Toshira™ Oblong Violin Case 1/2 Size

Not a carry about case

This is one of the least expensive cases offered by Shar, but, for my purpose, it is adequate. I needed a case that keeps my violin safe in my home, where it will be treated as gently as the violin. For the cost, this case is about average (3 stars) for what I expect from a case in functionality and quality, although I was a little disappointed in the edge binding. On the positive side I think the case is well thought out and complete with space for two bows, two inside compartments, string tube, instrument cover, straps, D-rings on back and ends, handles on side and top, latch, feet on the bottom and back. The weight is light, which is great for kids that tote their instrument to school, but that's where it ends. This case is not going to stand up to daily use by a student.

75 people found this review helpful.

Size of case an issue

I ordered this case for a 1/32 violin. Be aware that this case will not necessarily fit. It was much too small. There really is no excuse - the case could easily have been made to to accommodate minor size difference in these small instruments. Rather than spend the money returning the case I opted to resize it (enlarge the space for the violin body) myself. However, I shouldn't have to do this. And the end result, while fine, is not as nice as the untouched case was. The bow holder also does not fit a 1/32 bow. In this instance the 1/32 bow is considerably shorter than the space alloted and the head of the bow does not reach to fit into the head space. This, however, is less of an issue because I can still use it - the spinner will hold the bow in place. Minor care should be taken when opening and closing the case however. I suggest that the case be advertised with the space measurements so this issue can be avoided.

335 people found this review helpful.

Violin will not fit in case

Be careful if ordering this case in the 1/32 size. It does not fit the 1/32 violin I purchased it for. Now I have a case without a violin, and a violin still without a case. Quality seems to be good for the purpose.

300 people found this review helpful.

Great Value

This is a great deal for the price. It is padded very nicely, has two spots for bows, a plastic tube for extra strings, and two storage pockets. The Velcro strap that goes around the neck of the violin is very sturdy, and the cloth that lays on top of the violin is very soft. The zipper is sewn well, it doesn't catch in any places, and the lock on the outside is pretty secure. The pocket on the top is actually quite big, and you could fit quite a bit of sheet music inside. The only thing that I didn't like is that my shoulder rest doesn't fit in either of the inside pockets, unless you take off the feet. It does fit in the top pocket, but I was a little disappointed because it seemed like the inside shoulder beside the neck was a shoulder rest holder. It's not a big deal, but it's something to note. Overall,it's great quality and a great deal.

363 people found this review helpful.

TOSHIRA OBLONG Great for Travel and Teaching!

I love the inside construction of this case. The side pocket I use for pencils and pointers, tuning forks etc. The top rectangular pocket is perfect for strings, business cards, rosin, and other ... Shoulder rests easily fit inside around the neck of the instrument. Though this case seems cheap, it is! But it's the most efficient and best designed interior around! I know you might think you need to get a case that will withstand a car running over it.. (get wise), but for me, a seasoned international traveller and professional, and Suzuki teacher on the go, I LOVE the Toshiras! BEST!!! Why? Who can argue with 2 1/2 pounds? Yes, I might replace the case every two years, but it's worth it just to not lug around extra weight.. It's so free and easy. The zippers are strong, No trouble with them. The only issue is the little thumb flaps might eventually wear off..(from serious use/abuse) but by then, I religate it to a student loaner instrument, and get a new Toshira! They're quite handsome, can't tell them from a more expensive piece of poundage. I love the oblong Toshira for everyday teaching on the GO! Don't break your back with heavy cases!

577 people found this review helpful.

good value

I purchased the 1/4 size. The violin fits a bit loose. Better than too tight, right?! It's a very nice case, hence 5 stars. There's 2 nice compartments. The shoulder rest fits in one. Plenty of room for a tuner and rosin, etc, music in the outside zippered pouch. Velcro inside to hold the violin. Secure latch and zippers to hold the case closed.

502 people found this review helpful.

Good storage, lightweight but some quality issues

The bottom part of the latch (the part with the button) needs more rivets beside it for more support/stability; it needs sturdier latch hardware; the binding material is a leatherette type material which may or may not withstand extended use. The interior velvet (a very deep blue almost black color) is not very dense. Considering exchanging this case for one of Shar's studier cases such as the Toshira TC100.

581 people found this review helpful.

Great

I got this and I was amazed with the quality of the case great buy for little money

562 people found this review helpful.

Poor Quality

I am disappointed in the quality of this case. The workmanship is poor and I doubt it would last very long. The edging is plastic and the lining is very thin. The clasp is flimsy and the pocket is small. I am trying to decide if I should return it or donate it to the music school. Better to pay a little more for a case that will last. I have a Heritage Go viola case that I am very happy with.

459 people found this review helpful.

Best 50 dollar case around

Pretty good deal really. The case is lightweight foam, protective and attractive and well made. The case is more than adequate for the money with good size compartments for storage, and build quality is decent. The best case for 50 you will find anywhere.

552 people found this review helpful.

Bad Condition

When we received this case, my son opened it and he found it disappointing. The small feet that hold the tube were loose and the wood was loose so we had to get a new screw. The handle also came all scratched up and rough and the strip of blue velvet that lines next to the bow holder was dangling and was falling off. The wood also seemed light and delicate. Totally do not recommend this [email protected]

437 people found this review helpful.

Great case!

This is a great case! It is very affordable. (I am a college student so this is a great case for me) It's not as roomy as I'd like on the inside buti t does fit my shoulderr rest really well. (Kun collapsable) The backpack straps are for the backpack part. If you want a shoulder strap for the side you need to either hook the two together or get a different one. My violin fits nicely and I'm comfortable with it in there. I also wish that there were four bow spinners and not 2 but thtat's ok. IT's a great case for the price.

480 people found this review helpful.

So-So

I received this case as a birthday gift about 2 years ago. So far it has held up pretty well. The only think i don't like is the pocket on the outside. You cant really fit too much inside. It looks cheaply made. But it is a decent product.

541 people found this review helpful.

Impressed

This case has held up remarkably over the past 4 years or so. (My sister's case cost twice as much and has fallen apart.) It also fits larger violins.....a feature that is sometimes difficult to find in less expensive cases. The only thing I would change about this case is how close the bows are if you keep 2 of them in your case. It's somewhat difficult to get them out. I consider this is a minor inconvenience. :)

577 people found this review helpful.

No problems after 1 1/2 yrs

My daughter has had this case in a 3/4 size for nearly two years. It's not put under hard use, but we do travel with it back and forth to lessons, group classes, play-ins and workshops. So far, no fraying, no broken latches or handles, feels sturdy enough and the covers on the compartments inside are still holding up fine, the outside pocket zipper works well. The violin inside has been safely kept during the occasional drop; we are happy with this case.

563 people found this review helpful.

only as good as its handle...

We were pleased with the fit, look and feel of the case and the ability to carry music, but the strap broke very quickly, then the handle cracked. Like the earlier reviewer reported, this happened in less than six months. This seems to be an ongoing problem in this class of cases. We have had our local cobbler (lucky we live in Manhattan) sew on a cloth substitute handle, since the cracked plastic is worthless. Next time, I'll look for backpack-style straps, hoping for a different manufacturing approach.

539 people found this review helpful.

Falls apart with little and careful use

As an adult beginner who only transports my violin 50' from house to car and 100' from car to violin lesson once per week (and back), I'd have expected this case to still be in one piece after 5 months. I purchased this case in the summer and 3 months later the handle has completely broken off and the hardware does not allow for repair. Also, the screws where you secure your bow do not stay in. The case is made of hard foam, and if you press lightly with your thumb on the outside, you leave an indentation. This doesn't bother me from a functional standpoint because I don't need something bullet proof, but it's a pretty cheap case. I would give this to anyone for the cost of shipping it so that it wouldn't go in a landfill--this means it will soon go to "Good Will" or "St. Vincent's." The good thing about this experience is that it taught me I'd rather purchase a case that uses sustainable materials that lasts longer than this one. The saddest thing is that the parts of this case will likely exist on the planet longer than humans. Even if you don't care about how "green" your case is, this isn't worth purchasing at any price. I'd recommend that Shar not carry this case because it says to me that I can't trust quality of all the products carried and must do more homework on my own.

555 people found this review helpful.

Fell apart after a few months

This case is extremely lightweight, which was nice, but the handle started coming apart, first one side, then the other. We replaced a screw, but it broke off completely after less than 6 months of use. The zipper broke and the latch is very difficult to use. My daughter is very careful with all of her things and we are very disappointed with this case. I guess you get what you pay for - spend a little more and get something that will last.

527 people found this review helpful.

case was great

this case is very light!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ive been playing for 16years and this case works conviently.. its very light.

551 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful

this case really works

483 people found this review helpful.

does this have 'backpack' straps? or only a single shoulder strap?

94 people found this question helpful.