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doryman - Posted - 02/22/2021: 22:30:25
Can anybody recommend a fiddle case that works well in backpack mode (to clarify, a case that can be worn on the back, not a case that I can take overnight backpacking). I'm fortunate in that I live in town where I can walk or ride my bike to jams and gigs, thus I am looking for a case that works as a comfortable backpack. One that I could walk comfortably with for a couple of miles or bike 5 miles - 10 miles. Many cases have flimsy "straps" that are meant for carrying your fiddle on your back, but neither the case nor the straps are really all that comfortable worn on the back for more than just a few minutes.
In the guitar and banjo world, we call these things "gig bags" and many are quite comfortable worn on the back for extended periods.
I don't need a case that will protect my fiddle from a nuclear bomb. I don't have a fiddle to my name that is worth more that a very expensive case. I'm looking for something that is reasonably protective and comfortable and robust enough to actually wear on my back for a few miles. I've seen a few online, but if anyone has any actual experience with such a case, I'd love a recommendation and/or advice.
Thanks.
Woodcutter - Posted - 02/23/2021: 02:53:44
I don't have experience backpacking or biking with a fiddle but a couple thoughts come to mind. First, I'd look at the weather-proofness. In other words if you get caught in a driving rain will it leak? Whenever I'm out at festivals I always keep a heavy trash bag in my cloth-covered case in the event of a storm. Also, if I was getting one I would opt for a white colored case to reflect as much heat as possible in the summer.
DougD - Posted - 02/23/2021: 04:10:03
Please enjoy that accidental attachment. If I edit to remove it the links will go away.
Edited by - DougD on 02/23/2021 04:11:26
Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 02/23/2021: 09:20:40
I'd be afraid of a bag, that something would happen to make the bridge collapse.
Seems like most cases have at least some sort of shell. If I was going to use it with the straps, definitely get one where they are anchored directly to the shell. Most cases with cloth exterior have sewed-in anchor hardware that comes loose.
I have one of these
swstrings.com/product/cases/violin/B1027FB (which I think is probably heavier than you want, but it's my favorite case)
and one of these
gewamusicusa.com/item/.ps350.0...lin-gewa/ (very light and good, solid comfortable straps--only complaint is that it only opens 90 degrees and won't stay sitting on the bottom when open)
Gewa also makes a case called Bio-S that is soft, also a little easier on the billfold.
Rich Maxham @TheViolinBeautiful is a GEWA dealer...PM him
Flat_the_3rd_n7th - Posted - 02/23/2021: 09:21:37
quote:
Originally posted by DougD
Please enjoy that accidental attachment. If I edit to remove it the links will go away.
I did enjoy the picture. The gent apparently lives in a region free of ticks and chiggers.
doryman - Posted - 02/23/2021: 10:19:59
quote:
Originally posted by Woodcutter
I don't have experience backpacking or biking with a fiddle but a couple thoughts come to mind. First, I'd look at the weather-proofness. In other words if you get caught in a driving rain will it leak? Whenever I'm out at festivals I always keep a heavy trash bag in my cloth-covered case in the event of a storm. Also, if I was getting one I would opt for a white colored case to reflect as much heat as possible in the summer.
Thanks Woodcutter. I live in the PNW, so rain is an issue. Heat and sun, not so much an issue, but once or twice a year we DO see that shiny orb in the sky. It confuses us.
doryman - Posted - 02/23/2021: 10:22:33
quote:
Originally posted by Flat_the_3rd_n7th
I'd be afraid of a bag, that something would happen to make the bridge collapse.
Seems like most cases have at least some sort of shell. If I was going to use it with the straps, definitely get one where they are anchored directly to the shell. Most cases with cloth exterior have sewed-in anchor hardware that comes loose.
Yes, a soft-gig bag would not be good, I agree. And you are exactly correct about the soft cases...I've had those anchors come loose.
LukeF - Posted - 02/23/2021: 11:06:33
I have a soft gig bag that came with my carbon fiber violin, but I have never used it because it offers no protection if you were to accidentally sit on it. Maybe it was deemed suitable by the vendor for a carbon fiber violin which stronger than a wood violin, I don't know.
christym - Posted - 02/23/2021: 12:25:45
quote:
Originally posted by doryman
Can anybody recommend a fiddle case that works well in backpack mode.
...One that I could walk comfortably with for a couple of miles or bike 5 miles - 10 miles.
...something that is reasonably protective and comfortable and robust enough to actually wear on my back for a few miles.
I have had this older model of the Gewa Concerto case for five or more years (older model has fixed backpack straps, not removable). It's been great. I think it's more comfortable to wear upside down on my back (that is, with the scroll down) especially for biking. Though for biking I prefer to put it in a pannier.
Edited by - christym on 02/23/2021 12:28:04
The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 02/23/2021: 19:23:08
Pedi cases are very good in backpack position. They have backpack straps built in that can be tucked away when not in use. Music school students in my area love them.
The GEWA cases are excellent as all-purpose cases as well.
You could also get a good shaped case and a Cushy case cover—those are very comfortable. I have both the oblong and shaped covers for a couple of my cases and I’ve worn them a lot.
doryman - Posted - 02/23/2021: 20:46:17
quote:
Originally posted by The Violin Beautiful
Pedi cases are very good in backpack position. They have backpack straps built in that can be tucked away when not in use. Music school students in my area love them.
The GEWA cases are excellent as all-purpose cases as well.
You could also get a good shaped case and a Cushy case cover—those are very comfortable. I have both the oblong and shaped covers for a couple of my cases and I’ve worn them a lot.
Hi Rich...those Pedi case are exactly the kind of thing I was looking for and I had not seen them before. The straps look great and I like that you can tuck them out of the way as well. Thank you very much...and thanks to everyone for your helpful suggestions and tips.
Hector - Posted - 02/24/2021: 00:26:07
If you want a rig with 100% reliable straps then you can't do much better than a real backpack (the kind where the top is secured with straps rather than a zip). Your fiddle case will stick out the top but it can be secured in place with room for other bits and pieces if you need them. Obviously a good one won't be cheap so probably only a good idea if you also go hiking.
doryman - Posted - 02/24/2021: 08:57:22
quote:
Originally posted by Hector
If you want a rig with 100% reliable straps then you can't do much better than a real backpack (the kind where the top is secured with straps rather than a zip). Your fiddle case will stick out the top but it can be secured in place with room for other bits and pieces if you need them. Obviously a good one won't be cheap so probably only a good idea if you also go hiking.
Good point Hector.
The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 02/24/2021: 10:34:18
quote:
Originally posted by Hector
If you want a rig with 100% reliable straps then you can't do much better than a real backpack (the kind where the top is secured with straps rather than a zip). Your fiddle case will stick out the top but it can be secured in place with room for other bits and pieces if you need them. Obviously a good one won't be cheap so probably only a good idea if you also go hiking.
That could work, although it might be cumbersome. Since @Doryman asked about a case to use for cycling as well as hiking, I would pick a case that doesn't stick out much. Trust me, riding for miles into wind with a case is a pain already!
One of my customers rides everywhere with her viola because she doesn't need a car. She has a shaped BAM case with a quilted cover. The viola goes into a side pannier on her bike or onto her back when she walks or takes the Metro.
DougD - Posted - 02/24/2021: 10:45:29
I have several good backbacks, and I certainly trust the straps, but I wouldn't stick a fiddle in there without a case - and at that point you might as well just get a case with backback straps.
doryman - Posted - 02/24/2021: 19:11:17
I think I'm going to give the Pedi Case a try. The Pedi Niteflash is pretty much exactly the kind of case I was looking for. I have stuck my fiddle with standard issue foam beginner case in my pannier, but I feel better with it on my back. The fiddle with case does not fit completely into a pannier, not even close, so I always worry about it falling out. Also there is much better shock absorption on my back than in my pannier. Doug, do no worry, I would never think of putting a fiddle in my regular backpack without a case (not that my doing so would keep you up at nights or anything).
Edited by - doryman on 02/24/2021 19:12:18
