---
title: Notes from a SHAR Apprentice - Cases
description: Advice on picking a case for your violin, viola, or cello, including travel tips.
image: https://blog.sharmusic.com/hs-fs/file-14333298-jpg/images/christine_hilary_katherine.jpg
---

### [sharmusic.com](https://www.sharmusic.com/shop.axd/sharmusic.com)

Enjoy FREE 2-4 Day Shipping on your order of $30 or more! (shipped to the 48 contiguous states)

[![Shar](https://blog.sharmusic.com/hubfs/SharMusic_December2018%20Theme/Images/logo.jpg)](https://www.sharmusic.com/)

- Shop
- [Rentals](https://www.sharmusic.com/Rentals/)
- [Learn](https://www.sharmusic.com/SHAR-Library/)
- [Teach](https://www.sharmusic.com/shop.axd/Teachers)
- [![Shar Collection](https://blog.sharmusic.com/hubfs/SharMusic_December2018%20Theme/Images/logo-collection-black.png)](https://collection.sharmusic.com/)

- [Log In](https://www.sharmusic.com/shop.axd/LoginForm)

```

```

** 

Search ✕

- [Home](https://blog.sharmusic.com)
- Shar Music Blog

# Shar Music Blog

- [Shar Services](https://www.sharmusic.com/Services/)

### Posts by Topic

- [#BlackIsClassical (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/blackisclassical)
- [#caseconfessions (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/caseconfessions)
- [#childrensday (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/childrensday)
- [#confidence (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/confidence)
- [#fathersday (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/fathersday)
- [#internationalchildrensday (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/internationalchildrensday)
- [#playon (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/playon)
- [#tinaavsharian (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tinaavsharian)
- [20th Century (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/20th-century)
- [20th Century Composers (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/20th-century-composers)
- [50th Anniversary (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/50th-anniversary)
- [A Million Ways To Play (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/a-million-ways-to-play)
- [Accessories (12)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/accessories)
- [ACMP (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/acmp)
- [Adventures in Violinland (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/adventures-in-violinland)
- [Advice (8)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/advice)
- [Alternative Strings (12)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/alternative-strings)
- [American Case Company (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/american-case-company)
- [American Classical (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/american-classical)
- [Andrés Cárdenes (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/andrés-cárdenes)
- [Arnold Steinhardt (8)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/arnold-steinhardt)
- [Auditions (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/auditions)
- [Bach (7)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bach)
- [Bags (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bags)
- [Barenreiter (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/barenreiter)
- [Bass (29)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bass)
- [Bass Bag (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bass-bag)
- [Beethoven (10)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/beethoven)
- [Beginner Violin (34)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/beginner-violin)
- [Bernard Greenhouse (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bernard-greenhouse)
- [Bernstein (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bernstein)
- [Birthday Blogs (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/birthday-blogs)
- [Black History Month (9)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/black-history-month)
- [Blackwing Pencils (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/blackwing-pencils)
- [Blog (9)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/blog)
- [books (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/books)
- [Bows (15)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bows)
- [BowStopper (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bowstopper)
- [Brahms (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/brahms)
- [Bullying (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/bullying)
- [Busking (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/busking)
- [Buying Guide (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/buying-guide)
- [cadenza (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cadenza)
- [Carbon Fiber (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/carbon-fiber)
- [Carlo Lamberti (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/carlo-lamberti)
- [Cases (11)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cases)
- [catgut (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/catgut)
- [CD Play-Alongs (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cd-play-alongs)
- [Celebrations (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/celebrations)
- [Cello (46)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cello)
- [Chairs (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/chairs)
- [Chamber music (11)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/chamber-music)
- [Charles Avsharian (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/charles-avsharian)
- [Cheap Violins (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cheap-violins)
- [Checklist (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/checklist)
- [Children's Music Series (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/childrens-music-series)
- [China (7)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/china)
- [chinrests (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/chinrests)
- [Christian Howes (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/christian-howes)
- [Christian Tetzlaff (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/christian-tetzlaff)
- [Christmas (7)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/christmas)
- [Claire Delbos (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/claire-delbos)
- [Classical (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/classical)
- [Classical Music (39)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/classical-music)
- [Classical Revolution (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/classical-revolution)
- [Coloring Contest (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/coloring-contest)
- [Composers (17)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/composers)
- [concert mute (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/concert-mute)
- [Conservatory (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/conservatory)
- [Contests (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/contests)
- [Cushy (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cushy)
- [Dame Ethel Smyth (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/dame-ethel-smyth)
- [David Crowder (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/david-crowder)
- [Debussy (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/debussy)
- [Diversity (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/diversity)
- [Donation (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/donation)
- [Dvorak (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/dvorak)
- [eCatalog (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/ecatalog)
- [Edith Eisler Scholarship (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/edith-eisler-scholarship)
- [Education (32)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/education)
- [Electric (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/electric)
- [Electric Violin (7)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/electric-violin)
- [Elementary School (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/elementary-school)
- [Elgar (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/elgar)
- [Embassy (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/embassy)
- [Ensemble Playing (8)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/ensemble-playing)
- [Entrepreneurship (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/entrepreneurship)
- [Ernő Dohnányi (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/ernő-dohnányi)
- [Evelyn Avsharian (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/evelyn-avsharian)
- [Expand the Canon (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/expand-the-canon)
- [Fanny Hensel (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/fanny-hensel)
- [Female Composers (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/female-composers)
- [Fiddle (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/fiddle)
- [Fine Instruments (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/fine-instruments)
- [Flexible Ensembes (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/flexible-ensembes)
- [folding stand (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/folding-stand)
- [Folk (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/folk)
- [Food (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/food)
- [For Fun (21)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/for-fun)
- [Franz Hoffmann (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/franz-hoffmann)
- [French Violins (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/french-violins)
- [Fritz Kreisler (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/fritz-kreisler)
- [German Violins (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/german-violins)
- [Gifts (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/gifts)
- [Good Vibrations (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/good-vibrations)
- [Green Line (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/green-line)
- [Gregorian Chant (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/gregorian-chant)
- [Guide (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/guide)
- [Guitar (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/guitar)
- [Halloween (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/halloween)
- [Haydn (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/haydn)
- [Health (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/health)
- [Heritage (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/heritage)
- [Heritage Go! (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/heritage-go)
- [High School (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/high-school)
- [Higher Education (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/higher-education)
- [Holiday Music (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/holiday-music)
- [honorable mentions (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/honorable-mentions)
- [Humidity (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/humidity)
- [Humor (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/humor)
- [Improvisation (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/improvisation)
- [In Home Trial (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/in-home-trial)
- [In the Key of Strawberry (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/in-the-key-of-strawberry)
- [Injury (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/injury)
- [Instrument Care (14)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/instrument-care)
- [Instrument Repair (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/instrument-repair)
- [Instrument Stand (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/instrument-stand)
- [Irish Fiddle (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/irish-fiddle)
- [Italian Violins (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/italian-violins)
- [Jascha Heifetz (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/jascha-heifetz)
- [Jazz (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/jazz)
- [John Cheng (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/john-cheng)
- [Jonny Greenwood (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/jonny-greenwood)
- [K&M (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/km)
- [Kathryn Schutmaat (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/kathryn-schutmaat)
- [Koe (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/koe)
- [Kreisler (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/kreisler)
- [Lessons (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/lessons)
- [Mahler (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mahler)
- [Manhasset (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/manhasset)
- [Mark O'Connor (10)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mark-o39connor)
- [mark oconnor (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mark-oconnor)
- [Mark Wood (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mark-wood)
- [Martha Yasuda (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/martha-yasuda)
- [Mendelssohn (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mendelssohn)
- [Method Books (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/method-books)
- [Metronomes (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/metronomes)
- [motivation (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/motivation)
- [Mozart (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mozart)
- [Music By Black Composers (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-by-black-composers)
- [Music Careers (11)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-careers)
- [Music Clips (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-clips)
- [Music Degree (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-degree)
- [Music Education (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-education)
- [Music History (14)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-history)
- [Music Stands (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-stands)
- [Music Theory (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/music-theory)
- [Mutes (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/mutes)
- [My Very First Cello Method (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/my-very-first-cello-method)
- [Nerissa Nields (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/nerissa-nields)
- [O Sole Mio (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/o-sole-mio)
- [Olivier Messiaen (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/olivier-messiaen)
- [Online Lessons (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/online-lessons)
- [Orchestra Method (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/orchestra-method)
- [orchestra stand (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/orchestra-stand)
- [Paganini (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/paganini)
- [Parents (22)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/parents)
- [peak (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/peak)
- [Pedagogy (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/pedagogy)
- [Performance (20)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/performance)
- [Pernambuco (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/pernambuco)
- [photo contest (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/photo-contest)
- [Piano (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/piano)
- [Pickups (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/pickups)
- [Pizzicato (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/pizzicato)
- [Play-Alongs (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/play-alongs)
- [Practice (23)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/practice)
- [practice mute (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/practice-mute)
- [practice tips (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/practice-tips)
- [Pre-amps (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/pre-amps)
- [Preamps (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/preamps)
- [PRESTO (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/presto)
- [Product Reviews (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/product-reviews)
- [Professional H-Series (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/professional-h-series)
- [Progressive Rock (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/progressive-rock)
- [Puccini (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/puccini)
- [Quiz (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/quiz)
- [Rachel Barton Pine (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/rachel-barton-pine)
- [Rebecca Clarke (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/rebecca-clarke)
- [Recipes (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/recipes)
- [Recital (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/recital)
- [Relaxation (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/relaxation)
- [Revolution Strings (8)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/revolution-strings)
- [Richard Dare (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/richard-dare)
- [rock & roll (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/rock-roll)
- [Romantic (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/romantic)
- [Rosin (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/rosin)
- [Rossini (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/rossini)
- [Saint-Saens (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/saint-saens)
- [Sassmannshaus (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/sassmannshaus)
- [Schoenberg (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/schoenberg)
- [School (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/school)
- [Schubert (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/schubert)
- [Self-Improvement (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/self-improvement)
- [SHAR (32)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shar)
- [SHAR Ann Arbor (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shar-ann-arbor)
- [SHAR Apprentice (10)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shar-apprentice)
- [SHAR Event (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shar-event)
- [Sheet Music (18)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/sheet-music)
- [Shirley Givens (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shirley-givens)
- [Shostakovich (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shostakovich)
- [Shoulder Rests (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shoulder-rests)
- [Sibelius (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/sibelius)
- [Silent Violin (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/silent-violin)
- [Social Media (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/social-media)
- [Sphinx Organization (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/sphinx-organization)
- [Stevens Point (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/stevens-point)
- [Stradivari (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/stradivari)
- [Straps (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/straps)
- [Stravinsky (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/stravinsky)
- [String Community (27)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/string-community)
- [string instruments (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/string-instruments)
- [String Quartet (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/string-quartet)
- [String Quartet Competition 2012 (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/string-quartet-competition-2012)
- [String Quartet Competition 2013 (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/string-quartet-competition-2013)
- [Strings (17)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/strings)
- [Student Violin (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/student-violin)
- [Summer Camp (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/summer-camp)
- [Super-Lite (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/super-lite)
- [Suzuki (31)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/suzuki)
- [Symphony (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/symphony)
- [Tartini (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tartini)
- [Tchaikovsky (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tchaikovsky)
- [Teaching (32)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/teaching)
- [Teaching Aids (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/teaching-aids)
- [Technique (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/technique)
- [The alt Default (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/the-alt-default)
- [The Lives of Artists... In Their Own Words (10)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/the-lives-of-artists-in-their-own-words)
- [The Rite of Spring (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/the-rite-of-spring)
- [Time for Three (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/time-for-three)
- [Tips (13)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tips)
- [Tom Heimberg (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tom-heimberg)
- [Toshira (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/toshira)
- [Total Violinist (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/total-violinist)
- [Tourte Mute (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tourte-mute)
- [Travel (6)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/travel)
- [Traveller (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/traveller)
- [Troubleshooting (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/troubleshooting)
- [Tuners (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/tuners)
- [Urtext (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/urtext)
- [Used Violins (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/used-violins)
- [Valentine's Day (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/valentine39s-day)
- [Viola (53)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/viola)
- [Violin (140)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin)
- [Violin Bridge (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-bridge)
- [Violin Concerto (5)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-concerto)
- [Violin Making (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-making)
- [Violin Method (15)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-method)
- [violin practice (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-practice)
- [Violin Repertoire (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-repertoire)
- [Violin-Shaped Object (4)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin-shaped-object)
- [Vivaldi (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/vivaldi)
- [Wagner (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/wagner)
- [Website (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/website)
- [Wedding (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/wedding)
- [winners (2)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/winners)
- [wish list (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/wish-list)
- [Women's History Month (3)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/womens-history-month)
- [Wrist Rascal (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/wrist-rascal)
- [Zombie Survival (1)](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/zombie-survival)

[See all](https://blog.sharmusic.com/blog/bid/60706/notes-from-a-shar-apprentice-cases#)

### Recent Posts

### Subscribe for Blog Updates

Search SHAR Blog

[![blog-banner3](https://blog.sharmusic.com/hubfs/blog-banner3.jpg) ](https://blog.sharmusic.com/)

## Notes from a SHAR Apprentice - Cases

Posted by [Rachel Krueger](https://blog.sharmusic.com/author/rachel-krueger) on Apr 21, 2011 11:59:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

When you're picking out a [violin case](http://www.sharmusic.com/Shop-Shar/Cases-Bags/Violin/Violin-Cases/) you usually have three choices of materials - compacted foam, wood, plastic/composite, or carbon fiber. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type as well as structural factors which contribute to safety and weight of each case. So, to break it down simply, here are some facts about each type of case:

Compacted foam - lightweight, low-cost, thermally protective; these cases are a good price point and weight option but one should be careful not to put the case under pressure.

Wood - sturdy, heavy, controls temperature moderately; a wood case will usually last a good long time, though they tend to be on the heavier side of cases. A good oblong wood case will provide lots of storage space and years of use, but lugging it around may be a chore.

Plastic/Composite - Many cases that are accidentally called "carbon fiber" cases, such as BAM Hightech Cases, are actually not carbon fiber at all, but a several-layer composite of ABS, Polycarbonate, or other plastics. Sometimes the carbon-fiber style appearance is misleading. These plastics provide a great combination of light weight, strength, shock absorbtion, and insulating properties.

Carbon Fiber - Very lightweight, strong shell, but low temperature control; carbon fiber cases generally provide sleek, extremely light-weight options with rigid and strong resistance to crushing forces when closed. They provide the structural protection you may find with a wood case while keeping the weight down, though these cases provide little thermal protection or shock absorbtion.

I find that a compact, lightweight case is safer for me to carry because I won't run into things and am not tempted to leave it somewhere. If you know yourself well, these factors should help you decide which case is a good fit for your needs in terms of price, durability, and size restrictions. The [SHAR Professional series](http://www.sharmusic.com/Cases-Bags/Violin/Shar-Professional-H-Series-Lightweight-Violin-Case.axd#sthash.1TgVgUkO.dpbs) offers some of the benefits of both foam and a wooden shell, or choose the new [American Case Eagle](http://www.sharmusic.com/shop.axd/Search?keywords=eagle+case) wood shell case. You can also choose from two different interior looks making the Pro and Eagle series very versatile.

**Oh the Places You'll Go! (with your case)**  
You've bought a brand new case, and now it's time to show it off to the world! But no matter what kind of case you buy, you'll need to help your case out so that it can do the best job possible protecting your instrument. As a well-seasoned instrument traveler, here are some tips and tricks I've picked up:

**By Car:** Instruments are very sensitive to changes in heat and temperature, and even the most protective case won't prevent damage from heat or cold. Never leave an instrument in a car, if you can help it! When you drive somewhere with your instrument, make sure the case is not upside down - you don't want to put stress on the bridge! If you put the instrument in the trunk, make sure it's a heated trunk, and support it with boxes or blankets. Just like people, instruments don't do well if they are slammed into the side of the car!

**By Plane (violin, viola):** Yes, most cases are larger than the average carry on. But don't despair! Though there is no law that requires airlines to allow instruments as carrry ons, many airlines specifically mention instruments as allowable carry-ons in their policy statements. Check the individual airline's  website for its official policy - some airlines are more musician-friendly than others. Consider buying a dart-shaped case, which fit more easily in overhead bins. However, I've never been on a plane (even small puddle-jumper planes) that couldn't accomodate my (16.5") oblong viola case! If you run into trouble, be firm (but gracious) with the gate agent, and explain that your case will fit in the overhead bin, despite appearances.

**By Plane (cello):** If you can, buy an extra seat for your cello (this is the way most professionals travel with their instruments). It's inadvisable to EVER check your cello - even the most protective case cannot guarantee protection against a luggage compartment.

[![Christine Beamer, Hilary Lewis, Katherine Thompson - SHAR Apprentices](https://blog.sharmusic.com/hs-fs/file-14333298-jpg/images/christine_hilary_katherine.jpg)](http://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/Shar-Apprentice/)

[![Shop for Instrument Cases at SHAR](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47259/f51f0147-d978-45a7-9325-7d8055a623e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/47259/f51f0147-d978-45a7-9325-7d8055a623e3)

*Thank you for Reading! To receive notification of future blogs as well as other useful product reviews, guest blogs, company announcements, and entertaining articles, be sure to subscribe with your email address at the top of the page! Also, find SHAR on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharmusic/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sharviolinshop/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/SHAR_Music).*

 Topics: [Violin](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/violin), [Viola](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/viola), [Cello](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cello), [SHAR Apprentice](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/shar-apprentice), [Cases](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/cases), [Instrument Care](https://blog.sharmusic.com/topic/instrument-care)

#### Come See Us

SHAR Showroom  
 2465 S. Industrial  
 Ann Arbor, MI 48104

- [Get Directions](https://goo.gl/maps/pJkTYymTLn82)
- [See Store Hours](https://sharmusic.com/Pages/Customer-Service/Contact-Us/)

- [Shar Blog](https://blog.sharmusic.com/)
- [Browse Catalog](https://snapshotdesign.ipaperus.com/SharMusic/SHARMusicCatalog/)
- [SHAR Collection](https://collection.sharmusic.com/Violin/)
- *(800) 248-7427*

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharmusic)
- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/shar_music)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sharviolinshop/)
- [You Tube](http://www.youtube.com/user/SharMusicTV)
- [Blog](https://blog.sharmusic.com/)
- [Email](https://sharmusic.com/shop.axd/EmailSignup)

##### © 2018 SHAR products co., All Rights Reserved