GL Combi Violin Case

Starting with the negative so we can end on a positive:
-1. This case needs a latch! I have used an ancient Bobelock for 20 years, and while it is clunky and inelegant, I did not realize how much I used the latch until it was gone. The only closure on this case is a zipper, and the internal strap (that keeps it from opening more than 90degrees) always sticks out when you close the case so zipping takes even more time.
-2. Bow holders are not sized well. There is just something off about the bow-holders. Idk if it is the angle they are set at or if they are just too short, but I don't feel comfortable placing my bows into 2/4 of the holders, it feels like the bow tip is about to get snapped off.
Positive:
+1. So. Much. Storage. This case comes with a tote-bag sized main outer pocket, a sheet-music sized secondary outer pocket, AND an inner pocket the size of a makeup bag. As a gigging musician who is carrying cords and pedals, this is a total lifesaver!
+2. The backpack straps. After literal decades of a single strap for my case, being able to wear it as a backpack is such a relief! The straps are also high quality with Velcro guards around the opening mechanisms so they don't randomly become unclipped.
+3. The case is beautiful and at a good price point. I have been looking for a hard-shell case for a long time, and almost went with a BAM since they are the most established. However, BAM cases really nickel-and-dime you, especially if you want your case to have any sort of storage. I was so happy to find this case that is literally 1/2 the price of a similar BAM ($1,300).
Hopefully this case will have a long life!

I have tried many violin cases in the search for the perfect one. This Combi one looks really sleek. It seems well made and it will probably last a while…if the zippers hold up.
The cons I see: 1) No latch or any other way to quickly close the case when empty, you always must use the zipper. 2) it's heavy! It weighs 8 pounds with its music pocket so once you put the violin and music it really gets heavy 3) Gets scuffed very easily. After only 1 week of use I have already noticed several dings and scratches. This is really bad considering I am a very meticulous person. Fingerprints show everywhere too. 4) The bow holders do not have lining so I am starting to see rosin residue 5) I wish they offered several size music pockets. The velcro one is too small for any scores, just good maybe to carry an tablet. The mesh is nice but your music will get wet…and then the big one well it's really huge! I can fit a whole overnight trip in there, but it does not fit a binder! It doesn't expand sideways…..
Needless to say, I guess I cannot return it since it scratched so easily but if you don't mind the details go ahead and get it, i have gotten many compliments on it.

I was squealing when I got my white GL Combi violin case. Flawless, lightweight, yet so sturdy, it is the best thing any violinist could ask for. Everything was perfect, and I knew how to work the lock, but the key to it and the two "B's" for the two "C's (slits)" were missing. Are they hidden somewhere in the case or were forgotten when shipped?

I have tried many violin cases in the search for the perfect one. This Combi one looks really sleek. It seems well made and it will probably last a whileÖif the zippers hold up.
The cons I see: 1) No latch or any other way to quickly close the case when empty, you always must use the zipper. 2) it's heavy! It weighs 8 pounds with its music pocket so once you put the violin and music it really gets heavy 3) Gets scuffed very easily. After only 1 week of use I have already noticed several dings and scratches. This is really bad considering I am a very meticulous person. Fingerprints show everywhere too. 4) The bow holders do not have lining so I am starting to see rosin residue 5) I wish they offered several size music pockets. The velcro one is too small for any scores, just good maybe to carry an tablet. The mesh is nice but your music will get wetÖand then the big one well it's really huge! I can fit a whole overnight trip in there, but it does not fit a binder! It doesn't expand sidewaysÖ..
Needless to say, I guess I cannot return it since it scratched so easily but if you don't mind the details go ahead and get it, i have gotten many compliments on it.

Just a warning. Any black case can become a solar oven. I cooked my violin fairly seriously in a black BAM case carrying it on my back in the sunshine on a comfortably warm day. In fairness to other makes of case, the BAM I used is not thermally insulated, but next time I'll buy a light color if possible. A different issue: high class shoulder strap hardware tends to be sturdy but rattles sharply against the hardshell.