If you followed the process of this cello “letterbox” restoration last year, you may be interested to hear what it sounded like after the restoration. I can’t show a recording of it as the owner wants to remain anonymous but this is what he thought:
“There is no need to write about Iris´unique skills as a restorer: Her innovative techniques, her woodwork and retouching are widely known and admired by musicians and colleagues. With the restoration of my Italian cello which she documented online (the letterbox restoration) and gave insight to in several lectures, she demonstrated again that for her, the impossible is possible!
As a musician, I would like to add another aspect: I thoroughly enjoyed the cooperation and communication with Iris during the restoration. We were in constant exchange about every detail of the process and she was extremely open minded to discuss with me my wishes as a player, which led to a couple of unusual decisions, such as leaving the possibly original bassbar (slabcut!), to name just one of many details. When getting the cello back, I was very pleased to find back (after only a short period of playing in) its previous amazingly beautiful sound, possibly even topped with an extra bit of power – a top concert cello! Thanks so much, Iris!”
I’m grateful I was able to share the process of this unusual restoration and am glad of the successful outcome!
May it bring the audience pleasure for many, many years to come!
Iris Carr Restorations 