twcellist

I’ve been told to get a black light examined bows because many people will do very good repairs they are unable to be seen by the naked eye. Are there any resources to explain how to use the black light and what exactly to look for? Everything I find online is for antiques, ceramics, etc, but there is nothing specifically for bows.

Does anybody have any experience in Paolo Gaudagnini? According to Tarisio he died young fighting in WWII and only made 20 instruments. I've been told he only made one cello?

I've heard that many violins are locked up in safes of many Russian Oligarchs ...

My 2 cents on this are that 1) Aguttes is not as big or as specialty (i.e. they only sell instruments) as Tarisio or Ingles & Hayday and 2) the whole story was not played up. Regarding the latter I think Tarisio and/or Ingles & Hayday would have done a better job creating the hype and story. For example, just look at the Strad being sold by Tarisio and you'll see how much hype and story they've created behind the whole thing. Of course it does help that a very famous person played it and that the violin was played for a very famous movie sound track, but I mean these are all part of the hype! Anyways, it will be very interesting to see what happens with the Strad on June 9th!

Wonder why they didn’t post it when they posted everything else

I can't speak for violins, but his cellos have gotten really high that's for sure!

Lol... we all know if this a real Enrico Ceruti it would probably be $300K cello and not $30K. So is the craftsmanship and work at least indicative of an Italian maker? (I know that's a loaded question and I'm not trying to put you on the spot)

I'm obviously no expert, but the fact that Tarisio's archives doesn't have any instruments later than 1879 AND that Enrico Cerruti died in 1883 would be strong reasons that it's not made by him I guess? I do like the workmanship though and the cello looks to be in good shape for the age.

Any thoughts on this cello? https://tarisio.com/auctions/auction/lot/?csid=2199568384&cpid=3800793088&filter_key=

Probably not going to be anything special, but Skinners has a string instrument auction on December 5th. https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3868B

I wanted to know if a cello is cut down is that bad for the value of the instrument? The cello is 300 years old and when it was originally made it was way too big so in the 19th century work was done to re-size it. Also, if there is a knot in the wood is that frowned upon? Please see attached picture.

Yes ... and I mean the instrument I'm considering is a 6 figure USD instrument so if I (or anybody for that matter) am going to put down that much money I need to have as much reassurance the cello is the real thing. Plus, I would think that having updated papers from a respected expert would only add to the future value of the instrument.

So FYI... a couple years ago Robert Cauer said he no longer authenticates or appraises instruments unless he sold the instrument.

Oh and I guess I should mention the cello already has papers from 3 experts, but they're all 40 to 50 years old I'm just wanting to get fresh papers.

So I mentioned in another reply Italian Cello, but more specifically Milanese. I'm in LA and would prefer to bring it to an expert nearby, but at the same time if the best expert is in the east coast then I'll do whatever it takes to get it authenticated by the best and most respected.