Elegant notions abound in this hardshell violin case

Founded in the 19th century, German instrument-case manufacturer Gewa seems to know a thing or two about longevity- and if the company's new Idea 2.3 violin case is any indication, part of reason for that longevity is the company's willingness to innovate and embrace new technology. Gewa has a broad line of cases for violins, violas, cellos, and basses, and its latest line of Idea cases for full-size violins sits at the top.

Howard Core Company, Gewa's US distributor, sent the Idea 2.3 in for our recent round up of violin cases under $500, but its retail price pushed it above our price cap for that review. Still, Strings couldn't ignore such a sleek, sexy case.

SOMETIMES GOOD GUYS DON'T WEAR WHITE

The case's high-quality hardware - hinges, combination locks, D-rings, and is riveted to the shell, for durability and security. A tight-fitting rubber gasket keeps the elements out and maintains the humidity inside your case. Players may miss the subway handle, which comes in handy even for those who aren't taking public transit.

Our shiny black test case is made from a fiberglass-reinforced resin shell, and like most glossy things- including fiberglass violin cases- the case got scratched.

The thick, neoprene-padded detachable shoulder straps demonstrate the type of confidence-inspiring attention to detail you hope to find in a solid case. Gewa's security straps take something of a "beltwith-suspenders" approach for securely connecting to the case. …