The cello is the third largest member of the family of stringed instruments and, together with violins, violas and double bass, it is an integral part of a symphony orchestra. It features four violin strings, produces tones one octave lower than the viola, and the sound it emits is very similar to the human bass voice, but is also capable of playing higher pitches (albeit with some change in the quality of the bass. sound). This instrument is commonly associated with classical music, but can also be found in some jazz ensembles or some rock bands. Cellists play in orchestras, in chamber music groups (trios, quartets, quintets, etc.), but also as solo musicians. Do you want to learn how to play this wonderful instrument too?
Steps
Step 1. Choose the size of the tool
The cello is made in different sizes. While determining the proper size for violins and violas can be quite simple (based essentially on arm length), choosing the right size for a cello is much more complex, as you have to consider not only the arm length, but the legs as well. and of the body as a whole. The appropriate dimensions are then calculated taking into account the complex interrelation between the different parts of the body.
Step 2. Choose the type of tool you prefer
- Studio: These cellos are designed for novice students and are often machine-made. Maple wood is typically used for high friction parts (tuning pegs, fingerboard) and is then dyed to resemble the more expensive ebony found in most instruments. These cellos are perfect for the early stages of learning and are priced to make them suitable for most budgets.
- Intermediate to Advanced Level: These tools have a better quality of wood and workmanship. They will also be mostly (if not completely) handcrafted. The result will be an instrument with a better sound and suitable for players of a more advanced level. The tuning pegs and fingerboard are typically made of ebony. Hand crafting the upper and lower parts of the cello will produce a more defined sound. If the wood is of good quality and the manufacturer has paid attention to the necessary details, some intermediate cellos can even approach a professional level of performance.
- Professional: these are cellos made only with the best woods and assembled with an almost fanatical devotion to every detail of construction and appearance. Due to the relatively low number of craftsmen capable of achieving such a level of quality, the number of hours required to produce an instrument of this caliber and the cost of high-quality wood will cause the price of the cello to rise sharply.
Step 3. Establish a price range:
for a studio cello, you can expect prices ranging from € 500 to € 1000. There is a fine line, however, that divides intermediate from professional cellos. The cost can range from a couple of thousand to a hundred thousand but, with a little effort, you can probably find a good sounding cello for a few thousand euros.
Advice
- Ask if you can borrow the cello to try it out. Many retailers will let you do this; when investing in an expensive instrument, it is normal for the buyer to want to know as much as possible.
- For intermediate and professional cellos, the price is usually decided based on the craftsman who made it, the quality of the sound and the condition of the instrument. Expect the tool to be used and often even a little old. The wood used matures, changing the sound quality over time. Depending on the age, the standards of the condition of the cello can change.
- When the time comes to resell the tool, you may be able to recover the price you paid.
