Scottish Cello 1883

Scottish Cello, Alexander howland Smith, edinburgh, 1883

poa

Lovingly restored by the team at Stamford Strings, this beautiful cello is a very unique example of Scottish making at it's best in the period at the end of the 19th century when James Hardie was establishing the craft in Edinburgh. Alexander Howland Smith was almost certainly an associate of James Hardie, or was influenced by his work. Alexander Howland Smith was born in Edinburgh in 1859 and according to David Rattray, flourished around 1900, which fits with the date in this cello. He is credited with 50 instruments of good repute and used a printed label, which is clearly visible in this cello.

The cello has a longish string length (700mm) and a longish slender body with a narrow waist and very fully arching which gives it a sweet and sonorous tone. The slender body means it feels smaller than it is and is easy to play. There are no back cracks, and only minor cracks on the front in innocuous places, which have all been professionally repaired. The sound post area is completely original and undamaged, as are the f holes. The cello has had a new fingerboard, elevation correction, peg holes bushed and new peg holes and pegs fitted, a new bass bar, all cracks soundly repaired and reinforced on the inside and varnish revived. Once all this work was completed the cello had a new bridge, sound post and a boxwood tailpiece with integrated adjusters, and is fitted with Larsen Magnacore Arioso strings. It is ready for trial. Book now to avoid disappointment.