As with the other similar celli on this page, this instrument represents the top-end trade fare that is increasingly establishing itself in the international arena where excellent workmanship, very good tone and fine european materials meet in a good, satisfying, responsive and above all, affordable, instrument. These instruments compete with the best output of some leading master instrument builders, providing an accessible alternative to the expensive fine hand made instruments produced in some of the leading European violinmaking studios.

This cello is new, but has been artificially "antiqued" to look much older and worn than it actually is. Today such antiquing is no longer regarded as trickery or deceit, but is perfectly acceptable and very much the norm in lutherie. It is interesting to note that antiquing is an anticipated or required technique in many of the world's important international violin making competitions and trade fairs. For example, in the 2011 Violin Society of America Violin Making Competition in Cleveland, the gold medal for a violin was awarded to an instrument fully antiqued to the extent that it was virtually indistinguishable from an authentic 18th violin.

This cello is characterised by really good tone - even throughout and speaking with openness and responsiveness, easy to play on. The materials are well chosen - a beautiful two-piece back of well-figured maple with a medium to narrow curl. Workmanship is very good throughout - tidy work in the corners and purfling neatly traced. Varnish is a strong reddish amber oil-based application that really nicely compliments the wood.

Here is none of the typical trade "look" and cheapness that usually go along with the low grade products that are systematically imported to fill the dirth of cellos in the country. This cello passes with conviction as a "serious" instrument that conforms to all the requirements one may have for a professional instrument.

Dimensions :
	Standard full-size, Stradivari model

Condition :
	Excellent. Brand new. All aging on this instrument is artificial.

Provenance :
	Withheld. Commissioned and imported by Johan Grobbelaar

Price :	Withheld
	This instrument's tonal properties rival those of instruments in a much higher price bracket.