Francois Pillement was a luthier active in Mirecourt from 1775 to 1820. He made many instruments, and his cellos are of particular interest to players. This is a fine example of his work, branded internally above the label and coated in a gorgeous dark brown varnish. The cello shows its age in the refined and sweet quality of sound while still in superb condition.  There is a responsiveness and sophisticated quality across all strings that makes this cello particularly engaging. The low strings have a deep resonance that gives way to a colorful upper register that offers an array of tones for the player to draw on. This would be the ideal instrument for the serious cellist.