Noel Sweetman, New Zealand’s most prolific cello maker, made this handsome Montagnana copy especially for his father, noted violin maker Ian Sweetman, and considers it one of his finest examples. Noel, like Ian, has always maintained a keen interest in his instruments’ progress, so much so that he revised this instrument a year after it was finished, to optimise the tone and playability. The golden orange-brown varnish, still in excellent condition, has been subtly antiqued to enhance the beautifully flamed back, head and ribs. The tone is warm, creamy and expressive with plenty of complexity and a good, clear projection in all registers, making it a great instrument for an advanced student or emerging professional.