3 Exceptional Cello Makers to Watch

As more and more players in the UK are realizing the benefits of a choosing a contemporary instrument, we have made a list of some of the finest cello makers to watch out for over the coming years.

We have included cello makers with established reputations outside the United Kingdom as well as up and coming young makers we thing are producing cellos of exceptional quality.

Edgar Russ

A familiar name in Cremona, Edgar Russ enjoys an established reputation as one of the best cello makers of his generation. His workshop produces 3 different lines of instruments with varying levels of finish:

• Master Instruments
• Linea Macchi
• Scala Perfecta

His Master Cellos, alongside instruments by his workshop colleagues Mina Mazzolari and Anna Arietti are examples of some of the finest making one can find in Cremona today.

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These cellos are full of character and reflect this workshop’s positive working environment. The subtle antiquing and high-quality finishes ensure that the instruments will only look better with time.

Particular care is given to setup and player comfort resulting in cellos of remarkable consistency and tone quality.

Here's an example by Mina Mazzolari from Edgar's workshop

Visit Edgar’s Website

Paolo Vettori

While focusing his efforts on all stringed instruments, Italian makers Paolo Vettori produces absolutely stunning cellos with painstaking attention to detail.

Based on the classical 16th, 17th and 18th century models, his instruments also incorporate modern features to match the tonal and aesthetic requirements of today’s musicians.

They are beautifully finished with an antique looking varnish and often feature beautiful decorations. Paolo Vettori is one of Italy's most revered makers and definitely a world-class craftsman.

Here's an example of Paolo' work

Visit Paolo’s Website

Francesco Toto

Francesco Toto was born in Lecce, Italy, in 1972. He received a diploma at the ‘G. Pellegrino’ institute for art in Lecce when he was just 18 years old. His studies took him to Cremona in 1990, where he attended the International School of Violin Making. Since 1996 Francesco Toto has worked in his own atelier in the heart of Cremona. He is a member of the Cremonese ‘Antonio Stradivari’ Violin Makers’ Consortium and of the ‘Violin Society of America’. Toto has won a considerable number of awards at international competitions. In 2001 he received 3rd prize for a cello at the international violin making competition in Mittenwald. In 2003 he won 4th prize in the cello category at the international competition in Cremona. He was awarded 2nd prize for a cello at the competition in Mittenwald in 2005, and won 1st prize at the ‘Triennale’ in Cremona in 2006.

In our opinion, Francesco Toto is the most inspired cello maker of his generation. His cellos are the gold standard of contemporary instrument making and many of his contemporaries agree.

With exquisite attention to detail, Francesco crafts cellos full of personality and their tone is hard to match. He only makes instruments using his personal model which he has refined over the last few decades with an incessant attention to sound and projection. His reputation is one of the best in the world and he is one of today's most sought-after makers.

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Visit Francesco’s Website

Final thoughts

Many musicians are opting for modern instruments nowadays not only for their cost but also for opportunity to own a great instrument.

Instruments by these makers are gaining recognition worldwide but particularly in the UK.

Played on by young and established soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral players, it’s this versatility that is making them universally liked among musicians.

About MyLuthier

MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

The idea was to provide musicians with the best instruments at a price they can afford.

We travelled Europe in search for exceptional cello makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.

This means that all of our instruments are rigorously tested and we approach them from a musician’s perspective.

Without a doubt, contemporary instruments are one of the best options for today’s musicians.