"...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. (for complete review of the Maestro cello, click HERE)

"Thank you all for your thoughtful and insightful comments on purchasing and evaluating a cello. I have used the knowledge gained here and on the ICS discussion boards to become a better informed consumer. As my son said after leaving one violin shop, " Wow dad, you really sounded like you knew what you were talking about!"  My son has been playing the cello for two years in school orchestra and recently started private lessons. He will be playing for at least the next 5 years until he graduates from high school. We wanted an instrument that would carry him through this period without restricting his growth. With these few requirements and our budget in mind, we started to look for an instrument. Talking to Erik on the phone it was decided that a Maestro would be a good choice for us, however my son really wanted a dark brown one, so I decided to order the Soloist with a Krausch bow. After waiting a week for it to be setup, the instrument arrived undamaged at the expected time, and as depicted on the website, it is a beautiful deep brown with a subtle reddish tint. My son really likes the looks and sound of this cello. The next test would be an evaluation by his school and private tutor. I told them we had this out on a trial basis and wanted their expert opinions on the relative value of this potential purchase.  At school, the head of the performing arts department who teaches orchestra, is also a cellist. She inspected and played the Soloist and said that it's a very beautiful instrument, easy to play very resonant and that the sound will improve and mature over time. She said that the pegs, tailpiece, end pin, fine tuners, and strings are of good quality. She did not like the Krausch bow however, she said that it was too floppy for her taste. Other than the bow, she said that it is a very good deal and although she had never heard of StringWorks she will be checking out the site. His private tutor is a cellist with the city symphony. She said it was well setup, played easily, and that there was nothing locally that compares to the Soloist in that price range, and that the closest in tone and playability was a $3,500 instrument (plus tax) that was a little better in her opinion. (She had been checking out instruments for a couple of her other students the week before) She also said that it is a very good instrument for that price. Bottom line is that at this price point, there is nothing we can find locally that compares to the Soloist in looks and sound, even taking into account the cost of shipping. The instrument is not perfect, there are a few cloudy spots in the finish, the fingerboard was inked or stained and not wiped completely clean, and there was a small gouge in the back, (That Erik agreed to discount the price for) but then again we are looking at a $2,000 instrument, not a $24,000 master crafted Italian cello (That was perfectly made and sounded really good). So I think that the Soloist is a great value and we will not be sending it back....." - S.K.

"The comments from this board helped me tremendously when deciding on a cello, so I thought my story might help someone else. I started with a rental (plywood-rental fees totaling $1799 by the end of payment schedule for $599 cello, bag, and $40 bow. Ha!). I immediately knew I needed to return that one, so I ordered from **** - price for cello only-$895 (name protected by webmaster). Long story, BIG mistake. I found StringWorks and thanks to all of the posts here, ordered a Virtuoso. It came and was quite lovely. The workmanship was perfect, the color was rich and warm, and my cello teacher thought I had a great instrument that I would be happy with for a long time. This is when you all got me into trouble. While waiting for my Virtuoso to arrive, I kept reading all of the comments, including those about the Maestro. I blame you all! You were all so happy with your own Maestro, so in my warped little mind, I figured that the difference in price was worth it. Needless to say, I called Erik, who was patient and took a long time answering my questions (and thank you Pat, you were ever so patient, every time I called.). A Maestro was shipped. I checked that tracking number every hour! When it finally arrived, I eagerly opened the box...and hated it on sight. It was orange!  It looked nothing like the picture on the site! As I'm standing in the living room, wailing about the color compared to the Virtuoso (beautiful warm chocolate color), my husband walks through the room and says (pointing to the Maestro), "Pick that one." Yeah, well...what does he know! I called my teacher and set up a time so I could bring both cellos for her to play and evaluate. I was with her for well over an hour. She knew that both cellos were on a trial basis and that I could send either (or both) back, meaning a negative comment would not hurt my feelings. (Obviously...) She started by saying that when I first told her I had ordered a more expensive instrument, she had thought I was nuts since the Virtuoso was a fine instrument and very good quality for the money. But the more she played, the more she was absolutely sold on the Maestro. She thought it was a wonderful instrument - very easy to play, good sound quality, very open, even tone. I would have been very happy with the Virtuoso, but if you can spring for the difference in price, the Maestro is worth it. And, okay, my husband was right (but don't tell anyone!). This is the most beautiful cello. It absolutely glows, the flaming is beautiful, the set up was perfect, and the tactile quality of the wood is unbelievable. I hate to put it away in its case because it feels wonderful to touch (very satiny and rich compared to the others I had tried), and is a joy to look at. This only makes it even more enjoyable to play.  I could not be happier. It's been about two months, and I'm still just absolutely thrilled. It's too bad we can't post pictures. I now know why you all speak so fondly of your instruments. Now, if I could just get you all to stop talking about your Bartoks..." - C.N.

"I received my new Maestro cello on July 14th, and have been playing on it for almost two weeks now. My teacher was immediately impressed with the instrument, but more importantly (in my opinion), I'm extremely impressed. As soon as I opened the case, I fell in love with the cello. It sounds beautiful and looks just as nice. Last weekend, I returned my rental cello to the store. They asked why I was returning the instrument, and wondered if I had stopped playing. I told them that I had purchased a new cello, and naturally, they asked who I got it from. I gladly told them that I got the Maestro from StringWorks, and that I was very pleased with it. Service and help was outstanding as well. All of my questions were answered. In addition, the cello shipped fine. I was a little worried about that, but the instrument was packed well inside of the CHC200 case I ordered (which, by the way, is excellent). Overall, it was a good, easy experience. This Maestro cello will serve me well for a long time. Thanks again!" - J.B.

"First of all, my teacher was very disappointed that I was trading my Virtuoso in for "another" cello. She lectured me for I dunno how long about how great my cello was and blah, blah, blah...!  Anyway, I took the Maestro with me today and she was eager to see and hear it.  Another woman was there finishing up her lesson and I brought my cello out, put him on a nearby stand and waited the few minutes or so for her to finish.  When the woman's lesson was over and they both walked out to where I was, it was funny to see them bypass me, walk over to "Himera" - my cello - and oooh & ahhh over him! LOL :)  Then came the question! Where did I get such a fine instrument? the woman asked. So I told her and she swore that I must've paid a fortune for it! Then she "warned" me about buying stringed instruments over the internet! Duh??   My teacher, on the other hand, after hurrying the woman out the door asked if she could play it - completely forgetting the lecture she gave me last Saturday. When she done - (which, by the way, I thought would never happen) - she told me that she'd been playing the cello and violin since she was four years old and "very rarely" does she run into such an instrument like mine. She told me what I already knew - he's not only beautiful to look at, but also incredible to play. She did suggest that I take it to a luthier to change the C and D string which she claimed didn't bring out his sound as well as another type of string would.  So after my lesson I headed off to a nearby luthier and again, when I took Himera out of the case he was admired by everyone at the shop. The luthier changed the two strings for me and only charged me for the strings and not his labor! He told me that it was a pleasure to work on something as beautiful as my boy!!!  I got in the car and as I drove home I was beaming because not only did my teacher say that my Maestro was wonderful but a well known luthier also!  Thank you again Erik and Pat for my beautiful Himera." - F.H.

"Well the big sneak went off as planned this week. To my new Maestro cello to a couple of violin shops in the DC area. They all were very impressed with my cello especially when I told them what I paid. They were all saying if I had paid under $6 - 7 k I got a steal. It was fun telling them how much I actually paid. My teach loved it said it has a very "sweet" mellow sound that should only get better as it "opens up" (that didn't stop her from yelling at me for being sloppy!). Anyhoo so If your thinking about a StringWorks instrument go ahead its well worth it!" - S.L.

"My teacher told me yesterday at my lesson that the more he listens to my cello and the more he plays it during my lesson, the more HE WANTS TO BUY ONE FOR HIMSELF! He has a cello that was made in 1860 that sounds fantastic but every time he plays mine he always says how it looks MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE and that it plays so well (my maestro, Isabella, was pleased). At my next lesson, I'm giving him your number! "Just talk to Erik, he'll take care of you." - K.G.

"I just received the Maestro cello and the CHC200. The cello is outstanding. I was very concerned about whether it would be better than the cello I had as a teenager because I got tired of that one after about six months. There is no comparison. This Maestro plays wonderfully, and it is so much easier to get a rich sound at the beginning of the bow stroke than any other cello under $5,000 I've played. The case is much "cooler" and sturdier than I expected also. I like being able to check the humidity of the air I keep my cello in. I got the cello three days ago, and have probably put in about 15 hours of play so far." - J.R.

"I just received my Maestro model cello with the 500 model case and CODA Conservatory bow.  Incredible.  For those skeptics out there, you just can't go wrong with StringWorks. The sound out of this instrument is incredible. Even with a heavy rubber mute on, the volume is astounding. My husband even said last night when I was practicing- "Good Lord, is it really supposed to be that loud?" :-) I can get sound out of this instrument that I could never get out of any other instrument at this price range.  And the CODA Conservatory bow and the 500 model case are worth every penny as well. I sound like a completely different player. REALLY. For a year I struggled with a cheapie cello, Herman (Herman Beyer brand). Herman and I didn't practice together, we sparred. It was a fight to see who would get frustrated and give up first. The sound was thin, basic bow, etc. What a difference!" - K.G.

"I like to try new instruments and bows, especially when the results are as positive as they were this morning when I had the opportunity to try one each Artist and Maestro cello from String Works... I've tried French cellos that owners paid $10,000 for that should not play in the same room with either of these low-price instruments.  This is not to act as a guarantee or endorsement of StringWorks cellos, about which there are numberous inquiries here at ICS, but at least I have no doubt one can get a really good instrument from this company at absurdly low prices, all things considered. You can hardly ask for more than that - especially without trying one!" - A.V.

"Wow! Six months ago I was dying for a new cello and was desperately looking around. Your company site immediately grabbed my attention and had me hooked. The comments page and your discussion board really gave me the impression that your company was seeking to satisfy each and every individual customer to the fullest. After participating on the board for several months and then finally ordering my cello it was in fact proven true. Thank you Pat and Erik for your sincere, honest, and helpful comments. You guys really made my buying experience over the phone comfortable and easy. I have never been good on the phone but was never hesitant to call with questions. Thank you StringWorks for a beautiful and rich sounding instrument  I believe we are indeed a perfect match. It passed the ultimate test when my university cello professor played it and said he loved it all, the case, instrument, and bow. A second after I took the Maestro out of its case my teacher immediately said that it looked ‘great’. After playing it for at least 5 minutes without a break (apparently he was more impressed by each passing second) he said I did great for my money and that it easily 10x the quality of my last instrument. Thank you again! You guys are indeed running a great company!" - J.H.

"I ordered my Maestro celli about 2 weeks ago.  I just like to thank you for picking out a lighter coda bow for me at my request and also for answering my questions.  This may be a little self-indulging but i remember asking for a cello with a mature focused somewhat warm sound.  Did you actually go out of your way to play the available celli and pick one that fit those preferences?  I swear, the tone is almost exactly what i wanted from the maestro.  Good job!" - J.H.

"You should know that I have taken a little flak about buying a stringed instrument over the internet. I can now say with confidence that all the positive comments that I have read about the Maestro cello are true. My teacher played the Maestro for 20 minutes on the stage at our college and you could tell by the look on his face that he was impressed with the instrument. By the end of his 'performance' there was a group of about 15 orchestra members gathered around commenting on the rich tone and big volume. Thanks again. One more satisfied customer!" - K.D.

"Last night I just couldn't get to bed - I had so much fun just trying things and listening to the Maestro cello.  For as hard as I have worked in the past, I just knew I couldn't be as bad as the old cello made me out to be - I still can't get over how much easier it is to make the sounds float out of the Maestro.  My only comparison is with my present cello (a 1995 Joseph Secchler model from Korea).  I am able to get resonance and ringing out of this instrument that I have never heard on my original cello.  I must say that the ease of playing is amazing.  Where I once fought for each note, they seem to float so much more naturally out of this Maestro." - W.S.

"I can't express in words how wonderful the instrument sounds. (Maestro cello) I didn't know I was capable of getting music like that out of an instrument." - R.K.

"I've had my new Maestro cello for a week. It's a very beautiful cello, both in appearance and sound. The dark varnish is just what I hoped it would be. I was happy that my teacher thought it was an excellent value in a new cello.  I really like the dark brown varnish - it is very unique.  The sound is what I had hoped for, crisp and deep.  It has a wonderful deep tone and both my teacher and I were very impressed with the quality of the instrument.  Thank you again for your help and for providing such a wonderful cello at a price I could afford.   We had a very good experience and would recommend the Maestro cello and StringWorks." - L.D.

The maestro cello outfit arrived today and I’m very happy with it!  Thank you!  The cello is set up very nicely, easy to play, and for a new instrument has a lovely tone.  The only comparable instrument I found to this one was made by a Judge Thomas (if I recall correctly) in 1935, and sold for $6,500.  I’m sure it had been refinished.  All the quality is there in the construction – even down to the purfling and the setting of the pegs." - M.M.