I've got to that stage where my case has just about fallen apart and I'm desperate for a new one! We had a look in the local music shop and there was a really nice concord one. I think it was this one. But it was more than £200!!!! And thats the price range that they all around.

Just having a look on the internet and there's one here that doesn't seem too bad. Any thoughts? Or suggestions. I think i prefer a boxy one (as opposed to a violin shaped one!), I usually have two bows and i have quite a lot of stuff so a little box wouldn't be too bad!

Never realised how expenisve they were, would have looked after mine a bit better if I had!

Yes, one very obvious thing that you have probably missed. It's styrofoam. Now, styorofam is perfect for packing things for storage or posting or any situation where it's likely to get knocked about - I know for certain that I can drop a violin from six foot onto concrete in a styrofoam case and nothing will happen, I strongly suspect (but haven't proved it yet) that I could drop it out of a bedroom window and nothing would happen. BUT styrofoam doesn't last long, and it can get crushed more easily that woodshell. Hence styrofoam cases are always cheaper than woodshell.

With the present state of the dollar, imports from the US can be a very good deal if you can persuade a retailer who normally orders things from the US to add a nice case from someone like Howard Core onto a regular order - the commonly used carriers use volumetric pricing which means that retailers in the UK who only order light things can add a case without it adding too much to the shipping. Of course retailers who have the confidence to order from the US sometimes go further afield and order cases direct from China too. But I wouldn't dream of suggesting any such retailer, you'll have to try a search

And seriously, there are some very nice ones on ebay from a seller in Germany whose feedback is flawless. I would LOVE to know who his supplier is

Liz

Ebay!!! I got mine off there and it was really nice. Light as well...

I would agree here and I do know of people who have had instruments damaged in styrofoam cases. One got caught in the doors of a tube train - the carriage was packed and she didn't realise the case was just poking too far out into the path of the doors. The doors crushed the end of the case, but luckily the vioin wasn't too badly damaged. From that day on the same person has always owned a wood case - not so light but will stand up to the rigours of most eventualities.

You could try Musafia. They are Italian cases, superbly designed, extremely strong and can withstand something like 130kg of weight on the lid!!! They also come with a lifetime guarantee against defective workmanship. I've got one that I've owned for nearly 15 years and it's still as good as new. They also have a range of cases at discount prices - cases that have either been on display or prototypes for case design -they still come with the same lifetime warranty. They sell their cases in US dollars, but with the pound quite strong you will get a bargain. Their list of discounted cases is here. They charge a minimal amount for delivery and will despatch it to you very quickly.


Probably styrofoam then.

That's what I want, because I know it will be the last case I ever buy. They sell them in the Uk at Phelps Violins in London.

O I fancy the Negri Diplomat special edition - a snip at $3385

Liz

But have you seen the prices in Phelps . Buying direct from the manufacturer could easily save you £200, even after paying for the shipping from Italy. In the UK you tend to find retailers simply slapping a pound sign in front of the US dollar price, ie. $550 becomes £550. It makes retailers a whopping great profit and saves them the hassle of having to convert prices according to the exchange rate. It's also ripping-off the UK public to the tune of hundreds of pounds...but then again, that's not new in this country is it

Ooh, 5 didn'tactually bother looking at the exchange rate...in that case maybe I should look a bit harder, maybe get one of the old ones. Thanks for the tip Amanda!

Ps, do you have one?

Yes, I do and even though it's had a hard life, it just keeps on going. Their testing regime for new prototypes and improvements on existing cases includes deliberate attempts to destroy a case - throwing it out of windows, putting it on the roof of a car and driving off, throwing it into water, leaving them on rooftops in all elements to see how they survive extremes of temperature etc. I don't know of any other manufacturer that goes to the same lengths to ensure their cases remain in one piece and therefore the contents survive also.

The locks, the zips, the hinges, the lining....everything about it shouts quality, and built to last. Unless you wanted to change the case just for the sake of it, it's a case that will last a lifetime. They also offer a refurbishment service for cases that have had exceptional wear - revamp the interior, replace the outer cover, replace anything else that you want done, and all for about 150 Euros. You get a really personal service from them too, which makes a nice change in todays otherwise commercially-orientated world.