Q: How much is shipping for cellos?

A: I charge you whatever FedEx charges me. If you add the cello to your cart, you can see the shipping charges.

Q: Will my cello be ready to play or do I have to take it to a Luthier to have it set up?

A: I ship my cellos set-up and ready to play. I want you to be able to open the box and play. I require that my cellos be shipped in a hardcase with Eastman 100 model and other beginning cellos being the exception.

Q: What if I try it out and don't like it?

A: Just send it back to me. You will have to pay shipping, but I will either refund your money, or if there is another cello that you want, apply the money to that. If it comes to this, we will be talking and will decide together the best course of action. More than anything, I want you to be completely satisfied with your cello.

Q: I have a cello that I like, but it doesn't sound very good. Can you help me with that?

A: Possibly. Depending on where you live, what needs to be done, and whether you are willing to ship it. I typically work on cellos that can be hand delivered by their owners to my shop in Santa Barbara, CA. However, I may consider doing work on cellos shipped to me. We will have to discuss your specific cello to make a decision together.

Q: What do you do when you custom set-up a cello?

A: It all depends on the particular instrument. Sometimes I may adjust the bridge, change the tail piece, modify the finger board, adjust the sound post, or add wolf suppressor/s. I always hand pick each string, often mixing brands to get an even, consistent sound across all the strings and to bring out the best quality in each instrument. I often pick out new pegs or tail piece that are more esthetically pleasing and that compliment the look of the cello better than the stock pieces.

 Q: Do you have a trade-in policy?

A: Yes; any cello you purchase from me can be traded back in at 100% of the cello's purchase price for any upgrade or size increase. I do mark off the depreciation of the case and bow if they too are being traded back with the cello as an outfit.

For instance your young cellist grew out their 3/4 cello outfit and they now need a 4/4 size cello outfit. You will get full return of the outfit's purchase price minus $150 for the used case and $60 for the bow which will need to be cleaned and re-haired. The cello if in good used state of preservation will retain 100% of its value. If there is restoration needed beyond normal minor surface marks I will discuss the cost deduction I feel needed in order to refurbish the cello for getting it into re-selling condition.