I got my Yamaha Silent from the local Music store, One day I said to the assistant "it's a pity you don't sell them used" He looked at me and said "we do. This one's just come back from rental!" Sometimes you just have to ask.

Check out ebay cos I've noticed a proliferation of new electric cellos especially the Dominant from China. for a ridiculously low prices. The money saved could be spent on a better quality pickups. There is also an Samick from Korea.

I'm currently building my own based on studying people's attempts on the internet. I bought an ebony fingerboard for 70 dollars, I'm using a bass guitar neck bought for 35 dollars. The body will be minimal with ideas from the Jordan and Vector instruments. and the mounting similar to Marston Smith's.