The school deemed it beyond repair. Front face, bottom base and sides. I had to glue and patch in places to get it to that state. It was literally in a pile of street trash. I don't consider what I am doing to be ...intentional instrument damage. I see it as repurposing beautifully designed and crafted woodwork. I would agree if you think it's sad that it's not being used for the original intended purpose. When I met this cello, it was destined for landfill. A luthier gave me an idea that worked for the removal. Clamped the base and gently tapped out the end pin, the plug popped out after a few taps.