Lion Model 1600 Carbon Fiber Viola Case

This seems to be a good case, an instrument case shouldn't take days until you can use it.

It comes in a big box and a bag. You take it out of the bag and try to open it. I had never seen latches like this before and I could not figure out how to open them. I had to find a YouTube video that showed that and which *also showed how to set the code to lock the case.* Yes, this case can be locked with your own code but there are no instructions provided as to how to do this.

You finally get the case open. There is a vaguely triangular shape of loose plastic/hardened foam inside. You go on YouTube again to figure out what to do with this. This is to fix the placement to set the size of your viola enclosure as the case can fit multiple sizes. I get that done, and then cannot figure how to secure my viola, which is 15," so it does not rattle around in a case which can also fit a larger one.

The image on the Shar web site shows a velcro tie down for the neck. This case has a weird double cord thing which comes pre-fastened. I cannot figure out how to get the ties up so I can secure my viola. I can't pull it up. It does not stretch to allow the scroll to go beneath. I go back to YouTube again. I look up this *exact model of case* and it shows velcro, not a tie.

I email Shar's customer service explaining the problem: the case I ordered had a velcro strap; the case I received has a double cord and I cannot figure out how it works. A day later, I receive a reply saying that that is called a tie down. Gee, Shar customer service, try reading for comprehension next time and answer the question which is asked, not the question for which you have prepared a useless answer. What are you, running for Congress or something? (Hint: no one CARES what the name of it is. We need to know how this works.)

Back on the web, I finally found a comment from someone on Reddit about something else which mentioned a magnetic clasp. I go back to the case and try sliding the black part on the double cord. I hold the empty case up at various angles and I finally find how the part on the cord slides out of the groove which is fixed to the bottom. If the case had been shipped with this not fastened, it would have been obvious. Once it's fastened, you cannot see how it works.

So I wasted a day, waiting for a useless answer from Shar plus a couple of hours on the internet, looking for INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CASE. I am very disappointed in Shar Music. I have spent thousands of dollars there in the past. It is not local to me so I have no reason not to spend my money elsewhere.

This case is great. I was able to adjust the size to fit my viola precisely which does take effort, but it is reassuring to know the Velcro is precise and will not slip. I love the magnetic tie for the viola, since Velcro straps always degrade after a couple years. It is comfortable to wear as a backpack and I trust the straps to hold for many years. All around great case!

I really wanted to like this case, and was hoping it could be an inexpensive option to BAM. The handle is too far back to balance correctly in my hand, and the case tips forward a good bit. That may be more of a personal preference, but it never really felt balanced or secure for me. My viola scroll was touching the back of the case, which led me to concerns about wear on the back of the scroll and possible neck damage should the case be dropped or fall. The locks are plastic and feel cheap. It's lightweight, for sure, but the other challenges led me to return it. I love the backpack straps and the safety cables, and will look for features like that in other cases going forward. For now, I'll stick with my heavier plywood case.

I like the simple and classic stying as well as the light weight. Shoulder straps are very comfortable and solid with extra fail-safe cables. The closures seem solid. The interior is sparse but is the trade-off for the compact and lightweight design. One unpublished benefit of the viola case is the provided snap-on sheet music pocket. The pocket snaps to the bottom of the case, but is still comfortable when using the shoulder straps. I would say this case is a way better value than the Bam equivalent.

I love my Lion case. It is light and compact and perfect for travel. But I was having trouble keeping the Velcro neck protector attached until I watched the video and realized I had it adjusted incorrectly. Now it works like a charm. I intended to use
this case only for travel but now I use it all the time!