Cello by Alexander Strachan, Aberdeen, 1934
This cello has now sold.
About Alexander Strachan
Alex Strachan was the nephew of John Marshall, the celebrated Aberdeen maker who made over 300 violins during the course of his career. Strachan learnt with Marshall before assisting him in his shop, eventually taking the business over in 1920.
The Marshall workshop undertook repairs on fine instruments, meaning that Strachan would have had personal knowledge of violins by many of the great Italian makers. In addition to this experience, in 1927 he purchased James Scott Skinner´s Andrea Guarneri on behalf of one of his clients. His connections to these instruments and his time with Marshall give his work a distinctive classical character.
About the cello
The cello was made in Aberdeen in 1934 and is modelled after the instruments of Stradivari.
The front is two pieces of fine-grained spruce which widens towards the flanks. The back is two pieces of narrow-flamed maple and the ribs and scroll are of similar wood. The varnish is a rich chocolate brown and has developed significant craquelure over time.
The cello has a length of back of 755 mm or 29 and 3/4 inches.
How does it sound?
This is a lovely intimate instrument which has a warm sound and feels neat to play. It is fairly refined and works brilliantly for continuo parts.
Condition
The cello is in good restored condition. Whilst now stable, the varnish has developed very significant craquelure.