My eldest daughter is a professional violinist and she still performs on the first violin I made for her about 10 years ago. Her adoption of that violin was a big factor coaxing me out of the furniture designing/making (plus part-time guitar making) profession and into building violins and violas full-time. I was very pleased to make a viola for the violist in her quartet just last summer. Prior to the pandemic, the cellist in the quartet asked if I’d make a cello for her, however, I lacked the knowledge to feel confident about making a professional level instrument.

After a long and fruitless search, she asked again in the Fall of 2021. This time I told her I would if I could secure the mentorship of an experienced cello-maker. My first inquiry was to the only cello maker I happened to be acquainted with — Christopher Dungey.  Chris has been building cellos for 40 years and has 127 to his credit, many to soloists and professional players, including the late, great, Lynn Harrell.

Remarkably, he readily agreed. Remarkable in that he has been building on his own for most of that time with nary an apprentice or student. I was to be his first.

To make a very long story, very short, Chris tutored me in every aspect of making the cello, from adapting a historic model to fit the needs and ergonomics of my client all the way through to the final set up and break-in of the instrument.