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Cellos by Robin Aitchison

• Guadagnini model - an introduction
• Montagnana model - interview with Stephen Orton

Guadagnini model

Robin has been making successful copies of a 1755 Guadagnini cello for some years, thanks to the generosity of its owner who has given him extensive access to the original instrument. Through careful wood selection and intensive study of the original's arching, thicknessing and varnish, Robin’s copies come very close to re-creating the distinctive tone and appearance of the original instrument.

Three of Robin's copies (the original Guadagnini is on the far left)

Guadagnini made cellos with a back length of just 711mm. Whilst his cellos are played by a number of soloists including David Geringas, Pieter Wispelwey and Natalie Clein, some players find them excessively small. To accommodate taller cellists, Robin makes a slightly enlarged version with a back length of 730mm, as well as the 711mm model.

The original instrument has a fiery orange varnish and Robin has been able to reproduce this colour in his instruments to great satisfaction. All Robin’s instruments are antiqued and patinated to closely resemble the original. If you would like more information about Robin's Guadagnini copies please contact us. You might also like to read G.B. Guadagnini - his life and cello making in our Articles section.

Montagana model

Based on the work of Domenico Montagnana circa 1740.
Length of back: 29⅛" (739mm) String length: 27½" (693mm)

Montagnana copy made in 2000

Stephen Orton interview

'By the time I first met Robin in the spring of 2008 I had been unhappy with my own instrument for some years and had been borrowing a series of distinguished cellos including a Vuillaume. I had been very impressed by my colleague John Heley’s David Rubio cello which Robin had recently worked on, so at John’s suggestion I came to see Robin to try to get my own cello working better. I also decided to try some cellos and played about five instruments during my first visit to Robin’s workshop, including a Montagnana copy by Robin which was incredibly free in its response and offered so much that I was looking for in an instrument. I am principal cellist with the Academy of St Martin’s in the Fields so I play mostly chamber music, either in the orchestra or in the chamber ensemble but I also guest lead in the Philharmonia and the LSO. As a principal cellist you need to make a big sound on the A string and you also need a very good bass; I found that Robin’s Montagnana copy had all of these qualities so I took it away to try it. After a few weeks, during which time Robin fitted a different bridge to free the response and I found my ideal combination of strings, I decided to buy it.

I have played Robin's cello ever since and I love it. I have already taken it on several tours to hot and dry climates and I feel very confident wherever I am and always enjoy playing it. Being a new instrument it is not fragile but I look after it just as carefully as if it was a delicate antique; it has a seat next to me on the plane and very rarely does it go out of my sight on tour unless it’s in a heavy flight case and being looked after by experienced tour crew.

I didn’t really expect to find a contemporary instrument that I could live with so happily and feel comfortable with in all situations. Some people might say you need several different instruments for different circumstances but I find this cello works and responds to my needs in all situations, whether in a big orchestral solo or playing really softly. I think the cello has developed during the time I’ve played it; there has been a lot to explore in the cello. What I really love is the freedom the cello gives me. My colleagues all like the instrument and no-one is saying, ‘Steve can you play louder here?’ I am really very happy with it.'

Stephen Orton has been principal cellist with the Academy of St Martins in the Fields since 1986 and is also a regular guest leader with the LSO and the Philharmonia Orchestra, London. Stephen was formerly principal cello with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and assistant principal in the English Chamber Orchestra, performing as soloist with both ensembles and he was also a member of the Delme Quartet for 10 years. This year Stephen and his cello will be touring the USA, Germany, Spain and Switzerland with the Academy of St Martins in the Fields.

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