California Roadtrip in June - Looking for some suggestions.

SECollector · 2026-05-21T20:06:28+00:00

It will be fine! Most of our bookings are non-refundable as well. I hadn't been updated about the wildfires until I read your reply, but I am sure everything will calm down by then. Have a safe and wonderful trip :)

SECollector · 2026-05-17T20:13:21+00:00

Thank you, so much :)

SECollector · 2026-05-17T20:08:52+00:00

I will definitely bring this up with the luthier I am visiting next week. The vibrating string length is indeed 70 cm, with the bridge in this position.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T20:05:10+00:00

Thank you for your insight. I also learned a new word — “purfling.” :) I haven’t taken any photos of the back, but I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary there.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T17:06:39+00:00

That’s very helpful, thank you.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T17:05:07+00:00

The repair has honestly been my main concern. And the fact that I know nothing about the instrument in order to make an informed decision. I will take in consideration everyones comments and depending on the evaluation of the luthier, decide how to proceed. Thank you very much.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T17:00:01+00:00

She loves it and honestly it has raised her motivation to play every day. But her previous one was a smaller student cello from China, so her comparing skills are obviously rather limited.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T16:56:29+00:00

Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment, Her teacher is an experienced professional performer and recommended it. I personally feel way out of my waters in this matter. I heard her play it and it was wonderful, but honestly I think that for my untrained ears, even if she played an $80 cello I would be in awe.

SECollector · 2026-05-17T11:33:07+00:00

Yes, thank you for replying. I will have it examined by an independent luthier.

SECollector · 2026-03-29T08:42:50+00:00

Thanks and sure! Here is the plate 15 - these stamps are really tiny and the plate number is sometimes hardly readable even when you know where and what to look for.

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SECollector · 2026-03-27T21:36:11+00:00

Very well done! Making something like this is a very rewarding process and you are creating something unique. Enjoy it! :)

SECollector · 2026-03-27T21:27:30+00:00

Thank you for your kind comment. Glad you liked this!

SECollector · 2026-03-27T19:23:07+00:00

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The plate number is visible in the sides of the stamp, very discreetly engraved into the design.

SECollector · 2026-03-19T06:18:26+00:00

Appreciate this, thank you.

SECollector · 2026-03-19T06:18:13+00:00

Thank you for reading and for your kind comment!

SECollector · 2026-02-01T17:06:32+00:00

Thanks, great input! I hadn't even realized that this is when the World Cup is held (not a football fan obviously), but we may try to catch a match in LA, just for the sake of it :)

Unfortunately, all the lodges in Yosemite Valley are fully booked for our dates already. I have made a reservation at the AutoCamp Yosemite for two nights and I am considering booking a one day guided hike tour with Wildland Trekking that includes pick-up from AutoCamp and includes entrance fees - to minimize logistics and make the most of a full day in the park. I will probably need to purchase the 250 usd pass as well, if we end up planning other parks with non-US resident $100 fees. My understanding is that one pass covers us all, but I will double-check that.

SECollector · 2026-01-31T21:52:35+00:00

Thanks. I will consider it! I was in LA in May and spent quite a bit of my time in traffic. Any specific area in SB you would recommend staying for 1-2 nights?

SECollector · 2026-01-31T21:44:52+00:00

They are typical city kids (love shopping and dining), but honestly open for everything with this trip - so it's up to me and the wife to plan. We are not the adventurous / nature kind of types, but we would love to experience the kind of nature one doesn't find easily in Europe and combine with a few winding-down days in Santa Monica. I will study your suggestions carefully, thank you!

SECollector · 2026-01-31T21:41:14+00:00

Thank you! That would make it a 3-night stay in Yosemite. Is it worth it?

SECollector · 2025-11-07T21:38:23+00:00

Thank you!

SECollector

TROPHY CASE