When is it time for a tune-up?

While instrument maintenance is a subject that we have discussed in the past, it's never too soon for a reminder...

Here at A. Cavallo Violins, we really care about keeping your instruments in the best condition. Players performing on their instruments every day often do not notice incremental changes in adjustment and condition. Therefore it is always wise to have your instrument looked at by someone on the outside.

Here are a few checkpoints:

1. What it the health of your strings? Some strings go dead before going false, and you may have not noticed it over the course of weeks or months. (We sell strings at the same price as all major on-line sellers, and never charge for installation).

A Badly Managed Bridge!!

2. Is your bridge properly placed and straight? Keeping your bridge straight is a skill all advanced players should know. The multiple pounds of downward pressure or a bridge will warp it if it is not maintained.

3. Does your instrument have any openings or cracks? Sometimes even a very small open seam that is hard to see can significantly affect your tone. The smaller the opening, the less cost of repair!

4. Are the fittings in good shape? Fingerboards recurrently need re-shaping, tailpieces can be cracked and the improper length or weight, tailguts can be in danger of breaking, and peg shafts can become warped or out of round. All of these things can severely impact your playing, and are often easy and inexpensive to fix.

We must see each instrument before estimating cost and time necessary to complete each repair. Unfortunately it is impossible to estimate from a telephone call or pictures.

We pride ourselves at having trustworthy repair and restoration staff that includes Mark Womack, Dirk Henry, Cesario Amesquita, and Dane Anderson doing work for us. Many adjustments and repairs can be done by the next day because of our resources.

As always, we recommend a humidifier for your case and never ever leaving your instrument in a cold or hot car.

A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

What to Know When Buying a Bow
outside of shop
Dear Friends:

In the last few weeks bows seem to have been on our customer's minds. Since knowledge is power, we thought it was a good idea to give you an outline of the choices you have when buying a bow, and the advantages or disadvantages you have with each materiel and making technique.

If you have any questions regarding instruments or bows, do not hesitate to call us, as we are always happy to help you increase your knowledge and discernment.

Above all, make beautiful music!

Musically Yours,

The Staff at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
A. Cavallo Violins, LLC
Bows, Bows, Bows
How to make the right choice

Your bow is as significant to your playing as your instrument, but it is often ignored during the purchase. We remind our customers that proportionately you get "more bang for the buck" when you spend more on the bow. Conventional wisdom is that the bow should be about 25-35% of your total instrument and bow purchase, and we believe that proportion is about right.

Bow sticks are made of at least four different materials: Pernambuco, Carbon Fiber, Brazilwood, and Fiberglass.

The gold standard for bows is Pernambuco, but the wood is endangered and the bows are quite breakable. Typically pernambuco bows start at around $200, and the finest examples are over $200,000! Bows are usually graded by the company or maker by their fittings. Nickel mounting is the entry level, Silver is usually second, and then fancier silver or frog materials such as snakewood, shell, or ivory can reflect the maker's assessment of the stick. The best commercial bows are now coming out of Brazil, as the Pernambuco is no longer available anywhere else due to import/export restrictions. Pernambuco combines a strength, flexibility, response, speed and ability to hold camber (the curve, induced by heat) at a higher level than any other natural product.

Brazilwood it thearcos brasil bow other natural product used commonly. These days it refers to any wood that mimics pernambuco. Typically, these bows do not have the playability and ability to hold camber like pernambuco, but they often produce a warm sound. Brazilwood bows can be as inexpensive as $30.00 and are often the choice of beginners.

Fiberglass is the student choice. Usually fiberglass has more strength and resilience and less camber issues than brazilwood, but is usually not very playable. Cost is low, usually under $50 for a violin bow.

Carbon Fiber bows are attempts to create a process and material that rivals pernambuco. Carbon fiber is practically unbreakable and will almost never lose its camber. The quickness and response of the better carbon fiber bows, such as the JonPaul and CodaBow brands, come close to pernambuco in warmth and tone. Many professional players have a carbon fiber bow as a "pit bow," for such playing as opera, musical, or pops that does not demand individual tone, and is used in a dangerous environment for fragile pernambuco or any other wood.

So far we have only written about the stick materials. There are many other materials and workmanship issues that affect the quality, cost, and performance of bows, but we will reserve that for a later discussion!



Interesting Bow Websites


www.arcosbrasil.com

www.watervioletbows.com.br

www.ipci-usa.org

www.jonpaulstrings.com

www.codabow.com









A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

8705 Shamrock Road

Omaha, NE 68114

toll free
877 838 6222

Thank you A. Cavallo

Hi Alex,

Thank you so much for hosting us yesterday at the Art of Sound Exhibition. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting the maker of my violin, David Thomas Meyer. I feel privileged to have such intimate access to the origins of my instrument and to have it explained to me in such exquisite detail. I think every string player should have a chance to hear Meyer's presentation about violin making as his research is pertinent to all instruments. Mr. Meyer gave me a true appreciation for how a violin works from a physics perspective, down to the most minute vibrations of wood. He showed, via computer imaging techniques, which parts of the violin are the most resonant and allowed us to experience a hands-on experiment with producing tones on an actual sample of wood. The amount of meticulous scientific detail that Mr. Meyer puts into his craft results in instruments that sound fantastic. Many thanks to A. Cavallo Violins for making this all happen!

Best,
Katrin

Back to School Check List

The time has come again to begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Whether a beginner or an artist, there are a few friendly reminders that can aid each of you. Below is a check list of accessories and services that may benefit you. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Rosin

An absolute essential for every player! If the rosin has been exposed to high temperatures, touched by fingers, or is just simply broken the working components have been compromised.

A basic, yet artistic level rosin, starts around $8 for every instrument!

Strings

How long has it been since your strings have been changed? Strings typically need changed at least 1 time per year, depending on amount of time spent playing the instrument. This is because the strings get worn and either become 'dead' or 'false', resulting in an impure tone. These prices vary depending on the instrument and type of string.

We sell at the lowest price allowed, plus, upon your purchase in store we install for FREE!

Bow Rehair

When was the last time your bow has been rehaired or inspected? Bows should be rehaired approximately once per year and also checked for camber issues. A sign of needing a rehair includes build-up by the frog or tip.

We now offer bow rehair in house!

Pegs

Are those pegs just too hard to turn or creaking with every turn? We've got the solution (assuming everything is working correctly)! Stop in and we'll see if this is the quick 15 minute solution for your instrument.

This service is FREE!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
The Staff at A. Cavallo Violins

8705 Shamrock Rd.
Omaha, NE 68114

1.877.838.6222
402.827.9270

acvsales@gmail.com
www.acavalloviolins.com

Sizing Stringed Instruments

Here is a tip just in time for gearing up for the school season. Sizing a stringed instrument is a question which you will find multiple answers for. There is no absolute standard in approaching sizing of a violin, viola, or cello to a student. However, through the years, Alex has learned some general guidelines that work well.

General Guidelines for Sizing Violin & Viola Students

• With the student standing straight with arms at side, nestle instrument into playing position on shoulder
  
• Have the student reach their left arm straight out to the side, horizontal to the floor, with their palm facing up
  
• The top of the scroll should meet the arm at the wrist. If the instrument is too large, it will begin to set into the palm. If the instrument is too small, it will come short of meeting the wrist.
• The overall decision of 'pushing' a student into a larger size is typically determined by the instructor. However, a general rule is that violists can be 'pushed' more.
  

General Guidelines for Sizing Cello Students

• Pull the endpin out equal-distant to the tailpiece
  
• With the student sitting on the front edge of a chair and feet flat on the floor, place the cello into position
• The curve of the scroll should sit next to the ear of the student. If the instrument is too small, the scroll will fall short of the ear. If the instrument is too large, it will rise above the student's ear.

Again, these are general guidelines that we use in shop; but there is no set standard in the business. We hope that these tips aid in the selection of a properly sized violin, viola, or cello.

-Cassandra General Manager

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

Ever wondered what simple things you can do everyday to care for your instrument? Here is a list of friendly tips and reminders for those young or old, beginners or artists.

Everyday Instrument Care Tips

• Be sure to loosen your bow after each session, whether practicing or performing. A bow left tight will cause a gradual loss in camber of the stick.
• Consistently wipe-off the rosin residue from the instrument with a 100% cotton cloth. If left on the instrument, this residue will deteriorate the varnish. A microfiber cloth is another idea for cleaning and light polishing.
• To lengthen the life of your case, be sure to always clasp and zip it shut. If any of these are left undone, the case will eventually loose it's shape and decrease it's protection of the instrument and function of the case.
• Never leave shoulder rests attached to instruments when putting in the case; even sponges or foams. If left on, once the case is closed extra pressure will be placed on the bridge, which is already carrying the tension weight of the strings.
• In climates or seasons where the humidity is low (less that 50%), an in-case or in-instrument humidifier should be used. There are many options, from models needing filled daily to just once per week. By using a humidifier, it reduces the stress of swelling and contracting of the instrument wood which causes natural openings and sometimes cracks.
  
• If carrying your case backpack style, consider switching to 1 strap that fits diagonally over one shoulder, across the chest, and under the opposite arm. This is known to more evenly distribute the weight of the instrument and case, rather than pulling on the body.

These are just a handful of simple tips that we pass along to our in-store customers and hope brings a longer life to your instrument 'outfit'.

-Cassandra General Manager

Spotlight on Specials

Dear Friends:
I just thought you would like to hear about some of our specials that are a part of our SPRING CLEARANCE EVENT for the next 2 weeks. Here we go:

Violin By Gunther Lobe
This violin by the German master Gunther Lobe has extraordinarily transparent oil varnish laid over dramatically flamed maple and Alpine spruce. Lobe's workmanship is extraordinary in originality and faithfulness to classic ideals, and the silvery rich sound is reminiscent of the Stradivarian aesthetic. It is easy to play, responsive and amazingly focused in its projection.

Original Price: $ 13,500 Sale Price $9,750

Violin Outfit with Violin by Wenzl Fuchs and bow by FC Pfretzschner
We have a friend needing to sell this marvelous German shop outfit she purchased as a girl in the 1960's. Everything is in great shape, and this is a wonderful bargain! The violin normally sells retail at $2500, and the bow can often command $1,000. The violin has a dark and beautiful sound without sacrificing clarity. This is a great buy!

Original price $3,500 Sale Price $1,800

Violin by Heinrich Th. Heberlein, Jr., Marneukirchen, 1926
This fine example of the best workshop in Germany at this time has a lovely red-brown oil varnish and great clear projecting sound. it will be a catch for the advancing student!

Original Price $3,900 Sale price $2,500

Guarneri Model Violin by Wojciech Topa

Wojciech Topa is considered to be the most outstanding practitioner of violin making in Poland today. Many of his instruments are played in major orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony. His shop is in Zakopane, Poland. He sets the highest standards for wood choice and workmanship, and his instruments always are dramatic in sound. His work has the exacting character of the German school, but has the lyric human quality of the Italians. These violins are among the finest instruments being made in the world today!

Original Price: $ 12,000 Sale Price $10,000

Brescian Model 16 5/8 inches Viola By Peter Yang
Peter Yang is a finely trained maker from Chicago who produces instruments with beautiful qualities and fine workmanship. The varnish is typically antiqued and the wood quality is superb. These instrument produce a rich and colorful sound that is unique. My favorite metaphor for the sound of this viola is "chocolate."

Original Price: $ 9,000 Sale Price $6,000

Cello By Frank Lee
Frank Lee is one of the most acoustically successful makers of cellos today. This cello has carefully selected and aged tonewoods; Maple from Vermont and Alpine Spruce top; and a fine golden brown oil resin varnish that is sensitively antiqued. Mr. Lee's modeling is based on Stradivarius, and the result is a clear projecting sound that does not lack power or resonance. This is truly a professional instrument!

Original price $15,000 Sale Price $11,000

If you wish to purchase or try out these instruments, please call me (Alex) toll free at 877.838.6222.

Spring Clearance Sale!

Hello friends! Right now we have an amazing storewide Spring Clearance Sale going on until the 1st of June. We have already had a great response during this sale and have been able to equip players of all ages, from the beginner to the performing artist with beautiful instruments, cases, and bows while they SAVE BIG! We are very excited with the outcome so far and want to make sure every player out there knows about this wonderful sale.

Below are some examples of qualifying instruments. We hope that this opportunity will fulfill the needs of the player in your life. Please contact us directly for more specific information on qualifying instruments.

Sincerely,

A. Cavallo Violins, LLC

Used Violin Outfits Each of these instruments are hand-carved under the supervision of a European master by fine craftsmen in Beijing, China. They have all of the features of a professional instrument, from the ebony fingerboard and pegs, the aged Himalayan spruce and maple, the hand-applied multi-layered spirit varnish, the tailpiece with four fine tuners, the Dominant, Vision or ProArte strings, and an Aubert French bridge. Each outfit is fitted in Omaha by the experts at A. Cavallo Violins, LLC. The outfit includes a suspension case and brazilwood bow that has an ebony frog and Siberian Stallion horsehair. Outfit includes: Violin, Bow, & Case A. Cavallo Retail: $500 Clearance Price: as low as $200

Concert Series Instruments We specially select these instruments for the advancing student and serious amateur. Each instrument features straight-grained spruce tops, complimented by handsomely flamed maple back, sides, and scroll. The hand-finished shaded or antiqued varnish gives each instrument a striking appearance. Examples of our concert instruments that will take the student to the next level! Violin A. Cavallo Retail: $1,750 Clearance Price: $900 Viola A. Cavallo Retail: $1.900 Clearance Price: $800 Double Bass 35% off select instruments (These instruments are sold without case and bow.)

Artistic Level Instruments Master Instruments Master Instruments are up to 50% off, such as Wojciech Topa, Gunther Lobe, Dimitar Dimitrov, Tansin Diedenbeck, Pavel Onoaie, and Janxin Wu. Violins finished by American Makers These instruments are finished by American makers specifically for Musaica Imports. A. Cavallo Retail: $4,000 Clearance Price: $2,000 (These violins are sold without case and bow.) Cello by Clement & Weise By Clement & Weise of Germany this cello is one of the standards of excellence for tone production and quality among current makers. It is based on a classic Stradivarius pattern with highly accurate measurements, wood thicknesses, and attractive and faithful antique finish. This results in an instrument which can carry the player well into the advanced stages of performance with a minimum investment. This is the introductory instrument in the Clement & Weise line but is in no way a compromise in tonal quality. A. Cavallo Retail: $4,950 Clearance Price: $2,500 (This cello is sold without case and bow.)

Anderson Music Stand This beautiful Anderson Music Stand by Lotus Design is a rich blend of classic beauty and performance. Several patented mechanisms were created to achieve a unique combination of portability and functionality. Handcrafted from the finest Brazilian Cherry or walnut, the Anderson Music Stand will enhance the joy of your musical experience. The desk height varies from 20" - 52" while the exclusive snap-and-lock mechanism allows you to choose six different desk angles and the extra-deep shelf accommodates heavy books or folders. It features aluminum hardware which has been anodized in a rich gold color coating that is extremely durable and will never tarnish. The stand comes with a handy durable padded carrying case with an adjustable shoulder strap. A. Cavallo Retail: $295 Clearance Price: $250

Accessories Discount Receive 25% off cases and bows with any instrument purchase. All accessories are sold at the lowest possible price (Between 10-30% off list price)

Renting from A. Cavallo Violins

     Parents come to us with a dilemma: What is the best route for my child this year?  Can I rent or should I buy?  Should I rent from a "music store" or should I rent from a legit violin shop, buy on line, rent on line, rent from my teacher or school......The questions go on and on.

     If you are someone looking for a temporary stringed instrument for either your child or yourself, look no further. In addition to A. Cavallo's reasonably priced violins and cellos, we also offer an extensive rental program for all your stringed instrument needs.  We individually spend time with you, have written warranties and can honor them with our fully staffed workshop, and will keep your child fiddling!

     The first impression any customer may have when considering renting from A. Cavallo is that we charge much more than our competitors. Why might people think this way about A. Cavallo? To put it simply, it is because of our location and appearance. Our company is based in the midst of some very exclusive and high-end grocery stores, coffee shops, and other places which sell high priced amenities. We at A. Cavallo would agree that our shop is quite different from our surrounding neighbors within The Village. We offer

violin and cello rentals at a very reasonable price manageable for almost all budgets. Most of all, we will do whatever we can to make sure you, as a customer, are satisfied with your rental and the price you pay for it bef

ore you walk out our door.

     When you walk through the door of a large company looking to satisfy your violin or cello needs, chances are the attention shown to you will be quite minimal. Customer service is a very important aspect here and you will be greeted with the greatest of enthusiasm and the utmost respect. Alex (president of A. Cavallo) will greet you with a warm smile and an untamable passion for stringed instruments. If Alex happens to be out at the time, Cassy (general manager) will help you with all your needs and questions. 

As a matter of fact, all of the employees at A. Cavallo have at least one degree in string instrument

 performance! For us here at A. Cavallo Violins, to know a customer's name is not uncommon. Alex frequently greets people

who come into our shop by their first or last name. Renting a violin or cello will be easier than you ever thought, thanks to our prices, customer service, and individual attention.

 

Daniel Jacobsen-

Polish Maker's Spotlight: Szlachtowski, Koscielny, & Cracovia Workshop

For a number of years, the shop had been investing its time in locating world class contemporary makers from abroad such as Italy or Germany. However, it seems like the boss recently has had an interest in the up and coming makers of Eastern Europe like Poland, Czech Republic, or Romania. If you've kept tabs on my Twitter account, you may have heard about the arrival of some new instruments. Two of these will be the topic of today's entry as I show off some nice photos of the makers, talk more about their background, and a bit of history on Polish violin making.

Jan Szlachtowski was Born in 1951 in Nowry Targ, Poland. In 1970 he finished school in violin making in Zakopane where he worked under one of the old Polish Masters Jozef Bartoszek. From 1987 to 1988, he worked at W.H. Lee firm in Chicago. In 1988 he returned home to his birth city where he opened up shop and can still be found working today. His main area of work is cello which have established quite a reputation amongst dealers in the U.S.



The workshop of Master Jarek Koscielny in Czetochowa, the town of the famous Black Madonna which is frequently visited by Catholic tourists and pilgrimages. His violins are made in the Stradivari and Guarneri patterns with an antiqued varnish look.



The Cracovia Workshop was established about 6 years ago in Southern Poland. Polish Master Ryszard Florek runs the shop with 4 assistants in the town of Bielsko-Biala. All the instruments are "aged", antiqued, and treated in spirit varnish.


As you can see, some of the best contemporary makers are coming from Eastern Europe. You may think that violin making in these countries are a relatively new cultural phenomenon but not so! According to an article in the the Warsaw Voice, a majority of the Polish violin makers are members of the-oldest, after Italy's, organization of violin makers in Europe. The Association of Polish Artists Violin Makers (ZPAL) is reported to have 113 members and is celebrating its 54th anniversary this May.

In fact, Poland has had a richer history of violin making that dates as far back as the 16th century. The first great makers of that era, Marcin Groblicz I (1530-1609) and Baltazar Dankwart (mid-16th century - 1622), started two dynasties of outstanding violin makers which lasted until the 18th century. Some scholars even believe that the prototype of the violin originated in Poland. Relics such as a primitive fiddle from the 11th century, a five-string instrument from the 12th century and a six-string instrument in 15th-century serve as some of the strongest evidences for their case. A collection of these instruments can be found at the Museum of Musical Instruments in Poznań.

Many of today's Polish makers go through secondary school whose curricula include the art of violin making. There are currently two in the Poland that offer such programs: High School of Fine Arts in Zakopane and High School of Music in Poznań. These schools' graduates have an opportunity to continue their studies at the Violin Making Department of Poznań's Music Academy. This means that Poland is the only country in the world where violin makers can receive a university-level education.

After years of training and apprenticeships, many of them have established their workshop in the mountainous region of Poland. Due to the low cost of labor in Eastern Europe, a favorable currency exchange rate for the US Dollar, and a tradition of highly trained makers, these instruments can be compared with others that are worth two or more times their market price.

PVC Electric Pipe Cello

I've decided to start up another category for future blog entries. It will be simply be titled "weird instruments". Any string instruments that defy the classical patterns and construction will be included. Take for example this entry title "PVC Pipe Cello". A while back, there was YouTube video challenge asking users to create a unique home made instrument and post videos of their creation online. I was hesitant at first to give the challenge some coverage on the blog since this is supposed to be documenting our daily life in the shop, but I thought it couldn't hurt to shed light on some amateur makers.

The maker of this electric cello spent under $100 and about 40 hours to make this instrument for a class project. Materials: PVC pipes, tuning knobs from a guitar, a bike pedal, and used cello strings. With no musical background at all, demonstrates how to play: bow across the strings in an upright position, pluck the upright like a guitar, or you can wrap the instrument around one arm and play it like a violin. Well, he's managed a traditional "upright" cello into a waist wrapping instrument.

Dr. David Low comes to Visit

Last week, we had the pleasure of Dr. David Low visit our shop. David Low is the Kayser Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
You can't miss David with his hat, case, and cello. The purpose of our invitation was to show case some of the shop cellos and bows, including Lester's latest bows. Last time I checked, has made two cello bows and David gave them a test drive. Better crank out some more bows Les:)

Aqua's "Barbie Girl" gone cello classical

[Aqua, 1997 Single "Barbie Girl"]

I've been a little slow on my commentary and in depth articles. To substitute, a brief mention of a fun video for those classical musicians who dare not listen to pop. Although a month old, the latest video to hit up some interest on social networking sites comes this one off of the MySpace video sharing site.

It's the late 1990's Norwegian-Danish pop band Aqua with "Barbie Girl" , only in a classical tradition. And a one, two, three, four, sets the beat of the lead cellist as all four of them grind away. When that song originally came out, I couldn't stand that annoying high pitch voice and bubblgum dance but strangely enough, that classical rendition wasn't too bad.

• Original Barbie Girl Video
• Classical Barbie Girl
  

Carbon Fiber Cello Construction

Carbon Fiber is the future

A prophetic vision-from our almighty God, YouTube-shows the details of the coming days.

"Violin shops will be put out of business. Musicians will abandon their decaying wooden Strads. Mass produced, technologically advanced instruments reaching the status of perfection, everyone will play like Paganini once they've traded their souls for cold carbon."

Well, probably not, but in theory it could. After all, I did see an advert in Strings Magazine that had Yo-Yo Ma posing with his brand new Luis & Clark cello #4 and is quoted: "I love this cello". Anyway, a fun post this was as I was absolutely fascinated by how these instruments with different materials and construction processes can mimic the acoustics of the real cello, for now:)

Death of a Cello

As traditional forms of media and entertainment have become fragmented with the arrival of easy upload online videos, so has the mainstream tastes and preferences become more diverse. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, George Lucas described today's Internet content as circus-like and similar to the zeitgeist of the Romans feeding Christians to the Lions.
Stupid pet tricks, karaoke tapes, cartoons; anything obscene, obscure, meant to shock and offend, all of which I think are fine forms of entertainment but I do wish that content like this at least have developed ideas when they're strapped to the budget of a handheld.

For example, a little video titled Death of a Cello seems to be circulating around the MySpace string community. The premise, as the white title blocks explain to us,"What do you do...When the Music Stops." A brief synopsis: we are witness to three kids who take turns blasting away at a cello until no more. If you don't believe me, you can follow the thread of comments at the MySpace Group "Violinists Unite" posting of the video or click onto the earlier link if you have a MySpace.

Give people what they want, as the Roman Emperors did, may mean give the kids some guns so they can shoot out their musical frustration on a such "uncool" instrument. Better yet, there's always some kind of allure of destruction. Sure it was "cool" to see the neck splinter, top pop off, just like the car wrecks that we can't seem to turn away from. But in a matter of seconds, what for? and why? Why such a death of content after a climatic timing of the sound track that ended with some random line, "For the American tourist bastards." It's stuff like this, where I have to wonder, what was the point of it?

Although I found this video to be of cheap amusement, the point is that it was meant to be shared where its true content of destructive entertainment could be realized and appreciated among friends with similar tastes and preferences to its creator. I certainly can't explain to you 'why' these forms of Internet content are the ones in the limelight. Leave that job to a social commentator or talking head on t.v.

Grant it, this blog is about the shop life couldn't resist in a little commentary of how Internet content is affecting the string world.

Cello Repair

A rental instrument came in the other day, and the mom wasn't worried sick about its condition. The player it in a soft padded case, but manged to drop the cello bridge impacting the ground first. The top of the cello now has a significant crack.

Thank goodness for the insurance and maintenance policy, as the two of them drove back home with a different cello.

Meanwhile, we're trying to fix this guy up!

A little instruction by the boss on clamping process. Some hot hide glue used to fill the cracks and specially designed clamps to hold it in place without getting clamp marks all over the surface.

The dove tailed corner blocks need to be scrapped off of excess glue.

Now, despite the back and cello all in tact, it needs to be stabilized while the top is off being glued. Otherwise, the potential for its sides and back to warp. Two pieces of wood are held parallel to another while another set of clamps are used to hold the body in place.

A view from inside from the endpin.

-chg