Do you have recommendations for a good 4/4 violin case? Mine is currently falling apart. I wouldn't like to drop a whole lot of money on it if possible. Do you have any suggestions on where to buy, what brands are good, etc.? If you don't know, that's alright, it's kinda a weird question to ask.
What kind of features do you want? Lightweight? Roomy? Large music pocket? No music pocket? Posh? A super cool looking case is kind of a double edged sword. On one hand, other people give you props but on the other it becomes a target for theft. Do you want a place to put your shoulder rest? Small for travel? - There are travel cases out there where the main case is the size of your violin and your bow is in a separate case to make it easier to stash a violin in an overhead compartment of an airplane. Do you care about where it’s made and by whom and with what materials? If so, those considerations are worth researching. I don’t know your price range, values, or goals.
I would focus on getting a case that has a suspension system. The case will have supports near the bottom of the instrument and where the neck comes into the body of the instrument (block areas) so the center of the back of the instrument is not coming in contact with the case itself. This is to shield the violin from any knocks it my encounter while in the case. Soundpost cracks (and other damages to the back) are much less likely to happen if the instrument is in a case with suspension. Most websites will list inside attributes and suspension will be one of them if it is used.
All that being said, I have a bam case that I paid a lot of money for. I’d probably buy the same case again, as it’s done well for me for over 10 years now and is still going strong. Other cases in their line are great as well. I have an oblong with no music pocket. I had one with a music pocket that I used through college. I learned that I tend to put too much stuff in my case. It made my back hurt and damaged the case a little from putting the case down too hard with so much music (multiple pounds - that pocket can hold a lot of stuff!) The little feet on the bottom started to implode a little. No more excessive amounts of music for me. Also, my library is on my iPad now. Much lighter. https://www.bamcases.com/en/instruments/string-cases/violin/
Protec has some lower cost cases that seem well made. They use beefy zippers to close the case. If you’d rather deal with latchs, don’t do protec. https://www.protecstyle.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MX044
Bobelock is another solid brand, but they feel heavy. I don’t like the half moon shape, cause you can’t stand the instrument up on its end, which is nice for public transportation or waiting while standing in general. http://www.bobelock.com/violinCases/1002oblong.html
If you go for a shaped case, I would make sure there is a spot to put your shoulder rest.
Here is a shaped case that has latches and an interior pocket. I have a student that has one of these (or of this line) and she loves it. http://www.jakobwinter.de/en/string-instrument-case/violin-case/violin-case-Greenline/JW_52017.php
Anything much cheaper than the protec is probably not going to last you more than a few years of constant use.
I think if you buy anything online, there is a 30 day window to return something if it is not what you expected. Individual shops will have their own policies.
There are people out there that repair cases too, if you don’t feel like buying new, and your case is worth it to you to fix. Covers, zippers, latches, and hinges can be replaced. In some cases, easier than others.