Ronald Prentice 1976, Ash Priors (EN027) - $11,995 Canadian

Ronald Prentice 1976, Ash Priors (EN027) - $11,995 Canadian

Ronald Prentice (1932-2020) was an exceptionally talented English musician and luthier who specialized in making larger string instruments, notably basses. His commission work was highly sort after and he usually had a lengthy wait list for new instruments.

Prentice had a successful musical career playing bass guitar and double bass as a session musician, featuring on records by Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, among others. He also contributed to the movie soundtracks for a number of James Bond films, perhaps most famously with Shirley Bassey on the ‘Goldfinger’ main theme.

He studied luthiery under Karl Roy (later appointed director of the Mittenwald School of Violin Making in Germany – a very prestigious position) before setting up his own workshop in Ash Priors, Somerset.

I am a particular fan of luthiers who are also musicians, especially larger string instrument players. I believe skilled musician/luthiers bring their knowledge of tone into the construction of their instruments and Prentice was certainly capable of that; this is an excellent sounding cello. It has a lovely tone with plenty of resonance.

The cello is in very good condition with no major repairs. It has had a new sound post cut and a Wittner tailpiece and a new set of Kaplan strings have been fitted. It is finished in a lovely honey brown colored varnish, apparently a recipe of Karl Roy, Prentice’s teacher and mentor. It is very easy to play.

The length of back is 750mm, high resolution photos available on request.