Aeternum Series 5

musafia cremona italy

Aeternum is an innovative re-interpretation of the classic violin case of the early 1700s, with its straight-sided, rounded-end design that experts think may have been invented by no less than Antonio Stradivari. The instrument is placed at a slant to make more room available for accessories.  

The overall effect is of utility and modernity, but with just enough classic detailing and craftsmanship to make it truly special. Ingeniously curved structural partitions increase strength and room for accessories while lending the case a unique grace. 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 (the crystals can be deleted if preferred without). 

The Aeternum and Aeternum Aureum available for violin and for viola. 

Design and construction

Shell

Revolutionary and exclusive hybrid Kevlar® and wood laminate construction. Continuum High-Tensile™ wood laminate specially milled to 0.1mm tolerances in thickness, up to 6-ply. Inner layers checked for defects via transparency before use. Structure cold-bent to avoid possible warping; lightweight, highly resistant and repairable in case of damage. Internal partitions are load-bearing and structural to increase the overall strength. Monolithic impact absorbing structure created through the use of high-density (28 kg/m3) foam with surface reinforcement cemented to both sides and bottom. Though-bolted zinc-plated steel reinforcements on all viola cases for superior long-term durability. Reinforced hinge and back-pack attachment area. Case shell designed to withstand equalized pressure on the lid equivalent to the weight of an average person. 

Cover

Made with military-specification Cordura® nylon, water-and-tear-resistant, and treated with Teflon® to reduce wear and scuffing. Long-lasting YKK zippers, 25mm zipper stitching support, synthetic thread, double-folded edging and upgraded through-bolted strap attachments (instead of sewn-on D-rings) to assure long life. Padding on underside reduces bumps to the instrument when the case is set down. Includes new expandable LieFlat™ music pocket, full-length rain flap and is replaceable.

Interior padding

5mm padding below and above instrument, 10 mm lateral padding, four-point instrument suspension. Blanket padded with 5mm foam.

Exclusive safety features

All Musafia case designs crash-tested to help determine best protection for important instruments. Four-point Offset Plane™ instrument suspension, patented SoftTouch™ spring-locking bow holders, fore-and-aft movement restraining system, double-action Sekur™ safety lock, multi-filament Dimus II™ humidifier and hygrometer, and case bottom external padding. EnCase™ side impact protection and anti-intrusion bottom panel. SATRAVI® protection certified. Built to IP-64 water- and dust-proofing standard (EN 60529).

Other characteristics and features

Ribbons to retain photos in case lid without damage, long-lasting brass hinging on accessory box lids, padded blanket, soft and flexible string tube to avoid damage to the instrument in case of accident, double carrying straps for normal and backpack use, replaceable oversized leather handle to facilitate carrying the case with gloves in cold weather, replaceable Alcantara® covered metro handle.

Features

  1. Continuum High Tensile™ hybrid Kevlar/ 6-ply laminate construction with monolithical impact absorbing structure.
  2. 4-point Offset Plane Suspension System™ for improved instrument protection in case of bumps and impact.
  3. EnCase™ construction feature with improved resistance to side impact.
  4. Anti-intrusion bottom panel enhances protection against blunt force.
  5. Replaceable Cordura® nylon waterproof cover with full-sized music (or iPad) pouch, padded on underside. YKK zippers. Teflon® treatment to reduce wear and scuffs. Two pencil/pen loops inside the music pouch. Now with LieFlat™ extra capacity music or iPad pocket and full-length rain flap.
  6. Interior fully-lined and padded with truly finest velvet plush and suede-like Royale, or glove-quality Italian suede leather on the Aureum version.
  7. Patented SoftTouch™ elastic spring-loaded locking bow holders.
  8. Rosin dust-resistant bow ribbons with Stradivari "Sunrise" inlay motif.
  9. Cherrywood burl trim.
  10. Leather instrument restraints.
  11. Photo retaining ribbons.
  12. Padded blanket and flexible string tube.
  13. Musafia hygrometer - humdifier system with highly effective Dimus II multi-filament humidifier.
  14. Four metal through-bolted carrying strap fixtures with shoulder strap and backpack capability.
  15. Two carrying straps for normal and backpack use. 
  16. Oversized, comfortable leather padded handle.
  17. Alcantara-covered subway handle.
  18. Sekur™ double-action safety lock.

Options and accessories available for Aeternum

  1. FindMe™ GPS tracker (4G).
  2. Humiditrak® Bluetooth thermo-hygrometer.
  3. Personalized brass engraved nameplate.
  4. Protecta System™.
  5. Additional frame reinforcement.
  6. Tropicalization™.
  7. WeatherGuard™ valance-and-groove closure.
  8. PressurePorts™.
  9. Waterproofing. 
  10. Hidden pocket for documents.
  11. SuperSilk interior lining.
  12. Thermometer.
  13. Accessory box illumination with high-output, low drain L.E.Ds. (illuminates two compartments)
  14. Bow tip cushions.
  15. Alcantara shell lining.
  16. Screw-attached electronic A-440 tuner.
  17. CaseCaddy™ music stand/umbrella pouch.
  18. Soft satin pillow blanket.
  19. Padded carrying strap.

Formats and versions

Download technical features here: 3611E3621E3611P3621P

Colors

Aeternum interior

(Firm surfaces lined in suede-like Royale, with truly finest velvet plush padding)

Aeternum Aureum interior

(Italian leather or suede leather, finest velvet plush padding and satin)

Cover choices

Please note that while great care has been taken to portay the colors as accurately as possible, colors may appear differently on different computer screens, and tend to vary with each new supply. Case pictures are for color reference only. They may have options available at extra cost, or may not have all the latest characteristics and features.

Cordura Nylon

Steel grey/blue – Terra brown – Slate green – Black – Pacific blue – Sable

Glove-quality leather

Brown – Black – Blue

Special versions

KeithStanfield Case, 2020.

When was the last time you saw a case lined in Samoan tapa cloth? Well, never. That is until Mr. Stanfield, a Samoan native who played on the national soccer team before becoming violinist of the Opus 76 Quartet, sent us some to line his personal case. If you're wondering about the burgundy and grey stripes, they are instead the official colors of Cremona. 

Exercise of Style no. 5, 2018.

Leather is the key element of this Aeternum Aureum, not only lining part of the interior but comprising the cover as well, in the same exact color. Subtle touches of color are added by the use of blue Enigma fantasia print velvet. The striped bottom padding is reminiscent of the Enigma series. 

Exercise of Style no. 4, 2018.

Dark blue and beige make up the interior color combination of this unique Aeternum Aureum. Lining is in suede leather, silk velvet, and satin. The blue cover complete the contrasting color scheme. The striped bottom padding is the same as that of the Enigma.

Casper Bleumers Case no. 2, 2017.

This stylish Aeternum Aureum is lined in medium brown suede leather and dark brown silk velvet. Several styling cues are taken from the Enigma, such as the under-neck compartment, the French-fit lateral padding, and the bottom padding "stripes". This case, which substitute a Master Series Aureum, has numerous safety options and accommodation for a baroque bow.

Bruno Camargo Case, 2017.

Mr. Camargo had a very clear idea as to how he wanted his Aeternum customized, as you can see in the photo. Not only was a contrasting red and black velvet lining used, but also there is French-fit padding (made to pattern for his instrument) and an additional compartment beneath the violin neck for a total of three.

Salvatore Accardo Case no. 7, 2017.

The famed Italian virtuoso, Musafia client since 1989, ordered two of these unique cases, derived from a 1-year development that it includes the case shown immediately below, for his 1730 "ex-Hart" del Gesù and the 1620 "George III" Maggini. This model is ideally a restyling of the limited-edition Salvatore Accardo by Musafia case, model 4211P, which enjoys the status as the most sought-after collectible Musafia case, with prime examples selling at double their original price.

Exercise of Style, 2017.

Straight lines, with the exception of the bow ribbons, were virtually thrown out with this re-interpretation of the Aeternum Series 4. Non-linear internal partitions add grace and storage room, and make the design a triumph of curves and counter-curves. Following a previous prototype that introduced the concept, this case became the new Salvatore Accardo Case above.

Antoine Vionnet Case, 2016.

What makes this Aeternum Aureum special is that the entire interior is lined exclusively in suede leather, with no velvet nor satin. Quite a bit of ingenuity was required as the none of the pieces of suede used are large enough to cover the lid of the case, nor long enough for the lateral padding.

Charlotte Francis Case, 2016.

This Aeternum Aureum in suede leather uses dark blue for the silk velvet padding, as well as blue "Sunrise" satin. The overall contrasting effect is especially useful to aesthetically "frame" the violin when inside the case, bringing it to the attention of the eye.

Sarah Ash Case, 2014.

This Aeternum Aureum in suede leather has the latter in two colors in order to offer a triple-brown effect: dark brown for the silk velvet padding, light brown for the accessory box lids, and beige for the main surface and some details.

Isabelle Barbe Case, 2013.

This client sourced herself the "blu ciel" (sky blue) crushed silk velvet we used to make her dream case. The rest of the lining is beige suede leather and beige silk satin, for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

Jecklin Aeternum Case, 2013.

In something of an unprecedented move, this stylish all-black Aeternum commissioned by dealers Musik Hug (Zurich, Switzerland) was granted to them in exclusive. Anyone wishing to commission a similar case should contact Musik Hug at their e-mail address streich.zuerich@musikhug.ch or by phone at +41 44 269 41 73.

Marlise Gerber Case, 2012.

This particular case is one of the last prototypes that led to the birth of the definitive Aeternum Series 4. Note the distinguishing louver effect in the scroll area, achieved through the use of superimposed wedge-section slats.

Exercise of Style 2011.

This particular case is one of the last prototypes that led to the birth of the definitive Aeternum Series 4. Note the distinguishing louver effect in the scroll area, achieved through the use of superimposed wedge-section slats.

Eva Hoegel Case, 2010.

This professional violinist requested what is essentially an Aeternum with the Luxury Ultralight color scheme, with the addition of French-fit padding. Numerous safety options complete the picture. The case is now in Germany.

Paul-Anthony Magadia Case, 2008.

This distinguished musician had very clear ideas about how he wanted his dream case. Based upon the Aeternum design, he requested that features typical of the Enigma Aureum, including the French-fit padding and multiple accessory compartments, be integrated into his Aeternum. Soft leather and silk velvet create a particularly graceful ambiance in this unque case.

Opus IX Case, 2008.

The striking interior of this case, personally hand-built by Mr. Musafia, has a distinctive regimental-style diagonal inlay, the orientation of which was calculated with the use of phi, or the Golden Ratio, and is lined in grey silk velvet, Royale, and satin. The Opus series is a line of cases, each one completely different, which best represents Mr. Musafia's creativity. This case is now in Spain.

Nina Popotnig Case, 2007.

This Aeternum case was ordered with the interior completely lined in Mojave beige SuperSilk high-silk content velvet. In the interest of aesthetic simplicity, the wood trim was relinquished, but waterproofing and Tropicalization were added for enhanced instrument safety. Case is now in Austria. 

Ray Chen Case, 2007.

Mr. Chen knew what he wanted, in terms of style and instrument protection. The details were worked out via e-mail over a period of several weeks, and Mr. Musafia is convinced that the resulting case is one of his best works ever. Although the case is based upon the Aeternum model, indeed if one looks carefully it becomes apparent that almost every element was changed. Note additional accessory box and added instrument protection at far end.

Exercise of style, 2007.

This Aeternum case uses Pierre Cardin silk satin for the padding surrounding the instrument, creating a very novel effect. In 2010 it was re-sold for 20% more than the original purchase price. 

Exercise of style, 2007.

Mr. Musafia used the Enigma silk velvet to line the padding for a striking variation on the Aeternum theme, basically reversing the color scheme of the Enigma case. This example, which was shown in The Strad magazine, is now in the U.S.A.. 

Ida Kavafian Case, 2003.

Well-known New York instrumentalist Ida Kavafian ordered her Aeternum made to very precise specifications. She sent us all the materials for the interior lining, down to the rope decoration and the satin for the violin blanket. Many qualifying options such as Tropicalization and WeatherGuard were requested. The end result is quite unique, to the point of earning a mention in "Strings" magazine. 

Maxine Kwok Case No. 1, 2002.

The Maxine Kwok Case is lined in a splendid Chinese silk brocade ordered by the customer in Hong Kong, with ivory Royale padding. This unique case unites baroque with the modernity of the Aeternum.

Weights and dimensions

CodeFormatNameWeightShell dimension
Violin
3611Eoblong semi-ellipticalAeternum2,8 kg. - 6.2 lbs.80 x 24.5 x 13cm
3611Poblong semi-ellipticalAeternum Aureum2.9 kg. - 6.4 lbs.80 x 24.5 x 13cm
Viola
3621Eoblong semi-ellipticalAeternum3,5 kg. - 7.7 lbs. 80 x 28 x 14cm
3621Poblong semi-ellipticalAeternum Aureum3,5 kg. - 7.7 lbs.80 x 28 x 14cm

Please note: some case manufacturers declare weights up to 20% less than the actual weight. Other manufacturers weigh their cases stripped of the music pocket, subway strap, rain flap, and even the latch! The weights of Musafia cases listed here are truthful and reflect their actual weight. Keep this into consideration when comparing cases!

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

All Musafia cases are 100% made in Cremona, Italy. Lifetime warranty, maintenance service and replacement parts always available.