The Story of FIEDLER Cases
What began as a practical idea has become an essential part of many musicians’ instrument cases.
Our history
ca. 1983
Background
An Unusual Idea: Cycling with a Cello Case on Your Back
At the age of 16, Joachim Fiedler faced a practical question: how could he ride his bicycle to lessons while carrying a cello case? His solution was inventive. He bent bicycle spokes into D-rings, cut mounting plates from food tins and used them to attach discarded car seat belts to the case. This improvised workshop solution was the first step in an idea that would occupy him for years: an instrument case should be comfortable to carry on the back.
Joachim Fiedler with a red cello case and an early version of the Fiedler backpack system. ca. 1980er–1990er
The Creative Musician
Music Comes First
Joachim Fiedler studied cello with leading teachers, including David Geringas and Wolfgang Böttcher. He lived the daily life of a professional musician: lessons, rehearsals, concerts and all the journeys between them. But music-making was only part of the story. He kept returning to the question of how a cello could be transported safely and comfortably. Gradually, his makeshift ideas developed into professional solutions.
Joachim Fiedler playing the cello - the musical roots of FIEDLER. 1996
Testing and Refining
An Idea Becomes a Backpack System
His home-built carrying aids evolved into a carefully designed system. A crucial addition was the multifunctional cushion. Attached to the case, it forms a stable support at the centre of the back and keeps the case clear of the hips and shoulders. It can also be removed and used as a seat cushion. This combination of harness and cushion remains the basic principle of the FIEDLER backpack system.
Sources [1]
The FIEDLER backpack system makes it possible to cycle with a cello case on your back. 1996
The Company Begins
An Idea Becomes a Company
In 1996, Joachim Fiedler founded FIEDLER Tragesysteme in Berlin. The company allowed him to turn his ambition into practice: developing and producing solutions for transporting instruments that combine technical expertise with the perspective of a musician.
The first FIEDLER company logo. 1998
A New Home
The FIEDLER Workshop Moves
In 1998, FIEDLER Tragesysteme moved into new premises at Havelberger Strasse 29. The unusual space combined workshop and showroom, with room for intimate chamber concerts. Visitors were captivated by the atmosphere of the century-old industrial building.
The FIEDLER workshop at Havelberger Strasse 29 in Berlin. 1997 - 2000
Developed Through Experience
A System That Evolves with Its Users
The backpack system was refined continuously. A hip belt, sheet-music bag, adjustable “De Luxe” cushion and cello endpin anchor were added. Each feature answered a practical need: better weight distribution, room for sheet music and greater comfort. The FIEDLER backpack system became more comprehensive and more adaptable.
Sources [1]
ca. 2000-2006
New Ideas
The Backpack System Was Only the Beginning
Joachim Fiedler took over distribution of ACCORD carbon-fibre cases, which inspired further developments. He devised anti-rocking feet, a combined neck strap and neck support, and a system of custom-fitted protective pads. For safer travel with a cello, Fiedler developed the SansSouci flight cover. The modular TORTUGA violin case offered space for an instrument, concert clothes and a music stand.
Sources [1][1] Fielder Katalog von 2006
+1ca. 2003–2004
An Idea with Far-Reaching Consequences
The Magnetic Bow Holder
His close involvement with instrument cases led to an invention with far-reaching consequences. Joachim Fiedler developed a magnetic bow holder that could be operated with one hand. It was launched in 2006. The innovative magnetic fastening principle revealed enormous potential and led to the founding of FIDLOCK in 2007.
An idea with consequences
The story behind FIDLOCK begins with FIEDLER.2006
Ten Years of FIEDLER
A Catalogue Tells How an Idea Became a Company
To mark the company’s anniversary, Joachim Fiedler published the catalogue “10 Years of FIEDLER Backpack Systems 1996–2006”, documenting a successful decade in business. Across 28 pages, it presented backpack systems, instrument cases, accessories and numerous original developments. Behind the scenes, work continued on refining his magnetic fastener.
Sources [1][1] Fiedler Katalog 2006
“10 Years of FIEDLER Carrying Systems 1996–2006” - a document of its time. 2007
A New Chapter
FIEDLER Tragesysteme Becomes FIEDLER Cases GmbH
2007 marked a fundamental change: FIEDLER Tragesysteme became FIEDLER Cases GmbH. Violinist Michael Vrzal took over as managing director, while Joachim Fiedler set the cello aside and focused entirely on magnetic technology at FIDLOCK.
2013
Violin Cases
The FIEDLER BAGS Violin Case
Together with Spanish manufacturer BAGS, FIEDLER developed its own violin case. Joachim Fiedler designed the shell, which BAGS produced in a range of vivid colours. Its backpack straps followed the philosophy of the FIEDLER backpack system.
2013
Musicians at the Centre
Sit Well, Play Better
At the Mondomusica trade fair in New York, Michael Vrzal discovered VIVO Adjustrite’s ergonomic musician’s chairs. FIEDLER took over European distribution, expanding its range into another part of everyday musical life: ergonomic seating for players. The height-adjustable chairs fold for easy transport.
VIVO Adjustrite musician’s chairs with a cello. 2016
Superlight
ROKKOMANN SuperLight Instrument Cases
FIEDLER Cases added ROKKOMANN SuperLight instrument cases to its range after meeting the Japanese manufacturer at Mondomusica in Cremona. Among the lightest cases of their kind, they also offered clever details such as extra-large sheet-music compartments.
ROKKOMANN SuperLight instrument cases in a range of designs. 2016
Instrument Exhibition
Klanggestalten at FIEDLER
FIEDLER is a regular guest at KLANGGESTALTEN events. In November 2016, the FIEDLER workshop in Berlin became a temporary exhibition space for contemporary violin and bow making. Musicians came to Moabit to take their time trying and comparing violins, violas, cellos and bows.
“Klanggestalten at FIEDLER” - an exhibition of contemporary violins, violas, cellos and bows. 2024
Developed In-House
FIEDLER CARBONMETAL - A Cello Endpin Made from Carbon and Metal
With CARBONMETAL, FIEDLER developed a new type of cello endpin. Its construction combines a metal core of copper, titanium or brass with a carbon-fibre coating. FIEDLER CARBONMETAL is the result of many years spent exploring endpins and their influence on sound.
+12025
A New Material
FIEDLER SONOWOOD - A Wooden Double-Bass Endpin
With the FIEDLER SONOWOOD double-bass endpin, FIEDLER turned to an exceptional wood-based material. Selected native timbers undergo a densification process to become SONOWOOD. The resulting material is extremely hard and resonant and offers instrument makers an alternative to rare and protected tropical woods.
2026
Digital Sheet Music
FIDLOCK Tablet Music Stand with VACUUM Technology
With the FIDLOCK VACUUM iPad stand, FIEDLER Cases presents Joachim Fiedler’s latest invention. For the first time, a tablet can be attached and removed with one hand - ideal for musicians on stage. Weighing just 680 g, the FIDLOCK LIGHTWEIGHT music stand is an ultra-light option for rehearsals and concerts.