German Stradivari Model c. 1930 (GE048) - $5,600 Canadian

German Stradivari Model c. 1930 (GE048) - $5,600 canadian

A very nice German cello made during the Interwar years, in good condition and with a lovely deep auburn varnish.

People sometimes ask how we can date these old German instruments. Well, there a few clues; this one is labeled ‘Copy of Antonius Stradivari, Made in Germany’. Along with the general look, method of manufacture and varnish choice, the ‘Made in Germany’ labeling is a big clue. Post unification in 1872 and prior to WW1, imports of instruments were generally labeled ‘Germany’. An amendment to the US McKinley Tariff act in 1914 required the addition of the words ‘Made In’. Immediately after WW1 (1914-18) was a period of anti-German sentiment in the US, with reduced imports not experiencing relief until the 1930’s. Following WW2, Germany was divided into West Germany and the GDR, labels reflecting this. It was only after re-unification in 1990 that the term Germany reappeared. There are always exceptions, but this cello is clearly pre 1990, so logic dictates it was likely made in the 1930’s.

There are some minor repairs, none in sound affecting areas (sound-post, bass-bar). The neck angle has been recently corrected with the addition of a wooden shim under the fingerboard and the instrument is in good playing condition,

The sound is very pleasing - warm in the higher areas, deep in the lower, typical of German instruments. The cello is easy to play, it is a little narrower but with the usual shift pattern so might suit a player looking for a more comfortable instrument but not with the smaller shifts of a 7/8.

The length of back is 758mm. High resolution photos available on request.