing I can link for this one as it's not a physical item.
    
    
12. One of those pesky Add-On items Screw you add on items!
    
    
13. The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item I can't imagine the freedom one could gainwith a 3d printer to hand. For myself i could print bits and bobs and crochet hooks and. jeeze what can't you do with a 3d printer? Plus i could pretend i'm in a time dilation in star trek.
    
    
14. Something bigger than a bread box. Hehe
    
    
15. Something smaller than a golf ball
    
    
16. [Something that smells wonderful.](http://www.amazon.co.uk/F1043-
    amp-Golden-Curry-Mild-Hot/dp/B003OMMUKE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=7ROEFRHQDCZ&coliid=I1XPSYGUO07V8E) Best ever
    
    
17. SFW Toy choochoo!
    
    
18. Something that would be helpful for going back to school :)
    
    
19. Something related to your current obsession bwhahaha, it's not for real floristry!
    
    
20. Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it - It's IRN BRU FOR A SODA STREAM!!!! ZOMG!!!! Irn Bru is one of only 3 world wide to unseat Coke Cola as the number 1 drink
    
    ----
    
    Oregan
    
    fear cuts deeper than swords

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! :)

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.

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

The Protec Cases are at the upper range of what you're looking, but I have the Protec cases for my flute and violin and I absolutely love them. There's plenty of space within the case for extras like a shoulder rest, extra strings, mine has space up to 4 bows, a pocket for books/sheet music, and a larger pocket for a rain guard, pens, tuners, etc.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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 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.