Official Luthiers Forum!

I am new to this forum and have no experience with instruments.

I am a woodworker from Indiana who's daughter wanted a cello. Just last week we found a very solid and good sounding used Cello and purchased it for her. The only 'problem' with the instrument is the finish (vanish?) is rubbed off in places. I would like to re-finish it. My woodworking contacts have recommended I get instructions from a luthier on the proper way to re-finish this to preserve the sound and value of the Cello.

Any advice is appreciated.
Steve

It would be best if at all possible to contact the builder (luthier, or manufacturing company) to find out what the finish is. Most Cellos have a spirit varnish finish and there are all sorts of recopies used with various oils and resins. Each will have its own color and will age differently.

It will almost certainly be a spirit varnish, unless high end in which case it will be oil varnish. Can you post some photos here of the cello and of the wear, as often it is best to just leave it alone or do a simple seal, rather than try and 'renew' the finish. Sometimes when finishing a new bowed string instrument is finished with built in 'wear marks' to add age.

Colin

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I'll have to see who the manufacturer is....I'll follow up on that and work on a photo.

Thanks for your advice!

Steve