Any cellist knows that a case or gig bag is an essential accessory to own. However, the dilemma comes in deciding which would be the best cello bag or case for your instrument.
How much difference is there between a $250 case and the higher-end $2000 cases?
Which are the best cello cases that will guarantee you excellent value for money?
As much as you would want a quality case, you shouldn’t have to break the bank for one. So how do you filter through the wide range of available options to find the best cello case for you?
Read on, and let these cello case reviews help with that.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Our overall top pick for the best hardshell cello case ideal for everyday use is the Crossrock Poly-Carbon Cello Case.
- If you are a professional cellist looking for a relatively affordable cello case, the Bam France 1001S Cello Case would be your best option.
- If you are looking for a premium quality cello case ideal for air travel, we recommend the Gewa 341.250 Air 3.9 Cello Case.
- If you need a solid beginner cello case, we recommend the SKB Roto-Molded Shell Cello Case.
- A perfectly padded gig bag for travel or everyday use would be the MI&VI Cello Soft Case Travel Gig Bag.
Best Cello Cases To Buy In 2024
1. Crossrock Poly-Carbon Cello Case Review
This full-size cello case is made from carbon fiber and polyester blend.
The resultant composite material is stronger than plastic while costing less than cases made entirely from carbon fiber.
It offers excellent impact resistance as well as anti-scratch properties.
Additionally, this case is also more lightweight than the typical plastic case. It weighs just 11 lbs., making it ideal for everyday use without weighing the user down.
The case’s interior features a suspension design and a thick velvet lining that gently cradles your instrument to deliver all-around protection. Furthermore, you have two bow holders, and a detachable sheet music pocket has been included on the back of the case.
This wheeled cello case comes with two handles and padded backpack straps, making the case very easy to get around with.
For enhanced comfort, while carrying the case in a backpack position, the thick EVA padding on the sheet music pocket allows it to double as an airflow back panel.
- Excellent value for money.
- Reasonably lightweight.
- Sleek, attractive design.
- Sturdy build quality.
- The latch fasteners are easy to use.
- The endpin strap is poorly designed.
2. D Z Strad Cello Case Review
This composite cello case is made from carbon fiber and fiberglass, resulting in a scratch-resistant exterior.
On the other hand, the interior features suspension pads, which guarantee your instrument fits snugly, while the plush felt lining guards against scratches.
You have an interior accessory pocket that conveniently allows you to store smaller items such as rosin and spare strings.
Additionally, you get two bow holders.
This pretty lightweight cello case weighs just 9 lbs.
The case comes with wheels, a pull strap, a carry handle, and backpack straps for easy transportation.
- Excellent instrument protection.
- Pretty lightweight.
- Sturdy, durable build quality.
- Scratch-resistant finish.
- The padding feels a little thin.
3. Bobelock 2000W Cello Case Review
This fiberglass cello case offers excellent protection for your instrument.
Besides the hardy exterior, the interior features full suspension, complete with a velour lining that protectively cradles your cello.
This case has provisions for holding two bows, and you also have a small interior pouch for accessories such as a metronome and rosin.
Weighing 14 lbs., this cello case is on the heavier side. However, for easy maneuverability, the case comes with wheels and a convenient retractable rear handle for pulling the case.
Additionally, you have three other handles and a shoulder strap. Also, D-rings have been provided to allow you to attach two shoulder straps to carry the case backpack style.
- Offers excellent protection.
- Sturdy and durable.
- High-quality interior padding.
- Easy to roll around.
- No sheet music pouch.
4. Bam France 1001S Cello Case Review
This classic BAM cello case’s super tough ABS shell guarantees anti-shock protection for your cello.
Additionally, you have anti-slip and anti-wear rubber patches at the bottom of the case to ensure the wheelless case won’t topple over easily.
An injected foam cushion provides the interior suspension system that gently cradles your musical instrument, keeping it securely in place.
There are accommodations for two bow holders, a pocket for extra strings, and a pocket for your music sheets.
Weighing 11.9 lbs., this case is not as lightweight as the BAM flight case. However, it is pretty compact and light enough for everyday use.
- Relatively affordable.
- Excellent protection and durability.
- Has an airtight seal.
- Very stable when upright.
- Key lockable latches.
- Doesn’t fit in the BAM flight cover.
5. Tonareli VNF1016 Special Edition Case Review
Weighing just 5 lbs., this Tonareli case may as well be the lightest cello case you will find in the market.
This fiberglass case is incredibly durable, and thanks to the pearl graphite finish, it looks pretty stylish.
The case is designed with an airtight seal to protect your instrument from extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
For further protection of your cello, the case additionally comes with an instrument blanket.
You have two bow holders and a removable accessory pocket for smaller items such as rosin and extra strings.
Carrying this lightweight case is a breeze, and various options have been provided. Besides the comfortable leather handle, the case additionally comes with super comfortable backpack straps.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Solid and durable shell.
- Has an airtight seal.
- Ideal case for air travel.
- None.
6. MI&VI MASTERY Cello Case Review
Made from carbon fiber composite, this premium quality cello case is extremely durable, guaranteeing optimum protection for your expensive musical instrument.
It is quite an attractive and stylish case, guaranteed to make a statement wherever you go.
Weighing 11.5 lbs., this case shouldn’t be too heavy to carry around as you move to and from gigs and rehearsals.
However, conveniently, wheels have been provided for when you’d prefer to pull the case along the street rather than carry it.
As well, backpack carry straps have been provided for hands-free travel.
The interior of this cello case features an adjustable neck cushion, provisions for holding two bows, and a small storage pocket.
- Attractive, stylish design.
- Durable and protective.
- Comfortable to carry.
- Allows for an adjustable fit.
- No pouch for sheet music.
7. Gewa 341.250 Air 3.9 Cello Case Review
Featuring a unique Thermo shell construction, this quality case offers outstanding thermal insulation for your cello.
Furthermore, this shell offers extremely high break resistance to keep your cello well guarded.
Besides, the aluminum stripe at the front ridge of the case further protects your cello’s bridge.
The interior features a padded, custom-fit suspension system whereby you can adjust the padding accordingly to give your cello the best fit.
Another handy feature is the combination lock, whereby you don’t have to worry about losing keys.
This slim cello case is surprisingly lightweight, weighing just 8.6 lbs. This makes it incredibly easy to transport.
Carrying a cello case backpack style can sometimes be awkward, but this Gewa case comes with an ergonomic back section to ensure that won’t be the case.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Great thermal insulation.
- Offer premium protection for your cello.
- Ergonomic design for easy carrying.
- Allows for an adjustable cello fit.
- None.
8. SKB Roto-Molded Shell Cello Case Review
Designed with the student cellist in mind, this SKB is designed for rugged durability.
To begin with, you have the scratch-resistant granite finish, which ensures your case won’t develop unsightly scuff marks even after months of rough handling.
Weighing 16.8 lbs, this beginner cello case is a little on the heavier side.
However, the built-in wheels make it easy for you to haul the case from place to place.
The hi-tech Sure-grip handles are pretty comfortable.
Additionally, they ensure a firm grip even when you are carrying your case in the sweltering heat.
Besides the two bow holders, the interior of this cello case also has two pockets for smaller items.
- Offers great protection.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Easy-rolling.
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- Has minimal foam padding.
9. MI&VI Cello Soft Case Travel Gig Bag Review
Weighing just 3.6 lbs., this extremely lightweight cello gig bag would be a perfect travel bag for those who prefer soft cases to hardshell cases.
To begin with, the exterior of this bag is made from 600D nylon that’s waterproof and non-abrasive.
On the other hand, the interior of this bag comes within 12mm thick high-density foam padding.
This is guaranteed to sufficiently protect your instrument from accidental drops and knocks.
You also have ample storage for your accessories.
There’s a bow pocket, a small accessories compartment, and a pocket for sheet music.
- Waterproof.
- Has ample padding.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Has multiple pocket compartments.
- There is no opening for the endpin.
10. Protec C310E Silver Series Cello Gig Bag Review
Weighing just 2.8 lbs. you cannot compare the experience of owning this gig bag to moving around with something much heavier such as the Bellafina ABS cello case.
The tough 6000D nylon exterior provides a good level of protection for your instrument.
This is further coupled with a 3mm thick padding on the interior to keep your cello from moving about in the bag.
The bag comes with multiple grab handles and adjustable backpack straps for easy transport.
On the back of the bag, there are multiple accessory pockets, including a large compartment for music sheets.
- Very soft and light.
- Allows for an excellent snug fit.
- Sturdy and durable case.
- Water-resistant exterior.
- Has minimal padding.
Types Of Cello Cases
Hard Cases
These cases feature solid construction from hard materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, robust plastic, etc.
Despite the hardy exterior, though, the interior of these durable cello cases typically features soft padding lined with a plush material to safeguard your instrument’s finish from getting scratched.
Most hard cases are constructed to protect your delicate cello from extreme changes in temperature and humidity by having a thermally regulated interior. This is actually a feature you should be on the lookout for, particularly if you live in a place that experiences extreme climatic conditions.
The best hard cello case should be drop-proof, moisture-proof, pressure-resistant, and waterproof.
If you are constantly moving around with your instrument, hauling it from one performance to another, or carrying it with you while using public transport, getting a hard cello case will be your best option.
The only downside is that hard shell cases can be bulky and awkward to carry, not to mention pretty heavy as well.
Gig Bags
Also known as a soft cello case, gig bags have a soft exterior, typically constructed from polyester, nylon, or another type of fabric material. At the same time, the interior is padded to provide some cushioning for your instrument.
Because they lack the rigid structure of a hard cello case, cello gig bags don’t offer the best protection for your instrument, so you will need to handle these with a higher level of care.
On the upside, gig bags are usually lighter and have a more ergonomic design which typically includes shoulder and backpack straps. As a result, these bags are easier and more convenient to carry around, even giving you the handy option of being hands-free, which you don’t typically get with hard cases.
If you only travel a few blocks with your cello or ride a bicycle instead of the train or bus, then a cello gig bag would do perfectly fine.
At the same time, a cello bag is a simple way to protect your cello if it is just sitting in the closet, and you only need to protect it from dust and scratches.
Semi-Soft Hybrid Cases
Hybrid cello cases toe the line between a hardshell case and a gig bag. You get the rigid protection of a hard case, but instead of hard exterior material, you have the fabric material of a gig bag instead.
The greatest advantage of a semi-soft case is that it is lighter and less bulky than a hard case while offering more protection for your cello than a gig bag.
Features To Look For In A Cello Case
Case Material
The material cello cases are made of will influence the case’s weight, temperature resistance, and overall level of protectiveness offered to your instrument.
a) Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber cases are extremely popular among professional cellists.
To begin with, these cases are extremely light, so much that they are among the most lightweight cello cases you will find in the market.
As a result, they often tend to be rather costly, which explains why they are best suited for professional-grade cellos.
Nonetheless, carbon fiber is an incredibly durable material, and these cases offer a good deal of instrument protection.
However, the one thing to keep in mind is that carbon fiber cases need to be particularly well designed and constructed to guarantee thermal insulation.
b) Fiberglass
Similar to carbon fiber, fiberglass is another sturdy material that’s very effective in providing the utmost protection for your cello.
One advantage is that fiberglass is better at absorbing shock impact, redistributing it through the rest of the material as a dampened vibration.
Additionally, the popularity of this material may arise from the fact that fiberglass cases are pretty affordable and come in vibrant, colorful options. In contrast, carbon fiber has a restricted color palette.
The downside is that fiberglass is heavier than carbon fiber, so much that fiberglass cases often come with wheels to reduce the hassle of lugging the case around.
c) Polycarbonate
Used in manufacturing shatterproof glass, polycarbonate in an incredibly strong plastic that’s very protective due to its superior impact resistance.
The other advantage is that polycarbonate cases are very scratch-resistant, unlike fiberglass cases that scratch easily.
These cases are generally lighter and more affordable than most cases, not to mention they offer a decent amount of temperature resistance.
d) Wood
Wooden cello cases are incredibly durable, and they will offer your cello a good amount of protection from severe impacts.
However, the biggest perk is that wooden cases are your best option for protecting your cello from extreme changes in temperature and humidity.
Properly constructed plywood cases offer excellent thermal insulation. Besides having very low heat conductivity, wood is a breathable organic material, allowing the cello contained within the case to breathe.
That being said, though, don’t assume that simply any wooden case will do. You need to distinguish between a premium-quality high-end wooden case and a cheap wooden case made from wood laminate.
Despite their remarkable properties, wood shell cello cases aren’t very popular, and that’s because these cases can be pretty heavy.
Suspension System
This design element is meant to provide increased protection for the cello. The idea is that the suspension mechanism would absorb a hard blow to the case instead of that force getting transferred to the cello.
Different cello case manufacturers may opt for different suspension systems in their cases. Commonly, you will find injected foam cushioning being used. However, you may also find other mechanisms such as slings.
Besides preventing your cello from touching the sides of the case, a suspension system also guarantees a snug fit. This way, your precious cello will not move about in the case.
Weatherproof Seal
Some people think that a weather-resistant case is only needed if you live in a place with extreme weather conditions, but this is not true.
Despite where you live, or even if you don’t expect to travel often with your cello, it’s always wise to invest in a quality case that provides excellent insulation for your instrument in hot and cold weather.
According to most cello case reviews, the closure mechanism is a crucial aspect to look for when determining how weatherproof a case is. Ideally, you want a tight closure such as a rubber edge seal, which provides a good seal between the lid and the case.
Humidity Control
Cellos are very delicate instruments, and humidity can be your instrument’s worst enemy.
Similar to violin cases, most cello cases will come with a built-in hygrometer to monitor humidity levels inside the case.
Is the built-in hygrometer analog or digital? While analog hygrometers have the advantage of not requiring batteries, digital hygrometers are more accurate and overall more convenient to use.
Does the cello case come with a humidifier for increasing case humidity? If not, ensure the case has clip attachments where you can mount one that you’ve purchased separately.
Cello Cases FAQs
How Much Do Cello Cases Cost?
Some cello cases cost as little as $200, while a high-quality cello case can cost upwards of $2,500.
On average, expect to pay about $700 for a decent-quality intermediate cello case made from quality materials.
Often, the lightness of a case will be the biggest deciding factor regarding how much a cello case costs. Expect to pay more for a lighter protective case, while cheap cello cases are typically heavier.
What Are The Best Cello Cases?
The best cello cases should be durable, protective, lightweight, and temperature resistant. That being said, some of the best cello case brands include:
a) Bam
Bam is a well-known brand that has been reputed for making some of the highest-quality cello cases. Their cases feature excellent craftsmanship and have superb safety features to guarantee proper care for your cello.
b) Bobelock
Bobelock has an excellent selection of budget-friendly quality cello cases. Their pricing truly sets them apart in the market, whereby their affordable cello cases do not compromise durability or protection.
c) Gewa
Gewa makes excellent quality mid-tier cello cases with stylish designs while still being pretty affordable. However, their extra protective, top-of-the-line Gewa Air cello case is truly a masterpiece.
How Heavy Is A Cello In A Hard Case?
A cello in a hard case will weigh about 20 – 25 lbs (9 – 11 kgs).
Here’s how the weight breakdown of a cello in a hard case goes:
Typically, entry-level fiberglass cello cases weigh between 12 – 16 lbs. More advanced carbon fiber cases weigh about 8 – 10 lbs. The very high-end, super lightweight hard cases could weigh as little as 6 lbs.
On the other hand, a full size 4/4 wood cello weighs between 5 – 7 lbs., whereas a small ¼ size cello weighs about 3 – 4.5 lbs.
Conclusion
The importance of investing in a quality case or gig bag for your cello cannot be stressed enough.
Not only will it give you peace of mind while moving around with your cello from rehearsals, gigs or performances, but also, it will help safeguard your precious instrument from dust, grime, and scratches even when you are simply storing it at home in the closet.
Take your time to find the best option because if you have made a worthwhile choice, you may never need to buy another cello case ever again.
