Otto Karl Schenk von Bern cello, zur Nydegg 1983 | Metzler Violins

powerful, resonant, supple

About the Instrument
This cello has a lovely lower register, supple and powerful. It would blend beautifully as a chamber instrument. Its caramel varnish is applied over a golden ground. A tiger flame drops slightly from the center joint of the two-piece maple back. This cello is in excellent condition.

Interior label reads: [forthcoming]
Length: 762 mm
Upper Bouts: 350 mm
Middle: 245 mm
Lower Bouts: 415 mm

About the Maker
Otto Karl Schenk von Bern (1930-2025) was a contemporary Swiss luthier who was born in Vienna. Schenk apprenticed in Bern under Edith Dittrich before working for years in Hans Weisshaar’s atelier in Los Angeles and Jacques Français’ shop in New York under its head of workshop René Morel. Schenk received many accolades for his stringed instruments, including a Gold Medal for Workmanship and Certificate for Tone at the Violin Society of American (VSA) Competition in Philadelphia in 1976. He also earned a Certificate of Merit for Viola Tone, Viola Workmanship, and Cello Workmanship at the VSA Competition in 1978. In 1979, Schenk opened his own workshop in Bern. He served as a jury member at the “Città di Cremona” Competition in 1995, was a member of the Swiss Association of Violinmaking and Bowmaking as well as L’Entente Internationale des Maîtres Luthiers et Archetiers d’Art.