Many well wishes in the future for Dan at ABZ. I had an excellent experience with him today, and…read moreI'll try to be as categorical as I can about this...
Location: 5 out of 5
Yes, the workshop is actually in the burbs of Milwaukee, but he makes home visits, as well as school visits, and probably institution visits as well. Can't get any better than when someone who has a service or commodity or amenity makes a house call.
Selection: 4 out of 5 (or 0 out of 5)
Please read this careful. Dan ONLY works on cellos. And by works on, I mean that he hand crafts these bad boys, sets them up (quite drolly too with a caliper I might add), and includes a year of service with a purchase. Looking for a violin? No. Looking for a guitar? Move along. Looking for a viola? Again, no. Looking for a plastic recorder? I should punch you in the nuts. Dan builds, service, and works on one instrument only. The cello. The offerings that he has are the following:
Fortissimo:
This professional grade cello is made from select solid spruce and beautifully aged, flamed maple. The hand carved solid maple back on each of our 4/4 size models has its own unique flamed rich woodgrain finish, and the purfling is inlaid. The fingerboard and pegs are crafted from select quality rosewood. The sound is rich and very robust. Each one comes with quality soft bag and a high grade Brazilwood bow with mother of pearl inlays. The tailpiece is made from the highest grade ebony with a decorative mother of pearl eyelet. This model is a perfect blend of precision craftsmanship and wonderfully deep robust resonance.
Vivace (the one I purchased):
The spruce and maple on this cello is matured for 12 years before crafting. The fingerboard, pegs, and tail piece are all made from high grade ebony. It has a less glossy hand applied spirit finish.
Crescendo:
His top of the line 12 year cello. This amazing new age cello is made from select solid spruce and beautifully 12 year aged, flamed maple. The hand carved solid maple back on each of our 4/4 size models has its own unique flamed rich woodgrain finish, and the purfling is inlaid. The fingerboard and pegs, and tail piece are crafted from select high grade ebony.
There may be one model in between these - please inquire with him as I am by no means an expert on any of his craft.
Customer Service: 5 out of 5
Well, he agreed to come to the city during rush hour, and that by itself should count for a lot. Like I mentioned, there's a 1 year service period where he will work on your cello (for free, I think). Real stand up guy - brought his kid along (his inspiration for making the cellos in the first place). Does things by the book - even charging the correct amount of sales tax.
Pricing: 4 out of 5.
Are cellos cheap? No. Are hand crafted cellos cheap? No. Are hand crafted non laminate cellos cheap? No. But are his cellos cheaper than something I could purchase from a boutique store or even online? Yes. And they sound amazing. The entry level 6 year and the top of the line 12 year are very boisterous and voluminous, but the mellow 12 year cello (Vivace) has an excellent tone.
If you want to purchase a cello for yourself, or a student, do hurry - I believe he'll be raising prices on his entry level cello come fall.