Technical data
| Line | Hightech Contoured |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Material | Other |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 62 cm | Body length: 38 cm | Upper bout: 17 cm | Lower bout: 22 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 79x25x18 cm |
| BAM reference | OP2002XL |
| Item number | BAM-OP2002XLCN |
Interior features
- Removable accessory pouch
- 2 bow holders
- Strap for a "Kun"-style shoulder rest
Exterior features
- 2 soft-touch latches with key
- Very comfortable two-material side carrying handle
- Airtight seal
- Non-slip, abrasion-resistant rubber pads on the underside of the outer shell
Protection and climate
Dry air makes the maple of the scroll shrink and the pegs give, one to two millimetres of travel being normal; damp air makes them stiff. Below 40 per cent relative humidity, pegs may slip and glue joints may open; below 30 per cent, as dry heated air brings in winter, the instrument is at risk, and in the worst case the top cracks. It is above all sharp changes that do harm, such as constant travel between very different temperatures.
As wood moisture rises, the internal damping (energy lost within the wood) of spruce and maple increases, and an instrument can then sound duller; storage at controlled humidity in the case keeps the damping constant.
With BAM, the model number tells you the basic shape of a violin case: 2000XL is Slim, 2002XL Contoured, 2001XL, 2011XL and 2018XL are Oblong, and 2003XL is the Cabin case for hand luggage. Letters before and after the number denote colour and finish, while the moulded form stays the same. The inside and outside dimensions and the weight of this version are listed in the technical data.
The Slim shape holds the violin and two bows, with no room for a shoulder rest; it is cut close around the neck and pegbox, so violins with long pegs may reach its limit there. The Contoured shape follows the outline of the instrument and has room for the shoulder rest. The Cabin case is designed for hand luggage and leaves out the music pocket, string tube and bow holder for that purpose.
The L'Opera violin case OP2002XL has an outer shell of polycarbonate. The lid overlaps the rim with lips and closes the case airtight, with a little play being normal. In the OP2002XLNN and OP2002XLNS, the suspension pad and the inner rubber feet are glued in.
The rubber feet are intended for laying the case down horizontally. The colour codes are NS for black with silver, CN for champagne with black, CS for champagne with silver and NN for black.
Our experience
In our experience an instrument needs a few weeks to settle after a change of climate, for instance after an overseas journey, and a local luthier then fine-tunes the set-up. For the heating season we recommend a humidifier in the case; in our experience the Stretto lasts around a month and humidifies the case quickly and evenly.
When another model suits you better
If you want to carry your shoulder rest in the case, the Contoured 2002XL has the right place for it; if you travel with music, the Oblong 2018XL with its outer music pocket serves you well, and the Cabin case 2003XL is built for the aircraft cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long can my bow be?
A 4/4 violin bow measures around 74 cm without the button, and fine bows are often slightly longer. The bow holders are screwed in and can be moved by the millimetre; if in doubt, measure your bow first and we will gladly tell you which case fits.
Can I add a music pocket later?
Yes, many models can be fitted with a music pocket later. We will gladly tell you which one fits your case.
Is the L'Opera case airtight?
Yes, the lid overlaps the rim with lips. A little play is normal.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.