"I wanted to add to all the Bartok chat by posting my own experience. My original intention was to buy the Soloist, but as there was a 2 1/2- 3 month wait, I was a little anxious. I allowed myself to be talked into the Bartok, which was described as "quite possibly the finest Bartok we have had to date...the wonderful sound of this cello, and in particular the tremendous resonance and tone of the lower register." A lot to live up to! Well, I was not disappointed. After comparing my old cello to the Bartok, there was no comparison. The Bartok sounded so much more open and clean. The projection and resonance were fantastic, especially in the lower registers. I was also very pleased with the look of my cello. After craving a dark Soloist, I can't say I was too thrilled with the Bartok pictures on the website. This cello looks nothing like those pictures and the antiquing is quite lovely. I took the cello to my teacher to see what he thought. He had only praise for the Bartok. In fact, he said while my previous cello was a reliable Honda Civic, this cello was a fully-loaded Lexus. Not even in the same class. When we played together, you could really hear the strong voice of the Bartok over his cello. By the time we were done, he said he was jealous. Thanks again StringWorks for all your patience and personal attention. I felt like you really cared for me and my unique situation." - K.W.

"I had my first lesson yesterday since my Bartok Montagnana arrived.  I have a very picky teacher, at least on the subject of instruments and their set ups.  I think she had been a bit disappointed in my decision to order through the Internet. In an ideal world, I was supposed to drive up to Seattle and test drive every instrument available in the entire Northwest before letting go of real money.  So, I arrived prepared to be a bit defensive.  Totally unnecessary.  She loved it.  Ultimately she said "she was jealous"." - S.G. (for more on this teacher review, click here)

"The (Kallo Bartok) cello looks great and it is better looking than what I was expecting. I love the overtones, the resonance and the warmer tones!  So does my teacher!  Speaking of StringWorks......You guys are GOOD!! You've either have good business consultants or it is your general nature which is even better. (I have two degrees in psychology!) Your web site is well organized; it provides a lot of information; and you genuinely care about your customers." - R.K.

"The (Kallo Bartok) cello looks wonderful, and I've been playing it for the past hour.  I visited my teacher on Monday, with the new cello. First, he insists that the instrument is not a new instrument, even to the point of wanting to argue the point. Most importantly, he really liked the instrument, commenting that another student should have purchased this one...  I'm very, very pleased." - P.M.