FS REE - Delaware.gov

There is no one simple answer. Rather, there are a number of factors you
should consider. Different cases have different strengths and weaknesses,
and you’ll need to weigh those pros and cons against each other before
making your decision. The biggest differences in cases really come down to
the materials from which they are made: plywood, foam, thermoplastic,
fiberglass, carbon-fiber, and composite plastics, are all
possibilities in the hunt for the appropriate case.
If you’re looking for a durable
beginner case, take a look at
thermoplastic. These cases are pretty
no-nonsense; they’re lightweight, they’re
strong, but they don’t have much in the
way of amenities or style.
If you’re looking for a lightweight case, consider foam. Foam cases
are very lightweight, though they tend to be a bit bulky; there’s a certain
thickness that foam has to cross for it to be protective enough to keep
your instrument reasonably free from harm. They are usually better than
wood cases at protecting from shocks such as drops, but not as good
against impact or crushing. It is an
excellent choice for students who may
be keeping their instrument mostly at
home, and maybe taking it to lessons
every week, or for anyone who needs
the lightest possible case.
If you’re looking for good protection at a reasonable price, wood
might be worth a look. Wood cases are typically slimmer than foam cases,
and also more rigid and durable.
Though heavier than foam cases, the
extra protection against crushing and
impacts that they afford can give you
great peace of mind that may be worth
the occasionally sore shoulders.
FS Orders over $99
see pg 57
REE
HIPPING
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Apprentice Help
Which case is
right for me?
If you’re looking for something less bulky, try a dart-shaped case.
Oblong cases allow you to carry your sheet music along with your violin,
which is quite convenient and helps circumvent embarrassing situations in
orchestra practice. However, they
take up a great deal of space, and
tend to weigh more. Dart shaped
cases are lighter and more
compact, and can make life
much easier when navigating
crowded public transportation.
If you need something durable and lightweight but aren’t concerned
about budget, carbon-fiber and composite plastics are the way togo.
These cases are top of the line in terms of protection, as the construction
materials used are extremely rigid. These materials are also extremely
light, making them the best of
both worlds. They can also be very
slim. However, their cost tends to
be a bit prohibitive to players who
are just dipping their toes in the
violin-playing world, but can be well
worth it when you are protecting an
expensive instrument.
One note about airline travel. Different airlines have different restrictions
on what they will allow in overhead compartments. For most airlines, the
linear dimensions (adding
the length, width, and depth)
cannot exceed 45 inches.
Very few cases meet these
dimensions, but there is some
variance between airlines, so
be sure to check with your
airline before your flight to see what their restrictions are.
Backpacks and Case Covers. Most cases come with
backpacking systems these days, but if you have an older
case or just want something more comfortable, try a
case cover or backpack system such as Cushy. Many of
these covers also add extra thermal and shock protection
through their padding, as well as extra storage room for
sheet music and accessories. They will add to the bulk
of your case, but most are light and the ease of carrying
them can in many cases offset this extra bulk.