Thurmond Knight made this cello in 1994 and dedicated it to his mother, Ellen Frances Simmons Knight.  Owned by a professional cellist for 6 years, and then played by Thurmond for 17 years, Ellen Frances has been played in thoroughly and has a round open sound with full bass resonance and an upper end that soars.  This is an instrument for solo or orchestral playing.  The spruce top is from Bavaria and has close, straight, even grain.  The two piece maple back is highly flamed, with matching ribs and neck. The cello has been finished with a beautiful dark red oil varnish.  Thurmond has chosen this as his main performance instrument.  It is not for sale.