Technical data
| Line | Hightech Contoured |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Material | Other |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Interior dimensions | Total length: 80 cm | Body length: 43 cm | Upper bout: 21 cm | Lower bout: 26 cm |
| Exterior dimensions | 83x31x14 cm |
| BAM reference | OP2200XL |
| Item number | BAM-OP2200XLCN |
Interior features
- Removable accessory pouch inside
- 2 bow holders
- Strap for a "Kun"-style shoulder rest
Exterior features
- 2 BAM locks with key
- Very comfortable two-material side 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.
For the viola, the Hightech cases come in the Contoured 2200XL shape and in Oblong shapes such as the 2201XL, 2202XL, 5201XL and 5202XL. The 2200XL is designed for violas from 15 to 17 inches, the 2202XL adjusts up to a 43 cm body length, and the compact 5202XL covers 15 to 16 inches. The inside and outside dimensions and the weight of this version are listed in the technical data.
The Oblong cases 5201XL and 2201XL close with metal locks, the Contoured 2200XL series with plastic locks.
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 OP2200XL viola case opens to 180° without a stay and to 90° with the optional riveted stay. 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.
Frequently asked questions
How wide can the lower bout of my viola be?
The cases are around 28 cm wide inside; the data sheets give 26 cm at the lower bout, and with the suspension on pads about 25 cm remain for the instrument.
Is the L'Opera case airtight?
Yes, the lid overlaps the rim with lips. A little play is normal.
How far does the OP2200XL open?
To 180° without a stay, and to 90° with the optional riveted stay.
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.
