[noodles]

Well, that's just all sorts of awesome.

 

[noodles]

Haha, it depends. Judging from the "related videos" these guys are getting around a bit in cello-playing circles... and $8k for a carbon-fiber cello isn't much in the world of classical instruments.

You beat me to the punch. In the guitar world, a carbon fiber instrument is still an expensive novelty. In the classical world, they are far less expensive than the "real" thing. Then again, the rock/metal world is the only place where you can perform professionally with an inexpensive instrument. Even stepping away from the ridiculous prices of the classical and jazz worlds, I certainly don't see bluegrass musicians performing on a $600 Dean banjo or $500 Yamaha acoustic guitar. They're dropping $3000 on a Gibson Mastertone and $2200 on a Martin D-28 to start, and substantially more for something from the small cottage industry that exists throughout North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

I've heard (but have not been able to corroborate) the Luis & Clark carbon fiber stuff swings well above its price range in terms of tonal quality, but I'd be surprised if your average ultra-conservative orchestra would want you using one onstage. The main advantage I see is durability and immunity to climate changes; if you're serious (and making a living at it) expect to spend $14-18k+ for an amazing wooden one.

This is just one more example of why I avoid much of the modern classical world. There is just not much progression, as they still worship the compositions and instruments from centuries past. People are drawn to wood because it is familiar, not because it is the ideal building material. The weaknesses of wood, and the bracing uses to compensate for them, is a constant battle for a builder between structural integrity and tone. Bracing causes dead spots on the soundboard, causing certain frequencies to be diminished. I've played several Rainsongs, and I'm always surprised by how rich and full sounding they are. It's like someone took the wet blanket off of a speaker, and you're finally hearing the instrument as it was intended to be heard. Why pay more for something inferior?