4/4 cello, Saskia Schouten, 1997 the Netherlands

Saskia Schouten Vioolbouw, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands

Saskia Schouten

This 4/4 cello was built by Dutch luthier Saskia Schouten, currently based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. This is one of her early models from 1993. But the label says 1997. The first cellist who played this instrument was based in Amsterdam and there on the street she was run over by a pizza-delivery person on a moped. The cello was restored by Saskia. And because she had to make a whole new front for the cello, she decided to change the building-date.

The (1997s new) top is made of a nice spruce with evenly spaced strong annual rings. The (two-piece) back and ribs are made of flamed maple.

The cello is laquered in a dark-chocolate colored oil-based finish and has wearing on the usual spots. In the summer of 2024 the cello has had a new varnish by Saskia Schouten. This cello is in great condition.

The dimensions of this (4/4) cello:

  • upper width 36 cm
  • narrowest width 24 cm
  • bottom width 44,8 cm
  • body height (to the heel) 76,8 cm
  • the scale is 69 cm (keel to bridge)
  • the cello fits in an ordinary cello case.

The current setup consists of:

  • a Wittner metal tailpiece with integrated fine tuners
  • Belgian cello bridge
  • ebony tuning pegs
  • ebony fingerboard
  • Tortelier steel end-pin, that can be used both straight and with a kink

String setup

The cello is strung up with Larsen Original medium on A and D and Thomastik Spirocore Tungsten strings on the G and the C. 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.

Saskia Schouten (*1961) is a well-known Dutch luthier who has been active since the late 1980s. In her early years, she became best known for her cellos. She also performs maintenance, repairs and restorations. Her specialization is optimal tone adjustment in terms of bridge and stile.

Saskia is president of the NGV ( Dutch Group of Violin and Bow Makers).

After high school, Saskia Schouten was apprenticed for a year to violin maker Paul de Froe in Amstelveen. She then left for Cremona in Italy to be trained at the International Violin Making School (IPIALL). In 1982 she worked for a year with four colleagues in Tuscany.

She then left for Palermo with colleague Peter Pots to restore instruments at the conservatory. After these experiences, she obtained the degree of Maestra, at the IPIALL in Cremona in 1986.

Until 2009 she was based in Heusden (and Hedikhuizen), then in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. During this time she specialized in new construction of celli and violas. In recent years she has also been building violins again.

Her instruments are played at home and abroad by renowned musicians as well as by conservatory students and dedicated amateurs.


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