Jump to content
Maestronet Forums

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hello dear community,

I hope you can help me with a question about this cello. My uncle was an amateur musician who collected many instruments over the years, mainly guitars and wind instruments. He was not a dealer and had a mix of pieces—some valuable and others not.

We recently came across this old cello among his belongings. It seems to be in poor condition and might need substantial repairs. I’m curious to know if it could be worth restoring or if it’s more likely just a low-quality instrument (perhaps a mass-produced Chinese piece).

The cello looks quite aged, and I wonder if it might have some historical or regional significance. My uncle did travel through Germany often in the 1970s and picked up some instruments there. This one might be from that time, but there are no clear markings on it (at least none I could find).

I’d love to hear your opinions—does it look like it could have value, or is it just a decorative piece now? Any guidance on where to look for more identifying details (like labels, specific craftsmanship signs) or advice about potential restoration costs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your expertise! 

Berta

IMG_3705.jpeg

IMG_3704.jpeg

IMG_3703.jpeg

IMG_3702.jpeg

IMG_3701.jpeg

IMG_3700.jpeg

IMG_3699.jpeg

Posted

It looks like a budget school cello from Markneukirchen or Schönbach (then Luby) from either before the 2nd world war, or slightly afterwards. You will need a proper violin maker to extensively repair/fit it up and clean it

Posted
5 hours ago, Berta said:

Any guidance on where to look for more identifying details (like labels, specific craftsmanship signs)

Is the top and/or back solid wood or laminate (plywood)?

Posted
19 hours ago, jacobsaunders said:

It looks like a budget school cello from Markneukirchen or Schönbach (then Luby) from either before the 2nd world war, or slightly afterwards. You will need a proper violin maker to extensively repair/fit it up and clean it

Was the sunburst also popular in German instruments? For some reason I keep thinking Czechoslovakia.

Posted
19 hours ago, jacobsaunders said:

It looks like a budget school cello from Markneukirchen or Schönbach (then Luby) from either before the 2nd world war, or slightly afterwards. You will need a proper violin maker to extensively repair/fit it up and clean it

Thank you! Yes, I will bring it to a luthier. I am just trying to assess if the investment is worth it... or if better we keep it as Haus decoration ;)

Posted
17 hours ago, GeorgeH said:

Is the top and/or back solid wood or laminate (plywood)?

I think is wood... but not completely sure. How can I tell?

Posted
1 hour ago, Rue said:

Was the sunburst also popular in German instruments? For some reason I keep thinking Czechoslovakia.

NB: Schönbach (Luby) was (is) Czechoslovakia.

Sunburst”??, is that what reminds you of a Canadian Sunrise?

Posted
3 hours ago, Rue said:

Was the sunburst also popular in German instruments?

Did sunburst on guitar and mandolin tops start out as copying bad antiquing jobs on the back?

Posted

Sunburst was popular among Country and Bluegrass musicians since the 1920s-30s, I think. Maybe earlier. 

Paul McCartney's famous bass guitar was made in the late 1950's in Germany.

I don't particularly care for it as a look, but I love the music they get out of it.

1 hour ago, groezy said:

Did sunburst on guitar and mandolin tops start out as copying bad antiquing jobs on the back?

My guess is Probably. Not necessarily *copying* bad antique jobs, but "inspired by" them.

Posted
On 1/5/2025 at 7:56 AM, Berta said:

I think is wood... but not completely sure. How can I tell?

Look on the edge where the varnish has worn off or inside the f-holes to see if the wood is solid or layered like plywood.

Posted

FWIW, both Canadian sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular! :wub:

...and Jacob didn't answer my question <_<.20240923_191937.thumb.jpg.11fc295583b69d65d6c95d6ae75bff14.jpg

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.


×
×
  • Create New...