Not sure how to sell fine cello

February 20, 2017 at 06:45 PM · Im not an expert, but i think you could always go to your luthier and leave on consignation

February 20, 2017 at 11:15 PM · I would also feel comfortable with consignation. If you put ads up private sales, you may be flagging your house for robbery. It has happened, not due to an instrument, but something else to me.

February 21, 2017 at 02:25 AM · Your chances of selling it privately are zip. For one time thing, not a famous maker (bow as well) and in a crowded price range. For another, it's a a small instrument.

This is what I'd do: first contact both makers and see if they want to sell it for you. Second, find a shop that carries these makers and see if they want to consign. Not every shop wants to add modern makers to their stock, especially if they aren't well known, or will be competing with modern makers they already carry. Every dealer is different, though-- some will consign anything that may make a buck.

Just bear in mind: you'll probably take a 25-30% hit for consignment. You'll have to call many dealers to find one who will take a $12,000 7/8 size modern cello. And because of the size, it will probably take 1-3 years for a sale. I would say the same thing to a student with a 7/8 violin.

I don't know where you could advertise, except for a college/conservatory.

February 21, 2017 at 02:38 AM · You could try advertising on Internet Cello Society Classifieds; it's free.

http://cellofun.yuku.com/

February 21, 2017 at 03:08 AM · You might want to call your professional colleagues who teach and would have students that might be looking for a cello. That's a pretty reasonable sum of money for a professionally-usable cello.

February 21, 2017 at 03:14 AM · Consider selling the bows separately. They may fetch more than if sold as a bundle.

Hidden market could be baroque cello users. Inquire with the maker / your luthier what would it take to convert it into a baroque cello. Just an idea to explore..... could be a hit or total miss.

Another (less un-orthodox) option is to call Amati or Cozio and see when they have appraisals nearby. Both came to Toronto last year and gave free estimate on site. They will tell you right away if cello would be a candidate for an auction sale.

You can also advertise it online @ kijiji. Can work like a charm if one follows common-sense precautions for meeting people online.

In any case, be patient and do not get discouraged - the market might be small, but when one badly needs a custom made instrument, he/she will be ready to pay for it.