Estimation Cello Valuations

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Cello Valuations

Do you own any cello? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

Origin and categorisation

The cello is a string instrument belonging to the violin family, which is played using a bow. It was invented at the end of the 16th century in Italy, where it took the etymological form of a violoncello. It can be categorised as a cello or violoncello, played by a cellist or violoncellist. Before the development of the modern cello, there was a bass violin.

It is larger than a violin, and consists of an adjustable endpin, a piece of metal supporting the cello, which was added later in the nineteenth century. This element means the instrument can be properly balanced.

The size of the instrument’s body grows as it develops, reaching the final size of the case, namely 75cm, as made by the luthier Antonio Stradivari. The usual form was refined in various luthier workshops including those of Gasparo da Salò and Niccolo Amati, a native of Cremona.

The woods used to make the cello come from spruce, flamed maple, and even ebony.

The violin in the scope of instruments

The cello’s beginnings were not very promising, it was competing with the viola da gamba (a bass viol), which enjoyed greater success. The viola da gamba can be traced back to 8th century Spain, where the instrument was first introduced by the Moors.

Although the bass viol is preferred to the cello, the quality of timbre and the polyphonic multiplicity of the cello eventually won the favour of contemporaries at the end of the 18th century.

Big names such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Luigi Boccherini have been closely associated with the fame of the instrument over the decades. Thus, the cello has become more and more appreciated as a solo instrument.

The cello became truly prized for its virtuosity during the rise of the Romantic period.

Occurrence of the instrument on the market

Prices for cellos vary widely, with some fetching as much as 30,000 euros for their craftsmanship.

At an auction held in Vichy in June 2018, a Russian collector offered the sum of 930,000 euros for a rare cello piece dating back to the middle of the 18th century and made by the Italian violin maker Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.

There are some extremely rare pieces from the 18th century, estimated at over a million euros, such as the Goffriller cello by the French instrumentalist Ophélie Gaillard.

How do we appraise your violoncello?

Requesting an online valuation of your musical instrument is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our violoncello experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own a cello, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your violoncello, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

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