Cello D · Otto Benjamin MC-200 · 2006

Otto Benjamin MC-200: For Repair, Structural Crack

A repair project and nothing else. Open through crack at the bottom block, which carries the endpin. Do not buy this expecting to string it up and play it.

$375 Used · Fair S/N 59238

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Back of the Otto Benjamin MC-200 cello, clean with no cracks — Back: clean, no cracks

Open structural crack and joint separation in the cello rib at the bottom block, running down to the endpin — THE FLAW: open through crack in the rib at the bottom block, running down to the endpin

Open top-to-rib seam along the lower bout of the cello with bare, chewed edges — Top-to-rib seam open along the lower bout, bare chewed edges

Interior label of the cello showing Otto Benjamin MC-200, 2006, serial number 59238 — Interior label: Otto Benjamin MC-200, 2006, serial 59238

Padded cello gig bag with backpack straps included with this instrument — Included padded gig bag with backpack straps

Front of the Otto Benjamin cello photographed before setup, with the bridge lying flat on the top — Front: shot before setup, so the bridge is lying flat in this photo. The bridge is standing now.

The flaw: Structural crack at the bottom block

There is an open, through crack / joint separation in the rib at the bottom block, running vertically down to the endpin, with a visible void behind it. A secondary crack branches off it. The bottom block carries the endpin, which takes the entire downward playing load, so this is a structural repair, not something to play around. Separately, the top-to-rib seam is open along the lower bouts with bare, chewed edges. This needs a luthier.

What's good

Otto Benjamin is the step-up line above the Strobel student instruments, with better wood and better fitting. The back is clean with no cracks, the ribs away from the bottom are clean, the neck and ebony fingerboard are clean, and the pegbox and scroll are good. Bridge is standing. Repaired properly, this is a nicer instrument than the ones I am asking more for.

What's included

The cello
Padded gig bag with backpack straps
NO BOW on this one

Sound post

Not verified. Sold strictly as-is, for repair.

Terms

Prices are per cello. $1,800 takes all four, and I am happy to sell one. Cash or Zelle on pickup in Philadelphia. Free delivery within 60 miles. Everything is sold as-is.

Solid spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, ebony fingerboard, four fine tuners. 4/4 is the standard adult size, right for most players roughly 5 ft and up.

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