Top 8 Best-Selling Viola Cases: Based On Budget 

 
Being one of the only websites online dedicated to orchestral 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? 

 
1. Lightweight 
2. Protective 
3. Durable 
4. Functional 
 5. 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. 
● The cases feature elegant-looking rubber layers on top of the Hightech shells 
that scratch-resistant and slip-resistant. 
● The oblong cases feature combination locks so you can lock your case 
without a key. 
● The cases feature removable accessory pouches. 
 ● The oblong cases have enough space for large shoulder rests. 
● The 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 use a towel 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.