What Should I Keep in My Violin Case? 17 Essentials Every String Player Needs (and 3 You Probably Forgot)

Look — if you’ve ever opened your violin (or viola, cello, or bass) case and thought, “Wait… am I missing something?" — you're not alone.

Every string player, from beginner to pro, eventually asks the same question: “What should I actually be keeping in my case?”

Too little, and you're underprepared when disaster strikes (hello, snapped E string mid-rehearsal).
Too much, and suddenly your case becomes a mini suitcase stuffed with mystery dust, six pencils, and a rosin cake that’s probably older than your youngest student.

So today, I’m giving you the definitive list. Not the fluff — not the “well maybe if you want to…” list.
But the actual must-haves, smart add-ons, and a few pro tips most players don’t learn until it’s too late (like remembering nail clippers after your fingernail buzzes against the string mid-phrase)

Because your instrument deserves better than chaos. And you deserve to feel confident every time you open your case — whether it’s for a lesson, a concert, or a spontaneous jam session.

The Non-Negotiables — Your Core Loadout

These are the absolute must-haves. If your case doesn’t have these, you’re not “minimalist”… you’re just unprepared.

You don’t need a million violin accessories. But you do need these. Here's a list the team at Great Violin Cases recommends to have inside your case.

1. Your Instrument

Yes, we’re starting here because — believe it or not — people forget this.
You could have a $300 cake of rosin, a gold-plated tuning fork, and a notebook full of fingerings... but if your violin’s still at home on the bed, good luck at rehearsal.

2. Your Bow

Obvious? Sure. But it’s also your second voice. Your right-hand soulmate. No bow, no sound.
Keep it in the case, properly secured — and always rosin-ready.

3. Shoulder Rest (or Sponge)

You’d be amazed how many people forget this tiny-but-crucial piece.
Try playing a concerto without one and tell me how your neck feels after 30 minutes. Go on, I’ll wait.

Whether it’s Kun shoulder rests, a Bonmusica, or a slice of sponge with rubber bands — make sure it lives in your case.

4. Rosin

No rosin = no grip.
No grip = no sound.
No sound = sad, slippery bow skates across the string like it’s auditioning for Disney on Ice.

Always have your rosin in your case. And if it’s a crumbly mess from 2006? Replace it. Your bow (and your tone) will thank you. Check out our rosin collection here.

5. Cleaning Cloth

Rosin dust is like glitter. Once it’s on your violin, it spreads fast and sticks forever.
Wipe down your strings and body every time you play. It’ll keep your instrument looking (and sounding) fresher, longer.

Microfiber cloths are cheap, light, and easy to replace. Keep one in your case — not in your pocket, not under your bed — in. the. case.

6. Optional but Smart: A Silk Cover or Cushion

It’s not essential… but it’s classy. And it protects your beloved instrument from scratches, bow marks, and accidental zipper encounters.

If your case came with one, use it. If it didn’t, consider upgrading. Your varnish will thank you later.

Pro-Level Tools That Keep You Playing (When Things Go Wrong)

The basics get you playing.These get you through the unexpected.

Because here’s the truth no one tells you until it’s too late:
At some point, something’s going to break, slip, buzz, or go out of tune — and when that moment comes, the prepared player doesn’t panic.
They open their case, grab what they need, and keep playing like a pro.

Let’s build that kit.

7. Spare Set of Extra Strings

Strings don’t last forever. Strings break. They unravel. They go false.

And when they do — you don’t want to be the person begging your stand partner for a miracle.

Keep a full set of violin strings in your case. Label them if needed. Having new strings on you is a non-negotiable in your violin case.

Always keep a spare string.

8. Extra E String

E strings are like the mayflies of the violin world — fragile, short-lived, and prone to unexpected drama.

They rust. They snap. They squeal.

Keep a backup E in a little envelope or string tube. They’re cheap, take up no space, and save gigs.

9. Peg Paste

Humidity drops, and suddenly your pegs won’t turn.
Or worse — they slip mid-performance and you’re stuck re-tuning every 30 seconds.

Peg paste solves that.

Just a dab keeps your pegs smooth, steady, and reliable.
It’s tiny. It’s light. It lasts forever. There’s no reason not to have it.

10. Mute

Whether you're in orchestra, chamber group, or just trying not to wake up your neighbor’s baby — having a mute in your case is a smart move.

There are all kinds: rubber, wire, sliding, clip-on.
Pick one that fits your setup, and keep it in the accessory compartment.

11. Tuning Fork (or App)

Sure, apps are convenient. But a tuning fork? That’s old-school mastery.

It trains your ear.
It works without batteries.
And it makes you feel like a total boss when you pluck that A and tune by resonance.

With these tools, you’re not just “ready to play” — you’re ready to handle anything that could interrupt your playing.

You’re not the violinist who disappears backstage frantically searching for strings.
You’re the violinist who calmly fixes the issue, tunes up, and gets back to the music.

The Unsung Heroes — Tools That Fix, Mark, and Rescue

These aren’t flashy.
They don’t make sound.
But when you need them? They’re the difference between smooth sailing and absolute chaos.

Let’s go through the tiny tools that do big work.

12. Pencil (Yes, Always)

If you’re playing music and don’t have a pencil, what are you doing?
Marking bowings, fingerings, dynamics — this is how you think on the page.

And no, not a pen. A pencil.
Preferably one that doesn’t explode graphite in your case.

Bonus: if you find a pencil with a violin on top, I won’t judge. (Okay I will — but only a little.)

13. Eraser

Because markings change.
Conductors change their minds. You mess up a fingering. It happens.

Have an eraser in your case so you can edit fast and clean.
No one wants to hand in a part that looks like a toddler scribbled over it with frustration.

14. Pencil Sharpener (or Mechanical Pencil)

If your pencil’s dull, it’s basically a crayon.
Keep a mini sharpener in your case. Or better yet — grab a mechanical pencil and save the hassle.

Simple, tiny, essential.

15. Needle-Nose Pliers

Ever tried threading a stubborn string through a fine tuner with frozen fingers?

Pliers fix that.

You don’t need the huge toolbox ones — get a small, slim set that fits your case.
They’ll save your fingers, your patience, and your E string from turning into a pretzel.

16. Chinrest Key

Super easy to forget.
Super annoying when you need it.

Chinrest loose? Buzzing? Twisting? You’ll need this tiny key to tighten or adjust.

Some are small and attach to the chinrest itself. Others are slightly larger and live in your accessory compartment.
Either way — don’t be without it.

17. Nail Clippers

Let’s be real: long nails and fingerboards don’t mix.

Clicking, slipping, smudged intonation — all because you didn’t clip before rehearsal.

Keep a pair in your case. Small, clean, efficient.
(And no, biting them doesn’t count.)

None of these will impress your stand partner.
But they will save your skin when something goes sideways.

And that’s the point.

Smart Extras That Turn Your Case into a Musical Home

You’ve got the essentials. You’ve got the emergency tools.
Now it’s time to add the small, thoughtful touches that make your case feel like it’s working for you — not just hauling your gear around.

These aren’t “mandatory,” but once you’ve got them? You’ll wonder how you ever managed without.

A Small Notebook

Your brain doesn’t always remember your teacher’s advice mid-practice.
That brilliant bowing idea? Gone if you don’t jot it down.
Keep a small notebook in your case to capture ideas, practice notes, or even just reminders.

It turns your case into a mobile command center for your playing.
And it keeps your progress intentional — not accidental.

Check out this list. 

Hygrometer

Wood hates extreme humidity. And your violin? It’s made of wood.

A hygrometer tells you the humidity level inside your case.
Too dry? Your pegs might slip. Too humid? Your seams could open.
Knowledge is power — and in this case, it’s also protection.

Some higher-end violin cases have these built in, but if yours doesn’t, you can grab one cheaply and tuck it right into the accessory pocket.

Inspirational Items (Photos, Stickers, Vibes)

This one’s personal — but powerful.

Some players pop in a photo of their teacher. Others keep a picture of their musical hero.
Some decorate the outside of their case with stickers from festivals, travel, or even Ray Chen’s Tonic App stickers.

Why? Because your case is the one thing that shows up with you, every single time you play.
So let it reflect you — your journey, your taste, your fire.

A Few Pieces of Music (or iPad)

If your case has a space for sheet music, take advantage of it.
Keep a few short pieces you enjoy playing — warm-ups, favorite études, something fun to noodle on when you’ve got a few minutes between rehearsals.

Or, if you’re team digital, keep your iPad close and loaded up.

Because nothing kills momentum like having time to play… and nothing to play.

The Ultimate Case Prep Checklist

You’ve made it this far.

So now? We bring it all together.

This is your grab-and-go, no-thinking-required, “Why didn’t someone give me this sooner?” checklist.

Keep it on your wall. Tape it inside your case. Screenshot it. Tattoo it backward on your forehead so you see it in the mirror every morning (okay maybe not that last one… unless you’re really committed).

Let’s go:

Must-Have Essential items

✅ Violin / Viola / Cello / Bass (seriously, check)
✅ Bow (with hair that’s not older than your pet)
✅ Rosin (intact, not powdered all over your case)
✅ Shoulder rest / sponge
✅ Cleaning cloth (bonus if it’s not also being used to clean your glasses)
✅ Case cover / silk protector (optional, but classy)

Emergency Tools

✅ Full spare set of strings
✅ Extra E string (a.k.a. the drama queen of strings)
✅ Peg paste
✅ Mute
✅ Tuning fork or tuner app

Utility Items

✅ TWO pencils (because one will disappear)
✅ Eraser
✅ Pencil sharpener or mechanical pencil
✅ Nail clippers (no click-clack on the fingerboard, please)
✅ Chinrest key
✅ Needle-nose pliers (mini ones — we’re not fixing plumbing here)

Smart Extras

✅ Small notebook for practice notes, bowings, brilliant ideas
✅ Hygrometer (especially if you live somewhere with “weather”)
✅ Piece or two of music you love to play
✅ Inspirational item — photo, sticker, quote, or a fortune cookie slip that once said “You will play in tune today”

Stick to this?
You’ll show up calm, confident, and ready for anything.

Forget it?
Well… enjoy playing Paganini with a broken A string and no mute while borrowing your stand partner’s pencil and dying inside.

Your choice.

You Don’t Need More Secrets — You Just Need to Start

Here’s the truth most people miss:

You don’t need another course.
You don’t need to keep “preparing to prepare.”
You don’t need 16 more practice hacks before you begin.

You just need to start.
Start messy. Start small. Start right where you are.

Because everything we've covered — from building a pro-level case setup, to beating practice procrastination, to structuring your environment for success.