After an extensive search Ueda found a cello that might be ideal as the model for the project’s final five string cello’s measurements. It is a beautiful four string cello, the so-called ‘Ngeringa’ cello, built in 1743 by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini31 in Parma. Generally all of the Guadagnini cellos are rather small, and this one has the perfect measurements for the project’s purposes.
Picture 25: The Guadagnini Ngeringa cello.
OUTER MEASUREMENTS OF THE PROJECT’S FINAL CELLO:
| Final design: Amati/Guadagnini/Ueda | Prototype I | Prototype II | Amati | |
| LENGTH OF BODY: | 715mm | 750mm | 710mm | 705mm |
| LENGTH OF STRINGS32: | 665mm | 690mm | 670mm | 640mm |
| WIDTH OF UPPER BODY: | 330mm | 340mm | 325mm |
354mm |
| WIDTH OF MIDDLE BODY: | 240mm | 250mm | 225mm | 235mm |
| WIDTH OF LOWER BODY: | 425mm | 440mm | 415mm | 425mm |
(Those are the outer measurements of the instrument. The inner measurements’ proportions (thickness of belly and bottom; heights of bouts) will imitate the Amati design but be generally a little bigger.)
Picture 25A: Final instrument; measurements of back. (Sketch: Ueda.)
Picture 25B: Final instrument; measurements of top. (Sketch: Ueda.) Click on picture to enlarge.
Picture 25C: Ueda’s notes. Click on picture to enlarge.
31 The Guadagnini family is one of the most prestigious Italian string instrument makers from the 18th century until today.
32 Measured from bridge to nut.
