Cello from 1673

Certain doubts have been expressed as to whether Stainer even built conventional cellos. The cello from the Stainer quartet, made in the year 1673, put an end to all such speculations.

The dendrochronological examinations proved that the belly was built from wood from the same log as a violin and a viola da gamba from Stainer built in the same year. Also all other stylistic characteristics point clearly to Stainer.
The cello has a handwritten leaf with the text «Jacobus Stainer in Absom / prope Oenipontum 1673» [Jacobus Stainer in Absom near Oenipontum 1673].

During the 19th century the instrument was affected of numerous alterations. The contours of the back were modified considerably (upper and lower additions) and the original neck was replaced with a modern neck.

As part of the restoration to its Baroque origins only the fittings and the fingerboard were altered. The length of the vibrating portion of the strings is 687 mm. The instrument is well suited to perform a wide repertoire from the early Baroque to the early Romantic periods.