Hugh Sutherland ‘Bear Claw’ Cello, Victoria, 1980 (CA011) $18,900 Canadian

Hugh Sutherland ‘Bear Claw’ Cello, Victoria, 1980 (CA011) $18,900 Canadian

This is a wonderful bench made instrument utilizing some of the finest quality tone woods that I have encountered. The back, ribs & scroll are made from a beautiful high-grade maple, the front is formed from a magnificently figured piece of ‘bear claw’ spruce. The term ‘bear claw’ refers to the irregular markings and is a rare form of spruce tonal wood; one estimate is that only one in forty trees displays the pattern. It was highly prized by some of the great makers through history - Stradivari, Montagnana & Del Gesù all made instruments featuring it. The wood is thought to have superior tonal qualities and makers today expect to pay more for it. A typical piece will exhibit only a few markings; this beautiful cello has multiple markings on its front.

Hugh Sutherland was a highly skilled violin-maker working out of Victoria, Canada. He had a limited output, mainly producing violins on commission and his cellos are rare. The workmanship on this handmade instrument is exquisite and exacting. The elegant scroll is particularly appealing.

The cello has only had one owner, a local player who originally commissioned it and had treasured it; the instrument is in excellent condition. It is modelled after the Duport Stradivari cello. The instrument has been thoroughly checked out by a top luthier and is set up ready to play. This luthier wrote a certificate valuing it at $25k and is willing to address the certificate to the new owner.

The sound is professional level; clear, balanced, resonant and projecting - the cello is a joy to play.

The length of back is 755 mm, high resolution photos available on request.