This 2018 Cesare Valli cello, handmade in Beijing, is a fine example of a superbly crafted Chinese instrument. With easy playability, it is astonishing the level of depth, resonance, and character one can elicit from this fine instrument. The tonal quality is one of complexity and subtlety, offering a deeply rich lower voice that exhibits a dark evenness of sound, which is complemented by the sweet yet warm lyricism of the upper register. Marked with lovely golden brown varnish on the front and speckled dark stripping on the back, the Cesare Valli cello is ideally suited for the advancing student cellist.