Raymond Melanson, Rochester, MA 2008

Raymond Joseph Melanson is a graduate of the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City and studied with famed restorer Hans Nebel. Melanson is a prolific maker, having made nearly 300 instruments in his 30 years of experience. He has also won silver medals in tone at Violin Society of America competitions. This cello by Melanson has an attractive red-brown varnish. The top is made from two pieces of spruce with narrow grain broadening at the edges. The striking two piece back features patches of shading to an amber ground. The cello is branded “Raymond Joseph Melanson / Rochester Ma. anno 2008 / nr. 270”. It is branded “R.J. Melanson” above the label and above the end button.