Master Series

musafia cremona italy

To measure up to the great names that were then housing violins by the likes of Stradivari and Guarneri, no effort was spared designing the Master Series, first introduced in 1988 and immediately successful. 

With multiple structural components in the bottom, each one painstakingly bonded (some with bolted-through steel L-reinforcements), the Master Series is a case of exceptional strength yet weighing less than many traditional cases. The padding follows the shape of the instrument closely to restrain it from excessive movement in case of impact, and ample accessory compartments add utility. 

The Master Series is offered in four versions: Classic, Alisea, Exclusive and Aureum. The Master Series Classic has the interior entirely lined in finest velvet plush while the Alisea is weight-optimized and offers the interior lined in luxurious SuperSilk™ velvet. The Exclusive has a coordination of suede-like Royale on the firm surfaces and velvet plush for the padding, and the Aureum is lined in glove-quality Italian leather, velvet plush, and satin. 

Some of the instruments for which a MASTER SERIES case was made include, but are not limited to: Stradivari 1715 “Il Cremonese – ex-Joachim”, Guarneri “del Gesù” 1742 “The Cannon – ex-Paganini”, Stradivari 1717 “Firebird - ex-Saint-Xupéry”, Stradivari 1727 “Holroyd”, Guarneri filius Andrea 1689 “Quarestani”, Stradivari 1725 "Chaconne", Brothers Amati 1615 "Stauffer", Guarneri “del Gesù” 1738 "Emperor", Andrea Amati 1566 “Charles IX of France”, Niccolò Amati 1658 “Hammerle”, Guarneri “del Gesù” 1729 "Stretton", Stradivari 1721 "Sinsheimer", Stradivari 1734 "Scotland University", and many others. 

Design and construction

Shell

Some of the instruments for which a MASTER SERIES case was made include, but are not limited to: Stradivari 1715 “Il Cremonese – ex-Joachim”, Guarneri “del Gesù” 1742 “The Cannon – ex-Paganini”, Stradivari 1717 “Firebird - ex-Saint-Xupéry”, Stradivari 1727 “Holroyd”, Guarneri filius Andrea 1689 “Quarestani”, Stradivari 1725 "Chaconne", Brothers Amati 1615 "Stauffer", Guarneri “del Gesù” 1738 "Emperor", Andrea Amati 1566 “Charles IX of France”, Niccolò Amati 1658 “Hammerle”, Guarneri “del Gesù” 1729 "Stretton", Stradivari 1721 "Sinsheimer", Stradivari 1734 "Scotland University", and many others.

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. Countour-following French-fit lateral padding holds instrument more effectively in case of accident, reducing possibility of damage.
  6. 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.
  7. Interior fully-lined and padded with truly finest velvet plush, suede-like Royale, glove-quality Italian leather and satin depending on model.
  8. Patented SoftTouch™ elastic spring-loaded locking bow holders. *
  9. Rosin dust-resistant bow ribbons with Stradivari "Sunrise" inlay motif. *
  10. Cherrywood burl trim.
  11. Leather instrument restraints. 
  12. Padded blanket and flexible string tube. *
  13. Photo retaining ribbons. *
  14. Musafia hygrometer - humdifier system with highly effective Dimus II multi-filament humidifier.
  15. Thermometer.
  16. Four metal through-bolted carrying strap fixtures with shoulder strap and backpack capability.
  17. Two carrying straps for normal and backpack use. 
  18. Oversized, comfortable leather padded handle.
  19. Alcantara-covered subway handle.
  20. Sekur™ double-action safety lock.

* except Versatus version

Options and accessories available for Master Series

  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. Accessory box illumination with high-output, low drain L.E.Ds.
  13. Bow tip cushions.
  14. Alcantara shell lining.
  15. Screw-attached electronic A-440 tuner.
  16. CaseCaddy™ music stand/umbrella pouch.
  17. Soft satin pillow blanket.
  18. Padded carrying strap.

Formats and versions

Master Series Classic - Download technical features here: S4111SV4111S4121411141214131

Master Series Exclusive - Download technical features here: S4111E SV4111E S4121E 4111E 4121E4131E 

Master Series Aureum - Download technical features here: 4111P4121P4131P

Colors

Master Series Classic interior

(Lined in velvet plush)

Master Series Exclusive

(Lined with a coordination of suede-like Royale and velvet plush)

Master Series Aureum   

(Lined in glove-quality Italian leather, velvet plush 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

Sean Wang Case no. 2, 2020.

This elegant Master Series dart shaped case includes elements of the Enigma Aureum, primarily in the triple blue color combination, the leather lining, the accessory compartment under the violin neck, and the striped bottom padding. It was especially designed to fit a Korfker shoulder rest.

Horacio Pagani Case, 2019.

The name Pagani may not sound familiar to those who don't buy sportscars where the stereo alone will set you back close to $200,000. That said, Mr. Pagani ordered this one-off Musafia with his own silk satin, and the leather left over from the frame-up restoration of the very first Pagani Zonda built. The striped padding on the bottom panel suggests the weave of carbon fiber, of which much of a Pagani is made. In Modena, of course.

Exercise of Style no. 2, 2018.

Starting from the compact dart-shape Master Series, Mr. Musafia integrated materials of the Enigma model to create a lightweight (2.5kg), compact, protective and elegant case for those who do a lot of air travel. This example is in red; others were made with green, blue, and grey as the dominant interior color.

Muecke-Elschek Case, 2016.

The story behind this case is unusual. Ordered by our Austrian dealers Muecke-Elschek with lining in both paisely and monocolor satin, and dark grey silk velvet padding, as well as numerous options, faulty communication resulted in this case not being exactly what their client had in mind. No worry, we made a second case with the corrections, but in the meantime this case not only sold immediately but has since been replicated upon request of other clients. 

Serghej Krylov Case no. 2, 2016.

This Master Series Aureum oblong, commissioned by virtuoso Serghej Krylov, is lined in a unique shade of leather and Mojave Beige SuperSilk velvet. A host of safety features were requested, including a hidden place to hide the GPS tracker/locator used when Maestro Krylov is on tour with a Strad. Where is the compartment? Sorry, we can't tell!

Wesley Chou Case, 2016.

Where to be begin to describe this dart-shaped Master Series for viola? Not only does it have a distinctive interior lining in dark grey velvet with Champagne beige satin padding, but requested personalizations include even the bows being inserted from left-to-right (instead of the usual right-to-left). Oddly enough, this isn't the only case we've made with a similar bow arrangement, although it is indeed a rare characteristc.

Sean Wang Case No. 1, 2016.

Starting from the compact and lightweight U-series ultralight shell, we built a Master Series Aureum lined in suede leather, satin, and Enigma velvet for a special effect. Other features include Alcantara shell lining and PressurePorts to complete the instrument protection. The finished case is more compact and lighter than the normal oblong Master Series.

Exercise of Style, 2015.

As in the case above, this is a Master Series Aureum oblong done in suede leather, satin, and Enigma velvet for a special effect. 25 Swarovski crystals and leather instrument restraint complete the stylistic image of this case; safety options such as WeatherGuard, Tropicalization and PressurePorts complete the instrument protection.

Gretchen Loyola Case, 2015.

A Master Series Exclusive with the usual silk velvet and suede-like Royale substituted by Champagne beige silk satin and burgundy paisely satin. The construction of this case is seen in the video "Musafia - A Contemporary Legend" on YouTube.

M.Eric Beaven Case No. 2, 2014.

Faithful to tradition, our longtime client ordered a dart-shaped Master Series with a lot of black, including the cover (in leather) and the lining of the hard surfaces. It is however set off by blue silk velvet padding which offers luminiosity. Options include the ProtectaSystem, WeatherGuard and PressurePorts. 

Mojca Skafar Case, 2014.

This essentially a Master Series Aureum lined with the materials of the Enigma.

Daniel Lee Case No. 2, 2014.

The Master Series Exclusive dart features a number of interesting characteristics, including satin lining on the hard surfaces and baroque bow accomodations, plus numerous safety options. Hygrometer and thermometer were deleted, as the owner already had an electronic device. 

Van-Anh Pham Case, 2013.

This violinist requested a particular color scheme with cross-cut burgundy velvet (changes color from burgundy to black depending on the angle of view) and color-matched satin. Not only does this create a special aesthetic effect, it also makes the case lighter in weight.

Lorraine Crozier Case, 2013.

One of the first customized examples of the re-designed Master Series Exclusive, this case features the Chinese silk brocade used in the Momentum Z version 3 instead of the usual Royale lining material.

Acoustica Musical Instruments Case, 2013.

One of the most elaborate customized Master Series Exclusive cases made to date, integrating many of the aesthetic elements of the Enigma, this case is now in Thailand. Note the leather case cover.

Gil Sharon Case, 2013.

The soloist and artistic director of the Amati Ensemble commissioned this custom case, which is the very first custom dart shape Master Series of the new generation. The interior silk and satin are the same as the Luxury Ultralight to reduce weight.

Hayato Ishibashi Case, 2011.

Unfortunately the photography cannot do justice to this creation. A unique designer brocade sourced in Mozambique, complete with mini-crystals, is mated to Chianti red SuperSilk velvet for a case which must truly be seen in person. The outside cover is in black leather. This case is now in the Netherlands.

Emy Bernecoli Case, 2011.

This Italian musician requested a Master Series Exclusive lined in weight-saving satin instead of Royale, and moisture-stabilizing SuperSilk velvet padding.

Sophie Pedersen Case, 2010.

A very nice effect was created with what is essentially a Master Series Exclusive with the Luxury Ultralight color scheme. The case is now in Denmark.

Herbert Boersma Case, 2010.

With this creation, our customer is now owner of a unique Master Series Aureum in black leather, with black silk velvet padding and black "Sunrise" pattern satin. The result is very striking and elegant.

Chad Hoopes Case, 2009.

This remarkable and talented young soloist commissioned a special Master Series case. It has many elements from the Enigma in the lightweight and compact dart-shaped format. Note the extra accessory box beneath the neck. Options include Tropicalization and reinforced frame. (Note: a shoulder rest cannot fit into this case, but we can reproduce the case with a shorter accessory box under the violin neck allowing room for the rest).

J. & A. Beare Case, 2009.

What makes this dart-shaped Master Series Classic quite special is not the SuperSilk lining but the fact that Mr. Musafia was able to fit both a very large viola and a Bonmusica rest into a handy dart-shape format, thanks to a gracefully contoured structural internal partition and putting the instrument slightly off-axis. The one-at-a-time construction of Musafia Cremona Italy cases makes this possible.

Exercise of style, 2008.

A few special artistic touches make this dart-shaped Master Series Exclusive truly exclusive indeed. Instrument protection has perhaps never been so compact, stylish, light weight and practical.

Kwang-hoon Kim Case, 2008.

This unique leather-lined Master Series Aureum was built on the compact Ultralight platform. Special touches include Alcantara-covered frame (instead of leatherette) and a full complement of safety options such as Tropicalization, frame reinforcement, waterproofing and PressurePorts.

Michael Boucher Case, 2008.

Finest Chinese silk brocade makes this custom-made Master Series violin case uniquely elegant and tasteful. Note the multi-tiered padding in the lid. This one-off creation is now in the U.S.A.

Exercise of style, 2007.

Mr. Musafia used his trademark Enigma multicolor velvet to make the padding of this Master Series case. Note also the multi-tiered padding in the lid, designed to provide a calibrated restraint to the instrument along the tailpiece. This case is now owned by a distinguished Canadian musician.

Igor Malinovsky Case, 2007.

Mr. Malinovsky presented us with a special challenge. He wanted a case with the interior completely lined with suede leather, six bow holders, room for two large violins and their shoulder rests. We were happy to accept this challenge and made the case pictured. 

The Strad Case, 2006.

In 2006 the prestigious English publication "The Strad" ordered a case to give to a lucky subscriber. We made a Master Series on our compact Ultralight frame with a satin and silk interior, which we subsequently replicated on special request for the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Mr. Rainer Kuechl. 

Dr. Pilar Bradshaw Case, 2005.

We were particularly grateful to this loyal customer when she sent us this spectacular Chinese brocade. We made 4 cases (two violin, a viola case, and a double case) with it, and the end result was such that we received compliments from everywhere. Thank you, Pilar! 

Olivares Case, 2005.

We don't offer our Enigma case in a double violin version, so this distinguished musician ordered a Master Series double violin case with many Enigma characteristics, including the exclusive velvet and the two-tone striped bottom padding. Options include Tropicalization. 

Francesco Manara Case, 2004.

The concertmaster of the La Scala Orchestra in Milan commissioned this one-off Master Series Aureum case in a distinctive color combination. 

Roberta di Camerino Case, 2003.

The legendary Italian fashion designer, best known for her handbags, commissioned this Master Series in an all red-blue color combination, including a blue leather cover. The designer's monograms and logo grace the case inside and out.  

Exercise of style, 2002.

Pierre Cardin silk satin was used to create this unique case, in which the pattern of the silk complements the design of the interior.

Rene Morel Limited Edition Case series, 2001.

Rene Morel Rare Violins of New York commissioned a mini-series of Master Series cases made with a patterned silk velvet that was the prelude to the Enigma velvet. One of these cases was owned by Isaac Stern.

M. Eric Beaven Case, 2001.

Black silk velvet, black rope decoration, and black bow ribbons make Mr. Beaven's case unique. The discreet presence of brown in a few strategic places illuminates the interior almost magically.

Exercise of style, 1999.

We made this unique two-tone Master Series Exclusive case as a special prize for the Georges Enescu Violin Competition held in Bucarest. 

1715 Stradivari Case, 1997

This was the first case we made for probably the most precious of all violins, the 1715 "ex-Joachim" Stradivari, part of Cremona's Civic Collection since 1961. A new case was subsequently made for this instrument in 2005, and this case is now owned by a private collector in the U.S.A.

Weights and dimensions

CodeFormatNameWeightShell dimension
Violin
SV4111 mini-dartMaster Series Classic Versatus2,1 kg. - 4.6 lbs.65 x 23.5 x 13cm
SV4111E mini-dartMaster Series Classic Versatus2,1 kg. - 4.6 lbs. 65 x 23.5 x 13cm
S4111 dartMaster Series Classic2,4 kg. - 5.3 lbs.80 x 23.5 x 13cm
S4111EdartMaster Series Exclusive2,4 kg. - 5.3 lbs.80 x 23.5 x 13cm
4111 oblongMaster Series Classic3,0 kg. - 6.6 lbs.80 x 25 x 13cm
4111E oblongMaster Series Exclusive3.1 kg. - 6.8 lbs.80 x 25 x 13cm
4111PoblongMaster Series Aureum3.1 kg. - 6.8 lbs.80 x 25 x 13cm
Viola
S4121 dartMaster Series Classic2,9 kg. - 6.4 lbs.85 x 28 x 14cm
S4121EdartMaster Series Exclusive2,9 kg. - 6.4 lbs.85 x 28 x 14cm
4121 oblongMaster Series Classic  3,7 kg. - 8.1 lbs.80 x 28 x 14cm
4121E oblongMaster Series Exclusive3,7 kg. - 8.1 lbs.80 x 28 x 14cm
4121PoblongMaster Series Aureum3,7 kg. - 8.1 lbs.80 x 28 x 14cm
2 violins
4131 oblongMaster Series Classic3,6 kg. - 7.9 lbs.80 x 31 x 14cm
4131E oblongMaster Series Exclusive3,6 kg. - 7.9 lbs.80 x 31 x 14cm
4131PoblongMaster Series Aureum3,6 kg. - 7.9 lbs.80 x 31 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.