Gewa Violin Space Bag Titanium 4/4

I bought this because I wanted a case that would be safer to cycle with than my normal-shaped one. It works for cycling but could still be better to use.

This case is comfortable to wear as a rucksack, holds my violin securely and has good room for music, writing tools and even a well-folded music stand (you'll need to put it in a bag to protect the rucksack though). And it's definitely safer to cycle with than my previous case. At the base (aka butt end), this case is short enough to swing my leg on and off the bike easily. At the head end, it clashes far less with my bike helmet than the previous case - much easier to get my head to a comfortable angle and turn it from side to side. Would work better with a pudding-bowl-shaped helmet than an Alien-head-shaped helmet.

The bow-holder is well padded, rigid and feels secure.

Scope for further improvement:
* Top priority: really needs a better place to put shoulder rest, rosin and cleaning cloths. Some little cargo nets inside the main body of the case, in the dead space at the bottom of the lid, would be great. If you put these things in the rucksack bit they are really fiddly to get out once you have the case open. I've put them loose in the case body but don't feel too happy about this. My Wolf shoulder rest can just about be tucked between the G and D pegs and rest alongside the neck... but it isn't easy.
* Stop the zips jingling so much if possible. I've used some blu-tack. The noise right by your ears is kind of distracting and a risk to personal safety when walking.
* Subway feet please. Since the only handle is at the top, proper feet when you put the case down would be much appreciated (and it would be easier to get things out from the rucksack bit).
* Handle on the opening side please, mostly for ease of opening.
* Cross-chest rucksack strap would be good.

So... not quite as easy to use as I'd hoped, but I am sticking with it and it's getting easier. Definitely better for cycling.

Would I recommend it to others? Yes with slight reservations. Will I keep it and use it? Yes, definitely.

The Gewa case is excellent in terms of quality, beauty, durability, and spaciousness; however, it has two drawbacks:

First, the bow holder can be easily detached from the main case, which makes it highly vulnerable to theft. Since bows are expensive, this could cause financial loss for the musician. Therefore, it would be better if the tube that holds the bows could be locked securely to the main violin case.

Second, when placed on the ground, the case is not stable and easily tips over. It would be better if the case were designed with support stands or feet to ensure stability and prevent it from falling.

This case is surprisingly versatile. The backpack straps are extremely comfortable and as a regular cyclist, this is a fantastic addition. The backpack portion behind the case fits an unbelievable amount of things; for one-nighter gigs I often only need to take this case with me. I've had my Space Bag since December 2023 and it's still holding up great. The front face of the case doesn't appear super thick, but it is surprisingly durable and has withstood all sorts of weather conditions.

I had one colleague who claimed the handle on his fell off after a couple months, but I haven't experienced anything like this. The only downside is that there aren't enough handles around the case to grab it, and there isn't an easy way to put the case down while on the go -- it always needs to lean up against something. Otherwise, it's an amazing must-have case, and for the price, it's a no-brainer. I've convinced 4 of my colleagues (and counting) to get this case :)