Now that my viola has a new bridge I've decided I need a new viola case, and have about £100 to spend. My viola is 16" - if a case says 'full size' what does that mean?

Does anyone have any recommendations, or tips on useful things to look for?

Once I've bought the case I shall start saving for a new bow - although I won't be able to save that much - and that is scary as i really know nothing about them at all!

I may even manage to play it at some point - if i can find a teacher!

Do you want a shaped case or an oblong one?

http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/categories/...la-case-by-gewa

Here's a really nice shaped case... i almost bought the violin version, but then realised there wasn't enough storage space in there for me (i have so much stuff in my case!) but if you don't have a load of junk in your case like me... that might be a good option! It's lighter and easier to carry round, and looks really nice too. A bit over your budget though? Someone else on the forums has the violin version and loves it

Here's a nice oblong one http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/categories/...ola-case-by-jtl

Hi - I think i fancy an oblong one (not sure why really!)

The second one looks good - I've been looking at some on the internet but it's difficult to judge what they are like so recommendations are helpful!


Anyone else have suggestions?

The Stentor Conservatoire case is good and should be available at your local shop to look at and buy. They're oblong and quite tough, with enough space for a sensible amount of stuff.

For teachers, look at musicteachers.co.uk and you'll easily find someone there, esp in London.

Have fun! Viola is fab

I prefer oblong cases too and i don't know why either I like all the space in them and i think it just all looks better - shaped cases can seem a bit like everything's crammed in.

There's some nice ones on here too http://www.violinvaluations.com/trolleyed/58/index.htm

I once had a stentor conservatoire case. It was rubbish. I had it for 14 months and the material started to come off the case and the bow holders started getting very loose, 2 even came off.

I now have a hidersine cresent shaped case that cost 95 for my violin. They must do a viola model, surel?

http://musical-instrument-suppliers.co.uk/violincases.htm

Good range of choice here, don't be scared off by the expensive cases at the top of the first page, scroll down!

i have the shaped one that ffliwt suggested. If you go for an oblong one, remember the viola oblong cases are huge! that was the only reason i went for a shaped one.
x

I did think the same thing - oblong viola cases must be really big.
And Maya it was you who i meant when i said there was someone on the forums who had that shaped one

Agreed. I bought a fairly nice wooden oblong case when I got my viola - but it's very big and heavy, so I switched about a year ago to a Gewa shaped case. Much nicer to carry around! I also got a padded outer cover which I can use if I want to carry lots of extra stuff (or just if it's very cold ), but that adds a fair amount of extra weight.

The lightweight oblong cases (e.g. Stentor) tend to be styrofoam-based, and so won't generally be as protective as a wooden case (for instance, I wouldn't want to take a styrofoam case on an aeroplane!). However it depends on what you intend to use the case for - I travel a lot by public transport so need something that can take a knock as well as being relatively small and light, so a shaped wooden case works well.

Hiscox cases have a good reputation - but again, they are quite big and heavy.

I have a lightweight oblong case - I bought it a long time ago, so it might well have been the best choice when I bought the viola rather than the best choice overall. I remember that I tried a heavier case but it really didn't suit, and whenever I get anything I'll need to carry round I value lightweight highly.

Anyway, my viola is 15" but surprisingly wide bodied. It just about squeezes into the case, so I've always been working on the assumption that not all violas fit in all cases.

Thanks for all your replies - I think it will have to wait until after Christmas now, but i shall follow up all your suggestions. I hadn't thought about an oblong case being rather large, so i may rethink. i don't think I will need to go on an aeroplane with it any time soon, so I,m not so bothered about it being really strong - just want something to keep it in and take it around in the car.

I'm having fun trying to play a few bits, remembering what i briefly learnt all those years ago, and picking up bits from my daughter's lessons. She is being very helpful watching me play and telling me if my bow is going straight - apparently it;s not (she is 6!).

I'm really looking forward to finding a teacher and starting again properly.

This isn't directly related, but my violinist friend wants some wheels for her oblong case, like the ones you get on suitcases . Anybody know where I could get some for her birthday?

Oblong viola cases are huge? Well, I don't think mine is. What do you call 'huge'?

Could you buy a cheap suitcase and take the wheel and handle mechanism off ?