Luthier recommendations in Ohio River Valley

[frater]

Hey I'm looking to upgrade my cello in the near future and I've been having trouble finding more than a couple reputable luthiers/shops near me. I live in Kentucky but I am willing to drive very far if I know it's going to be a worthwhile trip. I would love to hear any recommendations on people or places that you have experience with.

I've tried cellos at "Baroque Violin Shop" and "Old town Violins", both in Louisville. They were both nice shops but had a limited selection of their own workshop instruments that I didn't love and one or two on consignment. I've talked to "The Violin Shop" in Nashville and "Indianapolis Violins". It sounds like they have a couple for me to look at but it's difficult to justify that long of a drive just to see two or three instruments. In general it seems like Chicago is the closest area that would have the best shops.

The only independent luthier I even know of is Ben Mason who I've yet to talk to.

 

Also if you have any advice on buying/trying cellos please chime in.

Edited March 13 by frater
Syntax

[Skeezy Bojangle]

I'm actually not far from you, but I can never seem to keep cellos for long. So I'm out right now.

You seemed to have ticked most of the local boxes. But one you didn't mention is the Wetzel family. Wife and husband violin makers, but they often have cellos and they both have an excellent ear for tone.

[frater]

I hadn't heard of them at all, thanks. It looks like their website isn't working anymore but I'll give them a call.

[David Burgess]

1 hour ago, frater said:

In general it seems like Chicago is the closest area that would have the best shops.

There should be lots of cellos to try in the Chicago area. Go for it.

[frater]

3 hours ago, Skeezy Bojangle said:

I'm actually not far from you, but I can never seem to keep cellos for long. So I'm out right now.

You seemed to have ticked most of the local boxes. But one you didn't mention is the Wetzel family. Wife and husband violin makers, but they often have cellos and they both have an excellent ear for tone.

Do you have any experience with Lane and Edwards Violins in Louisville? I just found them on the internet. The shop looks nice but I'm a little concerned because no one even mentioned them to me when I was in the other shops in Louisville (they made other recommendations in Nashville and Indianapolis).

Edited March 13 by frater
Added context

[Jeffrey Holmes]

16 hours ago, David Burgess said:

There should be lots of cellos to try in the Chicago area. Go for it.

@frater: We don't know your price range (sometimes depends on who specifically you might want to visit), but I agree with David.  Chicago should undoubtedly supply more options in most price ranges.

[frater]

1 hour ago, Jeffrey Holmes said:

@frater: We don't know your price range (sometimes depends on who specifically you might want to visit), but I agree with David.  Chicago should undoubtedly supply more options in most price ranges.

My price point is around 10,000. If I don't find good suggestions for luthiers closer to me I think I might take a trip to Chicago.

[Skeezy Bojangle]

On 3/13/2025 at 6:07 PM, frater said:

Do you have any experience with Lane and Edwards Violins in Louisville? I just found them on the internet. The shop looks nice but I'm a little concerned because no one even mentioned them to me when I was in the other shops in Louisville (they made other recommendations in Nashville and Indianapolis).

Now much, I have been only been in their shop only once and that was an emergency for some strings for a friend and I just didn't want to drive all the way home and back. lol

I did not recall it being a bad experience or anything, though I was there so briefly. I do however know they should have some cello's as I remember being a few in there when I was there. Sorry I do not know more.

[Shunyata]

The Loft in Columbus, OH

[joerobson]

On 3/13/2025 at 3:43 PM, David Burgess said:

There should be lots of cellos to try in the Chicago area. Go for it.

Definitely worth the drive.