My name is Hanno Strydom, a former professional cellist, Eastman School of Music performance graduate, and faculty member at MacPhail Center for Music from 2008–2018.
In a student’s musical development, two things matter most: the quality of instruction and the quality of the instrument. Few things discourage progress more than an unresponsive, poorly set-up cello.
String Instrument Rescue is a small project I started to make excellent instruments accessible at prices far below those of traditional violin shops.
Drawing on years of experience and industry connections, I find instruments that might otherwise never reach players — often sidelined by minor cosmetic flaws, shipping damage, or simple neglect in dealer warehouses.
Many of these are exceptional instruments whose issues are superficial, easily corrected by a skilled luthier, and have no impact on tone or structural integrity.
Once acquired, each instrument is professionally restored and carefully set up for optimal playability before being offered at a substantial discount.
A fine instrument is returned to peak condition, a local luthier is put to work, and a player gains access to something that might otherwise be out of reach.
In addition to instruments I have on hand, I am also happy to source an instrument specifically for you. If you have a particular instrument, level, or budget in mind, reach out and I will tell you honestly whether I can help.
This is a slow, small-scale process, but every instrument rescued and every player served is deeply rewarding.
Because rescue instruments come with unique considerations, I outline these clearly on my Buyer Considerations and Disclosures page.
Please email inquiries to StringInstrumentRescue@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you,
-Hanno
Current Inventory
I am often acquiring instruments ahead of demand — rescuing something exceptional when the opportunity arises, whether or not a buyer is already in place. What I have on hand changes regularly.
At the moment, I have seven 4/4 cellos at various price points suitable for students, advancing players, and accomplished cellists alike, as well as an excellent 3/4 cello with an almost new hard case, ideal for a younger advancing student.
Please get in touch to learn more or to schedule a time to try instruments.
StringInstrumentRescue@gmail.com
Track Record
Every instrument I have sourced is documented — including a valuation letter certifying retail market value, luthier details, and a full account of work performed. The table below summarizes my track-record to-date. With 10 clients served, I have delivered an average savings of 46% off regular list price, ranging from 28%–54% per client.
| Total Sales | Total List Price | Total SIR Price | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | $77,829 | $42,199 | $35,630 — 46% off |
About
My name is Hanno Strydom. In 2018 I stepped down from the cello faculty of MacPhail Center for Music and set my cello aside to devote myself to raising my two boys, supporting my wife in her demanding legal career, and pursuing a variety of other interests.
I founded String Instrument Rescue to promote participation in and access to classical music by lowering the barrier to entry posed by the high cost of acquiring an instrument.
String Instrument Rescue is a way for me to leverage the expertise and connections I earned over three decades in the classical music world, and pay it forward.
It would be my pleasure to help you find your next instrument. Get in touch at StringInstrumentRescue@gmail.com
String Instrument Rescue 