Are Violin Cases Waterproof? Everything You Need To Know

Violin cases protect our instruments from impact when traveling or storing them. However, are all violin cases waterproof? If not, which brands or specific products are waterproof? What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant violin cases? How can you identify waterproof violin cases? These are questions mostly asked by new violin case buyers or anyone looking for waterproof violin cases. 

This guide addresses each question and mentions a few violin case products that are waterproof. After reading this article, you’ll be able to identify waterproof cases and make an informed decision. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room.

Are All Violin Cases Waterproof?

Most violin cases are water-resistant but not fully waterproof, meaning they can protect your instrument from splashes and light rain but not from submersion or heavy rain. We’ll talk more about water-resistant violin instrument cases later. 

The material type used determines if the case is completely waterproof. Let’s look at some waterproof violin case materials. 

Waterproof Materials Used in Violin Cases

Waterproof violin cases come in four materials specialized to keep water away from your instrument, even under heavy rainfall. They include:

Fiberglass - Best for Durability

Fiberglass is the most common violin case material known for its durability and ability to withstand impact. It’s also non-porous, ensuring no water can penetrate through the surface. This way, you’re guaranteed the interior to remain dry even when fully submerged or during heavy rainfall. 

The material doesn’t also require additional waterproof coating, allowing you to use it in ‘as is’ condition throughout its lifespan. 

The seamless construction is also made of molded shells that reduces gaps and voids that might compromise the material’s performance and structural integrity. The material doesn’t swell, crack, or warp when exposed to water, ensuring its durability. 

For instance,Bam Hightech Contoured Violin Case combines Airex Foam, ABS, and Fiberglass for excellent waterproofing. Hightech violin cases have a strong reputation longevity, and class. They also have backpack straps for portability, making them ideal for musicians on the road.

See all the fiberglass violin cases for sale here.

Carbon Fiber - Best Overall

Carbon Fiber is a well-rounded violin case material that can resist moisture and is lightweight and strong enough to absorb impact. On its own, the material is water-resistant, meaning it can prevent moisture from penetrating its surface. However, it becomes completely waterproof when paired with closures and airtight seals. This way, the interior remains dry during rainfall or accidental splashes. 

The seamless design and continuous structure eliminate any gaps where water can seep through. Many carbon fiber violin cases include water-repellent and rust-resistant zippers for maximum protection.

Violin cases made from carbon fiber are excellent for musicians seeking complete waterproofing without sacrificing durability and weight. 

Polycarbonate - Excellent Waterproofing

Polycarbonate violin cases are known for waterproofing capabilities, which are perfect for musicians exposed to harsh weather conditions.Bam Ice Supreme Violin Case is an excellent example of a high-performance and waterproof violin case. As a thermoplastic, the case doesn’t absorb water even during heavy rainfall or when submerged. The structural integrity ensures the case remains sealed, keeping the instrument dry. 

Polycarbonate violin cases don’t warp or crack from continuous exposure to water. This way, you’re guaranteed longevity and optimum protection. 

Continuous construction, reinforced edges, rubberized seals, and reinforced closures eliminate any weak points that may allow water to seep through.  

Other violin materials like treated fabrics and thermoplastic shells are water-resistant but cannot keep out water when submerged or under heavy rain. However, they become less porous when reinforced with polyurethane (PU) or carbon fiber. The design structure, like continuous construction and sealed joints, also determines if the case is waterproof. 

With hundreds of violin case brands in the market, it’s overwhelming to choose a waterproof case. Luckily, there are ways you can identify waterproof cases. This way, you can save yourself hours of reviewing every product and the anxiety of buying the wrong one. Here’s how you do it.

How to Identify Waterproof Violin Cases

It’s not rocket science, and you don’t need to stress out yourself much. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision.

Seamless Construction

Seams are bad news for any violin case since they allow water through. Seamless designs are common in waterproof cases. They also have water-resistant zippers or overlapping edges with rubber gaskets that block water. 

If you look atGewa Air 1.7’s design, you’ll see it’s meant to keep water and moisture away from the instrument. 

Materials Used

As we’ve seen, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and polycarbonate are common waterproof materials. Violin cases made of these materials are less porous and would protect your instrument from heavy rainfall or splashing. However, reinforcing other materials like thermoplastic shells, which are water resistant, would improve water protection. 

Airtight Seals

Airtight seals are meant to keep air, water, and moisture away from your instrument. They’re often common in high-end violin cases likeBam Hightech Contoured, which is a popular choice for many musicians. Rubberized zippers are also very common in many waterproof cases. Unlike ordinary porous zippers, these are enhanced with rubber to help keep water away from the interior. 

Differences Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Cases

Most of the time, the terms ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant’ are interchanged to mean one thing, but they’re slightly different. Here are a few differences to help you tell them apart:

Waterproof Cases

Most violin cases are generally waterproof. These cases are built to keep water from damaging your violin cases. Here are some key standout features to expect.

Key Features

They’re completely impervious to water and can keep out any amount of water. This means you can submerge them in water or can be extensively exposed to water without damaging the interior. 

These cases are mostly made of fiberglass or carbon fiber materials, which are less porous and airtight and prevent moisture and water from entering. 

Waterproof violin cases are perfect for musicians who constantly perform and are always on the road. They offer total protection from water damage. 

Water-Resistant Violin Cases

Water-resistant cases help protect your violin to some degree. Here’s how.

Key Features

They successfully protect against splashes and slightly lighter rain. However, water can get through after extensive exposure or heavy rain. 

They’re mostly made from materials with water-repellent coating or treated fabrics. They don’t have many seals, although many have continuous constructions to help keep away water. 

Water-resistant cases are ideal for mild weather conditions and occasional outdoor use. 

Why Choose Waterproof Violin Cases?

Violin cases protect your musical instrument, ensuring its longevity and excellent performance. Waterproof violin cases add an extra layer of protection by preventing water damage. Let’s see more reasons why you should consider a waterproof violin case. 

Complete Protection from Extended Water Exposure

Waterproof violin cases differ from water-resistant ones due to continued protection even when exposed for longer periods. For instance, water-resistant violin cases can withstand water to a certain depth or intensity, like light rains and splashes. However, waterproof violin cases keep protecting the instrument for hours, ensuring no water gets through. That’s probably the first and most important reason for choosing these cases. 

Harsh Weather Conditions

Musicians, especially those performing in concerts or on the road, expose their instruments to varying weather conditions that might affect them. For example, someone backpacking or traveling on a tour bus to perform in different places encounters conditions such as rain or immense heat. 

Waterproof violin cases take off the edge and eliminate worry since they know they’re always protected. Too much heat also causes moisture to build up, which can penetrate the case if it’s not waterproof. 

Durable and Reliable Materials

Waterproof violin cases are made of durable materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass that can withstand impact and different climates. This way, you’re guaranteed protection from impact and water damage. It’s a win-win situation. 

Final Thoughts

Not all violin cases are waterproof, as some are water-resistant. However, the ones mentioned in this article have all been tested and verified to be waterproof. Besides protecting your instrument from impact, they also offer great protection against water damage, such as warping or cracking. Check out some of the cases to see which fits your fashion desires and budget.