English Cello - Randall Foster 1979 (EN021)

English Cello - Randall Foster 1979 (EN021)

Please inquire about the price.

This is a wonderful handmade English cello made in 1979 by Randall Foster of Chorley, Lancashire.

Randall Foster only made a few instruments; he didn’t need to as he was independently wealthy (indeed he owned instruments by Stradivari!) He was a polymath, skilled in multiple disciplines, eager to learn new skills and an absolute perfectionist. My personal feeling is that had he been more prolific, his instruments would have found their way into the hands of some top players and his work would be extremely sort after now.

This cello is in excellent condition having only really being played for the last few years or so by me as my principle instrument. It was given by Randall to a dear friend who was not a player; he had kept it in storage for many years following Randall’s passing. It took a few hours of playing to really ‘open up’ and let me know what a special instrument it really was. I have had much enjoyment out of playing this cello.

It is made using the finest tone woods, top quality maple for the back, scroll & ribs and much sought after Haselfichte or ‘bear claw’ spruce for the front. ‘Bear claw’ refers to the figurative markings in the wood, very rare and highly prized as tone wood. It has been varnished in a very attractive honey color that highlights the beauty of the tone woods.

It is light in weight, projecting and highly resonant with clear, professional level sound. It has been set up with Larsen Magnacore Arioso strings.

Length of back is 757mm

High resolution photos can be sent on request.