Beautiful French Cello

Jean Baptiste Chipot, France, c.1880
Sale price $42,000

A beautiful 140 year old French cello in near perfect condition. Chipot trained under Honore Derazey and , and Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin, two of France’s most respected makers, before working on his own. His workmanship reflects that of his mentors and this cello is a beautifully preserved example of this. It has to be seen to appreciate the beautifully done outline, arching, scroll, corners, purfling and much more. Part of its history is that it was purchased in Paris c. 1908 by the grandfather of the consigner. The photo of that cellist with this cello is below.

This instrument has great response, with gorgeous, rich, focused sound, one of the best we’ve ever had.

With photo certificate from David Bonsey. A rare find!

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Melissa Perley’s book “The Violin Family” has been named a winner in the Children’s Category recently as part of the 10th annual Indie Readers Discovery Awards!
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Melissa was featured on the cover of the Times Argus Reader recently.
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Paul Perley Cellos has been selected for the 2022 Best of Montpelier Award in the Restoration, Repair and Sales of All Bowed Musical Instruments category !
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Cello Restoration, Repairs, Sales & Service

Paul Perley Cellos offers fine cellos and stringed instruments in all price ranges. We specialize in the restoration, repair, and sale of cellos, basses and violins. Paul Perley Cellos takes pride in the personal experience that we are able to provide to each customer, and aim to connect each client with an instrument that fits their needs. We consider our setup and adjustment services second to none, as professional and novice players from throughout New England come to the shop for tonal improvement.

We have instruments in all price ranges, and proudly ship to all 50 states and Canada. Looking for a special instrument and not finding it in our listings? Email us or give us a call. We usually have many more cellos and basses than our website indicates: quite a few are acquired and sold before we have time to photograph them and add them to our website.

REPAIR & RESTORATION.  Customers are often surprised to learn that their cello, which they were considering upgrading from, can be made to play much easier, look much better, and have better sound at a fraction of the cost of another cello.  We do everything from complete restorations to minor repairs to tonal improvements. Our rates are reasonable, and our work is of the highest quality. Our two luthiers, Paul & Thurmond, have a combined professional experience of over 60 years. Contact us with your questions, and take a look at our Restoration page for some of our projects.

RESTORED OLDER GERMAN CELLOS. From time to time we have German cellos, 1880’s - 1960’s, that we have restored and sell for $2500 - $6000. Most of these are terrific players; many outplay cellos costing 10 times as much, one even soloed in the White House! All are guaranteed. When they’re ready, they go quickly. Call us to see if we have one, as not all of them make it to our website. (802) 229-1501.

SHIPPING.  The cost of shipping cellos has increased dramatically, especially in 2024.   If you purchase a cello without a trial (a final sale), whose owner has agreed to allow the instrument to be shipped,, we'll ship it to you at no charge if its price is $7000 or higher, if your address is in one of the lower 48 states of the U.S..  For cellos under $7000, we will pay $175.00 toward the shipping cost if the cello is purchased as a final sale. If you want any cello on trial, you will be responsible for the Fedex shipping cost in both directions.  If you would like a trial on a bow, or selection of bows, your part of the shipping fee to you would be $50.00.   Please call us at (802) 229 1501 with any questions.

ONLINE PURCHASING. BEFORE MAKING AN ONLINE PURCHASE WE REQUEST THAT YOU TELEPHONE US AT 802 229 1501 OR EMAIL US AT pperleycellos@aol.com. .

Contact us at (802) 229 1501 to discuss the consignment, repair, restoration, or purchase of a cello, bass, violin, or bow!


Melissa Perley’s award winning children’s book “The Violin Family” makes a great gift. Order directly from Rootstock Publishing today!

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Interested in Cello Lessons? Give us call to discuss available times at our studio, or try our successful Skype online program! Find out more here


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We are fortunate to have Robinson Morse working as  a luthier  in our shop. Rob is also an accomplished Jazz bassist and composer. Recently he completed work on a CD which encompassed many of his finest works. Check it out here!

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