Originally Posted by mandovoodoo

I've carried a baby viola ("violin") in a decent case that fits it tightly stuck in a pannier and held down with a bungy cord. Nothing valuable, just some old Italian thingie. With some padding in the bottom of the pannier and between pannier and rack it's suspended a bit. I always have bubble wrap around. I ship violins worldwide, never a problem, and I think FedEx and USPS have mastered package shock!!! Key is a case that fits really well. I'd also get a case that doesn't have bow spinners pointed at the top of the instrument! Loser fitting cases - well, we use microcell padding, thin stuff. We keep a big roll of it around for such purposes.

There are also cases with padded covers. I think Bobelock put one out.

Regardless, bottom of the instrument towards the ground, like carrying via subway strap, and it should be fine.

Keep in mind that I am the kind of person who will carry a fiddle on a string around a festival, pegbox to endpin! Nothing valuable or anything. I think the last time I was carrying a Luigi Fabris, 19th C Italian. Not in great shape, probably worth less than $10K.

Don't worry, be happy.

If you want me to find a case for you I might be able to get a closeout somewhere. mail at giannaviolins dot com. There are some cool cases out there, light and well padded.