Free Shipping on All Cases + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee (US Only)
Free Shipping on All Cases + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee (US Only)
Your Cart is Empty
8 min read
We have broken down our best cello cases into 2 budget categories:
Keep in mind that we’re recommending the best cello cases we can find within each budget category.
We’re not suggesting that a $600 case is as good as an $1000 case simply because it sells more and has higher reviews.
In general, affordable cases will sell more because there are more students than professionals.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to purchasing the best cello case.
And here at Great Violin Cases, we would say it’s even more challenging to find the perfect cello case that’ll suit your needs compared to finding a great violin case (pun intended).
With violin cases, there’s generally a lot more options. You get a variety of materials to choose from. And the weight of these cases are usually between 3 - 8 lb.
Cello cases however, can range between 5 - 18 lb. The instrument itself is already quite heavy, so ideally you’re looking for a lighter case.
However, the lighter you go, the more expensive it gets. So your options are more limited depending on your budget.
Plus with heavier cases, you generally want to have wheels. But depending on where you live, you might be wheeling the case through dirty streets, uneven pavement, mud, etc.
Violinists don’t really need to think about wheeling their cases, or carrying heavy instruments with heavier cases that may ruin their posture.
Cellists need to take a lot more into consideration. As so do the case makers behind these cello cases.
Which is why we have created this article on some of the best-selling cello caseswe’ve seen through our business.
Over the past few years, we’ve had the fortunate opportunity of learning from our cellists which cases have served them the best, and which cases have not.
And we do our best to exclude cello cases from our site that do not provide the value or protection our customers need.
We understand the most important factor when it comes to choosing a cello case - budget!
From students to professionals, everybody has a different budget in mind.
Our goal here is to recommend the top cases within each budget category.
So if you had a budget of $500, we’ll make sure to recommend the top 3 cases you can get with a budget of $500.
We’ve also included a pros & cons list for each case. So that you can really understand all the features of the case, and decide for yourself if it fits your needs!
What is a lightweight cello case? Any case under 10 lb.
Ultra light cello cases can weigh less than 6 lb. That’s lighter than most violin cases!
Why is weight such an important factor when choosing a cello case? Heavy cases lead to bad posture.
Now you can get a heavier case with wheels. But for cellists living in cities, or often traveling with their cases, wheeling around is not much fun when the case tips left and right due to uneven roads and steep curbs.
Carrying the case on your back is more ideal and convenient when maneuvering the busy city streets.
To learn more about Lightweight cello cases, check out our article on why you should invest in a light cello case.
Who doesn’t want a protective cello case? A case that can take a real beating. And keeps your instrument fully protected even if you drop the case down a flight of stairs.
We definitely do not suggest throwing your case down a flight of stairs, but accidents do happen.
And being prepared with a sturdy case is definitely a worthy investment.
A protective case means a tough and sturdy shell. One that is puncture-resistant.
We definitely do not recommend styrofoam cases. Or any cello case under $150, even if they say they’re made of wood or fiberglass.
Materials come in all shapes and sizes. Cheap fiberglass often means thin fiberglass. Same with cheap wooden cases.
We also suggest avoiding cases with no brand name. There may be a reason these cases don’t want to build a reputation.
Durability is a measure of how long the cello case will last you.
You can get the strongest and lightest cello case out there, but if the latches are made of cheap plastic and break within a year, the cello case will be very hard to use if you can’t close it.
So when we look at the durability cello cases, we’re looking at all the small components as well. Along with the “wear and tear” factors of the materials used.
Does it rip easily? Is it water-resistant? Are the seals air-tight? Etc.
Durability is also a huge factor when it comes to budget. $1000 is definitely a lot of money. But it’s more affordable than replacing a $300 case every few years.
The cello is a fragile wooden instrument. Leave it under a hot sun and the tone could change for the worse.
Traditionally, wooden cases have been great in protecting orchestral instruments from dangerous temperatures. And they still are today!
Some of the most valuable violins in the world are protected by Negri and Musafia wooden violin cases.
For a cello case however, that’s a lot of wood! Which means sturdy wooden cello cases can get very heavy.
Carbon fiber cello cases are some of the lightest and most protective cello cases in the world. But they’re metallic. Which means they absorb temperatures.
You definitely do not want to leave a carbon fiber cello case in the trunk of your car.
And on the opposite side of the materials spectrum, there’s styrofoam. It’s great against dangerous temperatures, since it doesn’t absorb heat like carbon fiber.
But you could break the styrofoam case just by sitting on it.
As you can see, balancing a cello case that is light, protective, and temperature-resistant can be a challenge.
However, with advancements in technology, case makers are able to create sturdier, more durable, lighter, and temperature-resistant casesusing materials like composite fiberglass, thermoplastic, special ABS, polycarbonate, etc.
Functional
Bobelock 2000 Fiberglass Cello Cases
A functional cello case really depends on the needs of the cellist.
Some cello cases may feature sheet music pouches on the inside, or backside of the case.
Some cases may have more handles. And this is important. We have seen cello cases with wheels but no handles to pull the case!
Also, how many latches does the case have? Some cases feature airtight seals with only 1 to 3 latches.
Other cases may feature up to 8 latches. It definitely feels safer, but could take awhile to open before and after each rehearsal.
Even the backpack straps are important! You don’t want cheap backpack straps that may dig into your shoulders.
So cases with padded backpack straps are definitely a bonus.
Thank you for taking the time to check out this article.
Now it’s time to choose a cello case based on your needs!
Do you live in a crowded city where you prefer to carry your case, rather than wheeling it around?
Are you on a tight budget? Is weight more important to you than long-term protection?
Would you prefer to lock your case?
Do you live in inclement weather? Does it get humid, hot, cold, or dry?
Definitely take all this into consideration. And of course, pick a case that you like!
Remember, you may be carrying this case for decades, be sure to pick a color or style that you’ll be happy with!