How does a violin and the bow and other things fit into the case?

Answer 1

Violin cases are made to fit the body of the violin. Generally, they have inserts glued and nailed in which define a space where the violin body will fit properly. If your violin won't fit in the case, consider the following:

• Violin (and viola) cases are meant to hold the violin without the shoulder rest attached
• Violins come in sizes, from 1/16th and smaller to 'full size' or 4/4. Cases are likewise sized to hold violins, so it is possible that the case you are trying to put the violin into may be too small for your violin (especially if they were not purchased together!)

The bow is usually provided a place. Often, the place for the bow will support it at the ends, so there may be a small pocket for the tip of the bow to fit into and a holding mechanism for the frog end of the bow. These holding mechanisms can be as simple as a flap with a snap or a clip to hold the stick of the bow, or might be a pedestal with a swivel, which is meant to fit between the wood and the hair of the bow, and the swivel, placed 90 degrees to the pedestal will then retain the bow.

"Other things" generally means the shoulder rest, rosin cake(s) (or pieces!), spare strings, and tuners. Most cases have a compartment or pocket for these items, often with a cover. Some of the covers are spring-closed (either by an actual spring or elastic or by the resiliency of the material in a very new case.) Often they are provided with a knob or ribbon-loop to help open them. Any section of a case which seems to be useless space (an area where the violin and bow don't go, but which seems to be enclosed) is worth prying at a bit with a fingertip: it may have a compartment under it!

Some cases come with pockets on the outside or canvas covers which have pockets on the outside. Small pockets are intended for rosin (in the box: it is far to easy to reduce a cake of rosin to small pieces and sticky dust if it is struck while in an outside pocket!), pencils, and larger pockets may be intended to carry music. Some cases even have places to carry folding music stands! It is not a good idea to load a violin case down with lots and lots of accessories, though, because it becomes unweildy and uncomfortable to carry. If you have a lot of things other than the violin, bow, and rosin, consider getting a canvas bag to carry them in!

Answer 2

It depends, if the case is fitted for the same size as the viola, it most likely can, but it is rare becase that full size violas (which are sized in inches), are much bigger than 4/4 size violins. So it might if you have a small viola.