Anyone have either Gewa Air oblong case or BAM Hightech oblong case?

September 12, 2020, 10:16 PM · GEWA and BAM both make high quality cases. I haven’t had many issues with them, other than damage caused through owner negligence. I would, however, suggest putting a blanket in. I know taking it away makes the case look more slick and modern, but the blanket is useful for the safety of the instrument.

A former co-worker who was a good seamstress used to make custom blankets specifically for BAM cases. Customers really liked getting to pick the design and they felt much more at ease with the cases knowing that they were less likely to dent the top with their frogs if they forgot to fasten their bows properly.

In answer to the second question, as long as the neck isn’t set at an unusually high angle and the bridge isn’t extremely tall, your violin ought to fit. If you use padding on the instrument, take it off when putting the violin away; clearance can become an issue if the violin doesn’t sit in the supports as it should.

Edited: September 13, 2020, 3:07 AM · Here's how you see if there is enough room for the bridge within the case. You'll need three rulers and a person to help you.

1. Place the violin inside the case and tie it down if there is the facility to do so.

2. Take a ruler and balance it on top of the bridge as horizontal as you can.

3. Take the other two rulers and measure the distance between the top of the bridge and both sides of the case; average the two readings and you know how much the bridge sticks up.

4. Now, take a ruler and lay it across the case lid.

5. Extend another ruler from the edge of the first one towards the inside of the lid of the case until it touches something hard. Take note of the reading.

6. Correct for any toungue-and-groove closure of the perimeter of the case (usually you'll have to subtract around 5mm)

Conclusion: if the bridge sticks up, say 5cm and the space inside the lid is 6cm or more, you should be ok. If the clearance for the bridge is less than 10mm, you may want to look at other case models.

Edited: September 13, 2020, 4:33 AM · Thank you, Rich and Dimitri. I recognize Musafia as a well-respected name for cases and I'll look at your website as well. I suppose I'll just choose the case I like best and do the ruler test, and if the bridge clearance is not adequate I'll have to send it back and try another. This is the first time I've gotten a case without being able to try it out first. I used to live near Robertson and Sons', so this wasn't an issue then, but unfortunately I have no such luxury now. Thank you for the information.

September 13, 2020, 3:54 AM · Actually Musafia is not another well respected maker, rather Musafia is THE well respected maker for violin cases!!

Edited: September 14, 2020, 4:35 AM · I had a BAM Hightech some time ago, but got rid of it as it was useless in winter as the inside of the case would quickly drop below zero, and useless in sunshine as it would heat up very fast. A colleague of mine reports the same with his GEWA carbon case. I cannot recommend either, even for a cheap student instrument.

If your budget is more Timex than Omega, you can’t beat Bobelock plywood cases. These are well made and are solid and dependable. If you have more to spend Musafia cases are best on the market, both in style and protection. Personally, I don’t like the look of plastic cases but each to their own.

Cheers Carlo

September 13, 2020, 10:27 AM · When I had a BAM Hightech, I put it in a Mooradian case cover to manage it in low temperature places. Certainly it isn't enough on its own to mitigate that particular issue.

A shame that the Mooradian cover company shut down official operations back in December 2019...I wonder if another group has elected to pick up their production yet?

September 13, 2020, 1:04 PM · I am a long time BAM Hightech user. I have had the same one since 2014, and I just love it. There is plenty of space to clear the bridge, the bow spinners on my case are on the left hand side, so a wayward frog doesn't damage my violin. However, wandering frogs are not a common thing for me.

I have never used a case without having a covering or blanket for my violin or viola, so that protects from bow frog damage anyway.

I cannot comment on Gewa Air all that much, but they are very nice cases and are used by many professional/high end players (Sumina Studer, Ester Abrami to name a few). If Sumina trusts her Strad in a Gewa case, I would.

I think the only thing to be very aware of is temperature fluctuations, if you live in a place that gets very hot or very cold (I suppose many do these days), your violin might get a little bit grumpy. To counter this, I have a BAM case hoodie, which seems to do the trick.

Though I would say, if you can afford it, get a Musafia. I am planning on buying one in the future, when the bank account allows.

Edited: September 13, 2020, 1:54 PM · Thank you all for the input. After reviewing everything, I am strongly thinking that a Musafia case is best for my intention, even though I had been looking at others initially. I just want a great case that I won't have to replace for a very long time (if ever), and I think that's the way to go.

September 13, 2020, 1:57 PM · Sounds like an excellent decision!

September 13, 2020, 2:34 PM · Yup. Can't go wrong.

If you need yet more insulation, the brand other than Mooradian that pops up from time to time is Cushy.

September 14, 2020, 1:03 AM · Sad to hear the Mooradian closed. I used to recommend them, their slip-on covers were the best in terms of insulation and materials used, and they didn't mind making them to measure.

Edited: September 14, 2020, 2:20 AM · The Musafia cases generally appear near unbreakable-a lifetime investment. Mine was previously owned, and other than wear on its cover, hinges and every metal section are in excellent working shape. Even the old-style bow holders that some used to complain about (they use different ones now) are fine by me.
I think the only way to destroy it would be to deliberately have a go at mauling it-though throwing it accross a room would likely just make it laugh back at you.

I have seen a well-known soloist use the Lievissima oblong model with attached pouch for a Strad, so that's a good cost-effective case that will be protective and likely won't break, for less. The Musafia team do not enjoy making junk on their more affordable models just to save a dollar, unlike many companies.

Sometimes you can find used but almost in "as new" condition from their website. Mine is used (not from their site), and I do not think I will ever need another, plus Mr. Musafia offers to help you should it have significant wear/over the years use damage. For these and other aesthetics reasons, I do deem all Musafia cases a real lifetime value, despite the possibly high initial cost-buying a popular, "cool" case costing $600-$1,500 (or much more!) that will break/cease to function well in a few years doesn't seems like a fun idea to me.

Best of luck choosing the one Musafia case for your violin's needs.

September 14, 2020, 4:42 AM · I forgot to add, if you like the look of a classic English case look at T. A. Timms cases. These follow the work of the great M. Gordge, which in turn was based on the Classic Hill violin case.

Cheers Carlo

September 14, 2020, 8:14 PM · I have a Lievissima as my everyday case and a custom fitted Luxury Classic for one of my other violin. They are truly wonderful cases. you won't regret purchasing a Musafia case.

September 15, 2020, 7:46 AM · I have managed to cause minor but meaningful damage to a Musafia Aeternum case. I took an extremely bad trip-and-fall on an asphalt driveway, slamming the case full-force into the ground and falling upon it in turn -- much worse than a mere drop for force and velocity of impact. I think I bent or otherwise misaligned the frame/lid; I had significant difficulties latching and unlatching the case subsequently, but the violin and bows were perfectly fine, and there's no visible damage.

At some point I'll send it back to Dmitri for repair, but that seemed like a good opportunity to replace it with a custom Enigma. :-)

Negri, Riboni, and Timms also make high-quality cases and are worth looking at.

September 15, 2020, 8:56 AM · Ms. Leong,

I am glad it wasn't worse for you and your loved ones back then. We may not be as hardy as the cases! Also happy the violin was safe, so the case did indeed fulfill its purpose.

I have an old Aeternum, but not travelling much-still, it gives me lots of peace of mind whenever it gets an accidental bump when I leave home with it. My violin just feels safe, and the case, relatively impervious.

September 15, 2020, 12:03 PM · You can't go wrong with a Musafia case. I bought from his list of exhibition and prototype cases. I think mine was a prototype of what is now the standard classic model. I chose it because it has the closed compartment at the bottom end of the violin thus protecting the violin from damage by the frog in case you forget to lock the bow. It is a solid case and beautiful to look at. As a young friend who also has a Musafia put it: "it makes me happy every time I open it!"

Edited: September 16, 2020, 7:13 AM · If I can give some advice, my friend Desmond Timms is threatening retirement every time we speak on the phone, so it might make sense getting a T.A. Timms before it's too late!! He really does make the classic English style case, if that's a style you like.

Edited: September 17, 2020, 1:31 AM · Careful! Oblong plastic or carbon cases can have alarmingly flexible tops compared with their shaped equivalents.

I have witnessed adult choir members piling up cases in the green room, or even children sitting on them: I would allow even more clearance over the bridge!

I should definitely go for a wooden case with a well-arched lid.

September 17, 2020, 9:21 AM · I recently purchased a luxury ultra light case directly from Musafia’s website from the new demo list available for sale. I haven’t received my case yet so I cannot comment on that but I can say to date my experience from dealing with the company it’s self the customer service has been top notch! Like you I wanted a case I didn’t have to replace anytime soon, if at all. I’m really looking forward to receiving my case. You’ll have to update us on your decision when you make one.

Edited: September 17, 2020, 11:19 AM · I had a BAM cello case; the foam rubber supporting the neck and foam pieces surrounding the cello ribs disintegrated, leaving blobs of mush everywhere. I took it to a shop for repair, but even after that, using pads supplied by BAM, the case was never right. I will have to replace it. (and no, the case was not subjected to any extremes; it lived in an air-conditioned/humidified home, carefully monitored)

September 25, 2020, 8:38 PM · I just wanted to update as I got my case today. If funds allow but your on the fence about purchasing one, I whole heartedly suggest going for it. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed!

The customer service really was terrific and I’m beyond impressed with the safe/gorgeous home my fiddle has!

September 27, 2020, 1:13 PM · I also have the Gewa. Holds everything I need and protects my violin. I can also attest to its propensity to scratch easily, but usually they come out quite easily with an alcohol swab. I am looking for a case cover for the winter months though because like others have said I’m certain it won’t be able to manage temperature fluctuations. I wash gewa made something like the bam hoodie for their cases, but I think they only have those rucksacks. Can anyone comment on the cushy case cover or bobelock Smart Cover? The cushy looks nice but it has built in backstraps and I like the gewa straps that came with my case, but I could get over it if the ones on the cushy are even better. The bobelock would be great because I believe it has d rings to attach your own straps.

September 30, 2020, 10:04 PM · I have the bam. I love it! My violin is super fragile, and it still fits perfectly, no damage. I travel with it all the time!

September 30, 2020, 10:04 PM · I have the bam. I love it! My violin is super fragile, and it still fits perfectly, no damage. I travel with it all the time!