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Feedback from cellists

• Cellos by Robin Aitchison
• Cello Exchange
• Cello set-up
• Website
• News for Cellists

Feedback from owners of cellos by Robin Aitchison

'I just wanted to say a big thank you to you both for helping me find the perfect cello (Robin's Strad copy) and bow (by Thomas Grünke). I have just graduated with a II:i and received a really good recital mark. I feel that your help, experience and patience in finding me such good tools was one of the key factors in helping me achieve my result.' Oliver Mansfield, owner of a Stradivarius model by Robin Aitchison

'By the time I first met Robin a year ago 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 for nearly a year now 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

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.

'I have your cello in hand and just want to say that it is exceptional and stunning. Thank you for it, I will be thrilled to offer it!' (Prominent USA dealer)

'I'd be glad to let people try my cello, not least because I'm so thoroughly delighted with it! My first audition was a great success, and I've accepted a place to do a postgrad course, scholarship and funding pending. The professor said the cello sounded terrific.' (Owner of Robin's latest Strad copy)

Cello Exchange Feedback from owners and buyers

'Thank you for everything! you are certainly among the most ethical, professional, intelligent dealers I have ever dealt with.'

'Thank you so much for all of your hard work over the past 18 months. I am so pleased that you have successfully sold my cello. With your contacts it seemed to be constantly out on approval or had someone coming to view it. If asked by a fellow musician where to sell their cello, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. I find you both extremely kind and friendly and also professional.'

'I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to buy this wonderful cello from you. As well as providing great inspiration for me, it is also attracting envious looks from my fellow players in our local orchestra.'

'This cello has been a delightful and important addition to our life. Thank you both for your help and encouragement in making it possible.'

'Thank you very much for all your help in finding a new cello and bow. I couldn’t have asked for a better ‘service’ in terms of expertise and patience. I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Ely, so too did my daughters! The new cello and bow are fantastic and I think have made a big difference to my playing.'

'Thanks very much for your news. It's good to hear of people appreciating both cello and bow.'

'I thank you very much for all your explanations and your sincere interest in selling cellos in as good condition and as well adapted to the customer as possible. I very much appreciated your straightforward answers to my questions.'

'When I first saw the Cello Exchange online, I was very interested in one of the cellos advertised, but I had to travel to Ely in order to try the cello. Ely? A nice town situated 15 minutes by train from Cambridge, 65 minutes from London King’s Cross. Over 500 minutes from Germany where I live. I arrived a few days later to see the cello I was interested in and received a very warm welcome. Everything went very smoothly and after trying a few strings – a house speciality – and searched for a good set up with Robin the cello showed me his best. I tested the cello and decided a few days later to buy it. That’s where the Cello Exchange differs from a standard consignment: I knew before that the commission would be 10%, and that I would know the owner’s name in order to pay him the price directly.

Once I decided to buy the cello, I also decided to leave my instrument to be sold through the Cello Exchange. How surprised I was to hear about ten days later it was sold! Such a smooth double transaction was really unexpected! Thanks to the big energy you both put in your workshop - it really became an Exchange for me. I couldn't be more satisfied by the amazing energy you put into both situations and can’t express how comforting it is for me to see my bank account refilled so soon!'

'Just a quick note to thank you both so much for selling my cello. I can’t believe you’ve sold it so quickly.'

'I enclose the promised cheques. I actually enjoyed writing them!!! Please tell the owner how very thrilled I am to be taking custody of what I am sure was a beloved instrument to her, and that I will endeavour to continue her good work and be worthy of what it has to offer.'

'Thank you for selling the bow for me. I am so happy that I could ask you to sell it because I know that you would do it fairly and in the best circumstance for the buyer.'

'Thank you both again for your generous help and advice - I can’t tell you how happy I am to have finally found a bow I love!'

'Thank you so much for the work you have done in selling my cello. I am delighted with the outcome.'

'Thank you for such an interesting afternoon and for all the help you gave Oliver in choosing his new bow. I’m sure he will have many happy years playing it.'

'Thank you so much for all your work which you put into selling the cello. I’m glad it’s gone to a good home and I’ll have no hesitation in recommending you to other colleagues.'

'Wonderful news all round! Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to Robin for his hard work. It's been wonderful to get to know you both a little more during this whole process and I do hope that we stay in contact.'

'Many thanks. I am so glad my cello has gone to a new home.'

'Thanks so much for all the attention to our wellbeing (green tea, seed flapjack treats) besides adjustments to the cello for comfort. We very much enjoyed our visit to you and Ely.'

'Please pass on this cheque to the cello's owner with our best wishes and the knowledge that we will love and care for this beautiful instrument as she has done. John is thrilled to bits and clearly feels an enormous affinity with it already.'

'Thank you for your attention. We're now one step closer to our dream retirement in the Yorkshire Dales!'

'Thank you very much for selling the Lockey Hill and that it has gone to a good home. I hope we will meet again one day.'

'Just a note to express my gratitude and appreciation not simply for helping my son find his cello but for all the encouragement and respect you have shown him throughout. It has made a huge impact on him.'

'Thank you very much for helping my student acquire her wonderful cello. It is beautiful and she is of course a very lucky girl. I have only taught her since the beginning of this term but already feel confident that she deserves it. I can't tell you what a treat it is to hear it towards the end of a teaching day!'

'Thank you so much for all you did making my cello in better condition and suitable to be sold. I am so pleased to hear that a girl called Alice has it and is happy with it and I do hope it helps her playing and I am sure she will love it as much as I did.
With many thanks to you both and all best wishes.'

'John and I think you're a bit of a genius - with a little bit of manoeuvring you have ended up with two happy clients - and for your part a very small commission. Considering the demands some dealers make for their services, I think you are modest in the extreme. Added to which, it is always such a pleasure being in contact with you and Robin. So, thank you very much for everything.'

'Many thanks for all the hard work and effort, and congratulations on the outcome.'

'Many thanks for a very pleasant association!'

'Thank you very much for the opportunity to try so many bows. It was a very rewarding experience. And I'm absolutely glad I made the right choice with the Stephen Salchow bow. It is doing wonders to both of my cellos already.'

'Many thanks for all your work.'

'A very big Thank You for helping me find such a lovely cello and bow.'

Cello set up feedback

'I just wanted to let you know that I have the cello in Sydney now. I am thrilled with the work you have done on it, it looks lovely and the neck is much more comfortable for me - I'm already starting to feel at home on it. Thank you so much for all your help and hard work. I really appreciate everything you have done to help me with the cello.'

'I am still delighted with tailpiece/setup work from last summer, it has made a huge difference and I believe I have found what I was searching for with this instrument. I have not looked back since!'

'It was great to have time to experiment with the different strings – I’m sure the Montagnana is sounding better and with a more even tone.'

'I’m thrilled both with the bow and with the wonderful new sound of my cello. And you made me so welcome; I really enjoyed meeting you. In honour of my 50th birthday next week, I'm playing with my cello quartet and I'm absolutely delighted that, ready for that occasion, you've made my cello sing again and provided me with a lovely bow which helps it sing even more.'

'Many thanks for all your help in setting up my cello and selecting the strings on Saturday. Very interesting and informative, and I'm extremely happy with the tone and feel of the instrument!'

'Just a quick email to say thank you for the set up… the difference is just what I’d hoped for. It’s returned my delight and faith in the cello. The responsiveness I was after is there together with a smoothness of sound and evenness of sound. It’s just so good!!! But, most obviously NO MORE WOLF NOTE.'

'Thank you for a superb job.'

'Thank you very much for sorting Andy's cello out last Friday. He's a very happy boy who's hardly stopped grinning since we visited. His great aunt was amazed at the transformation and can't remember the cello ever sounding so good. It was well worth the visit.'

'I am enjoying my transformed cello enormously! So many things are working so much better.'

'Thank you very much for working such magic! I'm still getting used to the bottom two strings, but they certainly give me lots more power.'

'Thank you for all your help with my cello. It sounds great and I’m enjoying playing it very much!'

'New strings and bow seem to get universal praise – thanks for your help.'

'The cello sounds really great at the moment - thanks again for your excellent work.'

'Thank you once again for the superb work you have done on my cello. Everyone in the Gabrieli Consort 'cello section were pretty jealous!'

'Richard has enthusiastically tried out his cello and is delighted with the new-found resonance. We too think it a much richer, clearer sound.'

'Thank you so much for your time and the invaluable insights you gave me.'

'Thank you very much for the adjustments you did on the cello. I played in an ensemble today and I noticed a huge difference from before. I am very pleased with the result!'

'Both my students were delighted with the adjustments made to their instruments and I thought they were sounding extremely well focussed when I heard them this week.'

'Many thanks for making my visit so enjoyable - so thrilled at the tranformation of my cello!'

'Many thanks for the work on both of my cellos. My Grubaugh is sounding better than ever now and I'm looking forward to playing my Desiato now. Lovely to meet you both again.'

'Many thanks for your expertise and fine work. Part of a really nice day out!'

'I just wanted to write to thank you for fixing my cello at the weekend. It is like I have a new cello! I cannot believe the difference that the gluing and the new tailpiece have made - and I love the new strings as well. If not a new cello, then it at least sounds like you have turned a switch inside it (the one that was set on "muffled bedroom" and is now set to "concert hall"). There is so much more ring to it and it is much more responsive. Just going to play it now if I can turf my daughter out of the music room...'

'I was just giving the Betts a good go this evening - it is like having a new cello and I am sure that is only the start of its improvement.'

'Many thanks indeed for the prompt delivery and wonderful service - very much appreciated!'

Website feedback

'Thank you, your website is so great - I just read it all and have to thank you for maintaining it.'

'Thank you so much. I am so impressed by your shop’s work. I wish I could work in a shop like yours.'

'I have been an eager reader of all the articles, reports and guides on your web-site. Having lived two years in the UK a few years back, I am only sorry that I did not know of Aitchison Cellos at the time.'

'May I thank you for your wonderful site, which has given me much reading pleasure and a lot of useful advice, stranded as I am far from any string instrument specialists.'

'Your website compels me to tell you that it has been most useful to me, and that I just wanted to express my appreciation for your outstanding articles and website in general.'

'Am very impressed with your website - full of very helpful info: THANKS !!'

'I am impressed with the quality and quantity of information you share on your website and am interested in receiving your email news-letter.'

'I look forward to reading your newsletter regularly, and, again,
very much enjoyed all the articles you have on your web page.
I'm so glad I found your web page!'

'I received your Cello Care Guide booklet and I thank you very much! It is an excellent source of information as well as your great website which is extremely well done. Thank you for your courtesy and helpfulness.'

'Just a line to say thank you so much for your website with all the articles about cello set-up. I recently bought my first really expensive cello, it was made by a Giovanni Tedesco from Naples, Italy and it has deep rich tone, evenness across the 4 strings and good power, and it's beautiful to look at as well. But I've been having problems with the setup because this cello is more "wolfy" overall than any cello I've ever owned--it's turning out to be "hard to play" and it also needs a large room to sound good and not living in a palace I don't have a room like that at home! But what I want to say is I am so grateful for the level of information and sympathetic understanding on your website. I've been really upset over this but reading what you all have to say I feel that I'm not crazy --that issues of setup are real and can be worked out. Thanks!'

News for Cellists feedback

'Thank you for including me on your mailing list. The articles are
very interesting. I don’t know how you keep coming up with new ideas for themes! I found the history of cello lengths and the comparison of different makes so interesting – especially as mine is on the small side and I have sometimes felt a bit ashamed of the fact (but NO LONGER!!!).'

'Thanks for the continued great work in your newsletters.'

'It’s always good to receive your helpful information and advice.'

'Just enjoyed your latest newsletter, and would love a set of
postcards from your talented cartoonist!!!'

'Thank you for your Newsletter. Your information is very interesting and useful.'

'Thank you for including me on your mailing list. The articles are very interesting.'

'I am very happy to receive future newsletters - they are so informative & well-written! And many congratulations on the success of your whole enterprise. You have such wonderful ideas - and energy - , and have managed to establish an original and very useful service. Your articles are always interesting, and the logo and drawings are brilliant too. More power to your elbow(s) in every sense! I always enjoy your newsletter, text and illustrations, so this response is my "thank you". I still like my bow and tell people about your bow tour.'

'By the way, I find your notes on various aspects of the cello very useful and interesting in your news letter.'

'Excellent short article on 'cello backs' - many congratulations. Compulsory reading for every cellist!'

'Thank you for publishing your review on strings which I found absolutely useful and very clear.'

'THANK YOU, you are great!'

'Thank you both for very interesting news bulletins.'

'I do find your newsletter very interesting and would not like to lose it, so here is my new address! I also leave it out for my (now few) pupils and their parents to read.'

'Many thanks for your newsletters, which I always enjoy receiving'

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