Customer Reviews

Protec HS2166W Professional Viola PRO PAC Case (Up to 16.5-Inch) - Black/Wine Interior

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is really top quality workmanship and design. But the company should not claim it fits up to 17" violas, it should rate it the same as their lower tier case, ProTec Standard Viola PRO PAC Case Music Instrument Cases. My viola is 16 7/8" back length and this case is about 1/3" too short to pack it in, even with the block pushed up against the inside compartments to the limit. A 2001 magazine review finds the HS-2166-W model will "fit any viola from 15 to 16¾ inches", consistent with my experience.

Also, the sides of the 10" wide viola squeeze tight against the molded stiff interior, meaning that any compression of the case by outside forces will go straight to the viola. There needs to be some margin around the viola so that the case takes the force of compression, not the viola. Also, the brackets for the bow holds are not quite wide enough for my particular viola bow's head.

For a 16.5" or smaller viola, this case would be heaven. Gorgeous red velvet interior with good support cushions on the back side. The adjustable block is well designed, but could use a washer where the wing nut attaches. The internal compartment just fits a Kun Collapsible Viola Shoulder Rest, Standard 15+ Inch, leaving a whole other compartment for rosin and tuner. The plywood construction seems very strong. There is none of the smelly plastic found in cases coming from China except in the rubber feet on the outside.

The sample I received (from another vendor) has a 13 inch wide music pocket on the top, not the full-length (31 inch) pocket as described on the vendor and manufacturer's web site for this model. The dimensions are not quite as described either --- 30.5 x 11.25 x 6.75 actual, vs. 31 x 10.75 x 6.25 described. But the model number matches. I e-mailed the manufacturer and they confirmed that the model had changed design and they had yet to update their web pages.

Rather than return this case, with the cost of shipping, and having to continue looking for a 17" viola case, I took a close look at the design of the adjustable block, and it appeared that the 3/8" velvet-covered board covering the side was not structurally necessary. So I pried it off, and this allowed it to be slid 3/8" further, which gives just enough room, with a bit of a squeeze, to push the 17" viola in the case. I also loosened the screw in the middle of a clip for two bows, and this allowed the large bow head to slip in. If you are game to do surgery on your case, you CAN get it to work for a 17" viola.

We shopped and evaluated many different viola cases before deciding on this one for a high school/college player. The suspension system in the case protects the instrument, and the velcro tabs on the velvet blanket are a nice feature to minimize chances of misplacing it when many instruments and cases are around. There is a velcro tab to store the shoulder rest underneath the neck of the instrument, and accessories like rosin fit in the spring hinged storage compartment. Great exterior storage space for music. While the case is surrounded by a weather resistant material, if you happened to get caught in a torrential downpour, there is a "rainjacket" tucked in an outside storage pocket to pull over the instrument case for extra protection. The price we got it for through Wayfair made it that much more attractive, but it is worth the higher price.

First off, I didn't order the case for a viola. I bought it to carry my bagpipes in the never ending search for good case that is the right size and quality. When it got here it was a bit smaller than the stated dimensions. It's length is 29in. not 31in. First impression is it is top quality and first rate craftsmanship! (Sorry highland pipe companies...your stuff is garbage) The outer material feels sturdy and durable covering a lightweight ridged frame for good protection. The outer music pocket is really helpful too. The clasps for the shoulder strap are metal and again built very nicely while the rings that attach the strap to the case are sewn on and secured tightly. The top of the case is slightly curved which is very helpful so the instrument isn't crushed inside when closed. Inside I removed the adjustable suspension padding to fit the pipes (comes out easily with no tools). If you need to carry a lot of crap in your case...this one isn't for you. The pipes fit fine and the little compartments will hold reeds and what not nicely. The velvoa lining is cool but not necessary for my needs and the built in hygrometer is nice to have. All in all, the build quality and price ($105 on sale from $[...]) are phenomenal and there is nothing in the highland pipe market that can compare. One other thing, the picture of the case on Amazon is different from the actual case. The picture seems to be of an old model maybe, the case that came was much nicer. Go to the Pro Tec and see it there. [...]

Definitely worth the money, but I also had to cut off part of the adjustable piece to fit my viola (allegedly 16.5 inches, and the back measures about that) into it. It's very nice otherwise. The red velvet is beautiful and it's got a nice brass hygrometer, plenty of room for a tuning fork, rosin, spare strings, a collapsable shoulder rest, 4 bows and plenty of music. Other than it being slightly too small for my viola the only complaints might be that it's a bit heavy and the clasp is flimsy and awkward.

Overall, a good buy.