GL Combi Contoured Violin Case

I have had this case for several years now. First, every tool or item I've obtained that was made in Taiwan is of the highest quality. No shortcuts. Same with this case. Very protective shipping/packaging box, the quality of the violin case is superb. It is not heavy to sling by subway handle or backpack straps, opens and closes AND seals easily and securely. The inside protects my violin, has room for shoulder rest, strings, 2 bows and rosin. The cover can open 90 degrees or 180, which is a well thought out solution. Added protection from thick 'blanket'. The trap door on the rosin hole stays closed via magnetic catch. In summary: this case is designed and executed as near perfectly as I can imagine.

I wanted to love this case. I had been coveting it for a while and finally bought it, despite not being able to find reviews or much information about it anywhere. I have had a heavy wooden framed oblong case forever and wanted something lighter and more travel friendly. I considered a BAM Hightech but have always found them too expensive, too minimal and needed just a bit more storage. When my GL combi case arrived I was really surprised how big it was. I actually thought I was shipped a viola case by mistake. The shoulder rest compartment is nice but really adds to the size of the case and in the end it is not much smaller than my oblong case, in length or width. It is also much heavier than I was expecting for a non-wooden case. Fully loaded, it basically feels the same as my wooden case! That said, It is great looking, comfortable to carry and seems pretty well made, although the bow spinners feel very cheap to me. I feel that given the actual size, there could have been a bit more storage space. In the end, I like this case, but I don't love it.