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How to Buy a Cello

What are some of the factors to consider when you are buying a cello? Besides the age and experience of the cellist, there are other factors to consider before buying a cello.

Age and height are the best determining factors for selecting the size of the cello to purchase. Like the violin, the cello comes in four sizes which depend on the player’s height or age.

1/8 size: 4 to 6 years old
1/4 size: 5 to 7 years old
1/2 size is suitable for ages, ranging from 7 to 11 years old
3/4 size is suitable for 11 to 15 years old
4/4 size: 15 and above

One good tip to consider when buying your first cello is to bring along your teacher or a professional cellist. Ask him to play the instrument to determine sound quality.

The quality of the wood used to design for the cello is also important. The best sounding cellos are built with spruce and maple. Typically cellos with spruce tops with maple sides and back produce the best sounds. Be aware that the wood quality impacts the sound of the cello. Wood from certain tree species found in certain areas of the world are sought for their sound qualities and are very expensive.

Young cello players or beginners may buy cellos made from laminated wood (layers of wood glued together) since they are still trying out the instrument or may need to purchase bigger cellos as lessons progress.

It would also be a good tip to remember to ask cello vendors if the cello’s top is made of maple as these are sometimes made from maple laminate. Tuning pegs made of ebony are the best quality but many players say that pegs made from rosewood are just as good. Before running off to the check out counter, check your cellos tuning pegs and slots as properly shaped as cellos with poorly shaped pegs and slots cannot stay in tune.

Select cellos with endpins (the thin post that rests on the floor while elevating the cello for playing) which can be easily adjusted. Some cellos need separate endpins which can also be purchased individually.

A good way to determine a cello’s quality is to inspect the top and back. Good quality cellos have hand carved tops and backs. Machine produced cellos are alright but hand carved cellos produce better sound and last longer. Experts are good people to have around when buying cellos as they are more adept in determining whether a cello is hand crafted or not.

The bow is another key piece you need to consider for a cello purchase. High quality bows affect sound. Only some cello makers include high quality bows. However, you can always pick another bow should you find your bow unsuitable.

Cost is another good deciding factor. Cheaper cello are recommended for children and beginners as there is a need to purchase new ones as the children or beginner progresses. However, there are cellos available for rent, which is a good option to have as cellos are some of the more expensive musical instruments.

An expensive cello is a worthwhile investment for those serious about playing the cello.

For whatever reason or purpose, good luck in buying a cello!

The leader in introducing cello teachers in Singapore. Providing fun and interesting cello lessons in Singapore. Helping hundreds of students master the cello quickly and easily. Find out more at www.cellolessonssingapore.com

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