PBS Story About My Uncle's Invention, the Prakticello

[Donald Isler]

This is a PBS story from about 2011, the topic being my uncle, Ernest Nussbaum, and his invention, the Prakticello. He made more than 400 of them over 30 years, and sold them to many professional cellists, some of them very well known, who took them along on their vacations to practice on. Today would be his 90th birthday.

https://youtu.be/3gf7nIPJikE

[lennygoran]

This is a PBS story from about 2011, the topic being my uncle, Ernest Nussbaum, and his invention, the Prakticello.

Donald quite a story-thanks! I think it said he worked on these instruments out in a shed-was it in NJ? What town was it? Regards, Len

[Lance]

Very interesting information on Mr. Nussbaum. I wonder if anyone took over his idea and continue to produce these portable instruments?

[Ricordanza]

Thanks for sharing this, Donald.

[Donald Isler]

Thanks for your interest, and questions.

He lived in Bethesda, Maryland, and built the instruments in his garage.

He died a year ago, and a year or two before that he sold the business to Jerry DeGroot, who continues to make the instruments. The website is: www.practiceviolins.com.

[Lance]

Very nice to know the Nussbaum's work is being carried forward, but seems to be focused mostly on the cello now. Thank you, Donald!

Thanks for your interest, and questions.

He lived in Bethesda, Maryland, and built the instruments in his garage.

He died a year ago, and a year or two before that he sold the business to Jerry DeGroot, who continues to make the instruments. The website is: www.practiceviolins.com.