Protec PROFESSIONAL VIOLA CASE-ADJUSTABLE Review

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(More customer reviews)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.

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This fine hard-shell string case features a soft wine velvet interior, string tube, suspension padding, hygrometer, English bow clips, and a luxurious blanket.Full-length lid pocket, locking case closure, and adjustable shoulder block that fits violas up to 17".Each case offers a shoulder strap and a large exterior pocket for sheet music.

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