The Ifshin Collection of Fine Violins
The Ifshin Collection of Fine Violas
The Ifshin Collection of Fine Basses
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Fine Cellos in the Ifshin Violins Collection

If you are looking for a fine cello, now is very good time to visit Ifshin Violins! Although fine quality cellos have become increasingly difficult to find in recent years, we currently have our best selection ever. We would like to extend an invitation to you to visit us to see and try some of these exceptional instruments.


up Cellos Over $20,000

SgarabottoGaetano Sgarabotto, Milan, early 20th Century. Early in his career, Sgarabotto became famous for his reproductions of the classic Milanese masters such as Grancino and Testore. This cello is an excellent Testore copy. The cello is in excellent condition and has a full, warm tone.


GandCharles Adolphe Gand, Paris, 1854. Charles Adolphe was the second generation of the great Gand Dynasty. His father was Charles François, student and successor to Lupot. This magnificent cello is characteristic of the very high quality of his work, with rich ruby-red varnish. The tone is big, powerful, clear and forthright with great carrying power. Condition is excellent.

BlanchiAlberto Blanchi, Nice, 1917. Blanchi has long been appreciated for his superb, flawless workmanship. This fine cello is in almost perfect condition and has a back and ribs of beautiful bird's-eye maple, giving it a very striking appearance. The tone is broad and warm with great character.

Schwartzfrères Schwartz, Strasbourg, 1838. Georges Frèdéric and Théophile Guillaume Schwartz were sons and successors to their father Bernhard. They worked together, but most of the instrument making was done by Théophile while his brother concentrated on bow making. Their work is highly respected and appreciated. This cello has an exceptional voice, huge, full and responsive. The varnish is dark red-brown with extensive craquelure.

GuersonLouis Guerson, Paris, c. 1760. Guerson was one of the most important French makers of his generation and his instruments are highly esteemed. Here is a wonderful opportunity to own a fine 18th Century cello at a price much more affordable than an Italian instrument of that period. Excellent tone.



'Lupot'French, Lupot label, circa 1850. Since we don't know who actually made this interesting cello, it represents an excellent opportunity for the musician who is not interested in an instrument with an important name attached to it (with a price to match). This cello has a nice full, dark, and sweet tone.

AgostinelliLuigi Agostinelli, Milan, 1957. We don't know who this interesting maker trained with, but it is clear from this cello that he was an excellent and skilful maker. Very fine, full and rich tone.



ViseltearJason Viseltear, New York, 2006. This young maker is developing an impressive reputation, especially among Baroque and early music specialists. This is a very interesting and attractive instrument and should be an excellent choice for an advanced conservatory student or aspiring professional.



BelleiMarcello Bellei, Modena, 2007. We were so pleased with the first cello we received from Mr. Bellei last year that we have ordered more. This is our second one. This gifted young maker trained with Renato Scrollavezza in Parma and has worked with a number of other important makers before opening his own workshop three years ago in Modena. This exceptionally beautiful cello exhibits superb workmanship and has a great tone. It's very exciting to find a young maker like this with such talent and skill.

Andrea Cappelaro, Verona, 2000.
Cappelaro studied at the violin making school in Cremona, later moving to Verona where he has continued to make fine instruments. Excellent tone and condition.



up Cellos From $10,000 to $20,000

Giancarlo Stanzani, Bologna, 1990. Stanzani started when very young with Enrico Piretti before going on his own in 1958. Over the years he has won a number of awards and medals for his work. This cello has a beautiful dark golden red varnish over exceptionally beautiful wood.


Tetsuo Matsuda, Chicago, 1988. Matsuda is one of the most highly regarded contemporary American makers. While most of his instruments are heavily antiqued, this cello is one of his few varnished in a more traditional manner. Excellent condition and tone.


Ciciliati-Massari, Ferrara, 1997. This is a beautiful cello from the workshop of Alessandro Ciciliati with back and sides of stunning Italian poplar. Perfect condition and excellent tonal qualities.



DimbathBernd Dimbath, Bubenreuth, 2006. This is a very striking instrument with back and side of highly flamed poplar. The tone quality is exceptional for an instrument in this price range.



Bernd Dimbath, Dimbath is one of the most successful makers in Germany today. He has made the wise choice of making instruments to the very highest quality standards. This model (444) won a very prestigious award from the german government two years ago because of the high quality of it's workmanship and tone. This cello just arrived and should sell quickly.


up Cellos From $4,000 to $10,000

Heinrich Th. Heberlein, Markneukirchen, 1930. The Heberlein workshop was renowned for the highest quality workmanship. This attractive cello represents an excellent value for the advancing cellist.

Old German, label of Gustave Bernardel.

Jay Haide, à l'ancienne. Over the last several years, our Jay Haide cellos have become tremendously popular with teachers and students, as well as professional musicians. They represent one of the best values in a handmade cello available today. Our finest model of the Jay Haide line sells for $4,950 and is available in Stradivarius, Ruggieri, and Montagnana models.

(Click here for further information on our Jay Haide instruments.)

Aubert workshop, France. Models available: J.B. Vuillaume, Serie Limite and G. Michal.


Cellos Under $4,000

Jay Haide, Model 104 and 101. These fully handmade cellos represent an excellent value for a promising student. We usually have a good selection of these cellos, ranging in price from $2,850-3,650.

(Click here for further information on our Jay Haide instruments.)
Heinrich Gill, Bubenreuth.
Alois Sandner, Bubenreuth.
E.R. Pfretzschner, Mittenwald, 1960.
J & H. Our most affordable cello is totally hand made and set up here in our shop.


up Cello Bows

We also have an excellent selection of old and new cello bows, including several fine bows by Morgan Andersen, one of the finest and most important bow makers working today. His cello bows have been tremendously popular with professional cellists. Please see our Fine Bow page for a full listing.

We cordially invite you to come by for a visit and try any of these fine cellos and bows. We look forward to seeing you.


6420 Fairmount Avenue • El Cerrito, California 94530 • (510) 843-5466