Violin Temple Luthier Interview Series, Episode 3: JML Carbon Fiber Cases – Bringing the Violin's "Armor" to the Forefront, the Breakthrough Path of Chinese Accessory Brands Event Overview The Violin Temple Luthier Interview Series is a long-term interview project initiated by the Violin Temple Treasure Hall. It aims to provide luthiers, bow makers, and artisans in related fields with a professional platform for public expression, bringing these long-overlooked craftsmen into the industry and public spotlight. The first two episodes focused on luthier Liang Zhiling and bow maker Pu Chunming, respectively. This episode turns its attention to the field of instrument accessories for the first time, using carbon fiber cases as a starting point to explore the value reshaping of the accessory industry and the breakthrough path of Chinese brands. The interviews are hosted by curator Tian Lifu and will be published in the "Master Column" on the Violin Temple website. Brand Interview: JML – Crafting Cases with Piano Techniques, Protecting Masterpieces with Aerospace Materials JML, a subsidiary of Huaqi Industrial, is headquartered in Weihai, Shandong, and is a leading brand in China's carbon fiber case industry. Its product line includes carbon fiber violin cases, cello cases, guitar cases, Jinghu cases, bassoon cases, and more, exported to Japan and South Korea, and available on Amazon Japan. This episode's guest, Mr. Xia Chenglin, is the head of brand and marketing at JML. With a background in traditional manufacturing, he has actively engaged in short-video new media promotion in recent years, aiming to bring carbon fiber cases into the view of more musical families. During the interview, Mr. Xia Chenglin elaborated on JML's differentiated technological approach, centered on the core concept that "a case is not an accessory but the armor of the violin." For a long time, cases have been regarded as "accessories" or even "giveaways" for violins. Parents spend tens of thousands of yuan on an instrument but equip it with a cheap case worth only a few hundred yuan, creating a severe mismatch between protection and instrument value. JML uses carbon fiber, an aerospace-grade material, to endow cases with multiple properties such as ultra-lightweight, high strength, moisture resistance, odorlessness, and temperature stability, fundamentally redefining the role of the case. On the craftsmanship front, JML has achieved two industry firsts: all products are manufactured using piano coating techniques—making cases the way pianos are made, resulting in an appearance and texture far superior to ordinary spray painting; and all products use green, environmentally friendly, lead-free varnish. Traditional case varnishes commonly contain lead and emit strong odors, posing health risks to children. JML adheres to lead-free environmental standards, elevating product safety to a social value level concerning user health. The brand's color palette—Twilight Purple, Canglang Green, Titian Red, Night Purple, Hyacinth, etc.—combines poetic elegance with a premium feel. Additionally, JML offers a lifetime warranty on all products, demonstrating confidence in quality. Another important topic in the interview was the predicament and breakthrough of Chinese instrument accessory brands. Mr. Xia Chenglin frankly stated that products of the same quality, when branded with a foreign label, can sell for three times the price of a domestic brand. The lack of pricing power is a long-standing challenge for the industry. However, China accounts for about 50% of global carbon fiber production capacity, and in 2026, the world's first mass production of T1200-grade carbon fiber will also be achieved by China—in the carbon fiber field, China is already a leader. Leveraging this industrial advantage, JML competes internationally with its own brand, charting a breakthrough path for the Chinese accessory industry. The Far-Reaching Significance of the Interview Series This episode marks the series' first focus on the instrument accessory field, carrying symbolic significance. From luthiers to bow makers to case manufacturers, the mission of "bringing behind-the-scenes artisans to the forefront" has taken a crucial step in expanding industry coverage. Although a case is not the instrument itself, it is the daily guardian of the violin; and while a case maker is not a luthier, they are an indispensable part of the violin ecosystem. Bringing artisans and brands in the accessory field into industry focus and public awareness is a necessary step to fully express the value of the industry chain and a deeper push for the concept of "letting good instruments fetch good prices." Looking Ahead The Violin Temple Treasure Hall will continue to advance the luthier interview series, inviting more luthiers, bow makers, and artisans and brands in the instrument accessory field to participate, presenting the spirit of craftsmanship and the beauty of artistry through in-depth dialogues. Interview content will be published in the "Master Column" on the Violin Temple website. Stay tuned. Violin Temple Treasure Hall Address: Building 6, Beijing Music Industrial Park (inside Dibeisi Audio Hall), Chaoyang District, Beijing Website: www.violintemple.com