Saskia Schouten Vioolbouw, ‘s Hertogenbosch the Netherlands
Saskia Schouten
This 4/4 cello was built by Dutch luthier Saskia Schouten in 2009. She is currently based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands.
This is a model inspired by a cello by Francesco Ruggeri from 1679.
The top is made of spruce with a regular grain. The inlay is of maple and ebony. The back consists of two-piece deep flamed maple.
The cello is finished in transparent orange, with lighter edges. There are some retouched lacquer spots. The instrument is in excellent condition and was serviced by the builder in the summer of 2024.
The dimensions of this (4/4) cello:
- upper width 36,5 cm
- narrowest width 26,5 cm
- bottom width 46,5 cm
- body height (to the heel) 76 cm
- the scale is 69 cm (keel to bridge)
- the cello comes with its own lightweight carbon cello case.
The current setup consists of:
- a ebony tailpiece by Bois d’Harmonie with integrated finetuners
- Belgian cello bridge
- ebony tuning pegs
- ebony fingerboard
- German Bender steel pin
String setup
The cello is strung up with a set of Thomastik Versum Soloist. 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.
price available upon request