Without question, the most important accessory you can purchase for your viola is a case.  Many student or intermediate violas can be bought as part of an outfit that includes a case that is usually consistent with the quality of the instrument; these cases generally offer very adequate protection and durability at a economical price.  If, however, you have a desire to replace or upgrade an existing case, or possibly need a case for a newly acquired instrument, there are several factors that should be considered.

SHAPE

Perhaps the first thing to consider is the case shape that might work best for you.  Cases are typically referred to as oblong, shaped or dart-style.  Shaped or dart cases are usually very lightweight and sometimes called “student cases”. 

Oblong cases, sometimes called rectangular, afford more room for accessories and are usually preferred by intermediate and advanced players.  Shaped cases, however, are usually very lightweight, easy to carry, economical and are available in fractional sizes. 

EXTERIOR MATERIALS AND FEATURES

The great majority of today’s modern cases are covered with a heavy duty nylon canvas material.  This lightweight material is scratch and tear resistant while providing good protection against the elements.  Additionally, Shar’s diverse product line includes cases with cover and exterior materials made of Cordura®, suede fabric, 3-ply composite, Conatex, polyamid fabric, fiberglass, thermoplastic, pebble grain vinyl, pebble grain mat-finish resin and reinforced ABS.  Each of these materials has its own unique qualities and characteristics that should be considered when making your case selection. 

Shaped cases usually include an exterior accessory pocket and sometimes backpack straps.  Oblong cases quite often will have a full length music pocket which may include an accessory organizer, a “Subway” strap end handle (for vertical carrying) and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Closure or latch mechanisms vary depending on specific manufacturer specifications, but it should be noted that oblong cases often have dual zippers and weather flaps to protect the zippers from rain and snow. 

CONSTRUCTION

The type (or types) of material used in the skeletal, or hidden, construction of the case directly affects the weight of the case as well as the levels of durability and protection the case provides.  Shar offers a variety of cases that employ more recent technology that has produced lightweight materials with exceptional strength, as well as cases with more traditional construction.

Commonly used shell materials include foam, Styrofoam, cellular foam, waterproof polyamid foam, plywood, Styrofoam reinforced plywood, laminated wood, injected/molded foam, foam/plywood combination and in higher quality cello cases an AIRTEX cellular skeleton.

INTERIOR MATERIALS AND FEATURES

Instrument case interiors can range from simple and functional to sumptuous and luxurious.  Whatever your selection may be, it is important your instrument properly and securely fits the case you choose.  To ensure a proper fit Shar suggests sending in a viola pattern that will be measured against your choice of case.

Most viola cases carried by Shar have Velcro neck restraints; a properly secured neck strap will protect the neck of the instrument and reduce movement during transit.

A French fit or semi-French fit case has an interior instrument compartment that more closely resembles the outline of the instrument and usually provides a tight fit.  Most cases, however, have a more universally designed “instrument well” that very adequately secures the instrument.

Viola cases are often described as having suspension cushioning.  These cases have a raised shelf (or shelves) which suspends the back of the instrument approximately 1” over the bottom of the case.  This can provide added protection and is often recommended for violas with delicate varnish.  Shar does carry a line of non-suspension cases featuring an injected foam cushion molded to the shape of the instrument.  These cases have a snug fit that holds the instrument securely in place and also helps protect it from temperature changes.  Case lining and instrument blanket materials include silk-plush, velvet, cotton velvet, suede and brush nylon-tricot.

Additional case features may include between two and four bow spinners (or holders), accessory compartments of varying configurations, hygrometers for humidity level monitoring, string storage tubes and vapor bottles for increasing case humidity.