Jim Bress

Do you have detailed notes of what you did? While I only know how to make my varnish, there are folks on here that may spot where you're going off course.

Welcome to MN. You caan start your search here.

You may know this but just in case. Mineral (petroleum) spirits comes in different formulations, and the formulations come in different grades. If you find one that works well for you, you should probably stick to that specific product.

It looks Amati(ish) but not quite. Very attractive! What can you say about the model?

AwcomeonmartyAtleastheremeberedtousespacesinbetweenwordsandpuntuationAlthoughthe paragraphwouldbeshorterwithoutspacesandperiodsCheersJim:)

When considering a cello case, how much clearance in the upper and lower bouts should there be? Obviously some clearance, but how much is too much or does it not matter because the cello is held by the neck and end pin? Thanks, Jim

Thanks everyone. This thread has been very informative. Especially the discussion on wheels. Cheers, Jim

Thanks for the question which definitely changes the choice in cases. The cello is for my own use. Both my shoulders only allow for maybe 30 minutes of playing per day, so time to learn to play cello. My cello travels will likely be limited to weekly lessons. However, my back is also shot so weight is definitely a factor.

Thanks for the tips! BTW, rivets are easily replaced. Maybe I should say that rivets are designed to be easily replaced by people that know how and have the appropriate tools. Any machine shop should be able to drill out and buck new rivets for you when the need arises. Thanks, Jim

I need a cello case for the cello I've been making. Which brands/models do you like and why? Thanks, Jim

Very nice. Doing something similar with my P form is on my to do list.

With practice, I think it’s pretty easy to get your target length. However, that length may still need to be adjusted during setup.

Hmmm, no participation yet so I'll add my thoughts while bumping the OP's question back to the first page. I would think it would be difficult to have a target weight without a specific model in mind because of how varied the dimensions in cellos are. In my notes (I'm out of town and don't have access to my notes so I'll leave off attributions in case my memory is flawed) a couple off cello makers on MN have stated that for willow they increase the center back thickness to ~ 12.5 mm. I don't remember if the other areas (e.g. upper and lower bouts) are proportionately increased as well. With consideration to the other thread's discussion on plate weights and the minor sensitivity to weight and thickness, if this is an area where makers thickness to specs, then adjust the thickness (e.g. near the edge) after varnish/setup and settling-in for playability reasons.

Dwight, I really liked the Coggin. It’s every bit as wide in person as in the photos. It looks like the love child of the sleeping beauty cello and an Amati viola. It’s surprisingly light. Possibly the lightest of the group. The neck is a bit thinner than average and feels great. The whole thing felt very comfortable to me with plenty bow clearance. A little tubby on the C string and each higher string got more focused and clear. I think adjusting the setup would help this viola a lot. my favorite bow was the Dodd.

This specific Becker was not boring to me at all. Somewhat full in the arching. I liked it.