Rimowa/Gewa case

March 23, 2023, 10:23 AM · Looks like a new, conspicuously durable case is being floated by Rimowa, in their corrugated alumninum finish and a partnership with Gewa. Does anyone know if the stuffing is one of the dodgy designs out there, or if it is safe to put an actual instrument inside?

Replies (15)

Marco Brancalion

March 23, 2023, 6:40 PM · I own an aluminum case: i tried to measure the temperature with a termometer inside (with no violin) when leaving at a moderate sunlight for no more than 20 minutes. I'll let you guess the results of the test :D

And then....... only 2900 euro...... a real bargain :D :D

Dimitri Musafia

March 24, 2023, 1:49 AM · I am familiar with it but as a rule I never publicly provide a professional opinion of a competitor's product. I will credit them however for making my cases appear inexpensive!

Marco Brancalion

March 24, 2023, 4:21 AM · Dimitri, ahahahahha, this is really funny..... :D :D :D

Bo Pontoppidan

March 24, 2023, 6:11 AM · I'd take two Musafias instead..... ??

Stephen Symchych

March 24, 2023, 10:42 AM · Dimitri: did you sponsor this project, then? :)

Andrew Victor

March 24, 2023, 9:54 PM · I can imagine myself scratching the back of my violin on the aluminum rim every time I return it to that case.

https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/rimowa-violin-case-gewa

kypros christoudoulides

Edited: March 25, 2023, 2:49 PM · I wonder why aluminium. It is a soft metal and also dents easily. Had it been made of titanium, then I would understand the price. It looks plain and simple.
A violin is a work of art, so the case containing it should also be a work of art. Dimitri will understand.

Marco Brancalion

March 25, 2023, 4:57 PM · Yes Kipros....

Yet i'm pretty sure that they will sell many of them :D :D

Dimitri Musafia

March 26, 2023, 3:49 AM · Kypros, I think they chose aluminum because a) Gewa tried it before, and b) it's relatively easy to work with, especially compared to titanium. As for an artistic case housing a violin artwork, well, it's a question of personal choice, but thank you for the kind allusion!

Adrian Heath

March 26, 2023, 5:54 AM · Looks like a plumber's tool box: just as likely to get stolen as a violin-shaped case?

I had a case with aluminium edging; I glued the inner blanket to the inner edge so that it would cover the metal when taking out the viola.

Mark Breiger

March 26, 2023, 7:53 AM · The price certainly is high. I suspect aluminum was chosen for its weight. Steel would be solid, but heavy. Titanium would be much much more expensive.

David West

March 27, 2023, 3:18 PM · Accessory for a Citroen H van?

A W

March 27, 2023, 11:33 PM · What's the point of the TSA approved locks? Is anyone really going to check it in?

Rich Maxham

March 28, 2023, 3:20 AM · I think the point of this case is to appeal to those looking for brand recognition and luxury. In the promotional material I received for the cases, a lot is made of the collaboration between two high-profile brands. A lot of companies do deals like this as a somewhat more exclusive option for the market.

For example, Puma sells merchandise in collaboration with high-end car manufacturers like Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and McLaren. These products are marketed as limited editions and are priced at a higher level than versions of the same products without the other companies’ logos. As another example, if Supreme puts its name on anything, the price of the item goes up exponentially, even if it’s done ironically.

The photos I saw showed an interior that looks like that of other GEWA cases, so I would expect a similar focus on simplicity over flashiness. The price is higher than other models because it’s a luxury model and it’s not being marketed to a frugal buyer. The silver case is said to be available in very limited supply.

I don’t mind seeing companies experiment a bit. If the product turns out to be exceptional, there will eventually be enough demand for a lower cost version that’s more accessible.