About the Founder
Brendan Goh is a Juilliard-trained cellist and the founder of Fifth String. Now based in Vienna, his life as a musician has been shaped by years of disciplined study, performance and close collaboration with accomplished artists. Through these experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for the cello’s expressive range and for the important role an instrument plays in shaping a musician’s sound.
Early in his career, Brendan had the opportunity to perform on a remarkable fine cello. Experiencing its depth, responsiveness and range of colour changed the way he understood the relationship between musician and instrument. It showed him how the right instrument can respond to a player’s intentions, open new musical possibilities and become a genuine artistic partner.
Brendan brings this perspective to every consultation at Fifth String. Drawing on his training and experience as a cellist, he listens for tone, projection, colour and responsiveness while also observing how naturally and confidently a musician connects with an instrument. His approach is personal and collaborative, offering honest guidance while giving every player the time and freedom to discover the instrument that feels right for them.
Fifth String was founded on the belief that the right instrument is more than a possession; it is one of a musician’s closest artistic partners. An instrument can shape how freely a musician expresses an idea, responds in performance and develops their individual sound. For this reason, we look beyond reputation or the name on a label, placing equal importance on tone, character, responsiveness and the connection felt by the musician.
Our work begins by listening. We take the time to understand each client’s playing style, preferences, ambitions and practical needs before introducing carefully selected instruments and bows across different makers and price points. Through considered comparisons, performance trials and honest guidance, musicians are given the time and space to explore each possibility without pressure. Collectors and instrument owners are supported with the same personal attention, whether purchasing, selling, consigning or considering a flexible arrangement.
The name Fifth String represents something that cannot be seen. Beyond the four physical strings lies a deeper connection between musician and instrument, the point at which craftsmanship, sound and artistic instinct come together. Our purpose is to help clients discover that connection while treating every instrument, its history and its future with care and respect.
Looking ahead, Fifth String also aims to make exceptional instruments more accessible through rentals, loans and meaningful relationships between musicians and sponsors. By placing deserving instruments in the hands of dedicated players, we hope to support artistic development, preserve musical heritage and contribute to the continued life of classical music.