We are pleased to offer this fine St. Cecile cello by J.B. Vuillaume for examination, trial and purchase.
Instrument Type: Cello
Year: 1848
Price: Upon Request
Maker: St. Cecile, Vuillaume
Dimensions: Back Length: 75.7 cm. String Length: 68.5 cm.
The Cello
This handsome St. Cécile cello (No. 472), built on a classic Strad model, features a one-piece, quarter-cut maple back with narrow flames descending from treble to bass. The ribs and scroll are carved from deeper, broader-flamed maple, offering visual richness and tonal strength. The top is made of excellent spruce with a straight, even grain that subtly widens toward the flanks.
The instrument is finished in a thick, rich red varnish over a golden ground and left unpolished for a natural, organic character. Blackened chamfers and miters lend a touch of classical detail, while rosewood pegs add understated refinement.
The cello produces a warm, vibrant tone with clarity and resonance. It speaks easily across all registers, making it an expressive and responsive choice for both solo and ensemble performance.
The Maker
Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798–1875) was one of the most important and influential violin makers of the 19th century, widely admired for his consistent workmanship, tonal excellence, and faithful interpretations of instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Amati, and Maggini. His Paris workshop became a center of innovation and expertise, employing many of the finest violin and bow makers of the time. To meet growing demand and make his instruments more accessible to a wider range of musicians, Vuillaume introduced the St. Cécile des Thernes line around 1844.
These instruments were constructed in the Mirecourt workshop of his brother Nicolas Vuillaume and then sent “in the white” to Jean-Baptiste’s Paris workshop to be varnished and finished under his direct supervision. This process allowed Vuillaume to maintain control over the quality and tonal standards associated with his name, even in this more affordable line. Each instrument bears the image of Saint Cecilia—the patron saint of music—on the back, with a banner reading “St. Cécile des Thernes,” a reference to Vuillaume’s country home outside Paris. These instruments reflect Vuillaume’s dedication to combining artistic detail with broad musical accessibility.
Terms of Sale
This fine cello is available for examination and trial and has been meticulously set up to our exacting specifications before addition to our catalog. If you wish to inquire further about this cello, please contact us using the green button at the top of this listing or call 1-818-762-1374 during business hours.