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Choosing Violin Cases
I am torn between some cases and I need help deciding!
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Gurashieruro

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May 11, 2016 - 3:56 am
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Which case should I go with?

  • Gewa Venetian Oblong(100% : 3 votes)
  • Pedi 11100(0% : 0 votes)
  • Bobelock Fiberglass 1047 Half-Moon(0% : 0 votes)
  • Baker Street 4030 (BK-4030)(0% : 0 votes)
Total Voters: 3

I recently purchased the Fiddlerman Artist Violin (shoutout to Pierre and his team for their help). I wanted a better case which originally came with my violin. Because Amazon had a sale, I purchased the Baker Street 4030 case for something along the lines of ~$170. However, I have been looking at several other cases and became unsure on which case to go with.

As I do eventually want to be able to carry my violin with me, I need something that will last me for years to come but protect my instrument from the elements. Weight is not an issue considering the BK-4030 is about 6 lb alone and instrument and gear would push it further.
While styling is nice and all, I prefer the utilitarian approach and prefer to be able to get the best use of an item I am lugging around instead of looks. Though, I would like a good "backpack"-like carry.
My budget would float roughly at max of ~$300. So I'll start a poll with my current list of cases.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 11, 2016 - 8:33 am
Member Since: September 26, 2010
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I voted for the Gewa, but give us a call if you want a better price than what you have already found. We are very competitive. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Gurashieruro

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May 11, 2016 - 2:12 pm
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Fiddlerman said
I voted for the Gewa, but give us a call if you want a better price than what you have already found. We are very competitive. :)

Why do you like the Gewa Venetian over the other cases? I don't see it available on Fiddlershop either. Are you able to do a special order for those?

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Hermes
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May 11, 2016 - 6:47 pm
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Between those cases, I would also go for the venetian, hands down. I sometimes overanalyse things , so I would perhaps install an extra neck rest with a respective velcro strap. But I am sure the whole suspension system works as is.

Overall to explain my preference

1) it has a more "padded" lid if you take a closer look, and that could translate to better protection, at least in our minds.

2) Four bow holders instead of less (like the half-moon an the pedi). I've never used more than two, no matter how many bows I've had simultaneously, but hey, it's good to have a spare place, right?

3) It is a composite case (gewa call i thermo shell or sthg like this). Just by habit, I would prefer plywood, but it still beats fibreglass and aluminium reinforcement  in my mind.

4) I somehow prefer it over this particular Baker, since it holds the instrument straight and not diagonally. Nothing important, it's just my preference.

5) I love how the place where the back of the violin goes is shaped. It seems more tidy that just having a block of foam in the front and one in the back.

5). Have you seen this stunning interior lining? I would not resist. :D

6) Did I mention this blanket that is attached to the case? It's the detail in this case that caught my eye.

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Gurashieruro

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May 11, 2016 - 9:59 pm
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Hermes said
Between those cases, I would also go for the venetian, hands down. I sometimes overanalyse things , so I would perhaps install an extra neck rest with a respective velcro strap. But I am sure the whole suspension system works as is.

Overall to explain my preference

1) it has a more "padded" lid if you take a closer look, and that could translate to better protection, at least in our minds.

2) Four bow holders instead of less (like the half-moon an the pedi). I've never used more than two, no matter how many bows I've had simultaneously, but hey, it's good to have a spare place, right?

3) It is a composite case (gewa call i thermo shell or sthg like this). Just by habit, I would prefer plywood, but it still beats fibreglass and aluminium reinforcement  in my mind.

4) I somehow prefer it over this particular Baker, since it holds the instrument straight and not diagonally. Nothing important, it's just my preference.

5) I love how the place where the back of the violin goes is shaped. It seems more tidy that just having a block of foam in the front and one in the back.

5). Have you seen this stunning interior lining? I would not resist. :D
6) Did I mention this blanket that is attached to the case? It's the detail in this case that caught my eye.  

While I don't normally go for pretty asthetics, I have to admit the Venetian is pretty as heck. Just for the interior, it jumps up to the top for being the nicest looking. Looking at the Venetian, it seems to be held down by the foam pad on the top of the case.

  1. Padded lid? Are talking about the padded section that keeps the violin down? Or something else?
  2. So long as the case has at least 2 holders, I'll be fine. I know I won't carry, or most likely won't, more than 2 since I would only bring my best to carry around.
  3. Composite is quite fantastic. If carbon fiber or fiberglass is created correctly, it can take some very high amounts of shock and force without any contortion. Problem is it will abruptly fail after reaching past its ultimate tensile strength. Wood is nice in that it has very good force protection with durability. Either way, doesn't matter since I'm not picky so long as it works well and correctly.
  4. I noticed that with my BK-4030. Its fine, but I particularly would rather have the violin sit flat and parallel to the case.
  5. As I said, the interior is easily one of, if not the most, beautiful I have seen in a case. Its also why deep down, I increased my price I am willing to spend.
  6. If execution and finish is good, the little detail will be wonderful. Though, I completely forgot about that added bonus.

So that being said, I presume you, like Pierre, recommend me going with the Gewa Venetian case?

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Hermes
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May 11, 2016 - 11:52 pm
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Gurashieruro said

While I don't normally go for pretty asthetics, I have to admit the Venetian is pretty as heck. Just for the interior, it jumps up to the top for being the nicest looking. Looking at the Venetian, it seems to be held down by the foam pad on the top of the case.

  1. Padded lid? Are talking about the padded section that keeps the violin down? Or something else?
  1. So long as the case has at least 2 holders, I'll be fine. I know I won't carry, or most likely won't, more than 2 since I would only bring my best to carry around.
  1. Composite is quite fantastic. If carbon fiber or fiberglass is created correctly, it can take some very high amounts of shock and force without any contortion. Problem is it will abruptly fail after reaching past its ultimate tensile strength. Wood is nice in that it has very good force protection with durability. Either way, doesn't matter since I'm not picky so long as it works well and correctly.
  1. I noticed that with my BK-4030. Its fine, but I particularly would rather have the violin sit flat and parallel to the case.
  1. As I said, the interior is easily one of, if not the most, beautiful I have seen in a case. Its also why deep down, I increased my price I am willing to spend.
  1. If execution and finish is good, the little detail will be wonderful. Though, I completely forgot about that added bonus.

So that being said, I presume you, like Pierre, recommend me going with the Gewa Venetian case?  

About the lid: No, I refer to the shape of the lid. Usually you have from outside to inside, a canvas cover, the material of the case (fiberglass, wood, whatever) some lining and that's it. in the venetian, there seems to be some stuff (foam maybe? ) behind the bow storage in particular. That makes the lid thicker, and I had come across a review once, stating this "bonus"

About the material: You are right about the fiberglass. This composite shell of the gewa gives the impression of being a little more "cushiony" or "fluffy" or whatever the word might be.

P.S. You could also take a look to the Gewa Maestro. It's similar to the Venetian, but with more simple lining and I guess a little cheaper, if the budget is an issue. But this lining, is worth the extra money. I guess.

Yes, I would prefer the gewa than the other options. In your budget I think it's a safe choice. 

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Gurashieruro

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May 12, 2016 - 12:10 am
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Hermes said

About the lid: No, I refer to the shape of the lid. Usually you have from outside to inside, a canvas cover, the material of the case (fiberglass, wood, whatever) some lining and that's it. in the venetian, there seems to be some stuff (foam maybe? ) behind the bow storage in particular. That makes the lid thicker, and I had come across a review once, stating this "bonus"
About the material: You are right about the fiberglass. This composite shell of the gewa gives the impression of being a little more "cushiony" or "fluffy" or whatever the word might be.
P.S. You could also take a look to the Gewa Maestro. It's similar to the Venetian, but with more simple lining and I guess a little cheaper, if the budget is an issue. But this lining, is worth the extra money. I guess.
Yes, I would prefer the gewa than the other options. In your budget I think it's a safe choice.   

Believe it, man. I already purchased the Gewa Venetian from Quinn Violins. I would have purchased it from Fiddlershop but they didn't have it on their website. I called earlier in the day about getting a price but they didn't back to be on the price. Since I need to decide on which case I want pretty soon, I just dropped the amount.

I have a couple carbon fiber longboards so I am used to the strengths and weakness of carbon fiber and similar composites. They are strong, stiff, but fragile. So long the impact isn't something along the lines of a knife tip or a pointed end, it will hold up to some heavy abuse. Fiberglass, since it is held by polyester, can flex more than carbon fiber and has some bonuses to that. If Fiberglass is held by epoxy, similar to that of carbon fiber, it will become what is known as G-10 (in the simple sense). If you built a case that was about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick, which would be the heaviest case out there, it might be one of the strongest against impact damage.

Anyways, aside from my rant, I like the Venetian because of the style and I'll pay a bit more for the fancy and nicer insides. So long as it protects well and lasts me a long time, I will be happy.

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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 15, 2016 - 5:36 pm
Member Since: September 26, 2010
Forum Posts: 16429

Gurashieruro said

Believe it, man. I already purchased the Gewa Venetian from Quinn Violins. I would have purchased it from Fiddlershop but they didn't have it on their website. I called earlier in the day about getting a price but they didn't back to be on the price. Since I need to decide on which case I want pretty soon, I just dropped the amount.

Who did you talk to? I'll get on their case.....

We moved to a new building on Friday and were preparing all week. This could have been the issue. Hopefully we can help you next time. :)

Pierre

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Gurashieruro

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May 16, 2016 - 12:07 am
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Fiddlerman said

Gurashieruro said
Believe it, man. I already purchased the Gewa Venetian from Quinn Violins. I would have purchased it from Fiddlershop but they didn't have it on their website. I called earlier in the day about getting a price but they didn't back to be on the price. Since I need to decide on which case I want pretty soon, I just dropped the amount.

Who did you talk to? I'll get on their case.....

We moved to a new building on Friday and were preparing all week. This could have been the issue. Hopefully we can help you next time. :)

Pierre  

Don't worry about, Pierre. I remember you telling me that you guys were working on a new building so I presumed that's why he didnt get back to me. It was just a shame since I like giving you my business over someone else like, Quinn Violins, since you guys have given me some really good advice.

Though, I still want to purchase a pernambuco bow after I do those upgrades to my Artist. Still haven't forgotten. What do you think about Ipe wood vs Pernambuco wood for bows?

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Fiddlerman
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May 20, 2016 - 3:10 pm
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I'm not as much worried about it as I am concerned if we are loosing business to customers for neglecting them.
In any case, I'm sorry that we let the ball drop.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Gurashieruro

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May 21, 2016 - 6:27 pm
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Fiddlerman said
I'm not as much worried about it as I am concerned if we are loosing business to customers for neglecting them.
In any case, I'm sorry that we let the ball drop.  

You're fine Pierre. Things slip through, it happens. It is especially true with the upgrades you guys were doing. Anyways, I have since sent back the Gewa Venetian since I hated how badly built the one I got was. Instead, I purchased a Negri Venezia.

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coolpinkone
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May 24, 2016 - 1:42 pm
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Thanks for the case topic.

I don't travel too much with my violin, but I never feel satisfied with my case.  I will get a nice solid case one day....

But you know... I am going to get that "good" bow sooner or later.

Coolpinkone needs a good bow.  Wants a wood one. 

Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato

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Fiddlerman
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May 31, 2016 - 6:35 am
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I don't blame you Toni. A great bow is a big part of the ensemble. :)

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Gurashieruro

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June 1, 2016 - 8:01 pm
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Well, I was extremely unsatisfied with the Gewa Venetian. I returned it and got a Negri Venezia case. I got a good deal for it so I couldn't pass up the chance. Needless to say, I can't wait to get it. 

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Fiddlerman
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June 10, 2016 - 11:53 am
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Hope you enjoy it!

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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MACJR

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December 16, 2016 - 5:32 pm
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Two things that came to mind when I read this thread.

One, I vote for most any case that is latch, and NOT Zippered!

I hate having to deal with zippers. Latch access is so much faster.

Two, about Fiddlershop.com and neglecting customers. I do not know if it is standard practice, or if it was due to a lost message, but they never did answer a question I had about the Cecilio CVA-500. But then, it may be that they did answer, but it went to my junk bin and I did not think to check there in time.

Oh well.

Moving on.   :)

MACJR

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MrYikes
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Mac, just call and talk to them.  They really are great people.

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MACJR

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MrYikes said
Mac, just call and talk to them.  They really are great people.  

Probably so, MrYikes.

It is me that is the cranky cantankerous one. I am not fond of chat features or phones anymore.   ;)

MACJR

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Fiddlerman
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December 19, 2016 - 8:50 am
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MACJR said
.............Two, about Fiddlershop.com and neglecting customers. I do not know if it is standard practice, or if it was due to a lost message, but they never did answer a question I had about the Cecilio CVA-500. But then, it may be that they did answer, but it went to my junk bin and I did not think to check there in time.
Oh well.
Moving on.   :)
MACJR  

I'd like to know where you made the inquiry. We have a tremendous amount of inquiries at Fiddlershop, and yes, sometimes we neglect potential customers but I assure you that it is not intentional. I love the feedback because it helps us improve. Our goal is to work hard to satisfy each and every customer. We are doing well but obviously not good enough.

I am suspecting that it happened on the online support chat. If so, we have noticed that it is being neglected when we get busy and are working on including more people on that responsibility.

Presently, we have 7 people working at Fiddlershop and we try to keep costs low to be more effective and pass on greater savings to customers. Three of the 7 are working full time on set-ups and repair.

Did you leave a message that was not addressed?

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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MACJR

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December 19, 2016 - 11:05 am
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Fiddlerman said

....

I am suspecting that it happened on the online support chat. If so, we have noticed that it is being neglected when we get busy and are working on including more people on that responsibility.

....

Did you leave a message that was not addressed?  

I had sent a message through the "Contact" option. I did not use the Chat option. I tend to avoid those.

I like time to compose my thoughts, and spell check. I type too fast, and between auto correct, typos, and genuine spelling errors, some odd things can happen to my words.

It may not have been neglect by any FiddlerShop staff. It could be that the message was lost, for some random reason, after I pressed Enter, or they did get it, did reply, but their reply ended up in my Junk Folder, and I did not think to look there in time to find it.

I had asked if the Cecilio CVA-500 you sell at FiddlerShop all have one-piece backs like the one shown in the picture, or if it is random chance that it could be a two-piece back, or a one-piece back?

I was tempted to go for the CVA-600, that clearly states that it has a one-piece back, but if I am going to spend that much money, I might as well save a little more and get the Fiddlerman Concert Viola instead. Which is my current plan. The CVA-500 is just to be my starter viola.

After I pick up a few other things, over the next couple of months, I will start saving for that Fiddlerman Concert Viola, but until then, I want to get a less expensive viola to play while I am saving for something better. It will take a few months for me to save that kind of cash, but it is doable.

MACJR

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