Your violin is only as safe as the case it travels in. The right case protects against bumps, humidity swings and the occasional dropped backpack, and it should be comfortable to carry every day. We went through the cases we stock at Fiddlershop and sorted them by what matters most to players: protection, weight, fit and features.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best lightweight value: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC30
- Best all-rounder: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC100
- Most stylish: BAM BonBon Hightech Case
- Environmentally friendly: GEWA Bio-S
- Best protection for travel: Fiddlerman FC310 Weave Oblong Case
- Most scratch-resistant: Core CC450 Fiberglass Oblong Case
- Best premium pick: BAM Hightech Oblong Case
- Best simple student case: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC50
- Best small plywood case: Bobelock 1007 Wooden Suspension Shaped Case
- Best for two instruments: Core Double Violin Case
Best lightweight value: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC30
The FC30 is an extremely lightweight oblong case with a pressure foam shell and full suspension, and it weighs 4 lb. It includes an instrument blanket, a locking latch with key, backpack straps, a subway strap, a full-length sheet music pocket, two bow holders and two accessory pockets. It also comes in sizes from 4/4 down to 1/16, which makes it a practical choice for growing students.
View the Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC30
Best all-rounder: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC100
The FC100 has a sturdy plywood core with generous padding inside. At 6.6 lb, it trades some portability for sturdy construction and generous storage. It has suspension support for the violin, four bow holders and two large accessory compartments. On the outside, you get a music pocket the size of the whole case, padded backpack straps, a weather-resistant top flap with magnetic buttons and a lock with key. It's available in full size only and comes with a free silk violin bag. It's the case we'd point most players toward for everyday use.
View the Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC100
Most stylish: BAM BonBon Hightech Case
The BonBon is a playful, brightly colored case with a new shape, and it's one of the lightest Hightech cases available. Injected foam cushions suspend the violin, protecting it from impacts and temperature changes, and two BAM latches with key keep it secure. The shell uses BAM's triple-ply Hightech construction, and inside there are two bow holders and a strap for a Kun-style shoulder rest. If you want protection that doesn't look like everyone else's case, this is the one.
View the BAM BonBon Hightech Case
Environmentally friendly: GEWA Bio-S
The Bio-S shaped case is made from organic flax fiber, a renewable resource, and weighs about 3.5 lbs. It has a padded suspension system, a swivel holder for two bows, an accessory compartment and detachable rucksack straps. GEWA describes its protection as medium, with good insulation, so it's best for everyday carrying, not rough travel. An oblong version with a detachable music pocket and subway handle is also available, at about 5.1 lbs.
View the GEWA Bio-S Shaped Case | View the GEWA Bio-S Oblong Case
Best protection for travel: Fiddlerman FC310 Weave Oblong Case
The FC310 has a pressure-resistant polycarbonate weave shell and total suspension from injected foam cushions. An adjustable neck cushion fits both 3/4 and 4/4 violins, and the case has four bow holders, an external sheet music pouch and a strap for larger shoulder rests. It weighs 5.2 lb. If you fly, commute or squeeze onto crowded trains, this is a strong choice.
View the Fiddlerman FC310 Weave Oblong Case
Most scratch-resistant: Core CC450 Fiberglass Oblong Case
The CC450 has a composite shell with a scratch-resistant exterior finish, a plush interior with suspension pads, four bow holders and a shoulder rest strap. It weighs 6 lbs and comes in 4/4 only. It's a good pick if your case takes a lot of knocks and you'd like it to keep looking clean.
View the Core CC450 Fiberglass Oblong Case
Best premium pick: BAM Hightech Oblong Case
This case is made in France with BAM's triple-ply Hightech shell, which is designed for outstanding protection at ultralight weight. The violin is fully suspended on injected foam cushions, and the case has four bow holders, a removable accessory pouch and a strap for a Kun-style shoulder rest. Two combination locks, backpack straps, side and subway handles and rubber patches on the bottom shell round it out, at 5.4 lb. It's the case professionals reach for when protection and low weight both matter.
View the BAM Hightech Oblong Case
Best simple student case: Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC50
The FC50 is a lightweight oblong case with a pressure foam shell and full suspension. It includes four bow holders, two accessory pockets, a tube for extra strings and a digital thermometer and hygrometer, and it weighs 4.8 lb. It covers everything a student needs, including a way to keep an eye on humidity, without extras they won't use.
View the Fiddlerman Oblong Case FC50
Best compact wooden case: Bobelock 1007 Wooden Suspension Shaped Violin Case
This slim shaped case offers durability, protection and style without the bulk and weight of an oblong case. It uses Bobelock's five-layer plywood construction and has a suspension interior, a durable black nylon canvas cover with a small outside accessory pocket, and an instrument blanket. It weighs 6 lbs, and its compact size fits most carry-on dimension restrictions for air travel, which makes it a good choice for players who fly with their violin. Straps aren't included, so if you want to carry it hands-free, browse our case covers and straps.
View the Bobelock 1007 Wooden Suspension Shaped Violin Case
Best for two instruments: Core Double Violin Case
This case comfortably stores two violins and two bows, and it comes with an instrument blanket and an accessory pocket. It's practical for teachers, duo players and anyone who switches between a primary instrument and a backup. As with most double cases, carry it on rather than checking it.
View the Core Double Violin Case
How to choose a violin case
Shape. Oblong cases are roomy and have the most storage. Shaped cases follow the outline of the violin and are lighter and more compact. Half-moon cases sit between the two.
Shell material. Foam shells are the lightest. Fiberglass, polycarbonate and Hightech composites are tougher and resist scratches. Plywood is traditional and sturdy. Flax is a renewable alternative with moderate protection.
Suspension. Look for a design that holds the violin by the block and neck so the body never touches the shell.
Weight. You'll feel the difference over a day of carrying. Around 4 lb is light, and above 6 lb is noticeable.
Fit. Measure your violin and compare it with the interior dimensions on the product page. For example, the FC30's interior is 24" long with a 14.5" body, a 7" upper bout and an 8.25" lower bout. A violin that slides around inside isn't protected. Not sure what size you need? Our instrument sizing guide can help.
Humidity. Wood reacts to humidity and temperature changes. The FC50 has a built-in thermometer and hygrometer, and cases without one can be paired with a separate hygrometer. We also carry humidity control accessories if your case doesn't have them.
Features. Bow holders, a shoulder rest strap, a music pocket, a locking latch and backpack straps all matter in daily use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have cases for smaller violins?
Yes. The FC30, for example, comes in sizes from 4/4 down to 1/16. Check each product page for the sizes available.
Oblong or shaped?
Oblong gives more space for accessories. Shaped is lighter and slimmer. Choose based on how much you carry.
Will a case fit my shoulder rest?
Look for a shoulder rest strap or pocket, and check the interior dimensions against your rest. The FC310's strap accommodates larger rests.
Final thoughts
The best violin case is the one that fits your instrument, protects it and suits how you carry it. If you're not sure which one is right, our team is happy to help. Shop all violin cases.
