1890s German Amati-Copy 4/4 Cello

Overview: This is a gorgeous-sounding cello. It's unmarked save for a bogus Amati stamp in the bass f-hole on the back, though the design style is of a type that I'm used to seeing from around 1885-1910 or so. I'm guesstimating it at the late 1890s. As you would expect, it's got quite-good solid spruce in the top and pretty, solid flamed maple used throughout the back, sides, and neck. The scroll and pegbox is well-cut and the build, overall, is high quality. I wish I could pin the maker but I'm pretty sure this is a German-import instrument.

Interesting features: The fingerboard is a ebony and has a Romberg bevel. The pegbox had its pegholes filled and then new ones cut at some point and the job was excellent. Like a lot of period instruments, there's general actual wear and tear to the finish throughout and then some "antiquing" done when it was made -- most-obviously seen on the back where it almost has a chemical-damage look. I see this on some period instruments from time to time and the pattern is similar so I have a feeling it's all part of the "relic-ing" of the period. It's lightly-built (just shy of 7 lbs) and has a big, full, robust sound and engages with the string quickly.

Repairs included: Manny did a ton of work on this instrument. Its seams were all sprung front and back in various ways and they needed to be tidied-up and repaired. The top has several hairline cracks that got splints, cleats, and fill (they're pictured and don't detract). The fingerboard got leveled, he cut a new bridge for it, and he and I set it up together. It plays quick and easy and has been very stable in service since finished some weeks ago. I barely had to tune it since stringing-up. It's ready to go! Also, forgive my demo in regards to the underhand bass bow technique I'm using -- this is just how I'm most comfortable playing on these guys.

• Weight: 6 lbs 14 oz
• Scale length: 27 1/2"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium soft V w/Romberg bevel
• Depth at first position: 1 11/64"
• Depth up the neck a bit: 1 1/4"
• Body length: 30"
• Body width: 17 1/4"
• Body depth: 5"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple
• Bridge: maple (newer)
• Fingerboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• String height: classical (on lower side)
• Strings: Thomastik Alphayue

Condition notes: As noted, there's some chemical wear to the finish (water damage, maybe?) here and there and some of it appears as intentional "aging" when made. There are a few repaired top cracks and perhaps some tiny hairline cracks (repaired) in the sides as well. It's sturdy and ready for service, however, with all repairs completed. The fine tuners are not original but the tailpiece might be. The bridge and pegs are replacements, though the pegs are older. It has nice, natural patina to the finish throughout. There's also one old repair to a back crack (pictured) that I failed to mention above.

It comes with: It has a gigbag and two endpins -- one we made from a cut-down bass endpin that's stationary and the original ebony adjustable (somewhat) with a spike-bottom. Unfortunately, no bow is included.

Consignment tag: NLSJ