Dome and Zagato collab on carbon fiber cello case

I don’t know anything about classical music, but it seems that a cello would be a pain to lug around. Fear not, engineering firm Dome, known for the Dome Zero concept car, has come to the rescue with a carbon fiber cello case. In fact, the case is a collaboration between Dome, famed Italian coachbuilder Zagato, and racing harness manufacturer OMP.

The project began as a solution for acclaimed Japanese cellist Canon Shibata’s cello carrying needs. Shibata’s cello was made by Giovanni Grancino in 1694, over 330 years ago. It’s unknown how much this particular instrument, on loan from the Tokuji Munetsugu collection, costs, but another cello from the famed Italian luthier broke records in 2013 when it sold for $520,000.

With such a valuable viola on hand Shibata needed a study but light case to carry it in to concerts across Japan and abroad. The case’s creation was the brain child of Kazumichi Goh, whose Team Goh Motorsports Audi R8 won the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Noting the similarities between a standard carbon fiber cello case and the material race cars are constructed out of, Goh enlisted the help of Dome race engineer and team manager Tenjiro Amasawa, an aerodynamicist that has worked on Junior Formula, LMP, and GT cars. Amasawa happens to play the violin as well, and knew a thing or two about stringed instrument transport.

Design of the case was overseen by long-time Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada. Harada has worked at the carrozzeria for over 30 years and has been responsible for numerous cars, including the Toyota VM180, Spyker C12, 2012 BMW Zagato Coupé and Roadster, Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3 Stradale, MV Agusta FZ4, the stunning Maserati Zagato Mostro Barchetta, and more, and had a hand in the Jiotto Caspita built by Dome.

As such, the case is a melding of Japanese and Italian craftsmanship. The exterior of the case is full carbon, but Harada sourced quilted Italian silk for the liner inside. The straps for wearing the case like a backpack were supplied by OMP, and the contoured handle was inspired by a steering wheel.

The Dome-Zagato collab can also hold four bows, which is apparently unusual for a cello case. Shibata received the case six months ago and has stated that it often gets comments and praise for its appearance. While the first case was custom-made for Shibata, Dome will be making these cases will also be made to order. There’s no word on how much it may cost.

It’s a rare occasion where the worlds of music and motorsports collide, though we’re a bit surprised that the first result is for classical music and not, say, a fusion jazz bass. There’s also been no word on whether any disgraced Japanese car company CEOs can fit inside it.