K. Michael Krentz Instruments

Our design made by award-winning Chinese luthier.

Cutting-Edge Research
+ Krentz String Design

Tone quality matched to double-blind audience preferences.

Finest Materials

Northern Italian spruce tops and handmade oil varnish.

There has been fantastic research into violin-family instruments in the past several decades. Most of it centers on understanding the complex actions of the parts of these instruments and how these aspects relate to each other and to tone production. Perhaps though the most exciting research has been in studies that investigate the tone quality that audiences prefer. At a distance, audiences are remarkably similar in their tastes! Using a library of almost 100 cellos and double-blind testing in concert halls, Krentz String Works has been working to identify these characteristics.

They are remarkably simple and found throughout all critical listening fields from microphones, speakers, wind instruments, and the work of audio engineers. By carefully documenting experiments to the front plate, the bass bar, and the bridge of our instruments for years, we have been able to create truly exciting cellos that align with this tone research. In an industry filled with superlative talk, we just invite you to let us prove it.

The Krentz String Works Sound

Industry-First Spruce, Carbon Fiber Composite Bass Bar

Finest Italian Spruce from Bachmann

Instrument Arrives Played-In

Individually Voiced by Kevin Krentz

Finest Handmade, European Amber Oil Varnish

Made by an Award-Winning Chinese Luthier in a Small Shop

The Krentz String Works Sound

Industry-First Spruce, Carbon Fiber Composite Bass Bar

Finest Italian Spruce from Bachmann

Instrument Arrives Played-In

Individually Voiced by Kevin Krentz

Finest Handmade, European Amber Oil Varnish

Made by an Award-Winning Chinese Luthier in a Small Shop

Recently, a 12 year old student of Dr. Krentz’s performed St. Saens Concerto with the Seattle Symphony. The first thing the cellists of the section said to him was:

What cello is that? It sounds great! It’s so powerful!

THE KRENTZ CARBON FIBER-SPRUCE COMPOSITE BASS BAR

The bass bar in a a string instrument is an essential link in the transmission of string vibrations to the top of the instrument. Vibrations travel through the bridge and into the top and the bass bar, centered under the bass foot of the bridge. Each time the bridge rocks back and forth, the bass bar also moves up and down. By lowering the mass of the bass bar by 50% while retaining its other factors, the Krentz bass bar is much more efficient. Energy transmitted to the bass bar is not eaten up by moving unnecessary mass.

THE RESULTS

Greater Sensitivity

Play quieter with greater control

Play louder and work less

Shape your phrases with greater control

Greater Speed and Ease of Playing

Strings respond immediately

Fast passages are crystal clear

All bow strokes are easier

Sports cars have more horsepower per pound of car to move than conventional cars. That is what makes them fast and handle so well. By lowering the amount of mass that must be moved before the instrument speaks, K. Michael Krentz instruments are faster and handle better than conventional instruments. This translates to making your music more dynamic. Leaving you inspired by your instrument to push the limits.

DR. KEVIN KRENTZ & ROBERT BREWER YOUNG

Krentz String Works began ten years ago as a conversation between respected cellist, Dr. Kevin Krentz, and well-known luthier, Robert Brewer Young. Kevin needed a great modern cello from a master maker with a balanced approach to all the facets of fine instruments, and Robert needed a fine cellist with wide experience and a talent for turning adjectives into practical feedback on his already celebrated modern instruments. Thus began a beautiful and industrious friendship.

Kevin, who had already invented his magnetic-field method of driving the strings of instruments to play them in, challenged Robert to push the cello further by both interpreting current research together as well as collaborating on their own. Robert continues to create outstanding cellos that are in the hands of professional players all over the world. Kevin continues work that ranges from how cellos function to cello technique with a focus on practical experimentation and testing. While inventing unique and powerful tools to address the needs of makers and working musicians.

Dr. Kevin Krentz

Founder, Krentz String Works, KrentzStringWorks.com

Artistic Director, Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, MethowMusicFestival.org

Teacher, Krentz Cello Studio, SeattleCelloAcademy.com

(206) 369-5545
Kevin(at)KrentzStringWorks.com

AUDITIONING A K. MICHAEL KRENTZ INSTRUMENT

We welcome the opportunity to show you an instrument at our location in Seattle. An instrument’s tone can be adjusted very easily and it is important that we are on hand in most cases to adjust the cello to your vision. This is impossible to do from afar and many players lack the knowledge of what can and cannot be changed about a sound. If you are looking for a different sound than the cellos we have on hand at any one time, we can often create something new for you.

Trial Policy

Trial period is 10 days.

If the instrument is shipped to you at our expense, you will be responsible for return shipment if you do not purchase it.

THE KRENTZ CARBON FIBER-SPRUCE COMPOSITE BASS BAR

THE RESULTS

What you can and cannot change.

How not to buy a new version of your old cello.

What are your criteria?

DR. KEVIN KRENTZ & ROBERT BREWER YOUNG

AUDITIONING A K. MICHAEL KRENTZ INSTRUMENT