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Roman Rusnak Case, 2009.
Czech violist Mr. Rusnak now owns a
Musafia case which is special for two reasons. Not only was it the very
first Luxury Ultralight case made for the viola, it was also customized
to make it very similar to Sarah Chang's violin case, with the same
linings and the same additional compartment under the neck. At 2.8 kg.
(6 lbs.) this is to date the lightest oblong Musafia viola case. |
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Maaike-Merel van Baarzel Case, 2009.
This distinguished Dutch concert violist
requested a custom interior featuring fuscia and black lining. She
supplied her own fuscia satin and a digital image of how it was to be
used; Mr. Musafia and his assistants took care of the rest. The result
is striking yet well-balanced. |
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Johanna Honkanen Case for Viola
d'Amore, 2009.
Ms. Honkanen had this beautiful material
sent to the workshop directly from the U.K. in order to build this case
for viola d'amore. The sculpted head of the viola meant that it was
necessary to make the case 5cm longer than usual - no problem. |
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Exercise of style, 2008-2009.
The Luxury Ultralight with an additional
accessory box makes use of angles and wedges to distract the eye from
the the rectangular shape of the shell. The lining is done solid color
in silk velvet with Enigma silk velvet velvet inserts. |
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Dr. Julia Wong Case, 2008.
Many details are particular
in this work, such as the use of black velvet, cording and bow ribbons,
but none as innovative as the use of a Hermès silk scarf for some of the
lining such as the lateral padding and blanket. A special effect is
created when opening the accessory boxes and finding them entirely lined
in the same silk. |
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Hiroshi Iizuka Case, 2008.
This case is actually just
one of many that Mr. Musafia has created for Hiroshi Iizuka, the well-respected maker
of special violas, such as the viola d'amore. Not only is the interior
specially-contoured to meet the particular shape of this instrument, but
the satin lining combined with the dart-shape format make this case very
light. |
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Amber Archibald Case, 2008.
This striking dart-shaped
viola case was made using some material supplied by Ms. Archibald
herself. Special touches include cherrywood burl trim.
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Opus VIII, 2008.
The Opus series is a line of cases,
each one completely different, which best represents Mr. Musafia's creativity.
The interior of this case, based upon
the Luxury Ultralight model in OpenSpace configuration with converging
bow holders for additional safty, has an inlay personally hand-built by
Mr. Musafia which represents the polar opposites of rain and shine. This
case was featured on Italian national television RAI Channel 2 on April
11, 2008, and is now in the U.S..
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Opus VI, 2007-8.
This case, made on the Luxury
Ultralight OpenSpace pattern, has the open area with a "sun ray" inlay
in the bottom panel, which aesthetically balances the offset accessory
box side panel.
The lining is in satin and cross-cut silk velvet, which appears black if
viewed in one direction and burgundy when viewed in the other. Opus VI
was made for an influential person in the music world that we prefer not
to name in order to avoid possible controversy! |
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Martin J. Babica Case, 2007.
Never before has Mr.
Musafia interacted so closely with a client to satisfy his requests.
German violinist Mr. Babica had his idea for literally every single
detail of his Dream Case, and sent sketches and designs to have them
turn into reality. Set on a red-blue contrast, and a neutral black
exterior, the interior is truly unique with a distinctive red "L" inlay
that balances the aesthetics beautifully indeed.
Since much of the artistry of this case was conceived by Mr. Babica, he
has requested that this case remain unique and not be reproduced for
others. It has been featured in The Strad magazine. |
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Exercise of style, 2007.
Mr. Musafia used the Enigma
silk velvet to line the padding for a striking variation on the Luxury
Classic theme. Two cases were made, one in the green fantasia (pictured)
and the other in the blue fantasia. |
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Giora Schmidt Case, 2007.
The distinguished violinist desired a
compact, lightweight case that didn't compromise in any way. Mr. Musafia built
this Luxury Ultralight with Royale lining and silk padding with two additional accessory
boxes in which the partitions are angled to maximize the internal space
and harmonize stylistically with the layout of the larger accessory box.
Upon special request the instrument blanket was attached to the case via
Velcro strips. |
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Sarah Chang Case, 2006.
The challenge was to build the
lightest and most practical case possible for this world-famous soloist. Starting
with the Luxury Ultralight model every trick in the book was used to
eliminate extra weight, while adding a second accessory box and an area
with a Velcro tie where to keep the shoulder rest. Cherrywood burl trim,
suede-like frame covering, and photo retaining ribbons add a touch of
elegance. |
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Exercise of style, 2004.
A number of Luxury Model cases
were made after 1998 with limited-edition special linings. This particular case has one
of the most original interiors, with a purple Gucci plissé velvet that offers a
very striking effect. Only one was made. |
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Dylana Jenson Case, 2003.
Again purple; in Europe this
color is viewed as a
color that brings bad luck to performing artists, but apparently not so
in the U.S.. The Luxury Dart-Shape case pictured unites this particular
color choice with the advantages presented by the compact dart shape
configuration. Case includes Tropicalization and WeatherGuard. |
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Marisa Sorajja Case, 2003.
This tiger print satin
certainly gives an exotic touch to another Luxury Dart-Shape case,
well-reflecting the personality of the owner! Padding is of Valentino
black velvet. Case is now in California, and after having enjoyed
considerable use, was restored and upgraded in 2008.
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Michelle Brians Case, 2003.
Mr. Musafia has never been a
fan of floral print fabric, but when Ms. Brians sent this material to
make a Luxury double violin case, he couldn't say no. The final result
is indeed quite pleasing. Note the added bow holder in the lid: it's for
baroque bows, which are shorter than normal. |
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Gil Sharon Case, 2002.
Famed Dutch violinist Gil Sharon
of the Amati Ensemble ordered this special double case. Aside
from the custom velvet lining, if you look carefully you will note that
this double case has room for the shoulder rests, not usually possible
in double cases. |
