I've had my maestro cello for a few days now (after an ordeal with ups in concern to delay delivery, after i paid extra for 2 day air, blah blah blah..). but anyway, I received it, in a very strong and sturdy double walled cardboard box, jammed full of packing peanuts and support cardboard for the cello, which was in the 500 case already, but it was nice seeing the extra support in there to protect every piece of merchandise. I opened the case and was pleased to see that there was yet even more supporting packaging to protect the cello within the actual case...small detail, but important, and i appreciate it..it shows that StringWorks not only care about all the steps up to the sale, but want to make sure your 'investment' (which is what I call any purchase over a certain amount LOL) gets to you safely.

But from the moment I opened the case, I fell in love. the wood pattern and finish just on the table alone, was breathtaking...I thought they screwed up and sent me a much more expensive antique or something. i take it out of the case, and even more in awe at the masterful skill that went into every minute detail in the instrument...the flaming is awe inspiring, and what's funny was I asked for a more brownish finish, which they didn't have at the time, but they managed to find me a more brownish finish of the other color. which I just adore. everything about this cello, is pleasing to the eye..from the slight hint of flaming on the scroll to the light finishing on the neck (which will wear off, but hey for now it looks nice LOL)..to the flaming and depth of the patterns in the wood...the flaming literally seems 3 dimensional when the light hits it a certain way.

So then came time to sit down with it, and play...at first, I agree with a previous review way down the list here, when it said that it was a little dry sounding at first. the best word I can describe it as (some will understand, some wont) is that it sounded really "boxy" at first. but that was understandable, since it was brand spankin' new and the wood still needs to be broken in. after an hour of playing it the first night I went to the bathroom and noticed the humidity chart I have up, and it was WAYYY low..it was a cold dry night here in socal...so I broke out the humidifier...turned on the heater...and wouldn't you know, that slight adjustment..after an hour more of playing brought out the sound from this wonderful cello light years farther.

The Joh. Krausch bow I got in combination with the now happy cello, made wonderful..and I mean WONDERFUL sounds...sounds so warm and complex it almost made me want to cry....getting such a wonderful sound and beauty for so little (compared to all other prices)...the sound was so wonderfully even across the strings, and the only time it didn't sound awesome, was when it was my fault, and finger placement was off, or my bow wandered a little too close to the bridge..but played right, i haven't struck a note on this cello, that hasn't sounded like heaven. I firmly believe it was the absolute BEST 2300.00 I've ever spent....haha the humidifier has been on 24/7 in my home since i received this cello, I don't want to do it the injustice of having it perform less than what its meant to...this cello will be my 2nd child LOL.

My one and only complaint (if you can even call it that) is that the strings were just a touch higher than I've been used too...so it takes a little more finger power to hold them down, but after a few days , I'm getting more and more used to it, and its less of a problem...and if it ever comes back to being a problem I can always take it to the shop nearby to have the bridge shaved a little...but I'm not letting this baby go any time soon LOL...were too busy making beautiful music together.

I want to thank erik Kramer publicly, and say he was a godsend...he put up with my excitedness and almost daily calls (especially when the package was arriving late)...and constant emails and annoying questions....and took it all with a smile and a laugh, and said he understood. he truly is a customer SERVICE guy..thats rare nowadays. and i wanted to thank you erik for walking me through this, and always being there no matter how annoying I got...to promptly answer emails and questions. everything about StringWorks has been more than I've expected...a cello worth more in sound and look than i purchased it for (at least worth 3 times as much)...and customer service that was more like dealing with family than a company..

thanks StringWorks! You've delivered me the cello of my dreams." - C.B.