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To restore or not to restore???

 
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Apocalips123
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Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:08 pm    Post subject: To restore or not to restore??? Reply with quote

Hi,

I just found this old cello and I was wondering if I should let it restore or not?

Here a link with pics :

http://www.kameleonweb.be/CLIENTS/German_cello/celloF.htm

I can see that it has a sound post crack, damnaged ribs, and at the front table there is a piece of wood missing !

I was planning to use it as a second instrument.but I think the reparation cost will be very high?

I am a prof cellist and I would like to have it restored.

Can someone please give me his/her opinion if I should go for it, or not?
AND can someone give me more info about this instrument please?

Thank's so much;

Erwin
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Jeffrey Holmes
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Joined: 03 Apr 2007
Posts: 90
Location: Ann Arbor

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Restored" means slightly different things to different people... but I think the biggest challenge for you will be to find someone who is good enough (experienced eough to be able to add value by their work rather than depreciate the instrument by it) to restore that particular instrument and is willing to take it on. I honestly don't know any good restorers that are hungry for work presently...

The next challenge is cost/end value. I didn't stare at the photos very long, so I don't know what is there that I missed or can't see in the images, but I did add up 7-10K of work without much effort. Could be a good deal more depending. If the 'cello isn't worth at least twice the restoration cost when it's in good order, it honestly doesn't make much sense to do it.

To handle this effectively, I'd suggest locating a restorer who can do the job, get an estimate, and hire an appraiser to give you guidance before proceeding.
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http://holmesviolins.com


Last edited by Jeffrey Holmes on Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:00 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Leif Luscombe
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Joined: 19 Mar 2007
Posts: 126
Location: Mount Elgin, Ontario, Canada

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello Erwin,

Thank you for your post.

The soundpost crack is nasty, and will certainly have a significant bearing on the value/saleability of the cello. I would certainly second Jeffrey's opinion and encourage you to have it looked at by a good shop or expert in repair and restoration.

I am quite certain that the varnish is original. The instrument is good enough that only a competent luthier should perform the repairs; it would be a shame if it were improperly repaired/restored by an inexperienced person. What is written on the instrument's label?
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Apocalips123
Junior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 3:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

Thank you for your quick reply !
No there is no label in it, but there is some handwritten text inside form a French luthhier in Osan? who repaired the cello in 1922.
I think perspnally that it is French also and from around 1890-1900, maybe older??? I know very good luthiers in Paris, but they are very expensive. If the cello didn't' had this long nasty soundpost crack, I wouldn't' doubt ! (-:

Thank's

Erwin


Thank you for your post.

The soundpost crack is nasty, and will certainly have a significant bearing on the value/saleability of the cello. I would certainly second Jeffrey's opinion and encourage you to have it looked at by a good shop or expert in repair and restoration.

I am quite certain that the varnish is original. The instrument is good enough that only a competent luthier should perform the repairs; it would be a shame if it were improperly repaired/restored by an inexperienced person. What is written on the instrument's label?[/quote]
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