Robb Posted January 16, 2022 Report Share Posted January 16, 2022 I have had this cello for several years and am not sure whether it is an amateur American work or something else. It is unlabeled. I believe this is built on back construction based on the way the ribs come together. The workmanship is somewhat rough as seen in the photos. It does have corner blocks that are roughly carved and linings which butt against them. The scroll is not a traditional scroll and is not carved to the end. The purfling appears hand made and roughly inlayed. The dimensions are somewhat between a 7/8 and full size cello. LOB 747mm Lower Bout 428mm Upper Bout 325mm Middle bout 225mm top edge to bridge is 395mm. The back is Bird's eye maple. It needs work on the neck where it was broken and previously repaired and the sides of the scroll are damaged from previous use of metal tuners. It doesn't appear to have any cracks anywhere repaired or otherwise. I would appreciate suggestions as to the origin of the cello and repair ideas. My current thinking is to graft the scroll to a new neck and patch the sides of the scroll where they were damaged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelbow Posted January 23, 2022 Report Share Posted January 23, 2022 I can't help with ID bit I like it. Looks pretty cool. I like the scroll and the wood on the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacobsaunders Posted January 23, 2022 Report Share Posted January 23, 2022 12 minutes ago, Shelbow said: I like the scroll and the wood on the back. Should you be visited by an amateur maker, wishing to display his masterpiece, and should you wish to manoeuvre yourself diplomatically out of the situation, the best tactic, is to say “Oh, what lovely wood” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelbow Posted January 23, 2022 Report Share Posted January 23, 2022 Ha ha it's interesting because I see many amateur American violins for sale online and they are often made with really nice wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb Posted January 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2022 So I can assume that we can agree its clearly amateur work with rough workmanship. I do think that rough workmanship can have its own appeal depending on a person's taste. It's like the whole area of antique American items called "primitive" or "naive" which some people enjoy collecting. If I ever get it repaired and set up it will be interesting to see how it plays and sounds. Thanks for your replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiaroscuro_violins Posted January 24, 2022 Report Share Posted January 24, 2022 / Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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