My luckiest day ever or just a nice cello?
April 10, 2010 1:37 PM Subscribe
I received a cello from a friend whose relative passed away leaving him some things, amongst which was a cello wrapped in an cloth case, missing the bridge and the strings. I would like to have it brought to usable condition and while dusting it noticed that their was a typewritten piece of paper inside the instrument, Giovan Paolo Maggini, brelcia 1630.
I realize that in all likelihood this is not what it says it is, ( I do not have that sort of luck, nor does this instrument to my amateur eye have any look of a fine cello). Any recommendations on next steps?
Take it to a shop? Take it to a cellist? Take photos and send them to someone?
Clearly if it were what it says, it is going back to my friend pronto. Then he could afford to buy me one that would be a good instrument to learn on <:
Definitely have it looked at by an expert.
Exciting! Let us know what happens.
posted by New England Cultist at 1:57 PM on April 10, 2010
Exciting! Let us know what happens.
posted by New England Cultist at 1:57 PM on April 10, 2010
Best answer: It's very, very likely that it's a copy (see here for information about 100ish year-old copies with approximately the same wording on the label as yours), but you're going to have to take it to a luthier to get it in playing shape, anyways- so ask them what they think. They'll be able to tell you if it is a quality instrument, and if is a quality instrument, they'd be able to direct you to people nearby who would be the most logical next step for more information.
If you post your location, people may be able to guide you to the best person for that job in your city.
posted by charmedimsure at 2:21 PM on April 10, 2010
If you post your location, people may be able to guide you to the best person for that job in your city.
posted by charmedimsure at 2:21 PM on April 10, 2010
I did a little digging and found this...
http://www.smithsonian.org/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/violmagg.htm
Looks like he made "at least" 2 violincellos, which is obviously not too many. Also, it looks like he only used a few variances on his labels, and what you have doesn't seem to be one of them.
I would still have it looked at because apparently copies can still be worth something. Probably a long shot, but it can't hurt to try! Good luck!
posted by fresh-rn at 2:22 PM on April 10, 2010
http://www.smithsonian.org/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/violmagg.htm
Looks like he made "at least" 2 violincellos, which is obviously not too many. Also, it looks like he only used a few variances on his labels, and what you have doesn't seem to be one of them.
I would still have it looked at because apparently copies can still be worth something. Probably a long shot, but it can't hurt to try! Good luck!
posted by fresh-rn at 2:22 PM on April 10, 2010
Cellos, even copies are expensive, so it's probably worth some effort on your part.
The two things that would make it completely useless are:
1) It's a new cello made of laminated wood rather than carved from hardwood. Examine the wood in the edge of the f-holes to see striations of laminate or solid wood.
2) The other if the wood is significantly cracked on any surfaces or if looks as if the neck has been broken and reglued at any time.
If it is a hand carved cello it is worth $2500. If it is older than 50 years it's probably worth $10K+. If it's a Maggini well...
In any case, have a luthier take a look at it and decide if it's worth putting a bridge and strings on it. Then have someone play it. If it sounds good then it's worth the price of a good used car.
In the Los Angeles area I'd recommend Robert Cauer's shop.
posted by Edward L at 2:54 PM on April 10, 2010
The two things that would make it completely useless are:
1) It's a new cello made of laminated wood rather than carved from hardwood. Examine the wood in the edge of the f-holes to see striations of laminate or solid wood.
2) The other if the wood is significantly cracked on any surfaces or if looks as if the neck has been broken and reglued at any time.
If it is a hand carved cello it is worth $2500. If it is older than 50 years it's probably worth $10K+. If it's a Maggini well...
In any case, have a luthier take a look at it and decide if it's worth putting a bridge and strings on it. Then have someone play it. If it sounds good then it's worth the price of a good used car.
In the Los Angeles area I'd recommend Robert Cauer's shop.
posted by Edward L at 2:54 PM on April 10, 2010
In the Metro Boston area: Johnson String Instruments, Newton. Did it come with a bow? A good bow can be worth a small fortune.
posted by Pennyblack at 3:00 PM on April 10, 2010
posted by Pennyblack at 3:00 PM on April 10, 2010
made of laminated wood rather than carved from hardwood
That really should be softwood.
posted by Namlit at 4:04 PM on April 10, 2010
That really should be softwood.
posted by Namlit at 4:04 PM on April 10, 2010
Response by poster: Honolulu are
a bow , yes with mop inlays
posted by dougiedd at 4:21 PM on April 10, 2010
a bow , yes with mop inlays
posted by dougiedd at 4:21 PM on April 10, 2010
In NYC, Strings and other Things should be helpful. Near Lincoln Center - 68th & Broadway.
posted by dudeman at 8:35 PM on April 10, 2010
posted by dudeman at 8:35 PM on April 10, 2010
I hope someone from HI sees this and helps you out (although MeFites in Honolulu are probably as rare as they are here in Alaska). Many luthiers run small shops out of their houses that only the string players in town seem to know about- so if you happen to know a classical musician in town, put the word out that you are interested in figuring out the best place to go for a repair estimate and/or instrument appraisal.
If nobody with personal experience in HI steps up, preliminary Googling seems to indicate that this place might not be a terrible place to start. It looks like there may be a couple other violin shops with in walking distance around the same street if that doesn't work out and no one local has a better suggestion.
posted by charmedimsure at 9:45 PM on April 10, 2010
If nobody with personal experience in HI steps up, preliminary Googling seems to indicate that this place might not be a terrible place to start. It looks like there may be a couple other violin shops with in walking distance around the same street if that doesn't work out and no one local has a better suggestion.
posted by charmedimsure at 9:45 PM on April 10, 2010
Response by poster: thanks, yes people speak well of CK
posted by dougiedd at 11:32 AM on April 11, 2010
posted by dougiedd at 11:32 AM on April 11, 2010
« Older Help me find a PCI-Express Wireless-N network... | How can I maximize the burnout-relief of my... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mollymayhem at 1:43 PM on April 10, 2010 [1 favorite]