5 String Studio Cello - Hybrid Baroque & Modern – Spruce/Maple – Larsen Strings – C-G-D-A-E Tuning
Overview Presenting a remarkable 2025 instrument from the workshop of Ilja Grawert, violin maker: a 5-string studio cello designed to bridge two worlds. Whether you perform historical baroque repertoire with gut strings or demand a modern concert setup, this cello delivers exceptional versatility without compromise. Materials & Craftsmanship - Top: Northern hemisphere spruce, fine grain - Back & ribs: Northern hemisphere maple, fine grain, featuring a beautiful baroque-style drawing - Varnish: Elegant antiqued finish – aged appearance, fully protective - Fingerboard: Wider than standard to comfortably accommodate the fifth string Tuning & Stringing (Current Setup) - Tuning: C – G – D – A – E (traditional cello range plus a high E string) - Strings installed: Larsen strings, including the Larsen cello E string – brilliant, responsive, and stable - Alternate tunings possible: - F – C – G – D – A (extended lower range) - Tuning in fourths (custom order) Sound & Playability - Tonal character: Great power and carrying capacity, yet warm and vocal – not harsh or brittle - Versatility: - With gut strings → authentic baroque cello piccolo or five-string violoncello - With current Larsen strings → modern soloist and chamber music instrument - Response: Even across all five strings, no weak spots due to the wider fingerboard design Who Is This For? - Baroque cellists seeking a period-authentic 5-string instrument - Modern cellists exploring extended range (E string for melodic top lines) - Improvisers, folk, or jazz cellists wanting flexible tuning options - Collectors of contemporary maker instruments (Ilja Grawert, 2025) Condition New, 2025 build. Fully set up and play-tested. What’s Included - 5-string cello by Ilja Grawert (2025) - Larsen strings (including Larsen E) – currently installed - (Optional: add baroque gut string set at extra cost) Read the full article