By Laurie Niles: If you suddenly found yourself needing a new violin case, what would be the single most important thing to you, when looking for one?![violin case and velvet]()
Obviously, protection is the entire reason that we get cases, so certainly that is a factor. But would it be the deciding factor?
During the times in life when I've had to travel or walk long distances with my violin, I've found the most important factor to me was having a lightweight case with sturdy ergonomic straps.
Of course, there are other factors to consider. Back in my early school days, when I walked to school with my violin, I found it very distressing that my shoulder rest did not fit into my fitted case. (I even sewed myself a really complicated little bag that could hang from the handle and then detach when needed!) That was actually a major factor in getting a new case: it absolutely HAD to be big enough fit my shoulder rest. Even now, my shoulder rest is not so collapsible, and there is no way I'm going to carry it around apart from my fiddle!
Another important factor is the appearance of the case - does it have a lush, velvety interior? Do you want it to have that? I must confess, I would not want to drop a lot of money on a case that I did not find to be at least reasonably attractive. (And I might spend a little more on something with a special look!)
And speaking of dropping money - perhaps economics is the number one factor for you - finding something that is decent quality for the lowest price. On the other hand, if you have ever had a super-cheap case - where the zipper breaks after a few months, the handle starts falling off, the straps give way, the interior comes loose -- you may be willing to pay a little more for quality and sturdiness.
It also helps when a certain kind of case has the recommendation of friends, as well as a good reputation. When someone says that their case made by x-brand has lasted for many years and is still like new, that definitely speaks well for the case brand.
What is the single most important thing to you about a violin (or viola or cello) case? Please participate in the vote, and then tell us all about it. And also tell us how you arrived at your standards for cases - did you learn through experience?
If you have an idea for the Weekend Vote, please e-mail me. I welcome your ideas!You might also like:
