Musafia AETERNUM Viola case Design Order

The AETERNUM Series 5, new for 2021, is the latest refinement of the AETERNUM concept. In 1999 Dimitri Musafia designed the original AETERNUM viola case, an innovative re-interpretation of the classic viola case of the early 1700s. Starting with the straight-sided, rounded-end design that experts think may have been invented by no less than Antonio Stradivari, the viola was placed at a slant to make more room available for accessories. While maintaining the basic shape of the previous versions, curved load-bearing partitions add grace, strength, and further increase room for accessories.

The viola is surrounded by thick padding and high-density foam filler to help protect the violin or viola from impact in all directions, with an additional safety frame to further protect the scroll and neck. Roomy accessory compartments with brass-hinged lids offer space for shoulder rests, mutes, tuning fork, etc. String packed may be secured by an elastic under the viola scroll. Viola safety is enhanced by structural load-bearing crosswise partitions, with bolted-through steel L-reinforcements, mated to the trademark Musafia monolithic impact absorbing system and an anti-intrusion bottom panel.          

Kevlar®, stronger than steel by weight, is widely used as a structural reinforcement, which actually makes the case lighter: again, an important Musafia first. Minimal linear surfaces provide further strength.

The exceptionally plush interior, with deep quilted padding, is fully lined in exquisite velvet plush and suede-like Royale for a stylish two-tone effect.  Specially-milled ivory-color bow ribbons (treated to resist rosin dust) feature a jacquard weave which reproduces the inlay of the 1677 “Sunrise” Stradivari. The lid is further graced by two strips of hand-polished cherrywood burl, finished with six coats of traditional violin makers’ gumlack, prepared in the workshop. A small but thoughtful touch is represented by the presence of ribbons to retain photographs in the lid without damage.

The overall effect is of utility and modernity, but with just enough classic detailing and handwork to make it truly special. Fully hand-made in limited numbers by Dimitri Musafia and his assistants in Cremona, the AETERNUM remains a timeless design for an ever-changing world.

The Aureum version of the AETERNUM series 5 reaches an almost incredible level of style, quality and detail with softest Italian leather lining, contrasting stripe bottom padding (similar to that in the Enigma), "Sunrise" pattern satin lining, and as a final touch - 14 discreetly situated Swarovski crystals to hide otherwise visible screw heads (if preferred: the crystals can be deleted).

Design your own Musafia Master viola case and personalize it according to your needs and as you like it.

The interior fabric selection of the Musafia Aeternum Series 5 is offered in two versions:

Standard features:

• Continuum High Tensile™ hybrid Kevlar / 6-ply laminate construction with monolithical impact absorbing structure.
• 4-point Offset Plane Suspension System™ for improved violin protection
• EnCase™ construction feature with improved resistance to side impact.
• Anti-intrusion bottom panel enhances protection against blunt force
• Countour-following French-fit lateral padding holds the violin more effectively in case of accident, reducing possibility of damage
• Replaceable Cordura® nylon waterproof cover
• Cover with Teflon® treatment to reduce wear and scuff
• Full-sized music poket, padded
• Bow holder area lined with cherry burl trims
• Leather instrument restraints
• With or without Swarovski crystals as screw covers
• Two pencil/pen loops inside the music poket
• LieFlat extra capacity music pocket and full-length rain flap
• Interior fully-lined and padded with truly finest velvet plush, suede-like Royale, glove-quality Italian leather and satin depending on model
• 2 compartments
• Full-length rain flap
• Musafia SoftTouch™ elastic spring-loaded locking bow holders
• Rosin dust-resistant bow ribbons
• Photo retaining ribbons
• Leather instrument restraints
• Padded blanket and flexible string tube
• Four metal through-bolted carrying strap fixtures   
• Oversized, comfortable leatherette padded handle
• Alcantara covered subway handle
• By the Aureum version: 14 Swarovski crystals included
• Musafia Sekur™ double-action safety lock
• Musafia certificate and  Lifetime warranty; maintenance service and replacement parts always available
• Weight: approx. 3,5 kg
• 2 Musafia back pack straps
• This case is tailored to the size of your viola
• Exterior dimensions: 80  x 24.5 x 13 cm

Payment in advance. Please select your own options below. The adjusted price will be automatically displayed above.

Additional suitable options for the AETERNUM Model

Weights are approximate and may vary up to +/-5% from case to case. All options and accessories are excluded. Violin case weight and dimensions are quoted for standard size. Options add weight (see accessories page for more details).