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Good for cycling but room for further improvement
I bought this because I wanted a case that would be safer to cycle with than my normal-shaped one. It works for cycling but could still be better to use.
This case is comfortable to wear as a rucksack, holds my violin securely and has good room for music, writing tools and even a well-folded music stand (you'll need to put it in a bag to protect the rucksack though). And it's definitely safer to cycle with than my previous case. At the base (aka butt end), this case is short enough to swing my leg on and off the bike easily. At the head end, it clashes far less with my bike helmet than the previous case - much easier to get my head to a comfortable angle and turn it from side to side. Would work better with a pudding-bowl-shaped helmet than an Alien-head-shaped helmet.
The bow-holder is well padded, rigid and feels secure.
Scope for further improvement:
* Top priority: really needs a better place to put shoulder rest, rosin and cleaning cloths. Some little cargo nets inside the main body of the case, in the dead space at the bottom of the lid, would be great. If you put these things in the rucksack bit they are really fiddly to get out once you have the case open. I've put them loose in the case body but don't feel too happy about this. My Wolf shoulder rest can just about be tucked between the G and D pegs and rest alongside the neck... but it isn't easy.
* Stop the zips jingling so much if possible. I've used some blu-tack. The noise right by your ears is kind of distracting and a risk to personal safety when walking.
* Subway feet please. Since the only handle is at the top, proper feet when you put the case down would be much appreciated (and it would be easier to get things out from the rucksack bit).
* Handle on the opening side please, mostly for ease of opening.
* Cross-chest rucksack strap would be good.
So... not quite as easy to use as I'd hoped, but I am sticking with it and it's getting easier. Definitely better for cycling.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes with slight reservations. Will I keep it and use it? Yes, definitely.
This case is comfortable to wear as a rucksack, holds my violin securely and has good room for music, writing tools and even a well-folded music stand (you'll need to put it in a bag to protect the rucksack though). And it's definitely safer to cycle with than my previous case. At the base (aka butt end), this case is short enough to swing my leg on and off the bike easily. At the head end, it clashes far less with my bike helmet than the previous case - much easier to get my head to a comfortable angle and turn it from side to side. Would work better with a pudding-bowl-shaped helmet than an Alien-head-shaped helmet.
The bow-holder is well padded, rigid and feels secure.
Scope for further improvement:
* Top priority: really needs a better place to put shoulder rest, rosin and cleaning cloths. Some little cargo nets inside the main body of the case, in the dead space at the bottom of the lid, would be great. If you put these things in the rucksack bit they are really fiddly to get out once you have the case open. I've put them loose in the case body but don't feel too happy about this. My Wolf shoulder rest can just about be tucked between the G and D pegs and rest alongside the neck... but it isn't easy.
* Stop the zips jingling so much if possible. I've used some blu-tack. The noise right by your ears is kind of distracting and a risk to personal safety when walking.
* Subway feet please. Since the only handle is at the top, proper feet when you put the case down would be much appreciated (and it would be easier to get things out from the rucksack bit).
* Handle on the opening side please, mostly for ease of opening.
* Cross-chest rucksack strap would be good.
So... not quite as easy to use as I'd hoped, but I am sticking with it and it's getting easier. Definitely better for cycling.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes with slight reservations. Will I keep it and use it? Yes, definitely.
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