C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links


 

 

 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links

 


 

 

 

 


C E L L O S
Cellos for sale
Bows for sale
Cellos by Robin Aitchison
Video Gallery
Cello set-up
C E L L O  E X C H A N G E
Cello exchange
S T R I N G  T R I A L S
String Trials
A B O U T  U S
Cello specialists
Biographies

Feedback from cellists
Travelling to Ely
Contact us
C E L L O  C A R E  G U I D E

Cello Care Guide
Order free copies

A R T I C L E S  &  N E W S

Articles and Newsletters
L I N K S
Links
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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)

'Thank you for the happiness you bring through your enthusiastic work with cellos.'  (Owner of Robin's first Guadagnini copy)

'
I just had the chance to see and to play on a Robin Aitchison cello based on the Guadagnini model. I was so pleased to have the chance to have a close look to this cello which I found fantastic from all points of view.'

I was very impressed with your Guadagnini copy which I preferred to others I have seen (including an original Guadagnini). I very much liked its acoustic potential as well as the woodwork and varnish.  Your Guadagnini copy has such richness in detail and your woodwork is of an outstanding quality and comes with an extraordinary lightness. Besides the fact that your cello is a very close copy, you have also completely captured Guadagnini's freedom of design which I have never seen with other Guadagnini copies.  Also, your varnish is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen on new instruments: it is wonderfully transparent and balanced in colour and texture.  It is obvious how careful and skilled your technique of applying is! Personally, I think it is clever of you to take so much care and to persevere with your Guadagnini model and not changing your model twice a year like other some other violin makers!  I'm very happy that you are going to make a cello for me and I will proudly present it in my musical environment! (Response of a soloist on first trying a Guadagnini copy.  He subsequently commissioned a copy.)

'Victoria is overjoyed at being the owner of such a beautiful instrument.'

Cello Exchange Feedback from owners and buyers

'I loved everything about your home and your cello room and I just wish I lived in the UK and could visit you more often.  You are a 'Mecca' for cellists!'


'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.'

'It has been such a pleasure dealing with you and Robin over the sale of my instruments - what could have been a rather miserable experience has been most enjoyable. I am so grateful to you both.'

'I'd like to say thank you for all of your assistance in selling the Cello. I will definitely recommend you to people and should you ever wish for me to provide you with a testimonial for future customers I would be more than happy to do so.

'Thank you both so very much for all your hard work to restore the Banks cello and in finding a buyer.  I am so pleased that such a good cellist has been able to buy it.'

'I am really looking forward to playing the cello and I really appreciate your patience, your assistance, answering innumerable questions, and your kindness.  I hope I can do you the honor of referring you to others some day.'

'I would like to thank you so much for you help and your patience.  It was such a pleasure to meet you.  I especially wanted to thank you for not pressuring me in any way with my decision.  The cello got a stamp of approval from my teacher and she’s so impressed by the setup she’s sending hers in to have some modifications made.  I would happily recommend you to anyone travelling over to the UK from Australia and seeking an instrument.'

'I thank you very much for your pleasant, professional advice and for sharing your knowledge with me without thinking of profit first. Every time I am with you I learn something. You make me a happy customer and of course I will return.  Thanks for being not only super-professional cello and bow dealers but real friends.'

'
Thank you so much for opening your home to us - we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Ely and had a walk around the lovely city (it was Apple Day!) and visited the cathedral. What a lovely place Ely is!'

'I'm so happy about the cello. It's great in the orchestra and especially playing Bach on it, is special.  With warm thanks.'

'
I was in London yesterday, where I took up a long standing invitation from the buyer of my old cello to pay her a visit to see her "new" cello and to play it to her.

I was captivated by her charm and enthusiasm, and impressed by the dedication with which she was applying herself to her new study. We spent a couple of happy hours talking about music, the cello, and adult learning. I played some Bach and some Fauré to her, after which she was persuaded to play to me; so it ended up with a bit of a cello lesson!

I was delighted to find what a good job you have made of restoring the instrument. It sounded better than it ever did when I had it - more resonant, and more even throughout the range, with a more open sound at the top. And you have improved its appearance too, the cracks hardly noticeable and the varnish much more even.

So once again may I thank you for the trouble you have taken over this sale. I hope we will be able to meet again one day.'

'Many thanks for the refund which has arrived in my account.  My husband reckons it was a Freudian slip on my part owing to the fantastic and efficient service we have had from you.'

'Thank you so much for your kindness, it has been a pleasure doing business with you, your were efficient, pleasant, kept us fully informed at all times and were extremely helpful.  We would not hesitate to contact you in the future.'

Thank you so much for two exciting days and especially for your hospitality, help and kindness yesterday.  I rushed home and couldn't believe I was playing such a beautiful cello with equally wonderful bows!  It's going to be difficult to get any work done - I want to play all day!

'Now that I am fed, rested, and showered, I wanted to drop you a note thanking you again for all of your help with accommodation, travel plans, etc.  It was super to get to know you. The cello has arrived safely at home. My cello teacher was thrilled to hear it had arrived safely.  Thank you again for the birthday luncheon. I can honestly say I have never had better.  I wish you and yours my very best from Texas, USA. If you are ever in the neigbourhood, please look me up.'

'Thanks again for all your help, encouragement and understanding in this matter.' 

'Thanks again for processing this sale so elegantly.'

'We are more than grateful for the way in which you have handled the sale of my cello and the 3 bows.  We shall keep in touch and wish you great success in the future.'

'I have been looking for a replacement cello for about three years, but not finding anything that I had really liked.  Visiting Ely was the turning point.  I was very impressed how you had understood what I was searching for, and then had been able to adjust the setup of the cello that I quite liked, and turn it into a cello with a sound that I very much like.'

'Thank you so much for all your hard work (which I sense has been considerable) in selling my cello.  I feel really delighted with the result.'

I think that completes everything to do with the purchase, and so it is just left for me to say "thank you" for making the whole process of trying and buying the cello and bow ultimately so easy.  I won't hesitate to visit you again whenever I have a need in the future, and I will certainly recommend you to my cellist colleagues.  Thank you very much, it has been a real pleasure dealing with you,  P.S. I am looking forward to playing the cello every evening next week in a local production of 'Oliver' - its mellow sound is blending so easily with everybody else.

'I have formed the highest opinion of your service which I would recommend to others as personal, efficient and friendly. Thank you for finding a new home for my 'cello so quickly. I am not a gambling man on principle but in this instance I am glad to have "placed my Betts" (Oh dear, my jokes do not improve!).'

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!'

'Just to let you know how pleased I am with the cello.  The improvement is more than I had hoped for or expected and as it settles, is still improving.'

'I was in London yesterday, where I took up a long standing invitation from the buyer of my old cello to pay her a visit to see her "new" cello and to play it to her.  I was captivated by her charm and enthusiasm, and impressed by the dedication with which she was applying herself to her new study. We spent a couple of happy hours talking about music, the cello, and adult learning. I played some Bach and some Fauré to her, after which she was persuaded to play to me; so it ended up with a bit of a cello lesson!  I was delighted to find what a good job you have made of restoring the instrument. It sounded better than it ever did when I had it - more resonant, and more even throughout the range, with a more open sound at the top. And you have improved its appearance too, the cracks hardly noticeable and the varnish much more even.  So once again may I thank you for the trouble you have taken over this sale. I hope we will be able to meet again one day.'

'I was on cloud nine as I left you on Friday!  The stunning repair was amazing... I've never seen anything like it.  Your advice on adjusting the A string was so invaluable.  Thank you so much for all your careful and loving hard work.'

'
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the brilliant set up you did on the cello! It never sounded as good even in the beginning and the response is terrific!'

'I just wanted to thank you again for all your help with my cellos - it was a HUGELY enjoyable experience.  It has been a great success - I'm enjoying them both a lot more now.  Best wishes to you and Sarah.'  (LSO cellist) 

'
I really truly am happy with my cello. Many thanks for all of the work you are doing for us.'

'Just to say thank you again for all your help, advice and expertise yesterday - the cello is sounding great, although its volume is taking a bit of getting used to!'


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!'

'I am an American cellist and I happened upon your lovely website. I was searching for wolf tone information to help explain the problem to a student (and his parents). Your brief article was so clearly and beautifully written.

If you are still publishing your newsletter online, I would very much like to receive it.   Thank you for all that you do to help the cello world become a bit less mysterious.'

'
I just wanted to say thank you for all the useful information I have gleaned from your website this morning. I am new to the cello at the ripe old age of 52 and am already so wary of the misinformation that can be given about stringed instruments. Not so with your website – a reputable mine of information to both new and existing players/purchasers. Thank you again for efforts – a shining example of how the internet can be used to both educate and share valuable information.  Well done!'

'I love your site, it is jammed packed with so much useful information.'

'
I wish to thank you for all your help. I have read the care guides and articles on website, and also tried some bows at 'Take a bow' 2008 when you visited Trinity College of Music. I feel this has all been important for my development as a musician - understanding how instruments work, and how they should be taken care of, etc.'

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.'

'May I say that I enjoy your newsletters very much!'

'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'

'Your newsletters are a great read!'

'Please let me know when the next "News for Cellists" is available. What a wealth of information, and so kind of you to share! Thank you.'

'Thanks for your new news! You are still educating this elderly cellist immensely!'

'I very much enjoy your wonderful newsletters!'

'Dear Sarah, I write to congratulate on this and your research.  I thought this was excellent newsletter, especially the section of Cello benefits. As a late starter aged 57 I have been learning and playing for 11 years I particularly enjoyed this section. I am a semi- retired doctor and it has given me a completely new aim in life. I am able to play with some amateur groups and this can be an uplifting experience. I also entirely agree Pat Legg’s remarks at the end. I am only sorry that I cannot use your shop as I live rather a long way away.'

'Congratulations on your excellent article in your news letter.  I can vouch for much that you report.  I started to play the cello at age 70. I had no previous music playing experience so started from scratch and had to learn to read music as well as to play the cello. Within five years I had passed Grade 5 ABRSM exam and now I play in a regular multi cello group and an occasional string quartet. I have a lesson every week with an excellent inspiring teacher. It is all very life giving.

I do appreciate the mouth watering back page of your news letter where I can fantasise over the lovely cellos you sell !!'

'I am currently on your mailing list for your newsletter. I really enjoy receiving this publication and have found the articles to be both helpful and informative.  Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and information. Long may it continue.'

'I enjoy reading your "news for cellists" , and find it informative,
helpful and inspiring!'

'Your latest wolf note article is such an impressive and comprehensive piece. I was fascinated to read all the comments. For the record , I too am in accord with Hannah Roberts - it was so succinctly put (the effect of left hand pressure) that I could not add to it in any way!'

'I enjoy getting your newsletter very much.'

'Thanks so much for the latest News; the article about bows is so important that I am sending it to my violinist son and a viola playing friend.'

'I love your website and have found it to be an invaluable source of information over the past few years -- both for me and my cello students.'


 

 


RETURN TO TOP

 

7    C  A  M  B  R  I  D  G  E    R  O  A  D,    E  L  Y,    C  A  M  B  S ,    C B  7  4  H  J
T E L:   0 1 3 5 3  6 6 8 5 5 9
Click for email