Best Violin Cases (2021 Buyer’s Guide)

In this post, I’ll list the best violin cases 2020 has to offer, including cases for many different budgets and styles of violins. Are you in the market for a new violin case and wondering which is the best violin case for you? Let me help!

I’m a violin teacher and performer, and I’ve seen, used, and tried hundreds of violin cases over the years. There are so many choices that it can be absolutely overwhelming to find the best violin cases, so I thought I’d put a post together to help you narrow down your choice.

I’ll help you decide what you’re looking for in a violin case and show you how to decide which of the best violin cases is right for you. After you read this page, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for and which features you want in your violin case.

You’ll know the difference between hardshell and lightweight violin cases and oblong and violin shaped. You’ll learn about a few different kinds of material. You’ll see that you can choose a basic black case or from a rainbow of colors, depending on your personality and budget.

What Is a Violin Case?

A violin case is, at its simplest, a case to hold your violin.

Think of how much you paid for your violin. A case is an investment to keep your violin and bow safe from temperature changes and a way to carry it from place to place.

If you splurged and purchased one of the best violins on the market, then you’ll probably also want a top violin case. If you have a cheaper violin, you can probably get away with a cheaper case.

Your violin case will of course also have room for at least one bow, and maybe more. It might also have room for your shoulder rest, music, and other accessories.

I’ll tell you which cases can hold what, and you know what you want to carry around with you. If you’re someone on the move, you’ll want the best case for airplane travel.

Perhaps you like to ride a bike with a violin case. You might need one you can wear as a backpack.

Think about why YOU need a violin case and how you travel with your violin. Do you walk a lot or do you need to carry a lot of bows or music with you?

Types of Violin Cases

There are two basic shapes of violin cases and a variety of materials. Most cases are either oblong or more violin shaped.

You’ll see a variety in between, such as the “half-moon” or some cases that are a bit more triangular.

Oblong Case

Violin cases that are considered “oblong” are like a rectangle. These cases are often very sturdy, but depending on the material they’re made of, they can be heavy.

Oblong cases usually fit up to four bows and have plenty of room for your shoulder rest and other accessories. They also have a pocket for your music and either backpack straps or shoulder straps, or both.

Violin Shaped Case

Violin shaped cases are exactly that, shaped like a violin. Usually the edges are more rounded or straight though, so it might look more streamlined.

These cases usually have a bit less room for accessories and music, but often still have room for two bows and a shoulder rest.

A shaped case is more likely to be a lightweight case, and this is the best case for air travel as they’ll fit into the overhead compartment much easier.

Wooden Case

Traditional violin cases were made of wood and many today still are. These wooden cases are incredibly sturdy and protective, though quite heavy.

Perhaps you’ve heard the stories of musicians putting their violins on top of a car and driving off down the highway and their instrument was still in tune? That was likely a wooden case.

I once slipped down a few stairs with my violin in its case and banged it up quite a bit. It was absolutely still in tune.

Foam Case

Some cases have a foam shell padding around them. These are some of the most lightweight violin cases.

Often these just have a black cover over the foam and have zippers to close it rather than latches. This keeps the violin case so lightweight.

Fiberglass Case

Today the most fun and modern cases are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is lightweight yet sturdy and should protect your instrument quite well.

You’ll see a lot of different colors for these types of cases if you want to express yourself with your violin case. One downside is that the case will scratch over time.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Violin Case

When you choose a case, you’ll want to think about why you need it, what you usually carry with you in addition to your violin, and what your budget is.

If you walk with your case most often, you might want a super lightweight case. For air travel, you’ll definitely want the best case for air travel.

If you ride a bike with your violin, you’ll want to make sure your case has backpack straps. If you’re going in the car most of the time, the weight is less important and perhaps you just want amazing features and protection.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you might want to look at a different color of the case to express your creativity. Today there are 100s of violin cases to choose from in every color imaginable, or you can be serious and traditional with a black case.

The best violin case will be the best violin case for you!

Size

To reiterate, you can pick oblong or more violin shaped cases. This will affect the size and weight.

Since violins are a standard size, most violin cases fit most violins, so you rarely have to worry about that.

If you fly often, a smaller shaped case is better to fit into the overhead compartment.

Cases often weigh anywhere from 3 to 8 pounds. You’ll also want to take into account that your case will be heavier depending on what accessories you put it in.

Some violins will only fit one bow, while others can fit up to four. You’ll also want to consider if the case will fit your shoulder rest.

Protection

The outside of the case is the first line of defense, so you want something strong.

Most cases are either carbon fiber, wood or foam covered with canvas stretched over them. All these materials are fairly strong, but wood and carbon fiber are stronger.

You’ll also want to think about keeping it dry in a rainstorm and warm when it’s cold outside. Some cases include a bag for your violin or have an additional cover to put over it.

The last thing for protection is the clasps or zippers to hold it shut. You’ll want to make sure any zippers run smoothly and that any clasps are secure and will stay that way for years.

You don’t want air or moisture to get into the case, particularly if you’re biking or walking a lot. If you’re riding in a car mostly, you won’t need to worry about that as much.

Price

You can get a decent case for close to $50 and pay as much as $1000. Most of the best violin cases are between $100 and $400.

Some brands are more expensive, but they’re very good brands for players with professional instruments. The more your violin is worth, the more an expensive case is worth it.

10 Best Violin Cases

It’s hard to narrow down to the 10 best violin cases, but I thought it would be helpful for you to have a list. Keep in mind, there are plenty of top violin cases not on my list because there are just so many.

I think this list will help you see the different options and narrow down what you’re looking for in a violin case. Though there are many more great violin cases that aren’t on my list, this list contains some of my favorites and some of the best I’ve seen lately.

1. Toshira Shaped Case

• Size: Length 32.5″ x width (widest) 10″ x height 5.5″
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• What’s included: Two bow holders, removable backpack/shoulder straps, music pocket, blanket, accessory pocket
• Material & finish: Black nylon cover over a lightweight foam interior, zipper closure
• Best for: Good budget option, musicians who are on the go and need a backpack case

The Toshira Shaped Case is one of the lightest options on this list, and it’s also the cheapest violin case on my list. I own this case for one of my instruments, and I think it’s a great budget option.

Why I Recommend It

I use this case for one of my instruments. It’s wonderful to travel with because it’s so lightweight.

It’s also attractive and stylish with a basic minimalist look. If you’re looking for a good-quality budget option, you can’t go wrong here.

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2. Core Fiberglass Suspension

• Size: It doesn’t say, but it will fit a full-size violin
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• What’s included: Blanket, two bow spinners, shoulder straps or backpack straps, accessory pocket
• Material & finish: Fiberglass shell, padded interior, various colors
• Best for: Younger players who don’t have too much to carry around, people who need a smaller case to travel with, people who want something creative and stylish at a good price point

The Core Fiberglass Suspension is the shaped version of the popular Core brand violin case. It comes in a variety of exciting colors, and it’s one of the more budget options for those that want a fiberglass case.

As always, with a shaped case you have to worry if it will fit your shoulder rest. They do make shoulder rests with foldable feet for this reason.

Why I Recommend It

This violin case is a top seller and for good reason. It’s got a wide variety of color options and is a good option for those who want a bright colored case but don’t want to buy a more expensive case.

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3. Bam France Classic

• Size: 40 x 16 x 9 inches
• Weight: 5.3 pounds
• What’s included: Two bow holders, removable accessory bag, music pocket, shoulder strap/backpack strap
• Material & finish: Blue Cordova cover, plush black interior, high-density foam construction in between
• Best for: Good for those wanting more serious protection for their violin

The Bam France Classic is a lower price point for a Bam case. Bam is well known as a top violin case brand, and this case would be a great purchase if you like the look of it.

I think this looks really cool, and I might buy it for my next case! I do love different colors, though.

Why I Recommend It

I love this case. It looks smart, and it will protect your violin from the elements. It’s a good traveling case for walking, biking, taking the train, or flying.

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4. Bobelock Shaped Suspension

• Size: 5″ thick, 31″ long, 9.5″ wide
• Weight: 6 pounds
• What’s included: Large accessory pocket, two bow spinners, blanket, padded travel bag, backpack and shoulder straps
• Material & finish: Fiberglass shell, canvas cover, velour interior
• Best for: Traveling musicians, and the padded cover is good for really cold weather

Similar to the Core Fiberglass above, this is another great entry point into the world of fiberglass violin cases with bright colors. The Bobelock brand is well-known for affordable quality.

The Bobelock Shaped Suspension isn’t the most lightweight, but for the price it really can’t be beat. It also has some of the most unique color options.

Why I Recommend It

This is the best quality yet budget case for those wanting a color fiberglass option. You can’t beat the color choices. And, it’s a great brand, with a long history of customer satisfaction.

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5. Tonareli Violin Oblong Fiberglass Case

• Size: 33.25 x 13.45 x 7.9 inches
• Weight: 5.6 pounds
• What’s included: Removable accessory compartment, four bow holders, straps, blanket. Removable music pocket sold separately
• Material & finish: Fiberglass shell, special red and black stitched interior
• Best for: Those wanting a little more room in a case that’s still lightweight

The Tonereli is a brand that you see more of lately. The Tonareli Violin Oblong Fiberglass Case has great reviews and looks really nice.

The interior is unique, and the white exterior is really striking. I don’t love that some things are sold separately, but that helps keep the price down for those that don’t need a music pocket or extra bag.

Why I Recommend It

I definitely wanted to include a Tonareli case in my list, and this one seemed like a great example. You can see there’s a lot of thought put into the details.

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6. Bobelock 1003 Oblong Featherlite

• Size: 6″ thick, 31.5″ long, 10″ wide
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• What’s included: Four bow holders, music pocket, large accessory pocket, straps, blanket, string tubes, pencil pocket
• Material & finish: Made of layered plywood and foam construction, velour or velvet interior, black nylon canvas zippered cover
• Best for: Violinists wanting a ton of features and accessories with their case

It’s another quality Bobelock case. The Bobelock 1003 Oblong Featherlite is roomy with tons of features.

The outside is just black, but you can choose from a variety of interior colors. You’ll find that this case can carry anything you need, so it’s great for musicians on the go who need to have a lot of music, strings, and other accessories with them.

Why I Recommend It

This is a great standard and traditional case with a modern construction. You’ll find everything you need in this case, and it’s strong enough to protect any violin.

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7. Gewa Air Prestige

• Size: Fits a full size violin
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• What’s included: Leather handle, blanket, two bow holders, accessory pocket, combination lock, straps
• Material & finish: Thermoplastic shell, padded velour interior
• Best for: Professional musicians who really want to protect their instrument

The Gewa Air Prestige case is on the next level for protection and craftsmanship. It’s a beautiful shaped case with great attention to detail.

This violin case is great for those traveling and will withstand high heat as well as cold. It would be great for being on the go, flying, the train, walking, etc.

The case seals tightly and will protect your valuable investment.

Why I Recommend It

This is a great case. The Gewa brand is well known for having some of the highest quality and best violin cases.

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8. Bam HighTech Contoured

• Size: 26.6 x 9 x 5.7 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• What’s included: Two bow holders, airtight seal, straps, small accessory pocket
• Material & finish: Made of various high-performance synthetic materials, foam cushions
• Best for: A great option for professionals

This is a great Bam case if you want the best. This gorgeous Bam HighTech Contoured case will be easy to travel internationally with while protecting your instrument.

One reviewer says they were in a bad car crash with the violin in the car. The car was totaled, but the violin wasn’t even out of tune.

Why I Recommend It

Many of my professional violinist friends use this case, so I had to include it on the list! This is my top choice for the price point.

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9. Core Oblong Violin Suspension

• Size: Fits full size and a few fractional sizes as well
• Weight: 7 pounds
• What’s included: Music pocket, four bow spinners, hygrometer, string tube, accessory pocket, string tube, blanket, straps
• Material & finish: Cordova cover attached by screw, plush lined interior
• Best for: Great standard case for those wanting more room than a shaped case, good budget option

Earlier in the list I showed the Core fiberglass suspension, and here is another Core case, this one oblong and more traditional.

The Core Oblong Violin Suspension is a good value case, and all the reviewers were quite pleased with their purchases. You get three choices of interior colors.

Why I Recommend It

This is a highly rated violin case and is well made, especially for the price. It’s a great budget option for those wanting a full size oblong case.

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10. Musafia Momentum

• Size: 30 x 9 x 6 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
• What’s included: Four bow spinners, full size music and accessory pockets, straps, blanket, hygrometer, and string tube
• Material & finish: Plush velvet interior, canvas/nylon exterior
• Best for: Professionals wanting a luxurious case with all of the details

Musafia is the height of luxury cases. They pride themselves on having every detail covered. The Musafia Momentum case is expensive but will absolutely protect your violin. It will also last a long time.

There isn’t a detail left out, and the interior is unique and gorgeous with beautiful materials and stitching.

Why I Recommend It

If you buy this case, you’ll love it. If you can afford it, buy it, you won’t regret it.

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Best Violin Case Brands

There are several brands of violin cases that really stand out over the others, due to their quality of craftsmanship and durability. These brands can be trusted to carry your precious violin and bows.

Here are some of my favorite and most-trusted brands. Some are more innovative, and others are more traditional. All of them will provide you with a great violin case.

Bam

Bam is a French company that makes great cases. They’re cutting edge and unique, with quality craftsmanship.

Pricing is often a little on the higher side, but they have a variety of price points.

Gewa

Gewa is a German company that makes really high quality cases, often for professional level players. The price point is high but well worth it if you want a fine product.

Tonareli

Tonareli is a smaller company with a few unique options. You’ll find a middle range of prices and excellent quality.

Bobelock

Bobelock is an older company, around since 1901! They have great intermediate to professional options for cases, with prices on the lower side.

I currently use a Bobelock case and love it.

Musafia

Musafia is a high style, high quality Italian brand. This is the luxury model of violin cases.

Violin Case Aesthetics & Build

Though it might seem like the appearance of the case is most important, don’t get distracted by that. You’ll want a quality case with good protection and suspension for your violin above all else.

Material

Cases are made of wood, foam, or fiberglass. There are a few differences between types of foam and fiberglass, but this is generally what you’ll be looking at.

The outside of the case might be canvas or just a hard carbon fiber shell. It could have zippers to close it up or various kinds of metal or plastic clasps.

The inside of the case is often made of velvet or a velvet type material. You’ll have some padding to hold the violin in place and give it protection so it isn’t bouncing around.

For the bow spinners, you’ll have a part that keeps the bow on, usually made of plastic, and a satin ribbon to protect the velvet.

Usually, the more expensive the case, the more expensive the small details and the fancier the interior materials are. This might just be aesthetic though, so don’t assume more expensive means it protects your violin better.

Color

The sky’s the limit these days as far as color goes. The color of a violin case only matters to you.

If you want a black case, there are many options. If you want a purple case, you can find that too!

The interior and exterior can be a variety of colors. You’ll even see paisley as an interior, or bright pink.

If you have a favorite color, you can probably find a case in that color.

Buying New vs Used

I highly recommend buying a new violin case. You want something that’s in the best working order right out of the box.

If you get a used case, you don’t know how it has been treated or how long it has been used for.

Newer cases also have new and improved features, and you can often be covered by a warranty.

What’s in the Violin Case Box?

You’ll find a few things that might come with a violin case, so keep in mind what your needs are, as always.

Shoulder Strap

A shoulder strap is exactly that, a strap that goes over your shoulder. You want to be able to hold your violin case without using your hands.

Backpack Straps

Many cases come with backpack straps so you can put your violin case on your back like a backpack. This is usually optional and can be taken off or reattached.

Hygrometer

Many cases have a hygrometer included. This is a dial that measures the humidity in the air. Violins like having some humidity but not too much.

Strings Tube

Some cases have a tube to store extra strings. This is not terribly common but can be nice.

Music Pocket

Many cases have a pocket for sheet music, though often the lightest cases or smallest cases don’t. You’ll have to carry your music separately in that case.

Violin Case Brands to Avoid

I don’t know of a brand to avoid, but I will say to avoid those ugly shaped black and silver cases you’ll see in cheap, older violin outfits. There are so many wonderful and stylish cases these days that there’s no reason to have an ugly case!

How Much Do Violin Cases Cost?

Cases range from $30 to over $1000. The typical best violin cases run from $100 to $400, but there are a few good cases cheaper than that, and many excellent cases that cost more.

No matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find a great case for you.

What Are the Best Violin Cases?

I’ve already covered this in the article above, but in my expert opinion, these are the best violin cases available this year:

Bam HighTech Contoured

This is the best case for professionals. It’s a great case for air travel, is the best lightweight case, and is best violin case all around. It’s not for the budget-minded, though.

Bam France Classic Shaped

This is a great midrange case. It’s lightweight and has great quality and craftsmanship.

Bobelock 1003 Oblong Featherlite

This case is a good budget-minded case. It’s high quality with lots of accessories. It’s a great violin case from Bobelock.

Where to Buy Violin Cases

There are a variety of reputable online dealers where you can purchase violin cases. I recommend making sure that the company is legitimate and has a good return policy.

Amazon

Amazon is the granddaddy of online retailers, with something for everyone. Since it’s such a large company, you can be guaranteed that they’ll help you make sure you get what you pay for, and they often have free shipping and a great return policy. You can also read all the reviews before buying.

Online Music Retailers

There are many other excellent online retailers such as Fiddlershop.com, Guitarcenter.com, and Sharmusic.com, and many other smaller companies ship and sell online. You can easily shop around for the best price.

Your Local Music Store

If you live in a place with a local music store, this can be a good place to “try before you buy.” Often these places will just order cases in and don’t always have too many in stock, but it’s always really nice to support local businesses, and having a relationship with a local retailer can be invaluable.

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In Conclusion

I hope this information will help you pick out the best violin case to buy. As you can see, I’m a bit biased towards colorful shaped cases because I like bright colors and want to be able to travel with my violin, but I tried to include a variety of cases for all different needs.

You can see that different cases fit different budgets, and that not all cases are created equal. Some are more lightweight cases, some are better for airplane travel, some cases are cheaper and others are more expensive. I hope you can find a case to suit your needs and budget from my advice.

As always, figure out which features matter most to you, set your budget, and then start narrowing down your decision. Truth be told, you can’t go wrong with my list!

Please comment below with your thoughts, and I’d love it if you shared this post with your friends.