Buying a cello: what to listen for

Here is what Wynand listens for. Pay attention to the same things.

Sound first

A good cello responds. Draw the bow across the A string in the upper positions. The sound should open, not pinch or close in. All four strings need to be even: the C dark and present, the G warm, the D solid in the middle register, the A clear without edge. Can it fill a room without effort? That is the difference between a playing instrument and a student one.

Condition grading

Wynand grades every instrument before listing it. Here is what each grade means in practice:

AConcert ready

No issues. Plays and sounds as it should. Ready to take on stage today.

BPlayer ready

Minor cosmetic issues. A small crack sealed long ago, or a touch-up on the varnish. Nothing that affects the voice.

CNeeds work

Structurally sound but requires attention before regular playing. Typically a neck reset, new strings, or a soundpost adjustment.

DRestoration project

For the patient buyer or the luthier's bench. The wood is there; the work ahead is what you are buying.

Age and provenance

An old instrument is not automatically a good one. But a well-cared-for cello has had decades for the wood to settle and open up. That matters to the sound. Look for documentation: a certificate of authenticity, an old bill of sale, repair records from a known luthier. It will not guarantee quality, but it tells you where the instrument has been.

What to expect from Wynand

Every cello gets a written description. If there is a crack repaired in 1962, it is in there. If it needs a fresh soundpost setting, that is noted too. Wynand will play any instrument on video before you make the journey. Pricing is straightforward. No euphemisms.