Old English cello by Edward Cobbold, 1996

An English cello with an extraordinarily precise response and an outstanding powerful sound: this instrument by Edward Cobbold was crafted in 1996 in the classic English tradition as an unconventional expression of confident craftsmanship.

Ever since the days of Guarneri, many excellent violin makers in the Italian tradition have carefully created “mistakes“ in their work to give their masterpieces an interesting and distinctive aesthetic and dramatically emphasize the instrument’s magnificent sound – for example, they might artistically highlight a blemish in the wood or be deliberately careless in crafting aspects such as the sound holes or the purfling. With this 1996 cello – the template and varnish of which make it clear at first glance that it is of indubitably English origin – Edward Cobbold went above and beyond most of these brilliant touches of rule-breaking by not only including wood with a few minor flaws but also keeping a striking-looking repair to the top that is visible under the varnish of this resplendent instrument. The powerful, mature and large sound of this Edward Cobbold cello has such an exceptionally clear character that it appears to ignore these apparent shortcomings outright. It thus serves as a powerful reference for the self-confidence of this Cambridge luthier, and his original label is still visible inside the body. The experts at our restoration workshop showed great interest as they set up this rare instrument with its inimitable personality, and we offer it in top condition and ready to play.