Au naturel

A bare wood case focused on security and affordability

FEATURED PRODUCT

‘I’ve always known the wooden shell underneath our leather cases was as light as our carbon-fibre ones, but never worked out how to present it in a watertight, attractive and resilient way,’ says Howard Wiseman, owner of Wiseman Cases. With the pandemic allowing time for experimentation, Wiseman made this goal a reality. The resulting 2.3kg Professional wooden violin and viola case is, he claims, almost as light and as strong as its carbon-fibre counterpart, but at nearly a third of the price. ‘Not everyone can justify paying £2,100 for a carbon-fibre case. This case performs identically but the cost is much lower.

‘You need two things to make a strong case,’ he continues. ‘A crush-resistant shell that won’t change shape when dropped, and something inside to absorb the transferred shock.’ The case’s shell is made of aircraft-grade birch plywood, which Wiseman says is both lightweight and strong owing to its layered composition. It is coated in a waterproof yacht-varnish. A neoprene seal surrounds the case when closed, and shock-absorbing foam inside the case is designed to protect the instrument.

The case’s interior is lined with velour, on to which Velcrolined foam blocks can be secured and adjusted. As part of the case’s suspension system, ‘the same support is given both underneath and above the body, providing support either side of the neck and lower corners, which results in mirrored cushioning.’ When closed, these allow the instrument to move against the foam if knocked. The case holds four bows, which are hung frog-end to avoid pressure on the tip and avoid contact with bow hair.

Several wearable parts are replaceable due to being Velcromounted, such as the exterior’s foam feet, handles and protective edging, which also comes in a light-reflective alternative. The case features an A3-sized music pocket, padded leather handles and straps, an internal storage pocket and storage for the shoulder rest. It comes in six stains: pine, oak, walnut, red mahogany, ebony and green. Viola cases are available to order, made specific to the size of the instrument.

Wiseman Professional wooden violin and viola case from £799

email sales@wisemancases.com

web www.wisemanlondon.com

VIOLA STRINGS

STRINGS OF STEEL

For the 10th anniversary of the Evah Pirazzi Gold range, Pirastro has released a new steel set for viola. The set includes rope steel-core D, G and C strings, and a solid steel-core A string. The top three strings are wound in chrome steel and C string in tungsten. The strings are designed to offer a brilliant and direct sound.

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold steel set for viola from £130

email info@pirastro.com

web www.pirastro.com

CARPENTER’S SQUARE

SQUARE UP

Schilbach has released a 200mm x 130mm aluminium carpenter’s square with lasered markings, to avoid scratching the instrument. The square also features a hold for hanging. The small and large blades are made of black and silver anodised aluminium respectively.

Schilbach aluminium carpenter’s square €14.10

email shop@schilbach.net

web www.shop-schilbach.net