CrashTestCello1

American musician Nicholas Gold, whose cello was broken by baggage handlers while checked into the hold on a recent flight with Southwest Airlines, has made a video demonstrating just how strong his (now badly damaged) carbon fibre Stevenson case is - and therefore how much force workers would have to use to destroy his case and crack his cello scroll and neck.

The airline has since written to Gold, apologising for the 'baggage handling irregularity' and offering the maximum liability compensation, which is far less than the value of the instrument.

No cellos were harmed in making this video...

Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase single issues click here.