The instrument-making firm of Suzuki was established in 1887 by Masakichi Suzuki (b. 1859). Whatever one's opinion may be about instruments from Japan and China, the fact remains that the firm of Suzuki still today maintains its reputation in a highly competitive arena for good-sounding, well-constructed instruments for beginners and advanced students, combining good tonal properties with affordability.

The scientist Dr Albert Einstein, who was also a superb violinist and violin lover, was familiar with Masakichi Suzuki's instruments. In 1926 he commented as follows to Masakichi's younger son, Shinichi Suzuki: "My favourite German violins cannot compare with the responsive sound and tone quality of these made by your father. I would like to keep and play this violin the rest of my life and keep it as a family treasure". Dr. Einstein continued to use that same violin (the Suzuki) to perform for invited scholars and musicians who would visit him in years to come. He also commented: "The tone from this violin would only come from one by an Italian master craftsman made over 200 years ago!"

Interestingly, it was this same Shinichi Suzuki who established the teaching principles of the well-known and successful teaching process known globally as the Suzuki Method.

This particular cello, made in 1985, is a three-quarter size instrument. It is a model 40, which to my knowledge had only a limited production. It was the advanced upgrade for a rising young talent who has since moved on to a professional instrument. It is really exceptionally well-toned and satisfying to work on, allowing the student to experience the result of his efforts. What a student may ask of this instrument, it will give.

It is an excellent student instrument in superb condition with only a few superficial scratches one would normally expect of an instrument which has already seen 26 years of hard work and is set for many more years of good service.

If you are after an affordable three-quarter size cello with a big clean tone, this is what you want.

It is sold with a good green canvas carry bag and a basic bow.

Dimensions :
	Back length: 68.5 cm

Condition :
	Excellent. A few superficial scratches have no structural impact.

Provenance :
	Withheld. This cello was the advanced upgrade for a very talented and rising young musician who has recently upgraded to a full-size professional instrument.

Price :

R9 900

The equivalent model Suzuki cello (#72) now costs around US$ 3 000 new (about R20 000), and depending on the country, would retail for for between R18 000 and R22 000. This cello is in my opinion considerably better than the Stentor Conservatoire models and on a par with the Stentor Arcadia model, which at this time retails for over R20 000. This cello is sold with a good canvas carry bag and a basic bow.

 

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