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Best Travel Violin Case: Top Picks for Convenience (2024)
One of the most common questions we get at Great Violin Cases is what violin case is best for travel?
So we've created this article to answer that exact question! Along with our top 4 most popular cases for traveling musicians. Some of the key factors we take into consideration are:
- Lightweight
- Compact & easy to stow
- Sturdy & durable
- Temperature-resistant
- Budget airline friendly (for strict carry-on regulations). These are typically cases that can only fit the violin, and the bow goes in a separate bow tube.
Best "Go-To" Violin Travel Case
Gewa Space Bag
Details
Price: $261
Weight: 5.9 lb.
Size: 4/4 and 3/4 violins
When we say a good "go-to" case, we mean something that is well balanced between price, weight, protection, design, functionality, and durability.
The Gewa Space Bag is a good balance of all these aspects. It features polycarbonate shells for protection and durability (without breaking the bank).
It's also very functional. There's a backpack compartment for all your sheet music and accessories, along with 2 side pockets. The shoulder straps and backside are also made of breathable mesh, making it very comfortable to carry.
Most Protective Violin Case for Travel
Bam Cabin Violin Case
Details
Price: $715
Weight: 2.6 lb.
Size: 4/4 violinss
As the name suggests, the Bam cabin violin cases were specifically designed by Bam for airline travel.
The case itself does not exceed 24 inches in length (maximum carry-on length). There are no bow-holders in the case. It comes with a separate bow tube that can fit up to 2 bows.
This case is ideal for violinists who travel quite often on strict budget airlines. The bow tube itself can be placed in a large-size suitcase, or directly stowed under the plane (you can just check-in the bow tube).
The case also comes with two elastic bands that can be wrapped around the case and the bow tube.
However, if you prefer to keep your bow and instrument in the same place, we would suggest the regular Bam Hightech Contoured Violin Cases.
Bam Cabin Violin Case Video Review
Most Durable Case for Travel (won't Break the Bank)
Bobelock 1063 Violin Case
Details
Price: $240
Weight: 5 lb.
Size: 4/4 violins
The Bobelock cases are not designed specifically for air travel. The case itself can fit 2 bows, so it'll exceed strict carry-on regulations (the bow itself exceeds the longest length allowed).
However, 95% of airlines are fine with these violin cases (to be honest, we haven't heard of any airlines rejecting violins as carry-on luggage).
We added these Bobelock cases to this list because they're the most durable violin cases under $300. They're not the lightest cases, but they're known to take a beating!
If you're forced to check-in your violin case, you'll feel relieved that at least it's going under the plane in a Bobelock case.
Best Overall Violin Case for Travel (and Daily Use)
Gewa Pure Violin Case
Details
Price: $238
Weight: 4 lb.
Size: 4/4 & 3/4 violins
The Gewa Pure violin case is one of our best-selling cases!
It's a good "go to" case for travel and daily use.
Even though the Bam Cabin case is ideal for travel and strict-budget airlines, violinists may not want to carry their bows separately for day-to-day rehearsals.
Which is why we recommend this Gewa Pure case. Even though it doesn't meet strict carry-on regulations, 95% of airlines will accept this case.
And it also has that great balance we mentioned earlier (weight, protection, design, functionality, etc.).
What Makes a Case Good for Travel?
In this section, we go into more detail as to how we came up with our list of top violin cases for travel.
The ideal case should be light, compact, protective, durable, and temperature-resistant.
But Wait, There's A Problem...
Technically, all violin cases are too big for carry-on. That's because the length of the bow itself exceeds the maximum length of carry-on restrictions. Check out this carry-on luggage guide for more information.
But no worries! Over the years, most major airlines have become more lenient when it comes to bringing instruments as carry-on.
Some smaller budget airlines may still be fairly strict though, which is why certain brands (like Gewa and Bam) designed carry-on friendly cases. These feature detachable bow tubes that can be checked in.
Be sure to check out our full collection of violin cases for sale at Great Violin Cases.
Quick Airline Tip
If an airplane is running out of space in the overhead compartments as passengers are boarding, airline staff will pick luggage at random to stow under the plane.
You definitely do not want your case to attract any attention. So don’t be the last one to board the airplane!
If the overhead compartments have already filled up, it’s going to be more hassle for the airline staff to take someone else’s luggage out of the overhead compartments to make space for your case.
Summary
Some cases are definitely more protective, durable, and weather-resistant compared to others, but it really depends on your needs.
How much do you travel? Do you mostly fly major airlines? Or do you fly a lot of budget airlines throughout Europe?
Do you have a large shoulder rest? Are you forgetful? Would it be a hassle for you to bring a separate bow tube when going to rehearsals?
And remember, there's no rule against having 2 or more violin cases. Many professional violinists have different cases for different purposes, such as a compact case for travel and an oblong case for daily rehearsals.