Will it cost a lot to get my broken cello neck fixed?

Question

my parents are really angry because i dropped my cello on the stairs (i had a cloth case)

the neck is kind of broken off...

is it going to cost a lot to get it fixed at a shop?

Answer 1

I experienced something like that a while ago, but I was considered lucky because only the fingerboard got cracked and separated from the neck. Even with that, it was a delicate situation.

I remember thinking it wasn't cheap. I think around $300-400.

It really depends on the quality of your cello, and if you plan to take it to the best luthier (string instrument maker/repairer) in your local area. You can take it to a store that is a general music store, but chances are that your cello won't get the attention it may need, and the end result won't be good.

I hope you get it fixed back to shipshape!

Answer 2

It's impossible to tell without seeing it, but it depends on where it was broke at.  If it (miraculously) broke somewhat cleanly where the neck meets the upper bouts, then it may not be as difficult to repair. If the neck broke up higher, then a new neck will be needed (maybe carved). I don't know what kind of cello you have, but if it's a student model, it probably won't be worth repairing.  You are probably looking at a repair bill starting at $500. That may be a tad high of an estimate; I'm a double bassist, and everything is more expensive to fix on double bass. One thing is for sure, it won't be cheap...  Sorry for the bad news.

P.S. It may be covered under your parents homeowner's or renter's insurance. It'll take only a quick phone call to their insurance agent to find out.  Good luck.

Answer 3

If cello repair is anything like guitar repair, you'll need a whole new neck.  It's not usually the sort of thing you can mend.

I have no idea about the cost, but I paid $190 for a new guitar neck back in 1994.  I have to imagine a cello neck in 2008 would cost more than that.