Den Daas Vioolbouw
Hans-Peter den Daas
This cello was built by Dutch contemporary luthier Hans-Peter den Daas in the 2021/2022 period and is labeled 2022. Den Daas chose a self-designed model for this instrument in which he was originally inspired by Goffriller. This is reflected, among other things, in the width of the underside. The scroll and f-holes are characteristic of Hans-Peter’s models.
The front is made of a beautiful Haselfichte from the 1990s. Haselfichte has both optically and acoustically very nice characteristics for building top instruments. The shape of the curvature and thickness distribution of the blades allow for great projection and a wide spectrum of timbres while making the instrument address well.
To do justice to the beautiful flames of the Haselfichte, the builder finished the cello with a amber lacquer, which provides the golden glow. The back, ribs and headstock of this cello are made of flamed maple wood sourced from the Carpathian Mountains.
Thanks to the wood, its model and curvature, the instrument has a beautifully deep yet clear, crisp sound. It combines a very powerful bass with a strong high register and a projection that can be heard in large halls all the way to the back row. The instrument speaks very easily.
The dimensions of this (4/4) cello:
- upper width 36 cm
- narrowest width 24,5 cm
- bottom width 46 cm
- body height (to the heel) 75 cm
- the scale is 69 cm (keel to bridge)
- the cello fits in an ordinary cello case.
The current setup consists of:
- ebony tailpiece
- Belgian/French (own design) cello bridge
- ebony fine-tuning pegs
- ebony fingerboard
- Bender steel pin
Below a short video presentation of this cello by Dutch cellist Mirjam Daalmans
String setup
The cello is strung up with a set of Larsen Il Canone Clear and Focused. The final setup for this instrument can be chosen by the buyer, in the sound optimisation proces where the buyer will be supported by cellist and cello-string-specialist Mirjam Daalmans from the Gallery.
From the Den Daas website:
“I received my training as cello and violin maker from Bernhard Zanders in his worskhop in the windmill in Nettetal (DE). Bernhard Zanders is a long-standing and very successful master violin maker (Geigenbaumeister). It was an honour and a pleasure to learn from him, like many craftsmen have done in the past. As a cellist myself, I wanted to start with the cello, but the master thought it best to start with the smaller members of the family. During my apprenticeship I made 3 violins, a viola and a cello. These 5 instruments were finished in 15 months. I also learned how to repair and maintain instruments and bows. I was happy to be able to combine many of my skills which are very useful in making instruments. For example, the precision in working the wood, which is the natural source of sound and beauty, and the intellectual challenge of designing and creating fine instruments.
I look for great, warm and colourful tones for my instruments. They must work well in orchestral, solo and chamber music settings. I strongly believe that the design – and execution – of the arching is key to the tone I am looking for. Alongside – of course – the model and quality of the wood. Playability is another key point in my instruments: an instrument should allow the musician to concentrate on the music. My instruments must and do respond to the musician with ease and without compromise. Musicians praise my instruments for their playability and wide range of colours.”
price available upon request