Being one of the only websites online dedicated to orchestral instrument cases, we here at greatviolincases.com get a unique opportunity of seeing some of the best viola cases out there.

Besides learning from the several orders we get each day, we learn even more by the thousands of questions we get asked about the cases we sell.

We also get to learn from our returns and customer feedback.

Not all cases out there are designed with the intention of protecting your beloved instrument. And we do our absolute best to make sure we don’t represent these cases.

After all, we rely on honest reviews to keep our humble little business going.

Through all this, we’re able to see which viola cases get ordered the most. Which cases have the most positive reviews. And also which cases get returned the most.

For this article, we have put together a list of some of the best selling viola cases we have that musicians have been very happy with.

On top of that, we’re going to categorize the cases based on budget.

That means if you have a budget of $300. We’re going to recommend some of the best cases under $300.

We’re also going to present a pros & cons list for each case. That way you can decide if that specific viola case is ideal based on your needs.

And as always, our team is excited to help you find what you’re looking for. Feel free to take our online survey It takes less than a minute to fill out. And one of our team members will reply by email with some recommendations based on your responses.

But before we get to that list, let’s first take a look at the qualities of a best-selling viola case.

What Are The Qualities Of A Great Viola Case?

• Lightweight
• Protective
• Durable
• Functional
• Weather-Resistant

Lightweight

Through years of selling cases, we have never heard someone asking for a heavy case!

Lightweight cases are important for instrumentalists because heavy cases can cause bad posture over time.

If you’re carrying your case on a daily basis, you definitely don’t want it affecting your posture in the long run.

A Light viola case is any case under 5.5 lb. Heavy cases can go up to 10 lb.

The weight of a case also directly impacts the price.

Lighter materials are generally cheaper. But it’s also less protective. Think of a styrofoam case. It’s definitely light, but you can crack your instrument just by sitting on the case.

So for case makers, the trick is to find the lightest materials without sacrificing protection. And this process can get quite expensive.

Protective

A protective viola case is a must! If the case doesn’t do a good job protecting the instrument, it’s going to be much more costly to replace the entire instrument if anything happens.

We generally recommend the tried-and-true materials such as wood and fiberglass. Along with some of the super materials out there such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic, or BAM’s signature Hightech shells.

Keep in mind though, materials come in all shapes and sizes. Bobelock fiberglass viola cases are extremely protective and durable.

But there are unbranded fiberglass cases out there at very affordable prices promising fiberglass protection.

Often times, these cheap cases may only be using paper-thin fiberglass layers on the outside. So you may not be getting the true fiberglass protection of a Bobelock case.

And this brings us to our next point - durability.

Durable

Durability is a measure of how long the case will last. Reputable cases can last for decades.

And a case is only as durable as it’s components. For example, a case may be made of tough wooden shells. But if the case is using cheap zippers that break within the year, the case is pretty much useless when it can’t close anymore.

So how do you tell if a case is durable? By the brand. A brand is reputable for a reason.

Great brands pay attention to the overall quality and workmanship of their cases.

As mentioned before, we recommend staying away from unbranded cases.

Functional

Every musician wants a lightweight, protective, and durable case. But they may have different needs when it comes to functionality.

And by functionality, we mean the extra features a case may have.

This includes sheet music pockets, removable accessory pouches, space for large shoulder rests, rainproof zippers, combination locks or key locks, adjustable or non-adjustable viola cases, and so on.

Some musicians may prefer certain features over others. So it really comes down to personal preference.

Weather-Resistant

Last but definitely not least, is how weather-resistant the viola case is. The viola really is a fragile wooden box that is heavily affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment.

Some temperature damages can negatively affect the tone of the viola. Especially the older instruments.

Carbon fiber is an example of a case that doesn’t do very well under the sun. It is metal, so it basically turns the case into an oven.

Wooden cases are great against humidity and temperature damages. As well as fiberglass, since it is a type of plastic that doesn’t absorb heat.

BAM Hightech cases are also designed to be as strong as carbon fiber, as light as carbon fiber, but doesn’t absorb heat like carbon fiber.

Some of the BAM Hightech cases may say black carbon or silver carbon, but that’s simply the look! The case itself is not metallic.

Stylish

Stylish viola cases aren’t a must. But hey! It’s a case that you’ll be using for a long time. Pick a style that you’ll be proud of carrying for years to come.

The Best Viola Cases Based On Budget

Now that we understand some of the qualities of a great viola case, let’s now dive into some of the best-selling cases.

The list is organized by budget. Obviously the higher the budget, the more choices you will have.

But we want to make sure you’re still able to find the best option with a tight budget as well.

Best-Selling Viola Cases Over $500

BAM Panther Hightech Viola Cases

• Price: $738 - $1086
• Weight: 4.2 - 6.6 lb.
• Shapes: Contoured, Oblong, Compact Oblong
• Adjustable

These cases are elegant looking viola cases with exceptional protection and durability. They’re also incredibly light, and heat-resistant!

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight cases.
• Hightech shells are very protective and weather-resistant.
• Elegant-looking rubber layers on top of the Hightech shells that scratch-resistant and slip-resistant.
• Oblong cases feature combination locks so you can lock your case without a key.
• Removable accessory pouches.
• Oblong cases have enough space for large shoulder rests.
• Contoured cases are compact and great for travel.

Cons

• These cases aren’t cheap.
• The standard oblong cases do not have sheet music pouches.
• There are only 2 colors to choose - black or grey.
• If you forget your combination, you’ll have to send the case back to BAM’s workshop in New Jersey to unlock the case.

Super Light Oblong Viola Cases

• Price: $440 - $530
• Weight: 3.7 - 4.9 lb.
• Shapes: Contoured, Oblong
• Non-adjustable

These cases are kind of the “new kids on the block”. They’re actually from Japan, and they’ve been growing in popularity very quickly in America.

As the name suggests, they’re incredibly light!

Pros

• Incredibly light viola case.
• Great protection and durability.
• Sheet music pouches for both shapes.
• Rainproof covers on the zippers as well. So that rainwater can’t seep through the zippers.
• High quality swiss lock that does not corrode over time.
• Durable hard-foam shell is great against inclement weather. Doesn’t absorb dangerous temperatures.

Cons

• Non-adjustable with foam insert. So if your viola is smaller, you can use the foam insert to fill the space. But this means if your viola is between 15.5” and 16.5”, you can’t use the foam insert, and there’s going to be a little wiggle room. However, you can place a piece of cloth in the extra space to fix this issue.
• The interior is very simple. Not as elegant as some other velvet-interior viola cases.

Best-Selling Viola Cases Between $300 - $500

Bobelock Half-Moon Fiberglass Viola Cases

• Price: $329
• Weight: 10 lb.
• Shapes: Half-Moon
• Adjustable

Bright and colorful fiberglass viola cases with unique half-moon shapes! These have been very popular among students and professionals for their protection and durability.

Plus they come with travel covers. So if you damage the exterior cover, you only need to replace the cover, not the entire case.

Pros

• Protective and durable fiberglass case. As protective as some $600+ cases.
• Several fun colors to choose from.
• Elegant velvet interior padding.
• Spacious accessories pouch.
• Adjustable neck cushion to accommodate various viola sizes. Plus the neck cushion is secured with a screw, so when you adjust it to fit your viola, the cushion won’t come loose.
• Travel cover included with sheet music compartment.
• Heat-resistant fiberglass shells.

Cons

• The case weighs 10 lb.

Tonareli Cello-Shaped Fiberglass Viola Cases

• Price: $359 - $399
• Weight: 6.8 lb.
• Shapes: Cello-Shaped
• Adjustable

Considered the funnest viola cases. These Tonareli viola cases feature unique shapes and a ton of colors and patterns to choose from.

Pros

• Several colors to choose from.
• Unique cello-shaped exterior shells.
• Tough fiberglass protection.
• Bottom cushion is adjustable to accommodate different violas.
• Accessories pouch is removable.
• Wheels under the case if you choose to wheel your instrument.

Cons

• 5 latches on the case. It’s more secure, but takes longer to unlatch all 5 to open the case.
• Taller individuals will have to bend over to wheel the case. Good for young students, but young students aren’t usually playing standard size violas.

BAM St. Germain Viola Cases

• Price: $366 - $423
• Weight: 7 lb.
• Shapes: Contoured, Oblong
• Non-adjustable

Classic looking viola cases with great protection and durability. They also feature BAM’s signature foam interior padding.

Pros

• Classic-looking cases.
• Sheet music compartment on the backside.
• Zipper locks so you can lock your case.
• Signature interior padding that serves as a great suspension system.
• Tough exterior fabric that is water-resistant and tear-resistant.

Cons

• Non-adjustable. Only designed for 15.5” and 16” violas.
• The strap that holds the case open can be a little tight, so the top of the case may close easily. Making it difficult to keep open.

Best-Selling Viola Cases Under $300

Jakob Winter Greenline Classic Oblong Viola Cases

• Price: $249
• Weight: 5.2 lb.
• Shapes: Oblong
• Adjustable

Simple oblong viola cases with sleek exterior looks. A popular option among students.

Pros

• Affordable case that only weighs 5.2 lb.
• Weather-resistant hard foam protection.
• Unique latches that are quick and easy to open.
• Zippered sheet music pouch on the top of the case.

Cons

• Only 2 bow holders.
• No strap for shoulder rest. It needs to be squeezed into the space next to the scroll of the instrument.
• No option to lock the case.

Pedi Oblong Viola Cases

• Price: $276
• Weight: 5.5 lb.
• Shapes: Oblong
• Non-adjustable

Tough cases with attached backpack straps. Plus reflective strips along the case that can reflect car lights at night.

Pros

• Designed to be worn as a backpack with the attached backpack straps. Which means they’re more comfortable to carry.
• Sheet music compartment on the backside.
• Reflective strips that can reflect car lights at night.
• Water-resistant canvas covers.
• High quality Japanese zippers.

Cons

• Interior pocket for shoulder rest is very tight. Can only fit a Kun style shoulder rest.
• Accessories pouch is quite small. No space for pens or pencils, only rosin.
• Can only fit 2 bows.

GEWA Maestro Viola Case

• Price: $235
• Weight: 4.4 lb.
• Shapes: Contoured
• Non-adjustable

Simple looking case with beautiful velvet interior. Light and compact too!

Pros

• Compact case that is great for travel.
• GEWA’s patented bow holders that do not come loose over time.
• Cushion block on the top of the case that keeps the instrument down, rather than using velcro straps around the neck that can scratch the strings.
• Beautiful velvet interior.
• Thermo-shell that is tough and resistant to heat.
• Ribbons behind the bows that you can slide pictures in.

Cons

• Accessory pocket is very small. Can only fit rosin.
• No space for sheet music.

Summary

These are definitely some of our best-selling viola cases, but there are a lot more options you will find at greatviolincases.com.

Just because a case doesn’t get sold as much, does not make it a lesser case.

For example, some of our hot pink viola cases are great cases! We just don’t have as many musicians looking for hot pink cases.

Either way, we do hope this article has given you a better idea of what type of viola case you’re looking for.

And as always, take our online survey to get recommendations based on your specific needs.