East German Cello 1950
West German Cello 1950
At first glance, this 1950s East German cello gives the impression of something far more refined — flamed maple, warm varnish, and graceful lines that suggest a higher pedigree. But looks can be deceptive. Made behind the Iron Curtain, in a time when East German workshops were tasked with producing student instruments under tight material constraints, this cello reflects the era’s ingenuity. The back is veneered with maple, the front with spruce — a clever way to create the look of a solid-wood instrument without the cost. The result? While the materials are modest and the beauty is only skin-deep, this cello still surprises. It plays with warmth and clarity, speaking easily and offering a reliable, characterful voice.
While the materials are modest and the beauty is only skin-deep, this cello still surprises.
Condition
The overall condition of this cello is very good, especially considering its age. There are a few surface blemishes here and there, but nothing unexpected for an instrument from the 1950s. The veneered back and front — maple and spruce respectively — remain well preserved, and structurally the cello is in excellent shape. It does feature a lower-grade ebony fingerboard, typical of student instruments from this period, but it remains functional and stable. Most importantly, the cello benefits from a fresh professional setup, which brings out its best qualities and ensures it’s ready to play from day one.
The setup
This cello has a totally new setup with Eva Perrazzi on the bottom two strings and Larsens on the top two.
The Sound
The string combination of Eva Perazzi and Larsen makes for effortless playing and strong precise tonal projection that is warm powerful. This was a suprise to me to be honest, as the choice of materials left me uncertain, I am pleased to say that this is a real treat to play and to listen to. So when it comes to 'bang for you buck' as they say, this cello really proves that with an open mind, good setup and excellent strings you can start to play the cello on a budget which is a tough ask.