The Case for a Case

Once we have settled the case question, we can say we have never had it so good. (With apologies to Illés.) I receive emails not only asking what kind of ukulele to buy (and where), but also quite often asking what sort of case is worth getting. My answer is unequivocal: a hard case. If we store and carry the instrument in one, it is much safer than carrying it around bare or in a soft gig bag. Of course even a hard case will not survive a steamroller, but it gives excellent protection against being dropped, knocked against something (for example on public transport), falling over and similar mishaps.

At a glance the case can easily be mistaken for a violin case, because it is about the same size. When I take the uke somewhere, people often assume I am carrying a violin, but I usually reassure them that it is actually a submachine gun. The case can be slung over the shoulder or “carried” by its handle — it is feather-light.

In addition to the stitching, small metal rivets reinforce the zip. The shoulder strap can be removed in seconds if required.

The two zip pulls are hidden beneath a Velcro-fastened flap.

There is another zipped storage pocket on the outside. It could be slightly larger; an A4-size sheet of music does not really fit inside.

We have opened the Velcro flap and now start unzipping the two zips.

While we are at it, take a look at the bottom of the case, where there are rubber feet. These stop the case from sliding away if you stand it upright and lean it against a wall or cupboard.

A strap holds the lid of the open case in place, while two Velcro straps secure the neck of the ukulele.

The inside of the case is lined with a wonderfully soft material, as if velvet had been crossed with plush.

Cases are made for specific ukulele sizes. This is a concert-size case, and it fits snugly around the body of the instrument. (You can read more about ukulele sizes in the post entitled Buying a Ukulele .) In the middle you can see the pair of neck-securing straps opened out.

A small secret compartment can hold your contraband — or, at the very least, your tuner.

Naturally, your budget is the main factor in deciding what kind of case you choose (or can afford) for your instrument. A soft gig bag is the minimum, but anyone who really wants to keep their ukulele safe should spend a little more on a hard case.