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Considering the thousands of options available out there, it surely is a bit of a puzzle to choose one bag for your instrument. When the instrument is as delicate and expensive as a cello, you’re surely in for a shopping grind. While a soft case can protect your cello from marks and scratches, your heavy and intricate instrument will always be prone to breakage and damage from sudden accidental impacts until you get a hard case for your cello and utilize it properly. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose a cello case (we’ve got a list of the finest cello cases for 2022 for you to choose from). These detailed reviews about these cases will be followed by a comprehensive buyer’s guide that’ll further help you choose a case that best suits your needs.
So, sit tight and keep reading to find out what to look for in an ideal cello case.
Available in three sizes and two styles, the C310E gig bag by ProTec sports a tough 600D nylon exterior. It has multiple grab handles for easy carrying and smooth, long-lasting custom molded zippers. Moreover, the bag also has multiple storage pockets, including a convenient bow holder pocket with hook and loop closure. In simple words; we love it and we spot no reason for you to miss this excellent, soft, padded case for your cello.
This excellent hard-case has a poly carbon composite exterior which makes it both strong and very lightweight for a hard case. The interior has a suspension design with thick velvet lining, providing your beloved cello all the comfort and protection it needs to keep shining for your big moments. It’s available in four sizes!
This is a lightweight travel bag by MI&VI, engineered with a thick 12mm high-density foam padding and non-abrasive 600D nylon exterior. In simple words, you will be at peace with your purchase about the durability and protection aspect. Furthermore, the bag is water-resistant, has a very nice, versatile design featuring backstraps, double-stitched grab handles, and more! The only drawback we’ve noticed is that it has no hole for the end-pin. Otherwise, it’s a solid purchase.
This cello case has an arched-top construction with full suspension top, making it sturdy and ideal to use for transporting your cello. It has a plush blue-gray velour interior with a precision-engineered instrument cavity made of high-grade, lightweight foam. And not only is its interior well-padded and protected but even the exterior is sturdy, padded, and has heavy-ballistic nylon.
If you don’t want any compromise on the protection, you can buy the TL-30 by Travelite with your eyes closed!
Should you get a cello case with wheels or one with extra straps? Light and durable or a high-tech cello case? There are too many options! Let us take the guesswork out of your hands and help you choose a cello case perfectly suited to your needs!
A cello case is used to store and allow easy carriage of cellos so undoubtedly, the safety of the heavy instrument is the highest priority when choosing a cello case - but it is not the only one! Here are a few more things to consider when picking out a cello case:
There are various types of cello cases available today, each mainly a variation of a hard shell case and a soft gig bag. Hard shell cases used to be quite bulky and heavy to carry around but with time, they have improved.
Modern hard-shell cases are constructed of lightweight materials like carbon fibre and include soft padding inside to keep the cello safe. If you are an avid traveller, a modern hard-shell case or a flight cello case (designed to let you check in the cello on an aeroplane) is your best pick.
If travel isn't a concern, you can opt for a hard foam cello case which is similar to a hard-shell case but more economical. Soft cello cases or gig bags are usually provided when purchasing a cello and they only work well for storing cellos temporarily.
Cello cases come in three different shapes i.e. dart-style, shaped and oblong. Dart-style and shaped cello cases are one of the best picks for beginners and young cellists as the cases are quite lightweight, small-sized and budget-friendly. Oblong cello cases are bigger in size, more expensive and usually preferred by experienced players who need more room for accessories.
The build of a cello case is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a good cello case. Wooden cello cases are exceptionally durable and protect the cello from harsh temperatures but they are quite heavy too - best for storage-keeping. Fibreglass cello cases, though heavyweight, are the most popular choice among cellists for their colourful styles, durability and easy transportation.
If you prefer a lightweight cello case, look for carbon fibre cases. They are just as durable and protective but are not quite temperature-resistant. Keep them in the shade and they'll last years. Although a rare find, thermoplastic cello cases are lightweight and temperature-resistant. Polycarbonate cello cases are scratch-resistant and shatterproof.
A cello case's durability is determined by its construction. With global warming on the rise, it is important to pick a cello case that is not only protective against physical harm but acts as a shield against harsh temperatures. Wooden cello cases are temperature-resistant but also sensitive so make sure to keep them in the shade during summers.
Cellos are notorious for their heavyweight, the last thing a cellist would need is the extra weight of the cello case! Though lightweight and durable cello cases are usually expensive, they keep a cellist's posture balanced in the long run. For a more budget-friendly alternative, you can look for cello cases with wheels. They take the weight off the handler, are easy to transport, and are good for young cellists, beginners and travelling musicians!
Modern takes on cello cases tick all the boxes when it comes to easy maintenance. Besides wheels, you can also look for cello cases that come with durable straps allowing you to carry your case like a backpack for extra comfort.
Now that you have the basics covered, let us brief you on some extra features that take the cello case up a notch!
A suspension system in a cello case is basically a raised shelf inside that keeps the cello from touching the shell of the case using extra padding and slings. It acts as an added protection against harsh impacts and such cases are usually labelled as suspension cello cases in the market.
Cello cases are usually designed with built-in zippered pockets behind the cello for accessories like sheet music and bows. For extra compartments, you can get a backpack-like attachment for the case too.
Modern cello cases are designed with a single lock in place for an easy open and shut system. To keep safety in check, they are well-padded inside. Some cases have combination locks which are great for travel.
Humidity is a cello's worst enemy and to combat it, most cases have built-in hygrometers which are a humidity alert system and humidifiers which are controlled water-spray systems. If they are not built-in, make sure the cello case has attachments to mount it separately.
Choosing a cello case is largely dependent on what you need and how your cello can be protected well. Ideally, a lightweight, durable and temperature-resistant cello case will work best in the long run however that may be quite an expensive purchase. So a foolproof way to pick a cello case is to prioritise protection, durability and transport then consider features. Whether you are a beginner, a travelling musician or an experienced cellist, a cello case is definitely a must-have.
A: Yes, modern cello cases are made to be comfortable on the backs of all musicians, easy to transport and keep the cello safe from impact.
A: Yes, cello cases come in many different colours, styles and designs to choose from and depending on the brand, they can be customised as well!
A: Cello cases can cost anywhere between $100 to $2500 and more. It depends on the material used, added features and type of cello case.