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About Musafia Cases in Czech Republic

March 17, 2010 at 6:23 PM

I’m proud owner of Musafia violin case and I’m very pleased with it. Some time ago (I guess it was late 2004) I came to an idea to bring this brand to Czech Republic and so I did. Then, for some 5 years, I watched how the trade with Musafia cases in Czech Republic goes. At that time I co-operated very closely with dealer of fine stringed instruments Atelier Paganini s.r.o. based in Prague. Now it’s been more than year since I’m no longer involved in business. I stress this point to make sure everyone understands that I’m not writing this as an act of business politics. When I ask musicians what they think about Musafia cases and why they think Musafia is not as successful on Czech market as it is in other countries, pretty often I get the same answer:- It’s too expensive. Because I disagree and I think this is in fact an essential mistake I’d like to say a word or two about it (and maybe even convince some Czech violinists and violists that they actually can afford this beautiful case). Today, when most products we buy, including Mercedes, are to be thrown-away after a single use, I feel the urge to remind that we are not so rich that we can afford to waste, and most of all, Earth can’t afford it!

The judgement that Musafia is expensive comes, with no doubt, from luck of knowledge of deeper context and from accepting incomplete information about price. It’s well-known (and here, in my point of view, is where the unpopular label comes from), that violin case by Musafia can be purchased even for 2000 Euro. Making this statement puts those cases immediately aside from most people’s interest. Usually, the most important information saying what kind of case is of such a value is missing. The higher price the more luxury materials are used and higher level of personification is provided. If the client wants something very special and have himself built a model such as "Enigma" or "Salvatore Accardo", using glove leather and all kinds of extras, the price of his superb case will rise up accordingly and can hit 2k Euro easily. The cheapest model is "Momentum". It is built using the same technology as above mentioned luxury models, it’s made in the same workshop and by the same team of experts. It’s designed as simple as possible to meet needs of budged minded customers. And here again the complete warranty and services apply the same way as it does with the most expensive pieces. The price is 599Eur. But if a student wants quality case for his instrument and Musafia caught his eye, believe me, he can start choosing at some 300Euro. Perhaps not everyone knows that case by Musafia lasts virtually forever. All its parts are replaceable. Naturally, everything gets worn out in time. Satin can wear through, lining may rub off. Nothing is unbreakable. We all know cases (and not only from cheap Asian production), where the zipper falls apart and thus it's unusable and you can throw the case in garbage because there’s no way to replace broken zipper. Often such zipper is the only way to lock the case and keep it closed. Musafia offers possibility of renewing your case. And trust me, you’ll have difficulty recognizing your case after it goes through his workshop again. When you pick up your renewed case you may doubt whether it’s still the same one or brand new one. Such service is quite unique. Another service I want to draw your attention to is trade-ins for new cases. The older cases then get refurbished and put back on the market to live a new life. So, pre-owned, re-built Musafia cases do start at about 300 Euro and they too have a lifetime guarantee and guaranteed instrument safety too. There is a waiting list for those cases! Then there are demo versions, prototypes, cases on sale, auctions etc. Today, every other student plays instrument for 4 – 5 thousands of Euros not to mention pros whose instruments are of many times higher value. I’m convinced that it is wise decision investing in case of highest security requirements, with above standard services and is true piece of art. It can be as beautiful as you wish because if you happen not to choose from standard models, you can propose your own original idea, Musafia will consult the details with you, you can even provide your own fabrics and have it made to measure.

Having my own experience, I line up with those who consider Musafia violin cases to be the best fulfilling all imaginable criteria.

From Patricia Baser
Posted on March 18, 2010 at 1:50 AM

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