Hi,
I'm researching buying a new cello at the moment, and I was looking for people's experience of them. A shop just recommended them to me; he retails them at €4700 (without case or bow), and I'm dying to try one.

I'm doing grade 5 cello at the moment, and want a cello that will take me up to and beyond diploma level. I'd love some feedback on them, as there are different models of the Jay Haide too.

Does it matter where they are actually made, although I understand it is an American label?

thanks so much; it's all so confusing.

I don't know where you're based, but as the price you've given is in Euros, I thought I'd chip in and say that the Jay Haide à l'ancienne cello, their best model, is currently being sold at my local luthier shop for 3000 euro - I'm in France and this seems to be the going rate for them here.

It's a considerable saving and may even be worth going to get one from a different country!

Again, I'm not sure where you are located but Jan Shelley at Waterloo in Liverpool stocks them. I've heard that the Heide cellos are very good, especially the most expensive one. I would buy one if I could afford it!

If you get the chance to try one, please will you let me know what you think?

Thanks!

Charlie, I've played one. It's a nice instrument indeed. Not as nice as their top end violins, but still pretty good for the money.

You'd be hard pushed to get anything old that good for under 30K over here and the only modern instruments I've come across that play that well are luthier benchmade cellos - which needless to say don't sell for 3K each

I'd love to hear more about how you get on too if you decide to go down this route - enjoy the research!

I have a Jay Haide (a l'ancienne) and am very pleased with it. In my opinion you'd be hard pressed to find something better for the price, and I did try lots and lots.
They are hand made in China, then get shipped to the US and then to the UK. Every instrument is slightly different so you might like the sound of one better than the next.
There are a few dealers in the UK who sell them and prices seem to vary a bit.

You are welcome to PM me if you want to know more specifics.

Thanks for the tips. I will indeed revert with my findings ... it may take a while while I'm waiting for my piggy bank to fill up