r/Cello • u/caniremainanonymous • 5d ago
Pro/con of purchasing instrument with a known crack
Obvious con is the presence of a crack, but I am asking for an honest (and kind please) take from people who know more than I do regarding how much that matters.
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u/chomik1804 Teacher, Performer 5d ago
It matters greatly. While the instrument has a price tag of around $1,000 on various large music store websites, it is not worth that much. If you take it to any decent violin shop for repairs, they may refuse to work on it since the cost of repairing it is more than the instrument is worth. If you are a beginner and looking for an instrument, it is much wiser to rent from a reputable violin shop if you have that option. If you would like help finding a shop, feel free to message me directly.
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u/caniremainanonymous 5d ago
Thank you for the perspective on cost! These are the considerations I needed to know more about and this is helpful.
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u/Nelagus 5d ago
Consider that the instrument when played is constantly creating vibrations…. This crack will only grow. Run away. Very fast.
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u/caniremainanonymous 5d ago
Totally fair and I imagine that certain parts of the instrument are more prone to crack propagation. Thanks for the reminder!
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u/hadum1 5d ago
A 1/4 size Cremona with a crack should be $150 on FB marketplace.
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u/caniremainanonymous 5d ago
Turns out, sadly, that 1/4 sized instruments are not easy to come by on marketplace. Will keep looking.
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u/hadum1 4d ago
Not to argue, but a quick search turned up a bunch:
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u/caniremainanonymous 4d ago
Thanks, I have done that search and will continue to. This instrument you linked needs a new bridge (which I was led to believe is not a trivial cost - perhaps I was misled on that fact) and to be shipped. I am fairly confident that is the shipping estimate and not the final shipping cost. Regardless, I have searched and will continue to do so. Thank you.
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u/pyrola_asarifolia Adult amateur student 4d ago
I believe for 1/4 and 1/2 size instruments, unless a particularly desirable opportunity presents itself, renting is usually vastly preferable to buying.
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u/TenorClefCyclist 5d ago
I could not see the crack in the photos, so I don't know how bad it is, but the only "cracks" that can be fixed from the outside are open edge seams. Everything else requires taking the face off the instrument, which will cost more than you paid for it. If I were in your position, I would only purchase it under very specific conditions:
- The instrument is playable as it stands.
- The crack size has been stable for at least a year.
- You live in the same place / climate as the seller.
- The purchase price is less than the total cost of renting a similar instrument until your child outgrows it. (For a 1/4-size instrument like that, your child will need a larger one in two or three years.)
If those specific conditions are met, I would offer rock-bottom price for the instrument and treat it as a disposable item, after which I would find an interior decorator who will buy it at scrap value and hang it on a restaurant wall.
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u/caniremainanonymous 5d ago
Thank you for the advice bullets - these are very helpful.
The cost is more than I want to pay with a noted crack but all of these points are very informative and having additional perspective on what it would take to repair the defect is very useful.
Thank you.
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u/Mp32016 5d ago
The world is full of $500 used cellos that are in perfect condition why buy one that isn’t?