Cellos

New: the #600E cellos are made entirely from seasoned European tonewood: an Italian spruce front, with a well-flamed German maple back, ribs and scroll. They are finished in our hand-made oil varnish and are available in two Stradivari models.

The VC600E “De Munck” model is based on the Stradivari of 1730, the cello played by Emanuel Feuermann. This is Stradivari’s late, slender pattern, narrower across the bouts, which makes it comfortable to play and quick to respond. It is finished in a lighter golden-orange varnish.

Hear it played: Donglin Li plays Popper’s Polonaise de concert on the VC600E “De Munck” (video).

The VC600E “Davidoff” model is based on the Stradivari of 1712, played by Karl Davidoff, Jacqueline du Pré and now Yo-Yo Ma. This is the classic “forma B” pattern on which most modern cellos are modelled, with a broad, powerful tone. It is finished in a darker red-brown varnish.

Hear it played: Donglin Li plays the Courante from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6 on the VC600E “Davidoff” (video).

The top grade cellos are the #500 series which are handcrafted by our most experienced makers, using the best possible seasoned tonewood. Particular attention is paid to the graduation of the plates and these cellos produce a very powerful and rich tone making them an ideal solo instrument.

These cellos are available in a Stradivari, Guarneri or Montagnana model. They are coated with a traditional, cooked oil varnish (made personally in small batches by KG) and finished in an antiqued style that may vary in appearance slightly from one instrument to the next.

A new model cello is now available based on a 1717 instrument by Rogeri. This cello has a slightly shorter body length than the Stradivari model, although the upper and middle bouts are slightly broader. The dimensions are: length 733 mm, upper bouts 353 mm, middle bouts 250 mm, lower bouts 436 mm.

All #500 cello models can also be supplied made with European tonewoods.

The #400 cellos are also handcrafted instruments made by our most experienced makers with the same attention to detail as the #500 series. While the very best timber is reserved for the #500 cellos, all of the instruments in the #400 range use tonewoods that have been carefully selected for superior tonal qualities and appearance.

The #400 cellos are finished with our hand-made oil varnish in an antiqued style and are available in a Stradivari or Montagnana model (full size instruments) or a Guadagnini (7/8 size).

These models are also available made using European tonewoods.

Cellos in the #300 range are fully handcrafted – the spruce fronts have a very even grain, while the back, sides and neck are well-flamed maple. Four models are available – all have a hand-brushed oil varnish with a lightly antiqued finish. These instruments are ideally suited for the advanced student.

There are two full-size options, a Stradivari model (VC300S) and a Montagnana model.

KG also offer two smaller #300 cellos – a 7/8 size Guadagnini and a 3/4 Stradivari.

The #200 cellos also come in both a Stradivari model and a Montagnana model, as well as a 7/8 Guadagnini and a 3/4 Stradivari. The maple used in their construction is nicely flamed and the spruce has an even grain.

These instruments are coated in a lightly antiqued varnish and are suitable for intermediate students.

The #100 model cello is a handcrafted instrument ideally suited to cater for the beginning player up to an intermediate standard. These are available in all sizes from 1/4 to full size (4/4).

The #80 model is similar in construction to our #100 instruments, except the wood has some minor blemishes. This is our budget range and is available in sizes from 1/8 to full size (4/4)